The latest addition to IGS Audio’s product range offers the company’s take on the EAR 825Q, a valve-based five-band stereo equaliser aimed primarily at mastering duties. The 825EQ promises an unmatched quality of sound, while offering precise adjustment and recall capabilities thanks to the use of stepped controls throughout.
Each of the 825EQ’s channels employs three valves — ECC88s are used as standard, but can be swapped for 6N23P or 6N1P variants if desired — and three transformers in its signal path, as well as utilising transformer-balanced inputs and outputs. There is no hard-wired bypass, so with the EQ circuitry switched off, the input signal still passes through the transformers and valves.
Low- and high-frequency shelf bands are joined by three peak filters, with all five bands equipped with a fixed selection of frequencies and a 24-way Elma gain switch, the unit employs a proportional Q design with values ranging from 0.3 to 6. It is possible to order the 825EQ with either 0.5 or 1 dB stepped gain controls, meaning it can offer either ±6 or ±12 dB of gain adjustment on each band. Importantly, IGS Audio have fitted the unit with a a high-quality linear power supply that promises to minimise noise and allows the components in the audio circuitry to reach their full potential.
Pricing & Availability
The 825EQ is available to order now, and for a limited time, IGS Audio are offering units at $3225, reduced from their full cost of $3795. The first units are expected to ship in May 2024.
