Stereo equalizer connection to integrated amplifie

Hey Broadstone,
No need to multi-explain so much why you need EQ, It's much simplier than you think. EQ is to shape the signal of either poor recording, poor room or poor sound in general.

In your case with your integrated amp UNFOTUNATELY you don't have poweramp input terminals while having fixed or variable output ones. So your EQ options explained bellow will work if:

1. You decide to replace your amp with one having pre-outs and amp inputs separate.
2. Either DIY or professional upgrade to have poweramp inputs
3. Purchasing separate poweramp and using your integrated as a preamp(use fixed outs)
4. If you're using only ONE source, than you can connect EQ between source and one of the line inputs. Otherwise you will have to reconnect your EQ to different sources manually by pulling wires.

If one of four above conditions are met, enjoy to continue reading following:

Connect EQ preamp section(or separate preamp) -> EQ -> poweramp section(or separate box amplifier). So all three components will serve it's purpose. EQ won't be your preamp, but will be your outboard tone control board. Vintage EQs designed for home audio may be one of your best bets and you should shop for one offering bypass or simply bypasses signal when not powered on. The pro-audio studio mixing ones can work as well. Most of them have TRS balanced outputs/inputs which may require you to shop for wires with TRS/RCA plugs to fit your amp/pre.

A simple example could be found herehttp://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/231S/ where you can see a simple pro-audio EQ with 1 set of XLR in-outs and TRS in-outs in which case you can simply purchase these or simpilar cables: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=483167&is=REG&A=details&Q=

The EQ in the above example is one of my favorite in its capabilities for great home audio playback and it has a bypass switch. It also has gain settings and can boost up the gain of your preamp in case if you're driving low-sensitivity amplifier or your phono setup is totalling less gain than line components.

Hope that helps.

Hi Broadstone

examples...
1. one octive EQ, no control for 5K Hz
http://www.rane.com/me15s.html

2. 1/3 octive, has control of more frequencies including 5K.
http://www.rane.com/me30s.html

Regarding our earlier discussion, the Rane ME30S was what I was considering since my rig is analogue.

(Getting the test disk is a terrific idea).

Hello,
I have a vintage Luxman G-11 equalizer. I believe this retailed for over $500 back in the late 70's. I sent it to a tech about 7 years ago and had it completely recapped, brought back to spec at a cost of $325. It's a quality piece. I used it in my prior house having bad room acoustics. No longer needed. I never bothered to post it here since I figured it would never sell. As others noted not much demand for EQs these days. Please contact me if your interested.
Good luck

Broadstone, don't be intimidated by the technical part, devote one day to studying the theory of an EQ and you'll have it mastered.

Behringer seems to be popular among audiophiles, maybe because it's digital. But the signal still has to be converted to analogue out to the amp.
A Behringer may have a longer learning curve but take a look at this one.

http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/DEQ1024.aspx
(Sold at Amazon cheap)

I'd like to know what you decide in the end since I still am considering adding a unit due to my hearing problem.

Do not make apologies for an EQ. If you get better sound from such, give it a rest. Often in audio we follow rules that are really meant to be broken. If it sounds good, its okay. Our ears and rooms are different, so go with what sounds best, not what the rules tell you is acceptable.