Adding parametric eq to existing system.

[Arnotjie]

Hi, long time lurker, first time poster.

I currently run a Cambridge audio evo75 as an input source and amplification. I would like to add a paramtric eq or even something with room correction like dirac to the system.

Is there any way to add this without the parametric eq becoming the main input source?

I mainly use the evo to play lossless tracks from apple music via airplay, as well as watching tv via the eARC input. I also occasionally listen to vinyl using an external phono preamp to one of the rca inputs.

As the evo already has all the inputs and functions that I need, as well as a very reliable (albeit basic) app, and some niceties like displaying the album art. It feels like a waste to bypass all of this and use it solely as a power amplifier, just to add a simple eq.

But as far as I understand, the EQ will have to be upstream of the evo, and as such, i will have to find something with all inputs and features mentioned above? Is this correct, or is there another way?

Thanks

 

[staticV3]

Hi @Arnotjie! Welcome to ASR.

How are you feeding audio into the Evo 75?

 

[Arnotjie]

Hi @Arnotjie! Welcome to ASR.

How are you feeding audio into the Evo 75?

Hey mate, I accidentally hit the post button too early. I’ve just edited the original post, with a bit more detail.

 

[staticV3]

Is there any way to add this without the parametric eq becoming the main input source?

No, unfortunately.

But as far as I understand, the EQ will have to be upstream of the evo, and as such, i will have to find something with all inputs and features mentioned above? Is this correct, or is there another way?

Correct. Without opening up the Cambridge and modifying it, there is no other way.

 

[Arnotjie]

Okay, thanks, I figured as much.

 

[FreakyKiwi]

You could use Music Assistant to control playback and apply peq there. MA supports Apple Music as a source too, and is free.

Music Assistant

Music Assistant is a music library manager for local and streaming providers

www.music-assistant.io

 

[PolarisPrime]

@FreakyKiwi @staticV3

Since the topic is "Adding parametric eq to existing system" I thought about adding the question here.
a seperate streamer, a seperate DAC and a seperate headphone amp and a Sennheiser HD800S.

This headset really sounds better to me with EQ
Through roon I can use Muse to EQ, and this setting is then saved whenever streaming through roon on my mobile. Great!
So not needing a laptop everytime and I am thinking about the lilfetime sub. But it is expensive.

What are the alternatives?
1) Hardware with physical EQ sliders - Dual Channel xx Band Graphic Equalizer e.g. https://www.ebay.com/itm/405181938898
2) Or buy a new streamer where this is done internally?
3) tinkering with Rasberrypi is not for me - want out of the box solution

What are your thoughts?

 

[FreakyKiwi]

For my headphone station I use a Wiim Pro, using the built in EQ, and an SMSL DL200 DAC/HP AMP

I use Music Assistant as my source for local files (From my NAS) using Squeezelite, but the Wiim supports most streaming services directly.

 

[barza]

@FreakyKiwi @staticV3

Since the topic is "Adding parametric eq to existing system" I thought about adding the question here.
a seperate streamer, a seperate DAC and a seperate headphone amp and a Sennheiser HD800S.

This headset really sounds better to me with EQ
Through roon I can use Muse to EQ, and this setting is then saved whenever streaming through roon on my mobile. Great!
So not needing a laptop everytime and I am thinking about the lilfetime sub. But it is expensive.

What are the alternatives?
1) Hardware with physical EQ sliders - Dual Channel xx Band Graphic Equalizer e.g. https://www.ebay.com/itm/405181938898
2) Or buy a new streamer where this is done internally?
3) tinkering with Rasberrypi is not for me - want out of the box solution

What are your thoughts?

You could take a look at the Topping DX5ii, which is a combo DAC/Headphone AMP/Preamp which has built in EQ.

 

[Panzrwagn]

Your amp has preamp outputs but no power amp inputs or what used to be called a tape monitor or external processor loop. So, no.