I don't think I would agree with that statement; but, clearly it's a question of what kind of changes you want to make to the frequency response within the various frequency bands, whether to adjust for room acoustics or to make up for some preceived lack in a piece of prerecorded music.
SAE (i.e. Scientific Audio Electronics) made very good equalizers, no doubt; but, as a preamp, their sonics were not without the typical issues of the day. Depending on your tastes, room acoustics and especially what speakers you intend to use, you may be quite satisfied with the sound of either the IB or the 2900.
I sold this equipment; but I personally prefered the sonics of the Mark Levinson ML-1 or JC-2 preamps. Also, the Soundcraftsmen PE-2217, a very good used value today, as well as the newer SP-4002. Both will out perform the SAE sonically.
Personally I favor a properly restored Marantz Model 7T preamp, by comparison.
My particular interest with SAE was in their supurb Power Amp, the SAE Mk IIICM. This is one of few solid state power amps of the day that could actually compete sonically with the Marantz 500. I also own the SAE MK VI Tuner, also excellent, if not as 'musical' as my favorite Marantz tuners, the Model 20/20B.
Generally, depending on condition, I would favor the earlier SAE Mk IB over the 2900. Circuit design and especially sonics of the 2500/2900 generation seem to have faultered in the evolution from the prior generation,
That is, the MK IIICM and Mk IB were designed to compete sonically; while the next generation, SAE 2500 Power Amp and 2900 Preamp/Equalizer, were designed more for professional sound reinforcement than to compete sonically.
While the 'Flexibility' of the 2900 Parametric Equalizer was touted as easier to use, particularly if you didn't have a sound pressure level meter; I would ask, why even attempt to use an equalizer without one? What do you hope to gain? Aside from that aspect, I like that the prior generation (MK IIICM/ MK IB) was designed to compete sonically with the best; while the newer generation, of the 2500 and 2900, were designed for maximum reliability, and did not attempt to compete with the current SOTA sonically.
And yet, they are still very good sounding.
Bottom line, if you don't hear any difference sonically, choose the equalizer you believe will best suit your need. If you don't really need an equalizer, you might be well advised to search beyond SAE, unless one was building an all SAE system. Then, my choice would be the MK IB over the 2900, depending, of course, on condition.
Look at an Soundcraftsmen PE-2217 and SP-4002; but, only if you feel you need the EQ.
