ifi iPhono, User Manual

Page: 7 / 7

7
2: DECCA/RIAA/COLUMBIA
At the beginning, there used to be many different
kinds of EQ curve. In 1954, Record labels all over the
world agreed to use a single RIAA EQ curve for all
records. However, the reality is that only after 1980s,
all records are actually using RIAA EQ curves (just think,
how easy is it to reach a single agreement on a global
scale? And implement it over the short space of 1 ‐ 2 years?).
If the wrong EQ curve is used, the record will not sound “right.” For example: Deutsche
Grammophon’s classical records released before 1980 often sound dry and flat, the reason is
because those were manufactured using the DECCA EQ curve, not the RIAA EQ curve.
Record released before 1980:
Record Labels iPhono front EQ switch
COLUMBIA(Up)
RIAA(Middle)
DECCA(Down)
Note: For EMI records issued in Europe, many of them were using the DECCA EQ curve. For
EMI records issued in the USA, many of them were using the COLUMBIA EQ curve, especially
the ones which were originally produced by COLUMBIA/CBS but issued under the EMI label
after the merger.
For records issued after 1980, most of them are using the standard RIAA EQ curve.
We hope this tutorial has helped you find more life in your vinyl collection and ultimately,
lead to an even greater level of musical enjoyment!