Equalizer in a Hi Fi system

Nothing wrong with good tone controls.  Also worth considering room treatments to tame excess mid/treble and improve imaging.

Hifi system yes. Audiophile system no.

I think you can see the difference I am trying to make. With an audiophile system you are trying to achieve the absolutely best sound possible at every level of nuance and detail. All your components are likely to be “straight wire” designs… the ultimate in simplicity to minimize any conceivable effect on the sound. Running the sound through an extra box and attenuating the split signal is going to impact the sound. The better the equalizer the less the impact… but there will be one. Decades ago the impact was very large… it has gotten smaller.

EQ is a tool for a specific goal but never a solution by itself alone ...

I use it for my headphone to go nearer the Harman curve ...But it does not replace the electrical,mechanical and acoustical necessary controls and treatment i also used and put in place with my headphone and speakers/room ..

@dean_palmer +1

Mike

Answer: whatever pleases “you”

Some don’t like the idea of adding anything extra in the audio chain from the belief that it can only degrade the signal.  Others may value the adjustability more, and some cannot discern the subjective significant sonic degradation.

I’ve toyed with the idea of dropping in an equalizer such as a Loki or the Cello Palette Preamp equalizer. Worse case I can simply remove from the audio chain.