Equalizer for home stereo?

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

John Richards wrote:

>I would like to play around with an equalizer (cheap) in my home stereo to
>see for myself what frequency balance "appeals" to me. Whether it's the
>effects of the room or the speakers, I sometimes feel that I would like a
>little more "punch" (bass) and/or "bite" (mid/high) which I think can be
>provided by altering the overall response. From what I understand (very
>little) about equalizers, a graphic equalizer has fixed center frequencies
>that can be either increased or decreased

More accurately, the gain at those frequencies may be increased and decreased.

> - is the "Q" of the peak or dip
>fixed also?

Yes, or at least I've never seen a graphic EQ with variable Q.

> I'm thinking that with a parametric equalizer, I would be able
>to use much sharper peaks and dips within a narrower band of frequencies
>than what I could with a graphic equalizer,

Correct, and that is one of the advantages of parameteric EQs.

> but from what I've seen on ebay,
>they seem to be designed more for professional use

Correct again, and this is probably because typical consumers are ill
equipped to understand and use them.

> and are commonly only a
>single channel device

This is because their typical application is to EQ microphones and other
single channel sources.

> - they are also much more expensive than a graphic
>equalizer. Any comments?

The price difference is largely due to the economies of scale and because,
being marketed to professionals, are built with more expensive components
that provide the higher quality and reliability that pros require.

--
========================================================================
Michael Kesti | "And like, one and one don't make
| two, one and one make one."
mkesti@gv.net | - The Who, Bargain

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

"Michael R. Kesti" <mkesti@gv.net> wrote in message
news:414B2826.F61E3B5E@gv.net...
> John Richards wrote:
>
> >I would like to play around with an equalizer (cheap) in my home stereo
to
> >see for myself what frequency balance "appeals" to me. Whether it's the
> >effects of the room or the speakers, I sometimes feel that I would like a
> >little more "punch" (bass) and/or "bite" (mid/high) which I think can be
> >provided by altering the overall response. From what I understand (very
> >little) about equalizers, a graphic equalizer has fixed center
frequencies
> >that can be either increased or decreased
>
> More accurately, the gain at those frequencies may be increased and
decreased.
>
> > - is the "Q" of the peak or dip
> >fixed also?
>
> Yes, or at least I've never seen a graphic EQ with variable Q.
>
> > I'm thinking that with a parametric equalizer, I would be
able
> >to use much sharper peaks and dips within a narrower band of frequencies
> >than what I could with a graphic equalizer,
>
> Correct, and that is one of the advantages of parameteric EQs.
>
> > but from what I've seen on
ebay,
> >they seem to be designed more for professional use
>
> Correct again, and this is probably because typical consumers are ill
> equipped to understand and use them.
>
> > and are commonly only
a
> >single channel device
>
> This is because their typical application is to EQ microphones and other
> single channel sources.
>
> > - they are also much more expensive than a graphic
> >equalizer. Any comments?
>
> The price difference is largely due to the economies of scale and because,
> being marketed to professionals, are built with more expensive components
> that provide the higher quality and reliability that pros require.
>
> --
> ========================================================================
> Michael Kesti | "And like, one and one don't make
> | two, one and one make one."
> mkesti@gv.net | - The Who, Bargain

I came across an Ashly PQX-572 Parametric Stereo 7-Band Equalizer on Ebay at
a reasonable price (assuming it doesn't get bid up too much). It sounds
like it will do what I want but I have a concerns. My preamp and power amp
have RCA connectors but the Ashly Equalizer uses XLR and !/4" TRS balanced
connectors - can I just use XLR (or 1/4" TRS) to RCA adaptors without a
problem with signal level or impedance mismatches?

Thanks for the help,
John

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

John Richards wrote:

>I came across an Ashly PQX-572 Parametric Stereo 7-Band Equalizer on Ebay at
>a reasonable price (assuming it doesn't get bid up too much). It sounds
>like it will do what I want but I have a concerns. My preamp and power amp
>have RCA connectors but the Ashly Equalizer uses XLR and !/4" TRS balanced
>connectors - can I just use XLR (or 1/4" TRS) to RCA adaptors without a
>problem with signal level or impedance mismatches?

Probably. The adapters should take care of balanced/unbalanaced interface
issues. You will be giving up the advantages of the EQ's balanced I/O, but
it won't matter with the short cable runs you're likely to use. Your preamp
and power amp probably use -10 dBV nominal levels and the EQ's max level is
+23 dBu so you will not overdrive the EQ and it will have plenty of headroom.
The EQ is designed to use voltage transfer, rather than power transfer, and
your preamp and power amp probably also use voltage transfer so impedance
mismatch is not an issue unless you connect 10's of power amps to the EQ's
output.

>Thanks for the help,

You're welcome.

>John

--
========================================================================
Michael Kesti | "And like, one and one don't make
| two, one and one make one."
mkesti@gv.net | - The Who, Bargain

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

"John Richards" <jrichar3@twcny.rr.com> wrote in message news:<XdG2d.72739$Kt5.42906@twister.nyroc.rr.com>...

> I came across an Ashly PQX-572 Parametric Stereo 7-Band Equalizer on Ebay at
> a reasonable price (assuming it doesn't get bid up too much). It sounds
> like it will do what I want but I have a concerns. My preamp and power amp
> have RCA connectors but the Ashly Equalizer uses XLR and !/4" TRS balanced
> connectors - can I just use XLR (or 1/4" TRS) to RCA adaptors without a
> problem with signal level or impedance mismatches?
>
> Thanks for the help,
> John

Yes, you should have no problem.

Check out Behringer -- they have some really interesting EQ offerings
that are not too expensive.

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

John Richards wrote:

> I would like to play around with an equalizer (cheap) in my home stereo to
> see for myself what frequency balance "appeals" to me.

I think you'll find it depends on the source material typically.

I.e. - not a constant.


> Whether it's the
> effects of the room or the speakers, I sometimes feel that I would like a
> little more "punch" (bass) and/or "bite" (mid/high) which I think can be
> provided by altering the overall response. From what I understand (very
> little) about equalizers, a graphic equalizer has fixed center frequencies

That's normal.

> that can be either increased or decreased

Very rarely - only on some pro type equipment.

> - is the "Q" of the peak or dip fixed also?

Sometimes, sometimes not.

> I'm thinking that with a parametric equalizer, I would be able
> to use much sharper peaks and dips within a narrower band of frequencies
> than what I could with a graphic equalizer,

Yes you could, but that's not typically a good example of 'room EQ'. It can be
used creatively though.

> but from what I've seen on ebay,
> they seem to be designed more for professional use and are commonly only a
> single channel device - they are also much more expensive than a graphic
> equalizer. Any comments?

A parametric is *way* more flexible but you need to know how to use it.

Marketing ppl find it easier to sell graphic EQs.

Personally I loathe them - a great way to mush up the sound.

Have you considered bass and treble controls ?


Graham

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

John Richards wrote:

> I came across an Ashly PQX-572 Parametric Stereo 7-Band Equalizer on Ebay at
> a reasonable price (assuming it doesn't get bid up too much). It sounds
> like it will do what I want but I have a concerns. My preamp and power amp
> have RCA connectors but the Ashly Equalizer uses XLR and !/4" TRS balanced
> connectors - can I just use XLR (or 1/4" TRS) to RCA adaptors without a
> problem with signal level or impedance mismatches?

Connector 'adaptors' made by the likes of Neutrik ( Swiss ) are fine but
expensive. Cheaper ones aren't ( fine ) . Far better still is to buy a simple
purpose made RCA jack to 1/4" lead for example and avoid any adaptors.

There will be no impedance 'mismatches'. Modern gear ( even oldish ) is designed
by ppl who know what needs to connect to what and why and they don't screw up
like that.

More relevant is the fact that 7 bands of graphic EQ is a truly awful 'blunt
instrument'. You can *never* hit the frequencies that you're looking for, since
each slider controls a whole *octave* !

Pros use *31* band graphics if you're aiming to emulate them ...i.e. each
slider controls a 1/3 octave.

To make a simple comparison - if you're into photography - a 7 band EQ is like
using a throway camera while a 31 band is like a single lens reflex.

I still don't like graphics though ! They don't address the real issues.

If you just want to play and try it out - please don't agonise about it. You'll
soon realise your bad purchases from their sound.


Graham

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

Pooh Bear wrote:

>John Richards wrote:
>
>> I came across an Ashly PQX-572 Parametric Stereo 7-Band Equalizer on Ebay at
>> a reasonable price (assuming it doesn't get bid up too much). It sounds
>> like it will do what I want but I have a concerns. My preamp and power amp
>> have RCA connectors but the Ashly Equalizer uses XLR and !/4" TRS balanced
>> connectors - can I just use XLR (or 1/4" TRS) to RCA adaptors without a
>> problem with signal level or impedance mismatches?
>
>Connector 'adaptors' made by the likes of Neutrik ( Swiss ) are fine but
>expensive. Cheaper ones aren't ( fine ) . Far better still is to buy a simple
>purpose made RCA jack to 1/4" lead for example and avoid any adaptors.
>
>There will be no impedance 'mismatches'. Modern gear ( even oldish ) is designed
>by ppl who know what needs to connect to what and why and they don't screw up
>like that.
>
>More relevant is the fact that 7 bands of graphic EQ is a truly awful 'blunt
>instrument'. You can *never* hit the frequencies that you're looking for, since
>each slider controls a whole *octave* !
>
>Pros use *31* band graphics if you're aiming to emulate them ...i.e. each
>slider controls a 1/3 octave.
>
>To make a simple comparison - if you're into photography - a 7 band EQ is like
>using a throway camera while a 31 band is like a single lens reflex.
>
>I still don't like graphics though ! They don't address the real issues.
>
>If you just want to play and try it out - please don't agonise about it. You'll
>soon realise your bad purchases from their sound.
>
>Graham

It seems, Graham, that you have missed that the Ashly PQX-572 that John is
considering is a 7-band PARAMETRIC equalizer.

--
========================================================================
Michael Kesti | "And like, one and one don't make
| two, one and one make one."
mkesti@gv.net | - The Who, Bargain

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

"Detector195" <Detector195@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:6213f73a.0409171734.3d06a5f8@posting.google.com...
> "John Richards" <jrichar3@twcny.rr.com> wrote in message
news:<XdG2d.72739$Kt5.42906@twister.nyroc.rr.com>...
>
> > I came across an Ashly PQX-572 Parametric Stereo 7-Band Equalizer on
Ebay at
> > a reasonable price (assuming it doesn't get bid up too much). It sounds
> > like it will do what I want but I have a concerns. My preamp and power
amp
> > have RCA connectors but the Ashly Equalizer uses XLR and !/4" TRS
balanced
> > connectors - can I just use XLR (or 1/4" TRS) to RCA adaptors without a
> > problem with signal level or impedance mismatches?
> >
> > Thanks for the help,
> > John
>
> Yes, you should have no problem.
>
> Check out Behringer -- they have some really interesting EQ offerings
> that are not too expensive.

I checked the Behringer site and they make a single channel 5 band
parametric unit for $110. Two of them would probably be within my budget.
There are a few local dealers so I think I will see what I can find out.
Thanks for the lead.

John

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

"Michael R. Kesti" wrote:

> It seems, Graham, that you have missed that the Ashly PQX-572 that John is
> considering is a 7-band PARAMETRIC equalizer.

Damn - you're right !

I know Ashly make Ok kit but missed that point.

In which case I suggest it's *overkill* - but if the price is right ....


Graham

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

"John Richards" <jrichar3@twcny.rr.com> wrote in message
news zF2d.72734$Kt5.63926@twister.nyroc.rr.com

> I would like to play around with an equalizer (cheap) in my home
> stereo to see for myself what frequency balance "appeals" to me.
> Whether it's the effects of the room or the speakers, I sometimes
> feel that I would like a little more "punch" (bass) and/or "bite"
> (mid/high) which I think can be provided by altering the overall
> response. From what I understand (very little) about equalizers, a
> graphic equalizer has fixed center frequencies that can be either
> increased or decreased - is the "Q" of the peak or dip fixed also?

Both peak and dip.

> I'm thinking that with a parametric equalizer, I would be able to
> use much sharper peaks and dips within a narrower band of frequencies
> than what I could with a graphic equalizer, but from what I've seen
> on ebay, they seem to be designed more for professional use and are
> commonly only a single channel device - they are also much more
> expensive than a graphic equalizer. Any comments?

If you want to fool around with an equalizer that works well in a home
environment, let me recommend the Behringer PEQ 2200. You'll need some 1/4"
to RCA adpators or cables to use it in a home stereo, but they are under $5
a pair at Radio Shack. If you want stereo, you'll need two PEQ 2200s as
they are mono. Last time I wanted one, I found one new-in-box on eBay for
under $60 shipped. It showed up in perfect shape. In use, and on the test
bench its actually a pretty fine unit.

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

"Pooh Bear" <rabbitsfriendsandrelations@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:414B54FF.619CF39E@hotmail.com

> A parametric is *way* more flexible but you need to know how to use
> it.

Agreed. I have and routinely use a number of both parametrics and graphics.

However, if you use either a lot, the hand-and-eye coordination builds up,
and the greater flexibility of a parametric becomes clear. A 5+ band
parametric is a good "Desert Island" tool.

> Marketing ppl find it easier to sell graphic EQs.

The graphic is easier to use at first as the graphic layout is more
intuitive - its like looking at a frequency response curve.

> Personally I loathe them - a great way to mush up the sound.

Its the guy who pulls the trigger, not the gun. However, if there are less
than about 15 sliders per channel, needed resolution will clearly not be
there. I ugess I'm too used to 30 band boxes.

> Have you considered bass and treble controls ?

Now, there are some blunt sticks!

;-)

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

John Richards wrote:
If that's your budget, check out the Behringer DEQ-2496. It can be had for
about $225-240. It's all digital, has two 31-band equalizers and multiband
parametric equalizers, a visual display that can be driven by their
microphone, plus other goodies. I think mine cost me $260-280 with the
condenser microphone. It will also automatically do the equalization if
you tell it to.

>
> "Detector195" <Detector195@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:6213f73a.0409171734.3d06a5f8@posting.google.com...
>> "John Richards" <jrichar3@twcny.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:<XdG2d.72739$Kt5.42906@twister.nyroc.rr.com>...
>>
>> > I came across an Ashly PQX-572 Parametric Stereo 7-Band Equalizer on
> Ebay at
>> > a reasonable price (assuming it doesn't get bid up too much). It
>> > sounds
>> > like it will do what I want but I have a concerns. My preamp and power
> amp
>> > have RCA connectors but the Ashly Equalizer uses XLR and !/4" TRS
> balanced
>> > connectors - can I just use XLR (or 1/4" TRS) to RCA adaptors without a
>> > problem with signal level or impedance mismatches?
>> >
>> > Thanks for the help,
>> > John
>>
>> Yes, you should have no problem.
>>
>> Check out Behringer -- they have some really interesting EQ offerings
>> that are not too expensive.
>
> I checked the Behringer site and they make a single channel 5 band
> parametric unit for $110. Two of them would probably be within my budget.
> There are a few local dealers so I think I will see what I can find out.
> Thanks for the lead.
>
> John

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

But can it make coffee? ;-)

Seriously, after looking at the description it seems like a no-brainer for
less than $250, but the lowest price I could find on the net was $318 for a
new unit - could you tell me where I can get one for less than $250? Though
it still looks like a great deal at $318, my original idea was to pick up a
cheap used equalizer on ebay for under $100. As the price of the new "toy"
keeps going up, the less appealing the "toy". Another issue with the
DEQ-2496 is the serious overkill - it would be nice to have all the features
available but how many will I actually use and how much of a learning curve
will there be? I will definitely consider it, especially if I can get it at
the price you mentioned.

Thanks for the suggestion,
John

"Stu R" <stu-r@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:w6t3d.12607$yp2.704@newssvr30.news.prodigy.com...
> John Richards wrote:
> If that's your budget, check out the Behringer DEQ-2496. It can be had
for
> about $225-240. It's all digital, has two 31-band equalizers and
multiband
> parametric equalizers, a visual display that can be driven by their
> microphone, plus other goodies. I think mine cost me $260-280 with the
> condenser microphone. It will also automatically do the equalization if
> you tell it to.
>
> >
> > "Detector195" <Detector195@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> > news:6213f73a.0409171734.3d06a5f8@posting.google.com...
> >> "John Richards" <jrichar3@twcny.rr.com> wrote in message
> > news:<XdG2d.72739$Kt5.42906@twister.nyroc.rr.com>...
> >>
> >> > I came across an Ashly PQX-572 Parametric Stereo 7-Band Equalizer on
> > Ebay at
> >> > a reasonable price (assuming it doesn't get bid up too much). It
> >> > sounds
> >> > like it will do what I want but I have a concerns. My preamp and
power
> > amp
> >> > have RCA connectors but the Ashly Equalizer uses XLR and !/4" TRS
> > balanced
> >> > connectors - can I just use XLR (or 1/4" TRS) to RCA adaptors without
a
> >> > problem with signal level or impedance mismatches?
> >> >
> >> > Thanks for the help,
> >> > John
> >>
> >> Yes, you should have no problem.
> >>
> >> Check out Behringer -- they have some really interesting EQ offerings
> >> that are not too expensive.
> >
> > I checked the Behringer site and they make a single channel 5 band
> > parametric unit for $110. Two of them would probably be within my
budget.
> > There are a few local dealers so I think I will see what I can find out.
> > Thanks for the lead.
> >
> > John
>