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 1 response by jibooo312

I use a Loki between my phono preamp and my preamp. I have a very nice system. As I have upgrated my phono preamp and cartridge, I tend to use it less than I use to. I find that a lot of albums lack the amount of bass that I prefer so I use it mostly to bump up the low end. I find that in most cases if you mess with the mix it only makes things worse but there are a few records that I cut a little treble or add a little mid. Would I recommend eq, sure why not. If it increases your listening pleasure then go for it.