My car had a defeat button for the EQ. It returned full audio control back to the HU for bass and treble adjustments, after setting the HU you switch back and fine tune on the EQ. 12wx2F and 25wx2R with paper speakers never sounded so good :D
AKAI, old stuff, the best design ever of hi-fi. The look of the buttons, the fonts, the finishing and every detail was from another planet. Unbeated till present.
Say, mate, isn't the idea that under ideal condition one normally would want audio signal to travel through as little different components as possible, as any additional device between the ausio source and final amp/speakers introduce not only enhancments but additional noise/little disturbance as well?
Here's why I have no idea what the track names are. I've got a playlist made up of approx 70 tracks from the TH-cam audio library stored in my Sony HAP-S1 (HDD Music player). Whilst making this video I played through these, skipping to the next one (using the IR remote) to find tracks that sounded good. All this time I was looking at my camera viewfinder screen which was recording the equaliser so I have no idea what any of the track names are that are featured in the video, however you can download all these tracks and plenty more from: th-cam.com/users/audiolibrarymusic
+Techmoan You are tried to upload any links? I see you reply on my comment but i can't see it now. Anyway i have update about this music i used mooma(dot)sh page to indetify music, but i still don't know what's music is on the 1:43.
+Techmoan you are not using lossless audio for demonstrating the hifi system? I know the differences are pretty minor, but maybe people would still mind such thing since lossless is way cooler.
+野龍（FlameRat） There's no point in playing lossless as the viewer isn't hearing lossless -th-cam.com/video/kiC8YMCO3YM/w-d-xo.html and I don't have any copyright free lossless music.
Techmoan I know. Lossless are just for making it sounds cooler XD Also you can hear the lossless so you might be able to add some personal opinion on your experience. I mean just like your other obsolete hifi device review.
Please note that, although the interaction is “computerized”, this is actually an analog device with all-analog tone control circuits. There is no AD and DA inside.
Akai has always built quality, reliable components. Most people think that if you have great speakers in a good hifi system you're all set. However, even top quality speakers can sound anemic. Your listening room can add it's own "sound" to the music. How?? Standing waves and room nodes can create havoc with sound. That's why a good parametric or graphic equalizer can make a big difference. This EA-A7 looks sweet, the presets are a nice touch. Good flexibility and useful features. I've used an ADC Sound Shaper Two IC (graphic EQ) since purchase in 1982, whenever my system is on. My ADC has twelve slider controls per channel with +/- 12dB range, right and left input adjustment, two (L+R) large seven segment meters with level controls, line in for recording EQ signal to tape, bidirectional dubbing for two tape decks, you can listen thru the EQ without turning it on, an excellent subsonic filter (18dB/oct @ 15hz) and THD/IM of 0.02%. A good expander wouldn't hurt but that's another discussion. I've used a Pioneer RG-2 since 1981. Interesting video. Looks like an old Pioneer SX-3600 or 3700 receiver.
Hi, I love these kinds of HIFI systems, I have some of them and buying onwards, whenever I found something very rear. I like this Kenwood Equaliser EA-A7. Could you please guide me from where I can found this? Thanks! Asif
You can also use a graphic equalizer to tune your stereo to your room. The more bands you have the better the result. A 20 band graphic equalizer is fantastic for this purpose. You need a decent microphone to do it. It's used in live sound PA systems and is necessary to get rid of feedback.
gotta love an electronic Hi-Fi piece that has a "defeat" button on it. I know what it is intended for but when I see it...it reminds me of something Worf from Star Trek would love to own lol.
Hello, just wanted to say that your channel is just about my favorite on TH-cam. Thank you for all the information! I just scored a Technics SA-600 receiver for my now ever growing set up. Thanks again!
great video mate, i hav`nt had an EQ on my stereo for nearly 20 years, after watching this i got a Pioneer GR-555 with spectrum analiser (cause i love the light too hahahha), has changed my life, cheers, keep up the great work
It seems these days that unless you go to a specialist retailer or go for a cinema sound system, most audio systems are a bit naff. I still have my Marantz system I built back in the late 80s, and even though I am not using it at the moment, I am loathed to get rid of it.
i enjoyed your video.i am a music junkie but i have very little technical knowledge,but i do find all this vintage equipment fascinating and being over sixty it is nice to look back at what has come before!
Brilliant bit of kit. I adore the older hifi components, new stereos may be louder, but older stereo sound much warmer and deeper than new stuff. I have a brilliant pioneer amp with new speakers and powered sub woofer I had to put away when we had our children so it didn't topple over on them, now they're old enough to not touch stuff, I can start putting it back out. You have an envious set up, that's for sure. I'm planning on making a family room soon and I think I can bring in an old LED ghetto blaster and a NES or maybe Atari if I can get hold of my Visa card before my wife does. Love the video, always great seeing someone with similar tastes and passions as myself and what they're up to.
I had an Akai AA-A25L amplifier in my teen years, along with a GX-R55 cassette deck, and I can vividly remember lusting over that very model of Graphic Equaliser in Comet, always aware it was beyond the reach of my paper-round wages. Thanks for the video. Loved it. I always thought Akai made the coolest looking hi-fi gear (still do). I replaced the amp with a Musical Fidelity Tempest, and realised what my ears had been missing.
I own that exact equalizer by Akai, except that mine's the "black" model. I purchased mine in 1986, and it was a "demonstration" model, so it didn't come with the original box, or even the instructions. I figured out how to connect it up to the rest of my system anyway. I think it performed very well. I still have it, but it's in storage now. The only downside to that equalizer is that I wish it was 10-bands, and not 7-bands. Other than that, it's a great equalizer that gave me good service.
i also have it I bought it form old fella about a year ago and I absolutelly love it ! I thik i will never sell it cause mine is in silver soo hard to come by.
As far as I'm concerned there is nothing more beautiful then a busy white VFD with some orange accents, there is just something magical about. Probably just my 80's bias.
Love the videos! The British accent you have makes the show seem smarter. And yes it's true: Americans think all British people are smart! Especially if we are from the south!
Very similar to my Alesis DEQ230D in one of my production PA racks. EQ is still huge in the pro industry, shame not so much in the consumer level. Great video as always.
In 80's HiFi was so exciting! Its always the star in every house back then here in my country,in our Sunsui HiFi system i like to stack the Graphic Equalizer,Reverbration Amp,Spectrum Analyzer and Digital Soundfield Processor.When the music play the lights of this component go crazy! Love those days! Thank you for the video..
Wow! I've watched a lot of your videos about graphic EQs and I'm almost not surprised that you would have the exact eq I began my hifi career with. My mom bought it brand new and gave it to me about 25 years ago now.
I have the entire system that came out this year and I love it. I have it hooked up to some old 12” Radioshack floor speakers and they have such a great sound. I love the old amps and how they make so much use of the power. I love being able to tweak the sound so they sound perfect to my ears.
I have the same model - albeit black - and I love it. Picked it up cheap on eBay and never looked back. Easy controls. No potentiometers to worry about wearing down and pretty effects. PS You should take the lid off. It's a maze of ribbon cables running every which way. So glad mine didn't need any repairs. Looks like a pain in the ass to disassemble.
Dear Techmoaner I have an earlier Graphic Eq that was part of a Sansui hi-fi console of separates. The Sansui RG-7 Graphic Equalizer 'Consolette,it has 10 band mechanical frequency sliders a built in Reverb and a duette or Echo and a guitar\mike\line\tape input\output,which is passive\active. I love it and your videos get better and better,keep it up!
+paul nash That looks like Pioneer SX-3700. There was also SX-3800 and SX-3900 in the series, with the SX-3900 being 120 WRMS / CH with some ridiculous low distortion like 0.005%. The S/N on the phono input was one of the quietest ever at like 115 or 120 dB. Pioneer also had another series of silver receivers in the early 1980s with even more colorful graphics, the SX-60 and SX-80.
I remember Tomorrow's World (BBC popular science programme) featuring a graphic equaliser. That one has a sound analyser which listened to a prerecorded noise and automatically adjusted the settings to give a flatter frequency response. Hard to tell on the TV but Howard Stableford seemed impressed.
Nice to see so many cool stuff on this channel and some of them just brings back good memories. This breaks the monotony from seeing so many audiophile overpriced wall to wall built drive turntables that aren't any better then good turntables from few decades ago.
The display on that machine is beautiful. One day, take a close up of one, perhaps a scrap piece. The metal fabrication on those is wonderful. Thanks for the review.
To those talking trash about why you shouldn't use a graphic equalizer, NOT ALL SPEAKERS SOUND THE SAME. The purpose of a device like this is to adjust the sound to be more like how it was created. Not everyone has studio quality speakers in their home.
Great video,I purchased the black version around 1986/87,I still have it but it is no longer part of my current set up which is mainly vintage consisting of a pioneer PL12D turntable & a pioneer SA-8100 amp,keep up the great work.
I had a one these way back in the day, and it did sound good. I went all nut bag audiophile in the late 80's tubes, belts and no tone controls:) I was able to get another one of these units around 2003 and still use it today. I love these videos by the way:)
Love the look of this device which reminded me of the GXR-55 cassette deck from the same era. I owned one of those decks and it was a pretty neat bit of kit which even had the ability to be programmed to play tracks in your chosen order rather like a CD player but with the rather awkward inconvenience of waiting for fast forward or rewinds between tracks. Needless to say this was a function I never used!
I was lucky enough to have a Rotel graphic equaliser back in the day and agree that they are worth having. Loads of fun had experimenting with the sound. Just wish I had the room these days.
Thanks for making these videos. I always enjoy listening to your great English voice and you are such a great source of information. To to mention you inspire me to go back to vintage audio equipment.
Eq's are cool. Nothing I love more than coming home from a day in the recording studio and just slamming that bass. Anyway not all speakers are created equal. Sometimes you've got to get rid of that tinning high mid or boxy low mid sound. Have fun with it.
Thanks for another great review. It's amazing how much better a lot of the older technology is than the modern stuff. I suppose, these days, it's all about convenience at the expense of quality.
For all the purists (audio snobs) who hate any form of signal processing, Most people don't have the time,interest or money to have an acoustical engineer to build a custom listening room, Different speakers in different rooms usually sound better with some form of EQ. It seems environmenal, As I use EQ through my speakers, but not through headphones. Your mileage may vary!
I had a very similar JVC graphic equalizer that I bought to use with my Technics/JC Penny component system when I was in college (1986). My MCS system did not have remote control functionality so I purchased the JVC because it brought a full function remote control to the party. The JVC provided not just graphic eq/spectral visualizer but it also had loads of inputs and it gave me the coveted remote volume control. It was outstanding! The last time I saw it, the JVC was providing equalization and pre-amping for the live audio feed for a church based low-power FM radio station. I should contact them and see if they are still using it. ;-)
I really enjoy your videos on old equipment, obsolete formats, etc. The fact that you're a middle aged British male is extra fun! I had a graphic equalizer in my stereo in 1976: it was used in conjunction with a white noise generator to adjust the speakers so the room was equalized. Each band was tweaked and the response checked with a hand held purpose-built device that "read" each frequency band. It was quite a nice difference; I got used to the sound of an equalized room. I miss it. Next video: get a white noise generator and adjust the equalization so that the room is equalized.
+Techmoan Nowadays you can get an audio spectrum analyzer via a smartphone app. And a white noise generator is another smartphone app. So there's your follow up video for the cost of two smart phone apps!
EQ, gott have it! Love your videos, please keep them coming. My first experiences with equalizers was in the 80s at parties, not the best test environment I know, but after some time of experimenting with the sliders I was convinced that yes, Equalizers improve upon the sound to my hearing tastes. Now if you get into a discussion with one of those self proclaimed "audio purists", audio purists, lol "control freaks" is what they are. they will argue up and down you should listen to the music with a flat response. No plus or minus to the bass or treble and they also add with minimal amplification. I'm like hey that is why we all have our own minds man and to each their own, lol. I'll try not to write a book here but I have used and experimented with a number of EQ's with various amounts of bands per channel. I found for myself, I really liked those that had at least 10 bands per side over those that only had 5 or 7. Most of these were used 70s models from ebay usually ADC, Pioneer or realistc but was often disappointed with that slider noise. I bought one new, a Radio Shack Realistic 10 band per ch but had to return it because every so many seconds, almost on cue it would make a popping sound. In the late 90s I decided to buy a new EQ but do some research first, eventually settling on the Kenwood GE 7030. This was an all electronic model with no sliders and an awesome light show display and good audio specs. All adjustments were made with a jog wheel. It was only 7 bands per ch but I thought I could live with it because I would never get that slider noise. I found the jog wheel to be totally not user friendly. Adjusting the individual bands with the jog wheel was a tedious and slow process as compared to the rather straight forward approach of the traditional slider EQs. I also missed the extra bands, to me 7 just dosent divide up enough of the range. I sold it on ebay and purchased a new toy, a DJ mixer and it had a 7 band EQ on board, mic jacks, reverb, etc. It was a cool toy but here again I wasnt happy with the 7 band EQ and most mixers specs arent up to par with decent Hi-Fi equipment and this was the case with mine, plus I often wanted to listen to music without playing DJ and didnt want to have to turn on the mixer in order to use the EQ. My brother saved the day for me for a while. He gave me his old ADC 12 band per ch and it had no slider noise. I used it for a few years but it eventually died on me. I went without an EQ for a long time but then picked up a couple used ones, one an 80s Pioneer, works great with my main stereo, 10 bands per ch and no slider noise. The other I use with my computer stereo is and ADC, it also 10 bands. It has a little noise in the sliders but I just swish it up and down a couple times and it clears out. It isnt a book but maybe its a short story and there is of course more to this story. Equalizers were maybe as popular as ever until the multi channel surround sound took over the home audio market. A few brands offered multi channel EQs but they were too expensive for the average Joe and those surround systems really werent designed to be used with EQs. There is one market, probably where EQs got there start and are still use them today. The Pro audio and DJ market. There are many brands available and if I ever decide to buy another new EQ thats the way I'm gong to go. Many of these have excellent specs and at the entry to mid levels arent all that expensive. You just have to make sure the model you choose has unbalanced audio jacks like home equipment.
Kenwood was the name for middle/high range systems in the mid 80's early 90's. It wasn't Bang & Olufsen, but it was rock solid. I still have and use my Kenwood KR-V7040 receiver that I got in 1992 and everything still works, even the remote. The sound is amazing and radio reception is fantastic as well. It's probably the best piece of a/v hardware that I own and it's over 25 years old!
I love your videos on old electronic and audio equipment. On the other hand, it kinda makes me sad about all of the old stuff I had and either threw or gave away.
Nice equalizer. I love your vids. You always show radios and stuff from an era in which these were very populair and their quality was way better than what you can buy now these days. I really love these stuff. I don't want a soundbar. I myself have a 2 x 10 bands equalizer with 2 spectrum analyzers. Brand Pioneer. Model GR-777 and it has a remote controle. Another equalizer i have is a graphic/parametric equalizer from the brand Kenwood. It has a big FL display that shows a wide spectrum analyzer and other info. It also has presets and manual settings just like the Pioneer has. The model of the Kenwood is GE-7030. Both working great.
I had that exact equalizer. My dad bought the whole stereo back in the mid 80's and gave it to me after he divorced my mother. I kept it for another 15 or 16 years until someone broke into my house and stole all my audio equipment. I loved that thing. I used to have so much fun recording DVD's onto tape and "improving" the audio the way I wanted when I recorded the music to tape. It worked great when I would hook up my consoles to the stereo too. I really miss my equalizer. I should look into building a full size stereo again. I realloy hate these tiny sound systems that became popular in the early 00's.
It works nicely with the HX-2 cassette deck, and that has been a real workhorse for me despite the slightly different controls Americans are used to. I've owned a number of Akai products over the years.
I have an awesome equalizer built into my laptop which even makes the internal speakers sound good. But using the headphone jack, I plug it into my home stereo system and it is fantastic. I have extreme control over the sound and I hear instruments playing that I never knew were there before. This is the "Waves Audio" on the Dell computer.
Love your channel. Saw your episode on the Dennon turntable. Made me nostalgic for the Dennon DP-1200 I had circa 1982 or thereabouts. Keep up the great work. Thanks.
Love your channel, been watching for awhile and just wanted to thank you for all the hard work you put in to bring everyone interesting and informative content! Also, thanks for this video, in particular. I've been looking for a good graphic EQ for my turntable setup for awhile (like you, I have all silver components) and this sold me on the Akai EA-E7 but I had trouble finding one. I tried a few others but nothing worked quite the way I wanted (on a new unit, there was crackle on the sliders and when the EQ was enabled, there was high-pitched background noise!) or had lackluster displays - so when I stumbled upon one on eBay I had to snatch it up! Got it for a decent price as well. It should arrive early next week and I'm excited to add it to my rack! And since you ran through the basic functionality here, I should be using it to the full extent right away. By the way, I discovered you through your 'MiniDisc Appreciation' video and I agree, they were a fantastic bit of technology!
@@alkestos I did! Been part of my rig ever since. It definitely is nice to tweak the sound for perfect frequency mix and the presets are a nice touch. Visuals are still better than anything built into hardware that I've seen since. I did a lot of exploring and this was the right buy, 100%.
Graphic Equalizers used to work pretty well when setting up a sound system using pink noise, better still were the Parametric Equalizers, but not many people could afford them, I for sure couldn't....and never forget the golden rule, the best speakers can sound worse than the worst speakers...it all depends on the room, that's why they made all the fun gismo's in the 80's, and fun it was !
I honestly thought for 25 years or so I'm into music entertainment, that equalizers and graphical visualization of the audio signal is a professional high-end thing that anybody who wants the best music reproduction possible would want. Only a couple of months ago I found out that most of the ultra trve audiophiles out there nowadays hate tone adjustments and want expansive but "simple" plug 'n' play systems with flat sounds... Do I have problems with my memories or was it really a different audio mentality in the 1990's?
I would advise you to not even care. I've been into high end hi-fi audio for the last 10 years and in all that time let me tell you the most important thing that I've learned. That's the only thing that matters about the sound of your system is how you enjoy it. If you've got a system and you've got five equalizers hooked up and you enjoy it then that is all that matters.
I had a Kenwood reverb in the mid to late 80s. I remember using it sometimes to create a kind of sound stage for some music. Sometimes it was kinda cool.
Another great EQ/Visualizer is the Panasonic SG-750. Nice clean equalization with an excellent spectrum visualizer. And if you can find the original microphone, it will even work as a system analyzer with a pink noise generator built in.
Couldn't agree more re equalisers (from 4:30 onwards). The hi-fi units I had in the late 80s/early 90s both had them; I miss being able to "shape" the sound to how I want it. We seem to have gone back to "basic" Bass and Treble dials now!
I had sound issues with my 2.1 system in my kitchen. An (analog) equalizer which i could buy for only around 10 bucks solved the problem to my satisfaction. So they're still very useful even though they're not that popular anymore.
love these video as well.. that is when stereos where made really well and sounded really good.. I sure hope they go back to making stereos systems like that again!!!
This is going to sound very strange, but you seem such a genuine guy, I think I'd watch your videos no matter what you uploaded (within reason! lol) - thank you for your content :)
+LogicalMelodies That's exactly what I thought a few weeks ago. I subbed him even though it's not really my type of content. Regardless, I've enjoyed every video since. This one was a bit off the mark though because I don't like anything Kenwood or Akai or Akia...who cares. Back to retro gaming...
i've really started to get interesting in trying out a mini-dac for room correction purposes. one of those in combination with a manually controllable equalizer (like this) sounds even better
I love using graphic equalizers, its a necessity unless maybe you have a purpose built room for listening and high end components, maybe... It helps so much to get the best of the audio out of your equipment. I use the more traditional slider type.
Graphic Equalisers are good for adjusting the sound for the listener. So say you prefer BASS then pump it up, or you want it more warm then bring up some of the middle. Need it sharper then push up some near the top frequencies. The choice is yours. When working on my own music I have all external EQ off, but when listening to music anything goes. So in short: Making music = EQ off. Listening to music = EQ on. That's how I tend to us EQ.
I had EQ when I was younger, I think in general that EQ is not a good idea but we all have differs taste I have however always been fascinated by EQ, especially those from the 80s. love boombox to, hope you make a video about a giant boombox, preferably with built-in TV.fantastic time, love it
I tried to find an Akai EA-A7 on ebay but there aren't any available. So, I went for a Technics SH-8055 instead. I'll probably record a video about it when it arrives. I don't have a Technics setup, I have Pioneer from the Blue Line era, but I think the SH-8055 will compliment it nicely (silver face, blue display). I do really like that Akai, though... the display is awesome!
I posses Pioneer GR777 and for me the graphic equalizers is necessary for costumers which own entry level HiFi components because EQ dramatically improve the sound of system.The dynamic range and tone spectrum is quite bigger.
Nothing beats a Professional 31 Band rack mount graphic. You don't get the kind of control you REALLY need from only 5 bands of EQ. But each to their own, Audio is subjective, if it sounds good to the listener, then job done.
I had the whole exact AKAI set way back then. Phono tape amp and EQ. Very nice system till it got outdated. Got 20 years use. We used the multi settings for the difference in the inside and deck speakers. The system after this that I replaced it with I put in a cabinet with good air flow. I thought was a good idea. Till it got a baby bottle of apple juice slowly dripped into it. When my kid shoved his bottle in the cabinet on top of the amp. Where it couldn't easily be seen and let all the pixies and smoke out.
I have a lot of old ferric cassettes and they sound terrible when I play them normal but when I adjust the graphic eq so it makes the high frequencies play louder and the low softer the cassettes sound incredible for a ferric one!
love this stuff, in 80 and 90 we had alot great audio/video equipment, but today you get a plastic box with one button and one blue led..... BOOORRRIIIINNNNNNGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love terms like "DEFEAT", "CURVE" and "CURVE REVERSE"... they sound like they'be been pulled straight out of an 80s fighting game.
they might have been trying to say "DEFAULT"?
No, "defeat" is a fairly common term on audio equipment of a certain age. It just means "bypass" or "disable".
In this case, "defeat" means 'kill enhancements'. Defeat makes perfect sense in that context.
dunebasher1971 I'm sure he knows this lol
My car had a defeat button for the EQ. It returned full audio control back to the HU for bass and treble adjustments, after setting the HU you switch back and fine tune on the EQ. 12wx2F and 25wx2R with paper speakers never sounded so good :D
AKAI, old stuff, the best design ever of hi-fi. The look of the buttons, the fonts, the finishing and every detail was from another planet. Unbeated till present.
After uploading the video, I realised that I hadn't shown the rear panel - so I've put a picture of this my website here: goo.gl/OydTnL
+Techmoan Another great video. Any chance of a photo of the inside?
+Brandon Fesser I haven't had time to open this one yet.
+Techmoan xd
+Techmoan That is what I was going to comment about.. good save, now to suffer the slow net and crawl to your website.
Say, mate, isn't the idea that under ideal condition one normally would want audio signal to travel through as little different components as possible, as any additional device between the ausio source and final amp/speakers introduce not only enhancments but additional noise/little disturbance as well?
Here's why I have no idea what the track names are.
I've got a playlist made up of approx 70 tracks from the TH-cam audio library stored in my Sony HAP-S1 (HDD Music player). Whilst making this video I played through these, skipping to the next one (using the IR remote) to find tracks that sounded good. All this time I was looking at my camera viewfinder screen which was recording the equaliser so I have no idea what any of the track names are that are featured in the video, however you can download all these tracks and plenty more from: th-cam.com/users/audiolibrarymusic
+Techmoan You are tried to upload any links? I see you reply on my comment but i can't see it now. Anyway i have update about this music i used mooma(dot)sh page to indetify music, but i still don't know what's music is on the 1:43.
+Techmoan you are not using lossless audio for demonstrating the hifi system? I know the differences are pretty minor, but maybe people would still mind such thing since lossless is way cooler.
+野龍（FlameRat） There's no point in playing lossless as the viewer isn't hearing lossless -th-cam.com/video/kiC8YMCO3YM/w-d-xo.html
and I don't have any copyright free lossless music.
Techmoan I know. Lossless are just for making it sounds cooler XD Also you can hear the lossless so you might be able to add some personal opinion on your experience. I mean just like your other obsolete hifi device review.
+CEzik Maj I found it: Lake Eerie - Silent Partner in TH-cam audiolibrary
Please note that, although the interaction is “computerized”, this is actually an analog device with all-analog tone control circuits. There is no AD and DA inside.
Akai has always built quality, reliable components. Most people think that if you have great speakers in a good hifi system you're all set. However, even top quality speakers can sound anemic. Your listening room can add it's own "sound" to the music. How?? Standing waves and room nodes can create havoc with sound. That's why a good parametric or graphic equalizer can make a big difference. This EA-A7 looks sweet, the presets are a nice touch. Good flexibility and useful features. I've used an ADC Sound Shaper Two IC (graphic EQ) since purchase in 1982, whenever my system is on. My ADC has twelve slider controls per channel with +/- 12dB range, right and left input adjustment, two (L+R) large seven segment meters with level controls, line in for recording EQ signal to tape, bidirectional dubbing for two tape decks, you can listen thru the EQ without turning it on, an excellent subsonic filter (18dB/oct @ 15hz) and THD/IM of 0.02%. A good expander wouldn't hurt but that's another discussion. I've used a Pioneer RG-2 since 1981. Interesting video. Looks like an old Pioneer SX-3600 or 3700 receiver.
Being from the States and grew-up during the 1970's and Stereo Wars, I have never seen this and would buy this without hesitation, Good Find.
There were better graphic eq's in the 70s. As an example, the Soundcraftsman 20-12.
I've shown off some old car stereo graphic EQ / spectrum analyzers on my channel. These are cool devices! Great video, keep them coming.
Now this is the type of vids that I love - and you're very good at making them. Keep up the good work!
+slashtiger1 well said
Doomed User Thanks!
Hi,
I love these kinds of HIFI systems, I have some of them and buying onwards, whenever I found something very rear. I like this Kenwood Equaliser EA-A7.
Could you please guide me from where I can found this?
Thanks!
Asif
You can also use a graphic equalizer to tune your stereo to your room. The more bands you have the better the result. A 20 band graphic equalizer is fantastic for this purpose. You need a decent microphone to do it. It's used in live sound PA systems and is necessary to get rid of feedback.
Not gonna lie, that reverb amp looks really cool... Can't wait for the video on that!
gotta love an electronic Hi-Fi piece that has a "defeat" button on it. I know what it is intended for but when I see it...it reminds me of something Worf from Star Trek would love to own lol.
Defeat usually means switching out the frequency controls of your desired tonal selection,i.e. Flat response or Flat lining.
Hello, just wanted to say that your channel is just about my favorite on TH-cam. Thank you for all the information! I just scored a Technics SA-600 receiver for my now ever growing set up. Thanks again!
great video mate, i hav`nt had an EQ on my stereo for nearly 20 years, after watching this i got a Pioneer GR-555 with spectrum analiser (cause i love the light too hahahha), has changed my life, cheers, keep up the great work
Thanks.
It seems these days that unless you go to a specialist retailer or go for a cinema sound system, most audio systems are a bit naff.
I still have my Marantz system I built back in the late 80s, and even though I am not using it at the moment, I am loathed to get rid of it.
i enjoyed your video.i am a music junkie but i have very little technical knowledge,but i do find all this vintage equipment fascinating and being over sixty it is nice to look back at what has come before!
The display on the Kenwood looks amazing.
More like porno-graphic equalizer, am I right?
Mm, that thing just looks incredible.
I see you. 😐
+Lazy Game Reviews Would only be better if it was a vfd instead. mmmmm
+Lazy Game Reviews My two favorite youtube geeks in one place? Oh this feels good.
+Jesse Erm, it is a VFD
I figured it was just an lcd styled to look like one.
It needs the proper old vfd green color then.
Very nice piece of kit. Handy for adjusting those errant room acoustics. Wouldn't have a Hi-Fi without one.
Brilliant bit of kit. I adore the older hifi components, new stereos may be louder, but older stereo sound much warmer and deeper than new stuff. I have a brilliant pioneer amp with new speakers and powered sub woofer I had to put away when we had our children so it didn't topple over on them, now they're old enough to not touch stuff, I can start putting it back out. You have an envious set up, that's for sure. I'm planning on making a family room soon and I think I can bring in an old LED ghetto blaster and a NES or maybe Atari if I can get hold of my Visa card before my wife does. Love the video, always great seeing someone with similar tastes and passions as myself and what they're up to.
I had an Akai AA-A25L amplifier in my teen years, along with a GX-R55 cassette deck, and I can vividly remember lusting over that very model of Graphic Equaliser in Comet, always aware it was beyond the reach of my paper-round wages. Thanks for the video. Loved it.
I always thought Akai made the coolest looking hi-fi gear (still do). I replaced the amp with a Musical Fidelity Tempest, and realised what my ears had been missing.
Your hi-fi videos are the best.
I own that exact equalizer by Akai, except that mine's the "black" model. I purchased mine in 1986, and it was a "demonstration" model, so it didn't come with the original box, or even the instructions. I figured out how to connect it up to the rest of my system anyway. I think it performed very well. I still have it, but it's in storage now.
The only downside to that equalizer is that I wish it was 10-bands, and not 7-bands. Other than that, it's a great equalizer that gave me good service.
i also have it I bought it form old fella about a year ago and I absolutelly love it ! I thik i will never sell it cause mine is in silver soo hard to come by.
Techmoan is are very quickly becoming one of my fav channels, i watched over 4 hours of your videos last night
+bassblaster505 Gaming I'm pretty sure that I'd become a tad irritating after that long.
Techmoan lol Nope.
+Techmoan Can confirm, not at all irritating after 4+ hours. First night I stumbled upon your vids, I ended up at least 4 hours down the rabbit hole.
I have one of these. My father bought it new around 1984, it still works and is in really good condition. I turn it on once in while for a show..
As far as I'm concerned there is nothing more beautiful then a busy white VFD with some orange accents, there is just something magical about. Probably just my 80's bias.
Love the videos! The British accent you have makes the show seem smarter. And yes it's true: Americans think all British people are smart! Especially if we are from the south!
Very similar to my Alesis DEQ230D in one of my production PA racks. EQ is still huge in the pro industry, shame not so much in the consumer level. Great video as always.
In 80's HiFi was so exciting! Its always the star in every house back then here in my country,in our Sunsui HiFi system i like to stack the Graphic Equalizer,Reverbration Amp,Spectrum Analyzer and Digital Soundfield Processor.When the music play the lights of this component go crazy! Love those days! Thank you for the video..
Wow! I've watched a lot of your videos about graphic EQs and I'm almost not surprised that you would have the exact eq I began my hifi career with. My mom bought it brand new and gave it to me about 25 years ago now.
I have the entire system that came out this year and I love it. I have it hooked up to some old 12” Radioshack floor speakers and they have such a great sound. I love the old amps and how they make so much use of the power. I love being able to tweak the sound so they sound perfect to my ears.
I have the same model - albeit black - and I love it. Picked it up cheap on eBay and never looked back. Easy controls. No potentiometers to worry about wearing down and pretty effects.
PS You should take the lid off. It's a maze of ribbon cables running every which way. So glad mine didn't need any repairs. Looks like a pain in the ass to disassemble.
Dear Techmoaner I have an earlier Graphic Eq that was part of a Sansui hi-fi console of separates. The Sansui RG-7 Graphic Equalizer 'Consolette,it has 10 band mechanical frequency sliders a built in Reverb and a duette or Echo and a guitar\mike\line\tape input\output,which is passive\active. I love it and your videos get better and better,keep it up!
That amp looks gorgeous, I want one without even hearing it work. Love that coloured display.
+paul nash That looks like Pioneer SX-3700. There was also SX-3800 and SX-3900 in the series, with the SX-3900 being 120 WRMS / CH with some ridiculous low distortion like 0.005%. The S/N on the phono input was one of the quietest ever at like 115 or 120 dB. Pioneer also had another series of silver receivers in the early 1980s with even more colorful graphics, the SX-60 and SX-80.
I remember Tomorrow's World (BBC popular science programme) featuring a graphic equaliser. That one has a sound analyser which listened to a prerecorded noise and automatically adjusted the settings to give a flatter frequency response. Hard to tell on the TV but Howard Stableford seemed impressed.
Nice to see so many cool stuff on this channel and some of them just brings back good memories. This breaks the monotony from seeing so many audiophile overpriced wall to wall built drive turntables that aren't any better then good turntables from few decades ago.
The display on that machine is beautiful. One day, take a close up of one, perhaps a scrap piece. The metal fabrication on those is wonderful.
Thanks for the review.
Stuff just worked in the 80s, I remember seeing huge boom boxes at various stores during 83, even with highly graphic looking on the EQ.
This looks really good even today. Looks pretty solid as well.
Oh wow. that Kenwood is gorgeous - I love the visualization on that thing!
To those talking trash about why you shouldn't use a graphic equalizer, NOT ALL SPEAKERS SOUND THE SAME. The purpose of a device like this is to adjust the sound to be more like how it was created. Not everyone has studio quality speakers in their home.
Great video,I purchased the black version around 1986/87,I still have it but it is no longer part of my current set up which is mainly vintage consisting of a pioneer PL12D turntable & a pioneer SA-8100 amp,keep up the great work.
I had a one these way back in the day, and it did sound good. I went all nut bag audiophile in the late 80's tubes, belts and no tone controls:) I was able to get another one of these units around 2003 and still use it today. I love these videos by the way:)
Lets equalize some graphics!
+TheRealDeal - Lets graphic some equilizer!
+TheRealDeal yep.
They call me The Equalizer...
I can do that, I have some vintage Photoshop.
I have a 14 band graphic equaliser on my stereo, been part of the system for over 30 years and love it. Would like one these though - looks great!
I do know what equalizers are, but I didn't realize until I watched this video I will need one. Thanks for posting this :)
Love the look of this device which reminded me of the GXR-55 cassette deck from the same era. I owned one of those decks and it was a pretty neat bit of kit which even had the ability to be programmed to play tracks in your chosen order rather like a CD player but with the rather awkward inconvenience of waiting for fast forward or rewinds between tracks. Needless to say this was a function I never used!
I was lucky enough to have a Rotel graphic equaliser back in the day and agree that they are worth having. Loads of fun had experimenting with the sound. Just wish I had the room these days.
Thanks for making these videos. I always enjoy listening to your great English voice and you are such a great source of information. To to mention you inspire me to go back to vintage audio equipment.
Eq's are cool. Nothing I love more than coming home from a day in the recording studio and just slamming that bass. Anyway not all speakers are created equal. Sometimes you've got to get rid of that tinning high mid or boxy low mid sound. Have fun with it.
Thanks for another great review. It's amazing how much better a lot of the older technology is than the modern stuff. I suppose, these days, it's all about convenience at the expense of quality.
For all the purists (audio snobs) who hate any form of signal processing, Most people don't have the time,interest or money to have an acoustical engineer to build a custom listening room, Different speakers in different rooms usually sound better with some form of EQ. It seems environmenal, As I use EQ through my speakers, but not through headphones. Your mileage may vary!
yes ,this was purely commercial
I had a very similar JVC graphic equalizer that I bought to use with my Technics/JC Penny component system when I was in college (1986). My MCS system did not have remote control functionality so I purchased the JVC because it brought a full function remote control to the party. The JVC provided not just graphic eq/spectral visualizer but it also had loads of inputs and it gave me the coveted remote volume control. It was outstanding! The last time I saw it, the JVC was providing equalization and pre-amping for the live audio feed for a church based low-power FM radio station. I should contact them and see if they are still using it. ;-)
I just wanted to say that I really like your channel, and your work. Thank you very much!
I really enjoy your videos on old equipment, obsolete formats, etc. The fact that you're a middle aged British male is extra fun!
I had a graphic equalizer in my stereo in 1976: it was used in conjunction with a white noise generator to adjust the speakers so the room was equalized. Each band was tweaked and the response checked with a hand held purpose-built device that "read" each frequency band. It was quite a nice difference; I got used to the sound of an equalized room. I miss it.
Next video: get a white noise generator and adjust the equalization so that the room is equalized.
+Wes Clark good idea...I wouldn't have a clue where to start though.
+Techmoan Nowadays you can get an audio spectrum analyzer via a smartphone app. And a white noise generator is another smartphone app. So there's your follow up video for the cost of two smart phone apps!
This is the kind of video I love, very informative and in plain English.
EQ, gott have it! Love your videos, please keep them coming. My first experiences with equalizers was in the 80s at parties, not the best test environment I know, but after some time of experimenting with the sliders I was convinced that yes, Equalizers improve upon the sound to my hearing tastes. Now if you get into a discussion with one of those self proclaimed "audio purists", audio purists, lol "control freaks" is what they are. they will argue up and down you should listen to the music with a flat response. No plus or minus to the bass or treble and they also add with minimal amplification. I'm like hey that is why we all have our own minds man and to each their own, lol.
I'll try not to write a book here but I have used and experimented with a number of EQ's with various amounts of bands per channel. I found for myself, I really liked those that had at least 10 bands per side over those that only had 5 or 7. Most of these were used 70s models from ebay usually ADC, Pioneer or realistc but was often disappointed with that slider noise. I bought one new, a Radio Shack Realistic 10 band per ch but had to return it because every so many seconds, almost on cue it would make a popping sound.
In the late 90s I decided to buy a new EQ but do some research first, eventually settling on the Kenwood GE 7030. This was an all electronic model with no sliders and an awesome light show display and good audio specs. All adjustments were made with a jog wheel. It was only 7 bands per ch but I thought I could live with it because I would never get that slider noise. I found the jog wheel to be totally not user friendly. Adjusting the individual bands with the jog wheel was a tedious and slow process as compared to the rather straight forward approach of the traditional slider EQs. I also missed the extra bands, to me 7 just dosent divide up enough of the range.
I sold it on ebay and purchased a new toy, a DJ mixer and it had a 7 band EQ on board, mic jacks, reverb, etc. It was a cool toy but here again I wasnt happy with the 7 band EQ and most mixers specs arent up to par with decent Hi-Fi equipment and this was the case with mine, plus I often wanted to listen to music without playing DJ and didnt want to have to turn on the mixer in order to use the EQ.
My brother saved the day for me for a while. He gave me his old ADC 12 band per ch and it had no slider noise. I used it for a few years but it eventually died on me. I went without an EQ for a long time but then picked up a couple used ones, one an 80s Pioneer, works great with my main stereo, 10 bands per ch and no slider noise. The other I use with my computer stereo is and ADC, it also 10 bands. It has a little noise in the sliders but I just swish it up and down a couple times and it clears out.
It isnt a book but maybe its a short story and there is of course more to this story. Equalizers were maybe as popular as ever until the multi channel surround sound took over the home audio market. A few brands offered multi channel EQs but they were too expensive for the average Joe and those surround systems really werent designed to be used with EQs.
There is one market, probably where EQs got there start and are still use them today. The Pro audio and DJ market. There are many brands available and if I ever decide to buy another new EQ thats the way I'm gong to go. Many of these have excellent specs and at the entry to mid levels arent all that expensive. You just have to make sure the model you choose has unbalanced audio jacks like home equipment.
Kenwood was the name for middle/high range systems in the mid 80's early 90's. It wasn't Bang & Olufsen, but it was rock solid. I still have and use my Kenwood KR-V7040 receiver that I got in 1992 and everything still works, even the remote. The sound is amazing and radio reception is fantastic as well. It's probably the best piece of a/v hardware that I own and it's over 25 years old!
I love your videos on old electronic and audio equipment. On the other hand, it kinda makes me sad about all of the old stuff I had and either threw or gave away.
Nice equalizer. I love your vids. You always show radios and stuff from an era in which these were very populair and their quality was way better than what you can buy now these days. I really love these stuff. I don't want a soundbar. I myself have a 2 x 10 bands equalizer with 2 spectrum analyzers. Brand Pioneer. Model GR-777 and it has a remote controle. Another equalizer i have is a graphic/parametric equalizer from the brand Kenwood. It has a big FL display that shows a wide spectrum analyzer and other info. It also has presets and manual settings just like the Pioneer has. The model of the Kenwood is GE-7030. Both working great.
Man i love your channel
I had that exact equalizer. My dad bought the whole stereo back in the mid 80's and gave it to me after he divorced my mother. I kept it for another 15 or 16 years until someone broke into my house and stole all my audio equipment. I loved that thing. I used to have so much fun recording DVD's onto tape and "improving" the audio the way I wanted when I recorded the music to tape. It worked great when I would hook up my consoles to the stereo too. I really miss my equalizer. I should look into building a full size stereo again. I realloy hate these tiny sound systems that became popular in the early 00's.
It works nicely with the HX-2 cassette deck, and that has been a real workhorse for me despite the slightly different controls Americans are used to. I've owned a number of Akai products over the years.
I have an awesome equalizer built into my laptop which even makes the internal speakers sound good. But using the headphone jack, I plug it into my home stereo system and it is fantastic. I have extreme control over the sound and I hear instruments playing that I never knew were there before. This is the "Waves Audio" on the Dell computer.
Love your channel. Saw your episode on the Dennon turntable. Made me nostalgic for the Dennon DP-1200 I had circa 1982 or thereabouts. Keep up the great work. Thanks.
Can u make a full list of ur audio system components??
Love your channel, been watching for awhile and just wanted to thank you for all the hard work you put in to bring everyone interesting and informative content!
Also, thanks for this video, in particular. I've been looking for a good graphic EQ for my turntable setup for awhile (like you, I have all silver components) and this sold me on the Akai EA-E7 but I had trouble finding one. I tried a few others but nothing worked quite the way I wanted (on a new unit, there was crackle on the sliders and when the EQ was enabled, there was high-pitched background noise!) or had lackluster displays - so when I stumbled upon one on eBay I had to snatch it up! Got it for a decent price as well. It should arrive early next week and I'm excited to add it to my rack! And since you ran through the basic functionality here, I should be using it to the full extent right away.
By the way, I discovered you through your 'MiniDisc Appreciation' video and I agree, they were a fantastic bit of technology!
3 years later… how did it turn out? Did you receive the unit? Did it match your expectations and use case?
@@alkestos I did! Been part of my rig ever since. It definitely is nice to tweak the sound for perfect frequency mix and the presets are a nice touch. Visuals are still better than anything built into hardware that I've seen since. I did a lot of exploring and this was the right buy, 100%.
Oh my god, I had this one! I recognized it as soon as I saw the thumbnail!
Owned it. Loved this piece and the display was the cherry on top.
Great as always! I have always loved the fringe audio as well. Like when the dcc came out, I wanted and still want one! Thanks!
Graphic Equalizers used to work pretty well when setting up a sound system using pink noise, better still were the Parametric Equalizers, but not many people could afford them, I for sure couldn't....and never forget the golden rule, the best speakers can sound worse than the worst speakers...it all depends on the room, that's why they made all the fun gismo's in the 80's, and fun it was !
I honestly thought for 25 years or so I'm into music entertainment, that equalizers and graphical visualization of the audio signal is a professional high-end thing that anybody who wants the best music reproduction possible would want. Only a couple of months ago I found out that most of the ultra trve audiophiles out there nowadays hate tone adjustments and want expansive but "simple" plug 'n' play systems with flat sounds... Do I have problems with my memories or was it really a different audio mentality in the 1990's?
I would advise you to not even care. I've been into high end hi-fi audio for the last 10 years and in all that time let me tell you the most important thing that I've learned. That's the only thing that matters about the sound of your system is how you enjoy it.
If you've got a system and you've got five equalizers hooked up and you enjoy it then that is all that matters.
Absolutely love your videos. they seem to hit on everything id expect and want. keep up the great work!
I had a Kenwood reverb in the mid to late 80s. I remember using it sometimes to create a kind of sound stage for some music. Sometimes it was kinda cool.
Another great EQ/Visualizer is the Panasonic SG-750. Nice clean equalization with an excellent spectrum visualizer. And if you can find the original microphone, it will even work as a system analyzer with a pink noise generator built in.
Couldn't agree more re equalisers (from 4:30 onwards). The hi-fi units I had in the late 80s/early 90s both had them; I miss being able to "shape" the sound to how I want it. We seem to have gone back to "basic" Bass and Treble dials now!
As promised more retro audio equipment : ) Great vid as always
Many thanks for your video on Hi-Fi audio. I'm interested in audio technology from 80-90 years. I'm watching you on a regular basis.
I had sound issues with my 2.1 system in my kitchen. An (analog) equalizer which i could buy for only around 10 bucks solved the problem to my satisfaction. So they're still very useful even though they're not that popular anymore.
love these video as well.. that is when stereos where made really well and sounded really good.. I sure hope they go back to making stereos systems like that again!!!
This is going to sound very strange, but you seem such a genuine guy, I think I'd watch your videos no matter what you uploaded (within reason! lol) - thank you for your content :)
+LogicalMelodies That's exactly what I thought a few weeks ago. I subbed him even though it's not really my type of content. Regardless, I've enjoyed every video since. This one was a bit off the mark though because I don't like anything Kenwood or Akai or Akia...who cares. Back to retro gaming...
man, i want to go to your house and listen to music in all those weird formats and crazy setups you have.
i've really started to get interesting in trying out a mini-dac for room correction purposes. one of those in combination with a manually controllable equalizer (like this) sounds even better
I have that exact same model Pioneer receiver! I bought it new back in 1981, I think. Until I saw this video, I'd never seen one other than my own.
that was a pricey device in its day, still sounds great. always enjoy your videos
I found your channel a few days ago and I absolutely love your videos!
I love using graphic equalizers, its a necessity unless maybe you have a purpose built room for listening and high end components, maybe... It helps so much to get the best of the audio out of your equipment. I use the more traditional slider type.
Graphic Equalisers are good for adjusting the sound for the listener. So say you prefer BASS then pump it up, or you want it more warm then bring up some of the middle. Need it sharper then push up some near the top frequencies. The choice is yours. When working on my own music I have all external EQ off, but when listening to music anything goes.
So in short:
Making music = EQ off.
Listening to music = EQ on.
That's how I tend to us EQ.
I had EQ when I was younger, I think in general that EQ is not a good idea but we all have differs taste
I have however always been fascinated by EQ, especially those from the 80s.
love boombox to, hope you make a video about a giant boombox, preferably with built-in TV.fantastic time, love it
Awesome! Another Great video! :D
Omg it's Jarrett! Best wishes from r/vinyljerk! ❤
Can't help thinking of the Not The 9 o'clock News Hi-Fi shop sketch!
Would you like slimline mayonnaise with that?
HUGE fan. Keep up the good work. Always informed and entertained by your videos.
Eqaulizers are a must to make a tape deck sound good, great video 🔈🔉🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊
I tried to find an Akai EA-A7 on ebay but there aren't any available. So, I went for a Technics SH-8055 instead. I'll probably record a video about it when it arrives. I don't have a Technics setup, I have Pioneer from the Blue Line era, but I think the SH-8055 will compliment it nicely (silver face, blue display). I do really like that Akai, though... the display is awesome!
I'd love to have a pint with this man
I posses Pioneer GR777 and for me the graphic equalizers is necessary for costumers which own entry level HiFi components because EQ dramatically improve the sound of system.The dynamic range and tone spectrum is quite bigger.
Nothing beats a Professional 31 Band rack mount graphic.
You don't get the kind of control you REALLY need from only 5 bands of EQ.
But each to their own, Audio is subjective, if it sounds good to the listener, then job done.
I had the whole exact AKAI set way back then. Phono tape amp and EQ. Very nice system till it got outdated. Got 20 years use. We used the multi settings for the difference in the inside and deck speakers. The system after this that I replaced it with I put in a cabinet with good air flow. I thought was a good idea. Till it got a baby bottle of apple juice slowly dripped into it. When my kid shoved his bottle in the cabinet on top of the amp. Where it couldn't easily be seen and let all the pixies and smoke out.
I have a lot of old ferric cassettes and they sound terrible when I play them normal but when I adjust the graphic eq so it makes the high frequencies play louder and the low softer the cassettes sound incredible for a ferric one!
love this stuff, in 80 and 90 we had alot great audio/video equipment, but today you get a plastic box with one button and one blue led..... BOOORRRIIIINNNNNNGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!