Realistic 31-2000 Graphic Equalizer- Vintage Audio Review Episode #42

[@universalhead]

I found one of these in mint condition and then I watched your video on its curiosity. I purchased it after you said you should and it is the best component I have ever added to the stereo. It adds super clear and powerful sound to the old Sound Dynamics.

[@vintageaudioreview]

Thanks for taking the time to share! I hope that you picked it up for a decent price- am not sure if i said what the range should be. But if it works it adds a lot more flexibility than reg tone controls.

[@universalhead]

Yes it was a very good price In CAD dollars. Your video was great in teaching how to use it. Thank you.

[@captnjim44smith74]

Having worked for Tandy Corporation (Radio Shack), I purchased several audio components, and have several still. Not only have I enjoyed them, also one of the smaller equalizers. My STA-90 stereo receiver has been given good reviews by not only friends, but also Stereo Review magazine.

[@scott-b.2161]

I had this equalizer. It did a very good job back in those days. Boy showing my age lol. Have a good one!

[@vintageaudioreview]

Thanks for watching and commenting- it is a cool little piece for sure!

[@martyjewell5683]

In 1977 a girlfriend had a Pioneer SG-9500 EQ and it's effect on the sound varied from subtle to dramatic. I was hooked. Though the standard ten band (octave) EQ was popular I opted for the, then new, Sound Shaper Two with the VU meters. It had twelve bands per channel and was perfect. At least till I added three tape decks (two cassette and one open reel). I upgraded to the IC version in 1982 and in addition to twelve bands it offered L/R meters, output controls and bidirectional dubbing. Also had a useful subsonic filter (18dB/oct @15Hz). I use it more as an elaborate tone control than to equalize the room. Still using it today. Man-o-Manischewitz, a swell component.

[@vintageaudioreview]

Thanks for taking the time to comment and share your experience. I remember the Sound Shaper two- with the VU meters, not the LEDs. I am pretty sure I owned a Sound Shaper 1 and sold it when I built my portable DJ system and opted for a 15 band MXR eq that was rack mountable and thinner for use my stand. I agree completely that the equ was (is) a more precise tone control.

[@martyjewell5683]

@@vintageaudioreview- yeah, the IC versions of SS1, 110, 2 and 3 had the lit sliders and SS 2 and 3 had LED meters. With my RG-2, SS2IC and Akai cassette deck's LED meters I had a mini Joshua Light Show. In 1978, prior to buying the SS2 (VU), I did check out several other EQ's including that MXR. Think it was the model 127 (??). Not to disparage MXR, I didn't like the power on arrangement, teeny weeny sliders too close together (for fat fingers) and flimsy looking construction, it wasn't cheap either and it wasn't for me. Though the fifteen sliders did make for easy fine tuning a system. Woulda really dug a Technics SH-8065 (double 1/3 octave EQ) back in the day. Thanks for letting me reminisce. This Realistic unit you show could be an excellent addition to any hifi system.

[@RanceHosein11]

I need help.. I recently got one but it plays distorted .. I've changed all caps so far.. tested all transistors and all are ok.. I don't know what the power supply voltages are supposed to be.. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@vintageaudioreview]

You can search for the schematic online and use it to troubleshoot the EQ. Hopefully it is labeled clear enough as sometimes the copies are not great. If the ps voltages are ok then inject a 1khz signal and trace it with a scope to see where the distortion occurs- good luck!

[@thetruthchannel7073]

Hello there can I ask so are the green control light LEDs on constantly when you turn the EQ on... I own this EQ 2 to mine don't seem to be working constantly on..only flash sometimes when I played music ..strange. .thanks

[@vintageaudioreview]

Thanks for the question and watching. The green LED's will come on when everything for the unity gain is adjusted correctly- very easy to see when I am testing at a single frequency. With music it is going to vary from each of the LEDs on each channel. Best way to check would be to generate a 1khz sine wave and adjust the unity gain to make sure it stays green. There are freeware programs like Audacity than can do that.

[@ericschulze5641]

The lights won't come on at lower volumes, it's normal

[@thetruthchannel7073]

thanks for reply , yu are correct,,,@@ericschulze5641

[@TriAmpMyFi]

Good stuff. Thanks. Have a distortion free '23. 🔈🔉🔊

[@vintageaudioreview]

Thanks for the well wishes for the upcoming year and glad you enjoyed the video on the EQ-ditto to you. Unfortunately, we are going to always have some distortion in our lives and equipment, but let's hope it not audible.