Hook Up!

[TCC 11]

Hello...Can someone please tell me the correct way to hook up a Carver M500t , C1 to a Graphic EQ and a DBX 4BX??

[Ar9Jim 6,520]

Hello,

Here is the C1 manual. It covers the hook up pretty well and explains the processor loop for the accessories. 

 

https://thecarversite.com/manuals/mandir/Carver C-1 owner manual.pdf

[BobTFM35 3,116]

Welcome to the site. 

 

What make/model is the Graphic EQ? Do you have the manual for the 4BX?

 

Are you using it with a tape deck?

Edited December 11, 2023 by BobTFM35

[AndrewJohn 11,017]

Welcome to the site, @TCC.  Glad you found us.

 

@Ar9Jim is correct, follow the manual for putting the EQ and 4BX in series in the processor loop.  If you want them switchable separately, you could use the tape loop for one - but that is more advanced.

[3M_Audio 2,318]

Welcome @TCC!

[TCC 11]

Hi Everyone,,,Thanks for the responses,,

 

M500t  AMP

C1         PRE AMP

DBX4BX  EXPANDER

JVE SEA-M9   EQ

NO Tape Deck..

 

Should the EQ go before the DBX ??  or vice versa??

 

[BobTFM35 3,116]

I don't know what the EQ that you have is to answer the question correctly according to the documentation that's available in the 4BX manual. If you don't have the manual it is available here. 

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1936693/Dbx-4bx.html#manual

Look at page 14.

 

Since I have the dbx200x (program route selector) it afforded me the opportunity to do a little research. One would have to determine if the EQ is an Automatic EQ or, for lack of proper terminology, a normal Manual EQ.

 

In the dbx200x manual is this usage note section. Also read the Dynamic-Range Expanders section.

 

I think that the JVC SEA-M9 is an automatic EQ so it should go b4 the dbx4BX in the signal path.

 

Only my suggestion. 

 

[AndrewJohn 11,017]

11 hours ago, TCC said:

Should the EQ go before the DBX ??  or vice versa??

 

Your question is quite unique to your gear.  So, I don't think that a "right or wrong" answer is out there - just opinion after experimention of similar set-ups.  After reading all the docs and suggestions, I still think as noted before, you need to try it one way, then the other way, and see which way works best for you.

 

To be sure, your source, your DAC, you room/environment, your preferred listening genre..., all those factors will affect your "best" configuration setup too.

 

Note that I think (please check the documentation you have on them) these processor components you have all take line level input and give line-level output via the RCA jacks.  so there is (should be) no harm in experimenting with different setup configuration ordering.

 

Simply thinking though this, If you have the EQ, squelching or amplifying some frequencies in-line BEFORE the 4bx expander, you are feeding it attenuated levels of some frequencies - which stands to reason that the 4BX will be limited in how much it can expand those frequencies.  If you have it the other way around, expanding the raw inline signal first with the 4BX, you then have the EQ doing more to adjust the frequencies to fit your room...  Best to experiment.

 

Honestly, it seems like the two units will be fighting each other.  Note that an EQ is not an "amplifier" so adjustments it makes are to attenuate the gain it is fed from the source.  

 

You mentioned earlier that people have given you different/conflicting suggestions  - I think you are getting conflicting opinion because people have configured this different ways, via experimentation.  Like a  lot of things in this hobby, you have to try a few things out to test what is best for your setup, listening room, etc.

[TCC 11]

Thank you all for your suggestions, I have a few more days of work, and then I'm on vacation for a few weeks. That will give me plenty of time to experiment!

I will keep you posted on the outcome.

Enjoy your holidays! and thanks for your wisdom!

[AndrewJohn 11,017]

@TCC, I see you posted the same question on FB, and someone else gave a pretty informed answer based on some documentation. 

 

After experimenting, we'd love it if you could post what you found worked best for your setup, room, other components, etc.

 

One great thing about the TCS Forums is that solutions to the kinds of questions you asked, are persistent, and this will help the next guy.  Facebook Groups, of course, lose threads, are not searchable, and a week from now, no one will see your post.

 

Thanks in advance!

[TCC 11]

This is the advise I rcvd on the CARVER FB PAGE::

David Crandon

Ahh...here's where my old knowledge comes into play. I was actually an audiophile when all these products were introduced. I would have loved to have a 4BX!! Anyway...It's C1->DBX4BX->EQ->M500t. And...it needs to be done through the tape monitor or external processor. loop. The DBX is affected by overall levels and frequency response. Hence, it must be before the EQ so EQ changes don't affect the DBX operation. For the same reason, it needs to be in the tape monitor loop so changes in volume level and tone controls of the C1 don't affect the DBX operation. They could go in the tape loop or the processor loop, but both need to be in the same one. Generally, you'll put the DBX in the Tape Monitor loop and then connect the EQ into the Tape Monitor loop of the DBX. This would allow you to do A/B comparisons with and without the EQ, by switching the Tape Monitor of the DBX on and off. And because both are in the tape loop of the C1, you can do A/B comparisons using the C1's switch.

 

[TCC 11]

David was right on the money,,,Its the best its ever sounded.

 

I started this project a year ago,,between my work sched and everyday bullcrap it took some time but its back up an humming like never before.

The Carver C1 & M500t were sent to Nelion Audio  C1 Restore and Bill D Upgrade. M500t mkll upgrade and Restore.

My Klipsch Chorus ll's were purchased in 1996 and were originally black, I stripped and sanded, rebuilt the risers gave it a light stain and 4 coats of clearcoat.

JVC SEA M9 and the DBX 4BX are all original. Its no where near as elaborate as some of the setups here but its my Audio Heaven!

Once again thank you all for your advice and support. 

[TCC 11]