[rec.audio.high-end] Limits to Equalization

jhess@orion.oac.uci.edu (James Hess) (01/17/91)

In article <8977@uwm.edu> Steve_Graham@ub.cc.umich.edu writes:

>were of too low Q to correct the response errors that occur with amps playing
>into speakers which Carver claims causes audible differences between amps.
>There are, however, a number of parametric equalizers which allow control
>over these parameters.  What sort of bandwidth are we talking about?
>It was also said that the equalizer would introduce phase shifts.  The      
>implication seems to be that the response errors generated by the amp/spkr
>combinations would be free of phase shift.  How so?                             
The Q isn't necessarily too low, it could to high in some cases.  The problem 
is that most equalizers do not have enough resolution to properly correct 
speaker and interface errors.  Parametrics are more powerful, but also more 
expensive.  They are limited generally to three or four sections tunable 
within overlapping bands.  PA companies generally use a combination of 
31 band 1/3 octave equalizers and parametrics to tune the system and 
compensate for room response - a bit expensive for home systems.  When I 
commented on the previous note, I was making a reasonable guess that the fellow
had been listening to systems equalized with a 10 band 1 octave EQ.

Jim Hess