EQ with Yamaha RX-596?

[plavatar]

Is it possible to hook one up? Did I miss something?

[goes back to the rack to look it over]

I just upgraded from an RX-396 to the RX-596, but it doesn't look like it is set up to work with an EQ. I thought I knew what I was getting in to, but now I'm not so sure...

I'm bummed =(

My EQ is sad, and a little angry =[

And my turntable is cross with me.

Any advice from the Yamaha crowd?

Thanks in advance, all.

-Steve(n)

 

[plavatar]

Of course, I just spent the past 2 hours evaluating the un-EQ'd sound via Pure Direct and Plain Jane modes...

Pure Direct:

Most of the albums from 73 to 84 are on the bright side. Really clear. Some surprisingly so (I'm looking at you, Banquet, by Lucifer's Friend). Some were almost too bright (that's you, Come Sail Away). Some were perfectly mixed, and it showed (especially There's No Way Out Of Here, Mr. Gilmour).

Digital files (youtube, and Amazon mp3) were clear and detailed. Most sounded off to me. What I perceived as lacking low end bump were really just clear and not distorted. I like the rattle and bump, and I missed it on some electronic songs, but bass guitars were audible and detailed.

Verdict:

I may not *need* the EQ, but I'd like to have the option for it. If I get a phono box so I won't need a ground, I could push the turntable through the EQ through a tape input.

But... I don't know...

I am impressed, though =)

 

[OMGCat!]

I pretty much keep all of my Yamaha stuff on Tone Bypass (older version of Pure Direct) outside of a few albums that need a bit of treble dialed down. Since I've done some room treatment even that rarely happens any more. Even my C-80 with fancy parametric EQ got the Bypass button pushed after I turned knobs some and couldn't really make anything sound better, just different.
Beside that I think I'm too OCD to own something with so many adjustments honestly.

 

[bd1886]

Like and use an EQ or not? Messing with sound shaping should be part our learning anyways. JMHO

 

[Leben]

From my experience with Yamaha receivers, using the pure direct button provides a much cleaner sound. After living with it in pure direct mode a while, the sound quality is noticeable worse if I decide to turn it off and use the tone controls. I suggest living with it a while to see if you get used to it as well. Sorry I'm not much help with your equalizer.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Advice: Does not have a proper tape monitor loop. Therefore does not work.

 

[plavatar]

Thanks, all =)

As of a couple of days of critical listening, I think I'm in the 'I can do without the EQ right now camp.'

It hurts my soul a little bit to think the EQ is not needed right now, but... I'm impressed so far =)

Turning Pure Direct off makes everything a bit muddy. Adjusting with the Bass and Treble smears everything a bit. Everything is sharper and more defined with Pure Direct on.

My setup right now is:

- Luxman PD-272 and a good ol' Shure M97xE

- Yamaha RX-596

- Custom speakers: 2-way. 8-inch Eton (8-472, discontinued, kevlar, heat pipe, long throw). 1-inch Eton (25-SD1, silk dome). Custom crossover from Madisound.

LPs and digital files sound great.

I hope to come across a really good CD player to add to the cabinet.

I *may* buy a box to plug the turntable in to the EQ, just for fun. Then I'll run the EQ in to one of the inputs. Why? Well, there's a Carver sound shaper thing I've had my eye on... Sometimes messing with sound is fun

But for day-to-day *and* critical listening, I think the Pure Direct will be my go-to way of listening from now on =)