Technical Hifi EQ-S5200 equalizer with Polk Speakers?

[rru2s]

With my old Polk Model 10s, I wasn't happy until I added a 24 band equalizer. Now that I am finally getting a whole new system 30 years later, I am getting Polk Monitor 70s plus an Outlaw RR2150 receiver.

My guess is I will still want to modify the sound using an equalizer, but I want something that doesn't have slide pot controls that will eventually get noisier as it gets older. So I am looking into equalizers with digital controls.

Does anyone know if equalizers with digital controls have as good of sound quality as the traditional analog control models?

Does anyone have experience with the Technical Hifi EQ-S5200?

Link:

http://www.etronics.com/p-34736-technical-hifi-eq-s5200-professional-equalizer-with-spectrum-silver.aspx

Dual 10 Band Digital Graphic Equalizer
Each Band is Individualy digitaly lit with a blue LED for Easy Readout and Functionality
Super Large dot matrix graphic fluorescent display
Cutting Edge Digital Graphic Spectrum
Built in 4 EQ modes
8 custom EQ modes
Input \Output Impedance: 22kohm \ 200ohm
Frequency Response: 20hz-20khz ± 0.5db
Control Frequency 2x10
Control Range ± 12dB
THD <0.2% @ 1 khz
S\N Ratio >80dB
Control Signal In/Out and low cut
Dimensions (W x D x H): 19" x 8" x 1.75"
Weight: 6.2 lbs
110-220V Switchable

[WilliamM2]

If you need an equalizer that won't add noise, you will probably need to spend quite a bit more. S/N ratio >80db? That's lousy.

[shadowofnight]

Look for a DBX 10/20 108db S/N ratio....NO sliders to become noisy in time or from poor contacts....fully computerized. I was lucky enough to score one of these in my recent Carver deal on craigslist...basically got the EQ for free and wouldnt part with it for the world now.

I found a couple of 10/20's for around 400 to 450 dollars online...and a 20/20 for 500 dollars
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?misceqal&1200238896

[rru2s]

On the Outlaw Audio forum, a user replied to this question and he recommended a website called BH Photo.

One of their equalizers is the the Alesis DEQ 230, which has a decent 96dB of S/N, 31 bands, takes analog inputs, converts to digital, applies digital equalization, then converts output back to analog. Looks sweet, but I can't find any customer reviews. A bit more pricey at $299, almost the difference between having the Polk Monitor 70s versus the Polk RTi12s.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/286237-REG/Alesis_DEQ_230_DEQ230_Dual_30_Band.html

[treitz3]

My guess is I will still want to modify the sound using an equalizer, but I want something that doesn't have slide pot controls that will eventually get noisier as it gets older. So I am looking into equalizers with digital controls.
Post edited, sorry. I somehow missed this part of your post

For an EQ, I would recommend getting at least a 12 band dual. The changes that can be made possible are greatly improved by just adding the two bands.

Are you going to utilize this as a passive EQ, or a parametric?

[rru2s]

Are you going to utilize this as a passive EQ, or a parametric?
If I understand the question, I prefer to set my own boost frequencies rather than try to match some theoretical best based on mic sampling. After all, it's what makes the ears happy that counts.

Anyway, everything came in this afternoon and I hooked it up after work.
The speakers seem well balanced without extra work. I'll have to listen to a few more types of muscic to be sure, but so far I've listened to Art Blakey, Manhattan Transfer, Tuck and Patty, and every single instrument sounds very natural and without full in each range of the spectrum.

The Outlaw RR2150 kicks. I've only had the volume up to 9am and it is LOUD. The unique bass boost works different from a normal EQ. I can set to just one frequency, either 55/65/80Hz, and it will boost by 6dB from that point downwards. Just enough to give a subtle boost the the Monitor 70s without any subwoofer, although it already has filtered as well as unfiltered output options to run one.

The Outlaw also sounds great with Sennheiser headphones.

I think the Polk Monitor 70s are a keeper. They fill my 15 by 25 living room and also the open-air adjacent dining room with sound.

[ESAVINON]

Look for a DBX 10/20 108db S/N ratio....NO sliders to become noisy in time or from poor contacts....fully computerized. I was lucky enough to score one of these in my recent Carver deal on craigslist...basically got the EQ for free and wouldnt part with it for the world now.

I found a couple of 10/20's for around 400 to 450 dollars online...and a 20/20 for 500 dollars
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?misceqal&1200238896

Those prices are very conservative for those two equalizers.
They're the cream of the crop in equalizers. Do you have the owner's manual for the 10/20?

[shadowofnight]

Those prices are very conservative for those two equalizers.
They're the cream of the crop in equalizers. Do you have the owner's manual for the 10/20?

Yup...even came with the owners manual ( As did all the Carver stuff I snagged too...the guy kept all the original documents ) I could probably persuade the wife to make a copy if it is something you needed.