Sony SEQ-711 Graphic Equalizer - A Visually Awesome Spectrum Analyzer

[@Techrewinds]

Wow, that's the equalizer I sold you on eBay what a small world haha great video by the way!

[@TechStuff1]

Yup, that’s me! Thanks!

[@Audiomainia2310]

Great review - Im building my vintage system again / I have a Layfayette LR-5555A receiver refurbished and in mint condition. But Im having a hard time finding any of those eq's with spectrum analyzer in pristine condition. If you come across one, could you contact me?

[@jamesrevell6475]

I've been searching for an eq/spectrum analyzer for years. Back in 1992 I gave my old stereo system to my sister because I was building a new home entertainment system and I didn't think it was necessary. Well, 20 years later I'm trying to build my dream home stereo system and to my surprise audio visualizers are non existent today. Last Christmas at dinner with her and the rest of my family I was talking about donating some items to Good Will. My sister asked if I would get those old stereo components out of her shed and donate those as well. "You still have that old Kenwood system!" I screamed in jubilation. She said I could have it all. If only she knew I would have paid handsomely $ for it all. All the components were a little dusty but otherwise in mint condition just like they were given to her 20 years ago. Best Christmas present I could have asked for. Kenwood GE-5010

[@TechStuff1]

That’s a great story with a wonderful ending! I was also surprised at the lack of spectrum analyzers in today’s market, and I’m finding that I often have to look backwards to get the audio equipment I want.

[@francescodecesare4447]

Hello my name is Francesco and I am writing them from Italy because turning to KZbin I came across this video where we talk about the SONY SEQ-711. I purchased it back in July 1994 along with other SONY Hi-Fi components and I'm excited. After all, I have been buying Sony products since 1978, so I know the products very well and I have had many. Ok I liked to have my say on this equalizer and now I greet you.

[@khaledkhan1741]

I thought I was the only one felt this way. Because no one at all complains about the lack of visually pleasing devices anymore. God Bless you, Man! I am currently collecting SONY ES series together with rosewood panels. Although I do not think that series ever came with any Equalizer, I am planning for SEQ-711. And that is how found your video while researching.

[@masonb9788]

I'm with you! it was magic walking into those stores and drooling over all the components.

[@卡拉永遠OK唱不完]

I just got a Kenwood GE-89 and its one of the greatest graphic equalizer i owned.

[@edgarsekis790]

Bought mine in 97'', still using it to this day!

[@23ofSeptember]

I'm slowly building a vintage Sony ES system. The stuff with the wooden side panels. Of course, I want the stuff to be in good shape. I have an ESXII amp and an ES tuner so far. The SEQ V9900 is next on my list.

[@ProfessorOzone]

I like it a lot. The way I see it, who are "purists" to tell you what you like. I really enjoy the way you are unapologetically attracted to blinky lights. I like them too and I really love the way the meter lingers at the peak of each band. Kudos!

[@anthonycoleman3019]

I've had this equalizer since 1993. Still works perfectly love it !

[@TechStuff1]

It’s a fantastic equalizer - built to last!

[@anthonycoleman3019]

Yes it is ! Mine looks in perfect shape just like yours.Very Rare

[@LA-db9xj]

Man you nailed it talking about the "cool factor". I just finished breaking out my old gear. I've set up a designated music listening-station. Teac X-2000R reel-to-reel, Sony receiver, Sony CD player, Sony double cassette player, Technics sl-qd3 turntable, Bose 501s Series lll speakers and wait for it. Even a Pioneer H-R99 8 track player. Somewhere along the line my Sony equalizer got a way from me. But I had replaced it with a AudioSource EQ 200 10 band spectrum analyzer. It actually has a really nice display. 20 red lit sliders, 20 "cool" dancing green and red bars and 6 red and green push-button controls. Makes for a nice relaxing effect, especially with the lights out. Thanks for the video. Now I know I'm not the only one. Lol!

[@TechStuff1]

You’re definitely not alone, I love this old stuff too!

[@noninomario]

I like the equalizers with spectrum analyzer. I have 2 Pioneer GR 777, a Technics GE 90, GE 70, E 85 and E65, a Sansui SE 8 and a Kenwood GE 850. I have to do a video with all of them.

[@TechStuff1]

You’ve got quite a collection - I’m jealous!

[@pharmdogg02]

Very cool! I think I feel the exact same way about seeing those dancing lights just like when I was a kid with my dad at Circuit City haha. Now I need to find one. Thanks for narrowing it down to the best units and I agree I like the way the Sony looks the best. It should go nicely with my CA7ES changer

[@tomryan943]

I have a Numark equalizer that I bought in the 70s, and it does have the blinking frequency lights. I just ordered a manual for it, but I still want to learn how to set the knobs for the best sound.

[@bwiles12]

Awsome video! Looking for one myself, willing to pay but would like pristine. Love the ones that leave the frequency bar line at the top before it fades. Thanks for sharing!

[@TechStuff1]

Thank you! There’s still some great units out there, patience is definitely the most helpful thing in finding the right one.

[@faizalvodacom1611]

I got a Sony Double Cassette Deck stored away. Miss those days with those displays

[@gsac12]

Nice EQ! I have the Technics SH-GE70 myself and love it.

[@johnbowick7109]

I realize this is year late, but you might want to check out JVC SEA 80. I have one and live it, but my theme is late 70’s silver face and it looks like yours is early 80’s black face. The SEA 80 only has one spectrum graph, but has push switches to either look at left and right channels separately or combined. Liked the video by the way.

[@GnatGoSplat]

I love your story, I was exactly that kid as well. Your Sony is pretty nice, but I think the "holy grail" of consumer graphic equalizers is the Sansui SE-99.

[@TechStuff1]

That Sansui is a gorgeous equalizer!

[@joesphbaumgardner4579]

Older Sony stuff was nice. I own 3 Kenwood GE-4030 eqs. I use one. The other is just lighting. The 3rd is new in the box. All 3 are mint looking and I love them. Try a 4030 and you will love. As for people asking how to hook up a eq to newer stuff without a tape in option. Invest in a mixer sound board etc. I have all my old and new stuff on a 7ch mixer.

[@haroldalexis4200]

One word that describes this is : Excellent , Very Well done. 👍✅

[@gomerito]

Muchas gracias por compartir tu vídeo. Desde que en 1987 compré mi primer radiocassette Crown SZ2130, con su pequeño vumeter Led, me enamoré de los ecualizadores con sus barras luminosas. Desde entonces tengo algunos ecualizadores Akai, Kenwood, AIWA o Sony entre otros .

[@VenomousB6U6R6N]

I'm looking into building a graphic equalizer spectrum analyzer, didn't realize I would need two!

[@dervwfahrer]

I am also a Equalizer Nerd. My Points were 1: Dual Display 2: Beginning from 35hz or less (cause i have a pair of huge THX Atmos Subwoofers to feed). So far I own an 1 Display Sony SEQ-310 (64Hz~), an 1 Display Onkyo EQ-240 (Starts also at 64Hz~), an 2 Displays Pioneer GR-555 (Starts also at 64Hz) AT least and so far i use an old First Gen Sony Esprit SEQ-333ES 10 Band.. Only 1 Row of buttons and also only 1 Display "BUT" 31,5Hz to feed my Woofers. And the Sound is what matters the most.

[@dimancheulvaeus2570]

Needful thing. I buy same model one year ago price about 120 bucks in perfect condition and working well. Nice review l👍

[@USAMP926C]

I hear you bro, I missed the blinky lights too. So I rebuilt an entire system. I love having it and will never sell it.

[@CareyMoulton]

a range control (+/-12 vs +/-6) is also useful, I prefer +/-12 as it presents a wider sound field. A microphone input is also helpful for room EQ and actuating the spectrum analyzer

[@neilbriscombe]

Frequency sweep is interesting in lack of channel crossover in spectral display. So those frequencies between band midpoints are not displayed at all. I think it would be better for Sony to give a choice to show those energies in between band in adjacent columns. Worse still the overall UV meter is a sum of the filters' center points it goes up and down with the sweep!?! There are a lot of common (but not universally the same) choices of frequencies. I think that's partly due to different manufacturers using the same 3rd party ICs. Really informative video thanks 😊

[@samuelvelez1643]

If your receiver does not have a dedicated input\ output for equalizers, you can still use the tape monitor function and voila!

[@wibli]

A spectrum analizer is like a peephole to the production stage of the music you are listening.

[@needthecoast]

Great video!🎉

[@dwj3005]

if the av receivers had spectrum analyzer that would be a great seller. I would be one to jump on that.

[@earlymorning00]

I really like analog spectrum analisers, but I really don't see the point in getting ones with separate channels. Morden music is mixed in such a way, so there is similar information on both channels, otherwise it sounds unpleasant. I think the is much more value in having more frequency bands in total, than having stereo separation

[@CrashCarson14]

Pretty cool! I’ve always wanted to get one of these but never been able to find a way to actually incorporate it in my setup. I have surround sound, using digital connections (hdmi/optical/coax). Most of these are analog, and can’t decode or pass bitstreams…I watch movies and listen to music. I do have an audio out on my receiver that uses optical? Will it pass stereo? Can I use the pre outs on my receiver even if I have speakers hooked up? I don’t know.

[@Tom55data]

Not everyone's cup of tea I purchased a large acrylic 14 band spectrum analyser standing about 14 inches wide and the inches high. It can change the colour ranges and satisfied my wish for that visual necessity from my youth. Cheaper than an old unit.

[@charlesmoeller-vu9nq]

Hope I get lucky finding this on Ebay,,,,...thank you for the education.

[@zcustomcarnesi]

I just bought one at a yard sale for $7 ...:)

[@tank4731]

Thanks for the awesome video! I am attempting a similar project myself!

[@TechStuff1]

Thank you - and good luck with your project!

[@tank4731]

@@TechStuff1 Just ordered my own 711! Any recommendations on what part of the chain to input it?

[@TechStuff1]

Excellent purchase! Since it’s only got two inputs to chose from, I’d recommend sending your most used equipment through it. For me, I have my turntable and tape deck connected to it. As a bonus, my tapedeck has a monitor-thru input, so I have a 1/4inch cord going through it to connect an iPhone, thereby making my tape deck a dual source.

[@Gökaygökler7]

I have a Sony Seq d705. The right screen brightness is less bright than the left screen. What could be the problem?

[@Dansero07]

Did you consider the Technics SH-GS70?

[@franciscoramoncleriguesrov7187]

Gracias por compartir experiencia y consejos…Justo ando buscando un ecualizador gráfico para mí equipo de música. Y además unos altavoces buenos…🤙🏼

[@gazarnott]

I got the Kenwood GE-76 for my 16th birthday back in 1987, it sat on the very top of all my Sony seperates as it was slightly narrower at 42cm wide and the Sony components were all 43cm wide. It looked so much nicer than the Sony model that was available in 1987, I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it as it had two Spectrum Analyzer screens and the Sony only had one and was only 7 band :( Oh and btw the Kenwood is a 10 BAND equalizer, as is the Pioneer GR-777 not Seven as I think you specified in your video? :)

[@davidtanguma6247]

How do you make the adjustments?

[@thompjo76]

I had this and have been searching. It was sold separate.

[@zcustomcarnesi]

I just bought one at a yard sale today for $7

[@thompjo76]

@@zcustomcarnesi dang wish I could have one again

[@samanimeguy23]

The JVC is pretty awesome

[@TechStuff1]

Agreed!

[@IVICABRKIC-b5s]

Until what year were such devices produced? Why are there no new ones on offer today?

[@TechStuff1]

I don’t remember seeing any equalizers like this (with the spectrum analyzer) after somewhere around 1995. Most eq was eventually integrated into the receiver amps which made these obsolete.

[@earlymorning00]

You can try BDS pp-13 or pp131

[@ingenfestbrems]

You should check technics sh8058

[@alexxbaudwhyn7572]

Bought mine at Best Buy circa 1993 Still like new complete with box

[@TechStuff1]

That’s awesome! These things were built to last!

[@pharmdogg02]

Want to sell?

[@robicelus]

I have the same Sony equalizer, together with other ES components. nothing matches the good SQ of these older units.

[@bwiles12]

Awsome!

[@psp8951]

Excellent review. Based on it, I picked up a (supposedly) very clean Sony SEQ-711. My problem? The display doesn't show any real time output unless the receiver's volume is at 80%+, which is an unlistenable level. Any volume level under that doesn't register on the display. I've reviewed the manual and it does not appear that there is any ability to adjust the display's level. I've looked under the hood and see no pots that would suggest that the level can be internally calibrated. All this leads me to believe there is a capacitor/transistor/resistor, etc., that has failed. I've looked at the service manual and schematics, but I am not knowledgeable enough to be able to identify what could be wrong. Did you have any issues with the levels of the active display? Thanks.

[@TechStuff1]

I didn’t have any issues with mine, and I tend to agree with you about a possible bad cap. The only thing I do differently is that I run my components direct instead of through the receiver, so perhaps a quick test going direct from a CD or tape deck right into the EQ might at least narrow down if it’s a signal issue or an internal component.

[@OZZY60S]

Just as a note, the Pioneer GR 777 has 10 band frequencies and not 7 as you mentioned, that is the reason why it is more expensive than the ones with 7 bands, I'm trying to decide what is the best but money is always a problem, do you think that it may be not a noticeable difference in sound performance between a 7 band and a 20 band equalizer?

[@TechStuff1]

I noticed that Pioneer had 10 bands shortly after I uploaded my video, but you are right to point it out. As far as a “more band” equalizer, I always felt that for a stereo, the fewer the bands the better. Once you start getting past 10 bands I feel those equalizers are better for individual instruments, like if you’re mixing instrument in a live setting. I don’t know, that’s just me though.

[@GPJeff]

Do you know of any modern receivers with a tape monitor / loop that will allow the use of an equalizer?

[@TechStuff1]

I don’t know of any. I think you’ll need to look to the vintage era for those.

[@bb81]

can you connect it with a yamaha as 1200 ?

[@IVICABRKIC-b5s]

Technics sh-ge70?

[@davidlynch433]

How do you connect these to a hifi system?.

[@TechStuff1]

Components are connected directly to the EQ. You can connect/switch between two components, but there is only one output.

[@dizzlebt]

Nice. I'm intrigued how the equaliser connects to the amp or visa versa? Is there a limit on what separates that you can have connected or does it just connect to the amp and the everything else connects to that?

[@TechStuff1]

There are only two inputs on the Equalizer, and one output that runs to the amp. I currently have my turntable and my aux cord (for the phone) in the two inputs, so if I want to play the tape through it I’d have to swap it with one of those.

[@dizzlebt]

@@TechStuff1 thanks I'll keep that in mind if I ever decide to get one

[@platinumtaxik1]

@@TechStuff1 on older receivers you hook the eq to tape 2 monitor incase you or anybody else didn't already know that. And just press tape 2 monitor on the receiver and the eq will equalize whatever is being played. I don't think any of the tube amps / receivers have tape 2 monitor so u have to hook it up the way u described. I'm talking about the receivers from the 80's and up , or basically any receiver with tape 2 monitor .

[@TechStuff1]

Ah ok, that’s good to know!

[@Guiltless765]

That JVC is awesome but a unicorn unfortunately.

[@zevs165]

Он с пультом идёт?

[@audiotalker4455]

да. с пультом

[@attn2020]

NEC controller ic

[@christiansenron4]

I have a sony seq v901 bought for £20

[@ziljanz7477]

My SEQ-711 died yesterday.

[@TechStuff1]

Noooooo! So Sad!😢

[@miguelfernandes7049]

All of them are 7 band equalizers? Yo are worong. The Pioneer and the Kenwood are 10 band equalizers.

[@acefrehley3797]

BY THE SWEEP. NOT BY AL THE LIGHTS BLOKS GO UP TO THE TOP. LIGHTS KAN BE BROKEN. ORE CABELS CAN BE BROKEN TO.

[@MelomanAV]

Мне больше нравится эквалайзер Pioneer GR-777.

[@phillipzx3754]

Your audio level is is a good 12 db lower than it should be. These RTA's you show are consumer level jokes. They make great eye-candy, but are worthless for much else. I use a 128 band RTA.

[@zaitonyahya4768]

Akademi binaan Malaysian @menara