What is the FEQ and how does it supposedly work? If the word "quantum" appears anywhere in your response, I will say that it is a dubious proposition, to say the least. If it is in fact a frequency equalizer that you insert into the chain between the preamp and amplifier, then there are always trade-offs; such devices tend to color the sound while also allowing for some equalization. One caveat is that it is "dangerous" to boost the extreme low bass response via a conventional equalizer, because it places undue stress on the power capabilities of your amplifier, and sometimes your speakers. Further, if the perceived lack of bass is due to room interactions, then it is almost impossible to eradicate the problem by using a conventional equalizer; no matter how much power you pump in via a boost filter, usually the trough remains.
Synergistic FEQ: Placebo effect or is it real
I know this really is not an analogue matter but I figured I would post it here since I listen to nothing but vinyl and would assume most of the participants may relate to my question. I have a good friend that has mentioned a tweeking type of product made by SYnergistic research, the FEQ(frequency equalizer) This unit is supposed to enhance the soundstage for the lower spectrum of frequenceys for your overall soundstage. Claims to enhance the overall bass presentation whatever that means. I have read the usual reviews praising the technology and viewed a couple of demos on youtube which to be brutally honest, are useless because of the obvious fact you are demoing the product through less than adequate computer speakers which I currently am using. Now from what i have heard from demoing the product at home it seems to be somewhat puzzling to me. Sometimes I think I hear a difference but at other times when switching the unit on or off it seems as though I cannot detect any audible difference let alone an improvement. Obviously I guess what most of you are thinking, well if it is not making a difference at all do not buy it which I have basically succumbed to due to my first hand experience. Has anyone else tried this FEQ? Perhaps my set up is incorrect although there does not seem to be much to it. The unit does not come with any set up tips at all. Not much of an explanation anywhere as to what the unit is actually doing if it is doing anything at all. lol Now i have heard many comments on audio tweeks that have stated that what one is experiencing a Placebo effect going as far as stating that cable tweeks, isolators etc can be attributed to this. In some regards i can agree to this from what I have witnessed and heard from various products.
Any comments would be welcome.
Any comments would be welcome.
Showing 2 responses by lewm
Vinylmad, Have you seen and read this thread on Audiogon?: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ymisc&1381868965&openflup&33&4#33 Did some research on FEQ; it's obviously NOT a "real" electronic equalizer, such as I described. I have always taken Synergistic Research claims with a grain of salt, but in fairness, I have not auditioned the HFTs or the FEQ (now that I know what an FEQ is). On the HFT, I have one comment: How the heck can a tiny piece of metal, even 20 tiny pieces of metal as used in the reported RMAF demo, dramatically affect the sound in an average size living room? There is no way. FEQ looks like more folderol, but again, I am not qualified to say for sure. Since they apparently have a 90-day trial guarantee, I guess it could not hurt to try the FEQ, but make sure that you can return it and get all your money back. |