Should I hook up my equalizer? | Stereophile.com

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January 7, 2007 - 2:22pm

#1

oliverpete

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Should I hook up my equalizer?

I have a ADC SS-412X 10 band equalizer that's been sitting in storage and I'm wondering if there is any advantage to hooking it up? I have a Sony GA9ESG Receiver and was thinking of running my CD player through it to optimize the sound for stereo listening. Is their any benefit to this and if so what's the best way to hook it up? The inputs on the back of the equalizer are:

Line - In & Out
Tape 1 - In/Play & Out/Rec
Tape 2 - In/Play & Out/Rec

Thanks for any suggestions and help.

Pete

January 7, 2007 - 2:35pm

#2

Elk

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Re: Should I hook up my equalizer?

While I don't know the unit, it sounds like all options are the same - a line level signal in and a line level signal out. However, one of these may be simply a pass through. I would just install the unit and pull all the faders done and then pick one to raise. You will know if you are getting an equalized signal.

The classic way of including such a unit in a home system is to route the receiver's tape out to the EQ in, and then EQ out to tape in. Pressing the tape monitor button then passes the EQ's signal to the amplification section of the receiver.

It is hard to set up an EQ well, but certainly give it a shot. There are many room anomalies that can be lessened through thoughtful EQ. You can also make things much worse.

Be careful with your overall levels, don't boost the frequency extremes too much. Also, do your best to match the input level and the output level of the EQ using the gain control so that you keep as good a S/N ratio in your receiver.

Have fun!

January 7, 2007 - 3:05pm

#3

oliverpete

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Re: Should I hook up my equalizer?

I ran the CD player into the line in and then the Tape 1 Out/Rec into the CD hookup on my Receiver. Not sure if this is the best way but it seems to work. Thanks for the tips on the frequency boosts as it little adjustments seem to make a huge impact on volume and sound. It also has a microphone with a spectrum analyzer so I'll play around with that.

I appreciate all the great tips and really am enjoying getting back into good stereo sound.

Pete

January 7, 2007 - 3:19pm

#4

Elk

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Re: Should I hook up my equalizer?

Your set up will work great. The only potential downside is that it is hard to compare the unEQ'd signal to see if there is an overall improvement unless there is a defeat switch on the EQ.

EQ is hard! Good mixing and mastering engineers spend a lifetime getting good at it. Make some changes, keep them small and listen. Leave it alone for a while and listen again in the morning and see if you still like it. Try the mic and analyzer, but trust your ears - they are our best test equipment.

January 7, 2007 - 3:35pm

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oliverpete

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Re: Should I hook up my equalizer?

Thankfully there is a defeat switch so I can bypass the equalizer if need be. I've been playing with it for a bit now and you're right about it taking time to get the sound just right. I like your idea of stepping away for awhile and coming back.

I appreciate all the great tips and hope to have some fun using it to get the sound just right for my listening room.

Thanks!
Pete

January 23, 2007 - 6:51am

#6

oliverpete

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Re: Should I hook up my equalizer?

Elk,

I've spent the last few weeks tweaking the equalizer and its made an improvement in the sound quality. My B&W 602-S3 speakers already sounded great but the addition of the equalizer has really allowed me to balance the sound to the room acoustics. Thanks for all your helpful tips!

Pete

January 23, 2007 - 1:09pm

#7

Elk

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Re: Should I hook up my equalizer?

Excellent!

And well done.

October 4, 2020 - 12:02am

#8

westcoastguy

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ADC SS-412X

Is your equilizer ADC SS-412X for sale? I'd be interested buying.

October 2020

Please email me

malcolmsuperstar1969@gmail.com

November 17, 2021 - 12:54pm

#9

marc23

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Joined: Nov 17 2021 - 12:46pm

Equalizers

See the new book The Audiophile's Guide To Graphic Equalizers, www.eq-guide.com