Graphic Equalizer --Ugh

You ought to consider also the Behringer DEQ2496. It has a 31 band graphic equalizer, but also has a parametric equalizer, a 61 band real time display, auto-equalization, (neat!) and some other features. It costs,with the calibrated mic and cable, about twice as much, but still cheap by audiophile standards. The DEQ1024 seems to use the same 24 bit 96KHz digital stuff, which, to me, sounds good. I can't hear any difference when the digital processing is bypassed (A/D and D/A with the EQ flat).

Check them both out on the Behringer website.

Eldartford
Do you use the balance I/Os or the other?

If you have a tape loop, and you are only going to use this EQ on poorly recorded CD's, get something simple and inexpensive, put it in the tape loop and only put it in into the chain when necessary. You are already getting compromised sound with the poor CD, why waste your money on a fancy solution.

I have no experience with the EQ's you mention. The last one I owned was a 10 band (each channel) Audio Control - fairly decent unit. I now keep a Perreauz 3 band tone control in my tape loop for bad lps and cd's, but don't seem to use it often.

Conversely, if you going to put it between the amp and pre-amp, which I would not recommend, get the best you can afford if you are at all fussy about your audio.

If you need one use it. Most likely, the source material you are listening to has been run through one in the recording process!!

Cford...Unbalanced in. Balanced out.

Newbee...If there is a "tape" loop that is a logical place to put it. However, the DEQ2496 has a bypass switch which is the functional equivalent of the tape loop. NOT having a volume control after the DEQ2496 simplifies some level setting aspects of using the unit.

As for switching it out when "not needed"... I find that its most important function is to equalize the room response, so it's always in. I had no idea the improvement possible by room equalization until I actually experienced it.