dbx 1231 Graphic EQ Review

[The Guy who cares]

The DBX Equalizer for music works best with Rotel's RC-1590 Preamp and Rotels RB-1582MKII Power Amplifier. The Sony-az7000es with music isn't as clean and has less upper bass, the bass with the Sony is a little muddy and the Midrange Frequencies are a little Mashed together. The Rotel Combo actually should sound better as the dual cost more than the Sony-az7000es. The Sony is a Multichannel home Theater Receiver. The Rotel dual is only Stereo, ... 2 channels. Movies also sound better on the Rotel Dual than the Sony-az7000es. Just sit in the sweat spot and Wow! Then Rotel blows away the Sony. Most important if you like Dramas and movies with a Good Story. Voices are more realistic.

 

[Ted B]

I happened across this discussion via a Google search and enjoyed reading through it. Coincidentally, I bought a dbx 2231 - the slightly fuller featured version of the 1231 to audition after being less than satisfied with the DSP route. The dbx is inserted between the DAC and power amp, with balanced XLR interconnects throughout, and everything powered through a line conditioner. I've used this EQ effectively with the help of REW to obtain the desired response curve at my listening position and have been completely satisfied. I've found the gain controls and dBu indicators make compensations for different recording levels quick and easy, with no perceptible degradation of signal, detail, soundstage, etc. One classical recording I can play with peaks around 100dB ends abruptly to a background that is completely black and devoid of audible hiss, even with my efficient (96dB) speakers. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but mine is an EQ of sufficient quality has a place in HiFi audio.

One perhaps greedy thought I had just recently was if the op amps were worth an upgrade just to see if it would make a perceptible difference. The dbx 2231 schematics show JRC4560s in the filter section and NE5532s on the outputs, which appear to be decent. I've also seen where some (likely older) models in this series had JRC4558 in the filter section and one intrepid soul began replacing all 18 with NE5532, although I didn't see the verdict posted.

 

[The Guy who cares]

I happened across this discussion via a Google search and enjoyed reading through it. Coincidentally, I bought a dbx 2231 - the slightly fuller featured version of the 1231 to audition after being less than satisfied with the DSP route. The dbx is inserted between the DAC and power amp, with balanced XLR interconnects throughout, and everything powered through a line conditioner. I've used this EQ effectively with the help of REW to obtain the desired response curve at my listening position and have been completely satisfied. I've found the gain controls and dBu indicators make compensations for different recording levels quick and easy, with no perceptible degradation of signal, detail, soundstage, etc. One classical recording I can play with peaks around 100dB ends abruptly to a background that is completely black and devoid of audible hiss, even with my efficient (96dB) speakers. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but mine is an EQ of sufficient quality has a place in HiFi audio.

One perhaps greedy thought I had just recently was if the op amps were worth an upgrade just to see if it would make a perceptible difference. The dbx 2231 schematics show JRC4560s in the filter section and NE5532s on the outputs, which appear to be decent. I've also seen where some (likely older) models in this series had JRC4558 in the filter section and one intrepid soul began replacing all 18 with NE5532, although I didn't see the verdict posted.

Dbx 2231 has been discontinued however the 1231 is still on going. The DBX lower equalizers are no longer black but only in brushed aluminum silver. The silver would be better as easier to see in a dimly light room. However they still don't have led lights on the sliders which I think is a Absolute Must. The 1231 is unfortunately only available in Black. I also want 4 screw on feet to each of the Equalizers, a nice touch for table mount applications.

 

[The Guy who cares]

 

[The Guy who cares]

The Equalizer is still obviously working and issue free after all these months.

 

[The Guy who cares]

I still have Zero issues with this Equalizer after about three months of use. I never turn the dbx 1231 off either and it never gets hot, slightly warm to the touch is all.

 

[The Guy who cares]

I added this equalizer dbx-131s to my Surround channels (Surround not back) I was surprised on the build quality it's excellent. It works well and improves the sound as expected.
i

 

[The Guy who cares]

 

[The Guy who cares]

My advice adding Pro Audio Equipment to Home Audio works really well. So anyone who thought about doing this. Do it 100%

 

[Chrise36]

Can you try it with headphones on?

 

[Angel II]

Can you try it with headphones on?

I can reassure you that the DBX 1231 is also perfect with headphones.

 

[stoo23]

The Equalizer is still obviously working and issue free after all these months.

As it should remain, .... for Many Years !!

 

[Chrise36]

I can reassure you that the DBX 1231 is also perfect with headphones.

No hiss no sound degradation when you turn it on?

 

[Angel II]

No hiss no sound degradation when you turn it on?

I do these types of tests with Sony MDR-1AM2 closed headphones and a room isolated from external noise. With the track paused and the V200 volume at 75% of its total range (if the track starts I die). I confirm that under these conditions I do not hear any type of parasitic noise due to the equalizer. Test performed by connecting/disconnecting cables (with or without DBX). Closed headphones are unforgiving of hum and other types of noise.

 

[The Guy who cares]

I just bought two of these DBX 131S, I added them to my Centre Channel for both Home Theater (livingroom) and for music. I have two large full range speakers one above my Television and one below my Television. For that reason I needed two equalizers to balance the sound to the centre of the Television screen. I am very happy with the outcome. Funny thing is my Bass has greatly improved, my quess the dio corrected the rooms bass cancelation effects.

 

[The Guy who cares]

I just bought two of these DBX 131S, I added them to my Centre Channel for both Home Theater (livingroom) and for music. I have two large full range speakers one above my Television and one below my Television. For that reason I needed two equalizers to balance the sound to the centre of the Television screen. I am very happy with the outcome. Funny thing is my Bass has greatly improved, my quess the dio corrected the rooms bass cancelation effects.View attachment 361644

What surprises me is how well built the DBX Equalizers are, they are solid and actually have a nice weight to them sonsidering their size.

 

[Doodski]

What surprises me is how well built the DBX Equalizers are, they are solid and actually have a nice weight to them sonsidering their size.

I've handled several dBX pieces and they all where very well constructed. Really well.

 

[stoo23]

Well, it has to be suggested that ALL of their 'Pro' equipment is similarly built and designed to cope with the 'Rigors' of being 'On the Road' as it were.
I have never had ANY issues with any of their equipment and had one of the 2231 units providing the overall 'House Curve' on my Mayer system in a small (144 seat) Theatre style Auditorium, I looked after A/V in for over 25 years, without 'issue' and it is still working perfectly as far as I am aware.

With reference to some of the earlier discussion regarding Parametric EQ's, EASILY My favoutrte Parametric EQ, is the Orban Parasound 622B (along with others in the 600series), easily one of THE Best analogue Parametrics ever available.
Wonderfully Narrow Q, excellent phase control and extraordinary Cut and Boost levels,.. - ∞ to +16 !!

There is also their 672 Mono & 674 Stereo Paragraphic EQ

 

[Chrise36]

Has anyone experience with the Klark teknik DN 370 because I saw it has variable q instead of the fixed q of the dbx but what about noise? Which of the two to eq headphones?

 

[Chrise36]

I can reassure you that the DBX 1231 is also perfect with headphones.

What connections did you use in your chain? I would like to use rca from my dac should i use rca to ts or trs?