older LPs - different EQ?

I know of one phono preamp that has adjustable RIAA curves, it is the FM Acoustics Resolution Series 122. I had a chance to listen to it about 2 years ago and it was one of the best I have heard tube or ss. I am not sure if they currently have a US importer but if you have a large collection of older lps it would deserve a serious audition.

The Krell KPA phono pre-amp also offered on-the-fly RIAA curve adjustment.

Greg D

KAB electroacoustics makes an audiophile grade remastering phono preamp. It covers every equalization curve ever used:

http://www.kabusa.com/index_pp.htm

I am getting into older LPs, especially Argentinian music!

The first separate preamp that I had was a Heathkit, and it had several different equalizations. To tell the truth, the different curves were not all that much different, and judicious use of tone controls or better still, an equalizer, will solve your problem.

Some of the early eqs are really different than the RIAA eq and can sound pretty weird if some attempt is not made to get them into shape. The Hagerman Bugle can be ordered with any eq, but it is fixed, not variable, though only around $125.00. Hell, you could buy three of them, Columbia, Decca and Capitol for less than the cost of your interconnects. Gram Slee Projects makes an inexpensive phono stage with variable eq for older records, Jazz Club, I think, around 1K. The Boulder can have special eq cards ordered for it; good to know if you're the one collecting the reward for finding Sadaams two kids. The Zanden offers three choices of eq, again, lottery winners and crack dealers only need apply. Personally, this is just one more reason to own a preamp with tone controls. It may not be "right", but makes most non-standard eqed records quite listenable. Don't forget, even with correct eq, a lot of these things can use some tailoring anyway due to the mikes and recording gear used.