EQ's for set up

sap1967

I have a pair of SDA SRS 2.3's and the Peachtree Nova pre amp and 220 amp to push them. I am looking to put a EQ on this set up and would like to know of a good one to use. Are there any suggestions? Preferably with a spectrum analyzer. Old or new does not make a difference to me. I just would like to have control over the sound the way I like to hear it. All suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.

F1nut

Forget you ever had that idea. If you are not happy with the sound as is your gear selection, including cables needs revisiting.

tonyb

I'll bet the sound is too laid back and warm for you....low bass too muddy sounding ? The Peachtree gear is on the warm side....and so are your speaks.

Equalizers will add noise to your signal, but if you really want one, they can be had on any craigslist for 10-30 bucks. I'll second the previous poster, your gear and cables, matching them better would solve your issues.

tonyb

That JVC cdp isn't doing you any favors either bro.

treitz3

Hello and welcome to the forum, sap1967. I am glad you are listening to the gentlemen who have responded to your inquiry so far. Here's why.

EQ's are "generally" known in this hobby as a crutch for something that is wrong with a rig. It's kind of like a Band-Aid, if you will. What these guys are trying to accomplish for you is finding out what else is wrong with your system that is causing you to want an EQ.

It would be in your ear's best interest to listen to these guys, find out what issues your rig may have (some of which you may not even know about yet) and allow them to suggest things to get your rig to where you want it to be.....without the EQ.

Now, if you follow everything they suggest and you still feel like you need an EQ, then by all means, get yourself an EQ. I will say this though. If you approach your inquiry with the thought that an EQ isn't the answer to your system's improvement, your audio journey will take the right road to get you to where you want to be.

FWIW.

Tom

sap1967

To F1nut. Thank you for your reply. I do like the set up on the majority of what I play on it, but there are a few that sound lacking. It is set up properly and with the right connections. I will admit, I am new to better audio equipment. Hopefully it is just the user.

To tonyb. Thank you for your reply also. You hit the nail on the head about laid back, low bass. The bass is muddy at times, but good in general. I do have slightly damaged ears. I am sure that is a contributor. Back in 1992 I had a Keenwood set up pushing some Cerwin Vega DX-9's. Monster speakers for cranking it up and in your face. A lot of Alice in Chains, Led Zeppelin, more metal and hard rock than anything else. One of the best songs I ever heard put through them was Christopher Cross "Sailing". It was beautiful, and moving. I like a lot of different music (Rap Crap not being among any of it). Between my ears and the warmth of my set up, mabie the problem might be me. LOL!

F1nut

I do like the set up on the majority of what I play on it, but there are a few that sound lacking.

I'd say you are simply finding out that some recordings are not very good and all the EQ in the world isn't going to help.

It is set up properly and with the right connections.

So, let's see what we can do to help you work with what you have. Are the speakers spiked? Have you upgraded the crossovers? Upgraded the tweeters? Checked for air leaks by doing the push test? What cables are you using?

sap1967

I have the spikes, but have not put them on. They are flat on carpet right now. The cables are at least 16 gauge or better and on banana jacks. Not sure the name brand. I am running the inter connects with factory blade and pin. No upgrades have been done to them ( that I know of ). The guy I got them from said that it was all original. I am not sure how to do the the push test. Can you walk me through it?

F1nut

Ok, you need to install the spikes and make sure they pierce the carpet and padding. That alone will make you say, oh wow!

Sounds like some relatively generic speaker cable, upgrading to better speaker cable will also help. Interconnects are important as well.

Push the passive radiator in with one hand and hold it in while watching the mid-drivers. They will pop out then slowly recede. Should take about 3 seconds for them to settle.

You didn't mention what your source is.

sap1967

Thanks f1nut. Will be going to work shortly, but will get around to the spikes this weekend. Will try the push test when I get home. What kind of cables would you recommend? The only source I have on it right now is a JVC XL MC2000 200 cd changer with optical connects to the Peachtree. Will be getting a turntable real soon. What would be a good one to get? Thank you.

sap1967

To treitz3, Thank you for the info. I am finding out that I need to learn a lot about this hobby. These guys and you are really helping me out.

To F1nut, I did the pressure test and all is ok as far as I can tell by your directions. Mabie about 2.25 seconds. I also put the spikes on them and, WOW! It made a world of improvement and difference. Some of the music that was sounding kind of on the too colored side is now right where it needs to be. The bass response is better and the vocals are not hollow sounding like they where. Thank you!!!! Now on to the cables. What kind would you recommend? I am also looking into a turntable. What would be a good choice for this? I also would like to upgrade my cd player. What would be a good choice for this? Again, thank you!!!