Got a chance to bag a mint-condition SEQ-50 for a reasonable price. Always been curious/tempted to have one in the collection, especially as I love tweaking pb for different headphones. DBB is laudible on some Walkmans so I'd be interested in seeing if this will bring any sonic benefits. The only thing I'm concerned about is the lack of any gain compensation. I'm used to cutting or boosting gain depending on EQ settings so I would assume there will be some distortion if over-boosting certain frequencies. Or is compensation automatic/built-in with this device? Any owners of the SEQ-50 experience any distortion on playback? Anyone made any measurements?
well i have never had one of these but have used multiple equ's linked to each other with for years with no issues like you speak of so you may be ok, good luck
I have one of these. I found using it to be much the same as if the walkman you're connecting it to had a 5-band EQ - i.e. if you max the bass slider & push the volume, distortion will result, but only if you push it too far. As mentioned, the lowest slider is 100Hz so don't expect earth-shaking bass to be boosted with it. Also, it does introduce a very small amount of hiss when active. I did like the ability to bypass it, to compare your EQ setting with the original sound.
I would love to see a retro remake in the form of a portable DAC with some sliders, and a small screen
I should have updated this thread to say that the one that originally presented itself got snatched away by somebody else eventually. Well, the search went on. Albeit a bit half-heartedly, until a couple of weeks ago and over 2 years after my search began when I spotted one on my weekly trawl using hi-fi shark. A '100% working, good condition' one advertised on ebay for €200. It's been a while since I've seen one on the radar for anything under that price point so I took the plunge and bought it. Couldn't be happier. It meets expectations and works great in combination with my various portable amps. Without an amp you're really at the mercy of whatever meagre device output you're using with the added caveat that the SEQ-50 does add a soupson of hiss as reliably reported by other owners. No problem for me however and when placed in the middle of the signal path between source and my Fiio Mont Blanc amp the hiss is actually diminished or hidden somewhat. Tried it out first on my TC-D5M and works great. Currently listening to some Ian Brown on my D3 and performs equally tiptop. I always wanted a bit of a bass boost using these portables aswell as a bit more control over the mid frequencies and the SEQ-50 really facilitates that admirably. Sonic heaven. Well, as far as analogue tape can provide that!
It blows my mind how some of the accessories are going for big money now. Great photos, it looks like it's happy now cranking some sonic pixies....
If you paid £200 for your one, I'm glad I found mine at a boot sale for £3! I have to admit I don't use it much, but it does make a difference when you do.
It's truly bonkers. Have you seen what Sony portable MDR headphones go for these days? Insane in the membrane! Lucky find! I love those kind of stories. I got a lucky find at a 'rommelmarkt' (jumble sale) here in NL a few years ago; 5 NOS Sony Metal ES cassettes for five European Euros each. I went giddy and shivered with disbelief at the sight. My gf who was with me thought I'd sh!t my pants when I looked at her with an expression of disbelief and shock. hahahaa I swiftly moved in and offered the seller his asking price and as he was an 'older gent' I gave him an extra 'pony' to which he initially refused but I insisted and then I scurried away, clutching the booty with both hands. lol I think it was a win-win for both parties. The collection is bourgeoining nicely these days.
