VLC EQ not saving settings and not working as well

[Lit_Reflex]

I am very upset. I use a lot of audio processing to enjoy my music. I use an EQ from Sound Blaster, an EQ in VLC, the compressor, a crystallizer and surround sound emulation. I love hearing the sizzle of the hi-hats from the drums: it's like you're there.

Now the VLC EQ does ALMOST nothing. I tried pushing the levels up and down and the difference is subtle at best. I KNOW that there is a problem because when I click 2 pass it doesn't mess it all up like it used to. It does nothing!!

I cannot enjoy my music after becoming accustomed to two layers of EQ. The quality is not right and I cannot enjoy the sizzle of the hi-hats. What is going on????

Also, when adjusting the EQ the save button is not clickable. You have to enable/disable another feature and then the save option is clickable. All EQ settings are reset after closing the app.

I cannot use another media player because it will lack the compressor even if it has an EQ. VLC is the best and now that I'm used to this higher standard I cannot even listen to my music without feeling like I'm not getting the proper experience. I don't even want to listen to music anymore and I just got done buying some music from HD Tracks.

EDIT: I am using version 3.0.8. I have tried using older versions and the problem is still there.

[Lit_Reflex]

I just tried really old versions like 2.2.0 and the EQ will not save after close and likely has the same lack of significance in changing the sound. If 2 pass doesn't screw it all up it's broken.

[Lit_Reflex]

I just tried MPlayer and their EQ sounds great until you raise the treble and then all the bass goes out the window and the treble sucks (it sounds tinny). I am totally screwed and cannot enjoy my music.

[Lit_Reflex]

Apparently you can max out the EQ to maximum decibels across the bands and it doesn't mess it up. It has almost no change at all.

[Lit_Reflex]

I just tried Audacious and the sound isn't as good as VLC right off the bat. Furthermore, again: the EQ sounds awesome at first but once you get to the treble all the bass is gone. The entire damned point of the EQ is to enable both bass and treble.

[Lit_Reflex]

I just bought Dolby Atmos and its EQ ruins the sound quality. I know what I'm doing and these EQ's either don't work or lower the overall quality. If an unadjusted EQ sounds better than proper adjustments you have serious problems.

[Lit_Reflex]

OK it seems to work now.