This overrated hi-fi feature is an excellent concept poorly executed

[What Hi-Fi?]

EQ aims to deliver sound as you like it, but not without repercussions in 'everyday' products...

This overrated hi-fi feature is an excellent concept poorly executed : Read more

 

[driveshaft]

If you feel your system needs an EQ, I suggest that, rather than spending money on an EQ, look into a new amplifier. If your amp sounds bad enough to push you to get an EQ, it's time to upgrade.

Also, you may find that you spend too much time fiddling with the EQ and not enough time listening to music-- which is kinda the point of all this.

 

[Sh. Sergey]

I apologize:Oh, it's an old war: For and against. With all due respect to your opinion, I beg to disagree. The sound is influenced by the amplifier, the source, the acoustics, all the cables, the room, and your emotional state at the time of listening, what should I change? Careful selection of any of the components will take much more time and money than adjusting the equalizer. I use devices with a thermoblock myself, of course, with the possibility of disconnecting to hear the difference, in addition, I regularly change the acoustics from the available ones to hear new, forgotten nuances. I do not consider sound engineers to be geniuses and their opinion is not interesting, only my emotions and pleasure from the sound are interesting. Success.

 

[Ian AV]

The most important thing about Parametric Equalisation appears to be missing from this article. 'Q' Factor, that is what sets parametrics apart from Graphic Equalisation. Parametrics is used in every major recording studio worldwide to correct tonal balance of recordings as required.

Manipulating ‘Q’ factors is an everyday part of most HiFi manufacturers arsenal to set them apart from others trying to get the most ‘musical sound’. What I refer to as NiceFi, which is no longer HiFi as it deviates from the original sound so much and there is little most listeners can do. I prefer neutral sounding equipment, that many these days would consider ‘Bright’ because it doesn’t sound like the harmonically distorted ‘Warm’, which is just dulled treble and / or heightened bass which inevitably loses detail. Even cable manufacturers are guilty of this manipulation by using electrical properties, otherwise all cables would sound the same.

I currently use a Pre-Amplifier with Parametric Equalisation and have it set to adjust the most ear sensitive frequencies for certain recordings or for my mood. If I don’t want a rocking sound, I can mellow it for easier listening. But the important point is that I can easily bypass it at the touch of a button and don’t use it constantly, but as stated as the mood dictates.

Unfortunately, my current Pre-amp does not have automatic room correction, which many fail to see, as being the greatest colouration listeners will ever encounter, with manufacturer manipulated equipment a close second. Parametrics helps to negate these effects. I am currently looking to source a Pre-Amplifier with DSP as manual adjustment, other than for mood is very difficult, but the choice is limited to a small number of very high end manufacturers.

Without the most basic of equalisation, Home Cinema sound would be unlistenable to as sound arrived at different times to the listening position and become confused.

Interesting to see the subject understanding and lack of it here.

 

[Johan Bottema]

If you feel your system needs an EQ, I suggest that, rather than spending money on an EQ, look into a new amplifier. If your amp sounds bad enough to push you to get an EQ, it's time to upgrade.

Also, you may find that you spend too much time fiddling with the EQ and not enough time listening to music-- which is kinda the point of all this.

I have to disagree. Generally amplifiers $1000 and upward are fairly neutral and stabile enough to deal with most speakers. Neutrality issues however are generally found with speakers and room acoustics. Invest in good speakers and sound damping solutions on wall and floor. Find the correct speakers placement and use proper stands. The last word on neutrality cannot ... be done without measurement and an EQ. I use APO EQ software and it is truly amazing.

 

[JFC]

The most important thing about Parametric Equalisation appears to be missing from this article. 'Q' Factor, that is what sets parametrics apart from Graphic Equalisation. Parametrics is used in every major recording studio worldwide to correct tonal balance of recordings as required.

Manipulating ‘Q’ factors is an everyday part of most HiFi manufacturers arsenal to set them apart from others trying to get the most ‘musical sound’. What I refer to as NiceFi, which is no longer HiFi as it deviates from the original sound so much and there is little most listeners can do. I prefer neutral sounding equipment, that many these days would consider ‘Bright’ because it doesn’t sound like the harmonically distorted ‘Warm’, which is just dulled treble and / or heightened bass which inevitably loses detail. Even cable manufacturers are guilty of this manipulation by using electrical properties, otherwise all cables would sound the same.

I currently use a Pre-Amplifier with Parametric Equalisation and have it set to adjust the most ear sensitive frequencies for certain recordings or for my mood. If I don’t want a rocking sound, I can mellow it for easier listening. But the important point is that I can easily bypass it at the touch of a button and don’t use it constantly, but as stated as the mood dictates.

Unfortunately, my current Pre-amp does not have automatic room correction, which many fail to see, as being the greatest colouration listeners will ever encounter, with manufacturer manipulated equipment a close second. Parametrics helps to negate these effects. I am currently looking to source a Pre-Amplifier with DSP as manual adjustment, other than for mood is very difficult, but the choice is limited to a small number of very high end manufacturers.

Without the most basic of equalisation, Home Cinema sound would be unlistenable to as sound arrived at different times to the listening position and become confused.

Interesting to see the subject understanding and lack of it here.

I would say without fail the best peice of equipment I've ever purchased is my DSPEAKER X4 room correction processor. This also has full parametric eq built in with Q adjustment, tilt controls and many other features. Parametric eq works spectaculary well, and that's what I use to get the most natural sound. Once you've done your homework on this, on how to use it, and make the necessary adjustments, that's it, you can then leave well alone. Room correction of the bass frequencys (only) is also important, find what the schroeder frequency of your room is and stop there. I prefer my audio equipment to be in a 'natural' environment without having to resort to using ugly bass traps and sound panels. You CAN get great sound using normal living room furnishings and carpets. Equipment and loudspeaker location as well as good cable dressing and mains is also of course important. Room correction with PEQ makes this incredibly easy for you. You just need to spend some time with it. It's a learning curve, but we'll worth it in the end.