Ok, I spoke too soon re the problem using the pro audio EQ and the difficulty using it with RCA interconnects. I called Guitar Center and it turns out that they have adapter cables that allow connection to and from XLR and RCA. I'm living so far in the past.... Those 2 articles that I read that described the need to modify the inputs by soldering resistors into the circuit must be for some other application.
Hearing issues and signal attenuation
In other forums I've discussed my age related hearing issues and how I might compensate using mechanical controls. Since those posts I've tried hearing aids but, because of the discomfort caused by them, I gave them up. My problem in a nutshell is that, although my hearing lost is bilateral starting at about 1500 Hz, the left ear hearing is somewhat more compromised. This, of course, results in my perception that center stage is off center to the right side especially at higher frequencies. I just installed new speakers (Martin Logan Ethos replacing Odysseys) which seems to have worsened this problem.
The last time I brought this up the suggestions included installation of a high quality active or passive equalizer, changing my listening position and using hearing aids. The EQ approach makes the most sense but in reviewing the several equalizers suggested I found them to be a little out of my price range. I have been considering using a good L pad to attenuate the signal to the right speaker but because the problem seems mostly related to the higher frequencies, I'm afraid that simply reducing volume to the right side will result in more heavily weighting lower frequencies to the left.
Anyway, it might be time to bite the bullet and start looking again into purchasing an equalizer. Based on the following setup I would appreciate all suggestions:
Shanling CD100, Nova Audio Nova preamp and Nova 220 amp.
The last time I brought this up the suggestions included installation of a high quality active or passive equalizer, changing my listening position and using hearing aids. The EQ approach makes the most sense but in reviewing the several equalizers suggested I found them to be a little out of my price range. I have been considering using a good L pad to attenuate the signal to the right speaker but because the problem seems mostly related to the higher frequencies, I'm afraid that simply reducing volume to the right side will result in more heavily weighting lower frequencies to the left.
Anyway, it might be time to bite the bullet and start looking again into purchasing an equalizer. Based on the following setup I would appreciate all suggestions:
Shanling CD100, Nova Audio Nova preamp and Nova 220 amp.
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You are correct, Sir. Look for a 1/3-octave EQ. Since you are staying in the analogue domain, you may not even hear any noise being introduced due to your hearing issues. This is an example of the type of EQ I am referring to... DBX "RAIN" also makes nice analogue gear. |
I'm looking into the various pro EQ's like the DBX 321 but my experimentation just suffered a temporary hit; there will be a Christmas tree partly in front of my right speaker for awhile. I do have another question, though. In setting this up is there any reason to consider using an "unbalanced" connection from the EQ? |
"In setting this up is there any reason to consider using an "unbalanced" connection from the EQ?" It depends. If your other components are balanced, then use a balanced connection. Same thing with SE. Also, what EQ were you talking about when you said that resistors need to be soldered into the inputs? I have the Behringer and I don't need to do any of that. I can just switch back and forth with no problems. |
Zd, the articles I referred to re the soldering in of resistors was as a result of my having googled a general inquiry of something like "how to connect RCA cables to pro equalizer". This was before I learned that there were pre manufactured adapters for this purpose. I wasn't referring to a specific manufacturer, though, and maybe I asked the question in a way that the articles that I read were about something a little more specialized than what I meant to ask. That's where I also learned about the options of modifying these connections to accommodate balanced or unbalanced operation. Based on this info and your advice, I assume that the adapter cables also come in balanced and unbalanced versions. |
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