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Equalization for vinyl nirvana

Hi all,

I have a question for the Audiogon and vinyl community: do you think equalization is helpful for getting good results with vinyl playback? I ask because I'm a vinyl newbie. Recently added a nice turntable and phono preamp to my rig and have slowly been collecting the recommended audiophile jazz, blues and rock albums that I like. But with few exceptions, most of the time I'm underwhelmed by the results. Lack of bass and midrange fullness is usually the problem. Sure, I could look for another amplifier, subwoofer, better cables... but I think a simpler, more affordable solution would be to get some Eq in the loop. So I just put an order in for a Schitt Loki+ 4-band equalizer. Figure it's a low-cost way to test the theory. 

Do any of you have similar experiences or related wisdom to share?

I'm also curious about the Sunvalley All Purpose Phono Eq that Herb Reichert loves, that has adjustable eq curves (https://www.stereophile.com/content/gramophone-dreams-42-sunvalley-audio-sv-eq1616d-phono-equalizer), as well as the Decware ZRock2 eq (https://www.decware.com/newsite/ZROCK.html).

Thanks for your help!
Josh
joshindc

Showing 5 responses by chakster

chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I hope you understand the difference between Equalizers and Phono Correction (which sometimes called Phono EQ) ? 

If you're newbie then maybe you need simple tone control (bass and treble), nice integrated amp like this Luxman have it. 

If you're always using tone control in your system then something wrong in your system. 

With matched components you don't need tone controls. 

One advice, before you will buy components:

Look for high efficient speaker (90db or higher), low power amp are perfect for high efficient speakers, and buy yourself a decent phono cartridge (this is where it is all started). 

chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Sometime I think it's Donald Trump posting on audiogon under different names since he was banned on Twitter. 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
If you remember Hi-Fi systems from the past then you’re familiar with this type of Graphic Equalizers. If you want something like this in your system then you can play with it pretending to be a "mastering engineer" in your room, actually many re-mastered reissues are terrible compared to the originals. The reason is that someone EQ-ed them too much. Another example is car stereo with a sub that you can hear two blocks away (some drivers love bass boost:)

Analog audio system must reproduce what mastering and cutting engineers expected you to hear. It must be neutral. If you can put together system like this then it's audio nirvana, but it can take years and years or trial and errors.  

 




chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
This is a phono stage with different (optional) RIAA curves.

6 EQ Curves:

You can choose one of three standard EQ curves (RIAA, DECCA-LONDON, AMERICAN COLUMBIA), all with optional “Enhanced” function.


chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Only the RIAA curve is used for stereo LPs. The LP mastering electronics do not have a provision for changing the curve- they are pretty picky about it- my electronics are matched to my cutter head.

The OP asked for EQ and if someone looking for this option then with GoldNote PH-10 phono stage...

"You can choose one of three standard EQ curves (RIAA, DECCA-LONDON e AMERICAN COLUMBIA), all with optional “Enhanced” function." -GoldNote 


... Enhaced option for each as stated above if some OLD VINYL is too dark. 


Personally I never used anything but standard RIAA for all my vintage vinyl. 





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