Growing up with what is considered vintage now, an equalizer was always part of the package. A few months ago, I decided to forego the potential headaches vintage electronics were bringing and replaced my Dynaco amp / preamp with a Peachtree Nova 150, mainly because I needed more power for my Thiel 3.5s. Going from vintage equipment to modern was a bit of an adjustment, but I hung in there. It sounded ok, but not as articulate and clear as I expected. The Nova doesn't mess with signal-path degrading things like tone pots, so the only 'color' added to the signal chain was the Thiel bass equalizer that came with the speakers.
I recently picked up some more equipment as part of an estate sale, and there was a MXR Model 140 equalizer. To test it out as I prepared to sell it, I put it into the signal chain, replacing the Thiel eq. Holy schnikes. It was like a wet blanket was removed from my speakers. THAT is the sound I've been chasing. My 60 year-old ears, room dynamics, whatever this eq is compensating for, it works. The Nova has a 'loop' circuit that, with the push of a button, switches the signal route to run thru the eq vs. straight. The difference is unbelievable. The Nova has to be really cranked (volume-wise) to bring it anywhere close to the articulation that the eq presents.
Now the I have to deal with the first problem I mentioned, aging electronics. After an hour of listening, and possibly increasing the volume a bit, I get popping being introduced into the signal by the eq. I'm assuming it's either aged capacitors that need replacing, or perhaps a cold solder joint somewhere. If I have someone fix it, it would likely cost more than it's worth. I've considered a Shiit Loki eq, but I don't know if it will give an acceptable level of control the MXR does, as I think one of the things the MXR has going for it is that it appears it boost the signal a bit (with corresponding level adjustment), which I don't know if the Loki would (?). I say that because one gripe I've had with the Nova is the 'delicate' volume control, you have to spin that puppy to get any sound and the increments are minuscule. With the MXR in the signal chain, the volume seems 'boosted' to where the volume control appear more effective (if that makes sense). And again, my ears like the result.
So, I tried to be a fledgling audiophile, I really did. But I'm reverting back to using an eq, unapologetically, as it just sounds better in the signal path of the Nova 150. I also like the fact that it is a 'tabletop' unit, sitting flat on top of my stand (studio-like look). There, I said it.
I recently picked up some more equipment as part of an estate sale, and there was a MXR Model 140 equalizer. To test it out as I prepared to sell it, I put it into the signal chain, replacing the Thiel eq. Holy schnikes. It was like a wet blanket was removed from my speakers. THAT is the sound I've been chasing. My 60 year-old ears, room dynamics, whatever this eq is compensating for, it works. The Nova has a 'loop' circuit that, with the push of a button, switches the signal route to run thru the eq vs. straight. The difference is unbelievable. The Nova has to be really cranked (volume-wise) to bring it anywhere close to the articulation that the eq presents.
Now the I have to deal with the first problem I mentioned, aging electronics. After an hour of listening, and possibly increasing the volume a bit, I get popping being introduced into the signal by the eq. I'm assuming it's either aged capacitors that need replacing, or perhaps a cold solder joint somewhere. If I have someone fix it, it would likely cost more than it's worth. I've considered a Shiit Loki eq, but I don't know if it will give an acceptable level of control the MXR does, as I think one of the things the MXR has going for it is that it appears it boost the signal a bit (with corresponding level adjustment), which I don't know if the Loki would (?). I say that because one gripe I've had with the Nova is the 'delicate' volume control, you have to spin that puppy to get any sound and the increments are minuscule. With the MXR in the signal chain, the volume seems 'boosted' to where the volume control appear more effective (if that makes sense). And again, my ears like the result.
So, I tried to be a fledgling audiophile, I really did. But I'm reverting back to using an eq, unapologetically, as it just sounds better in the signal path of the Nova 150. I also like the fact that it is a 'tabletop' unit, sitting flat on top of my stand (studio-like look). There, I said it.
it just so happens, in my case, the shortest signal path does not meet expectations given my room, ears and listening volume.
