Q for audiophiles: parametric equalizer cost

[Mintmaster]

I recently purchased a RX-V450, as it has enough features for me as well as a 0.06% THD rating. However, I was sort of shocked that this doesn't have a parametric equalizer. Then I started looking around, and it seems this is only found in higher end models.

What is the cheapest reciever with a parametric equalizer? I have an old (10+ years) Technics reciever with one, and I don't think it cost that much. I was very surprised that this reciever doesn't have one.

[warpdrive]

Are you sure you have a parametric equalizer? A parametric equalizer is not the same as a graphic equalizer.

A graphic one usually just has sliders for say, 5 to 12 bands.

A parametric one has sliders for amplitude of a set of bands as well as individual bandwidth and center frequency adjustments for each band. It's quite a complex piece of equipment. The reason only the expensive receivers have it because they have DSP analyzers on board to analyze test tones and automatically compute the right adjustments, something that a normal person would never normally do unless you really have a trained ear or are trying to solve a very specific acoustic problem

[Mintmaster]

Are you sure you have a parametric equalizer? A parametric equalizer is not the same as a graphic equalizer.

A graphic one usually just has sliders for say, 5 to 12 bands.

A parametric one has sliders for amplitude of a set of bands as well as individual bandwidth and center frequency adjustments for each band. It's quite a complex piece of equipment. The reason only the expensive receivers have it because they have DSP analyzers on board to analyze test tones and automatically compute the right adjustments, something that a normal person would never normally do unless you really have a trained ear or are trying to solve a very specific acoustic problem
I am absolutely sure. It is a 5 band parametric equalizer. You can choose the centre frequency (though each band has a finite range; for example, you can't put all 5 below 100 Hz). You can also select two bandwidths, normal or fine, which determine how the level adjustment affects the neigbouring frequencies. The display is a spectrogram as well, sort of like the winamp display.

The model is the Technics SA-GX505. The only online picture I could find is this:
http://www.google.ca/search?q=cache:JO5CPTSvHtkJ:www.geocities.com/oviktor/aud5.html+sa-gx505&hl=en&client=firefox-a
(it's under the "my other horn speakers" section)

Anyway,thanks for your reply. BTW, do you know of the cheapest amp with a parametric eq? You seem fairly knowledgeable.

[warpdrive]

Sorry, I don't really know which amps have them or not.

A lot of the newer amps/receivers are incorporating them as a result of the self equalization feature such as the Yamaha YPAO. Self Equalization was a very high end feature but is starting to filter down the price range now.

It used to be that using EQ circuits generally degraded the sound and should be avoided, but with it being done digitally now, EQ is proving to be a genuinely useful feature to help set up a flat response without the drawbacks.

Is there a particular reason you need a Parametric EQ? It really isn't all that useful unless you have a way of analyzing the resulting sound.

[Mintmaster]

Is there a particular reason you need a Parametric EQ? It really isn't all that useful unless you have a way of analyzing the resulting sound.
No, I don't [i]need[i] it, but it is nice for setting your own "flavour" to the sound, as well as eliminating room resonances. You can do that roughly with frequency sweeps.

I'm more concerned about whether I missed out on a feature commonly available in this price range, and whether I have any reason to feel buyer's remorse. I guess my old reciever had a feature not commonly found, as opposed to this reciever missing a common one. Seems like this is one of the better recievers out there.

Thanks for your input.

[warpdrive]

Yah, many features on receivers are mainly due to prevailing "fads". It used to be that EQ's were everywhere, and the more buttons and lights the better. But a true parametric EQ was still pretty rare, so your Technics is something unique

But a lot of receivers now have DSP of some sort, and the more surround channels, modes, inputs are the features that help them sell more receivers.

It's nice to have the flexibility of a EQ, but sometimes it's just more of a band aid for the problem at hand. Resonances (should) can be solved in other ways sometimes. Sometimes just angling the speakers a bit can do wonders.

Anyway, enjoy your new Yamaha. I have a RX-V2400 which is a nice unit.

[googoo]

"You can do that roughly with frequency sweeps." VERY roughly. without an SPL meter AND the correction values for that meter you'll be pissing into the wind.


Brent