Hello all,
I have heard that it is hard to find a good powered EQ that is worth a flip for under $200, just looking for more opinions on that. I will probably go with passive EQ and a small amp for my mids. My head unit (JVC) just isn't enough for my new polk component speakers. I know that it is better to use an amp rated at 150% higher than the speakers on subs for a cleaner sound (using amp at half power v/s bridging and maxing out the sensitivity or gain) Is this also true for mids and highs?
Replies (5)
Swez on 11/6/2003 20:28:20
Most EQ's today are active DSP types. They have a preamp, but many use passive components for frequency band controls and an output preamp to minimize noise and boost signal voltage.
If you are going to add EQ, get a good one! Yes, they cost more... but they do so much more too. Many have line drivers and multiple outs for F/R and subs. The products from Audio Control are soemof the best I know about.
Have a look: http://www.audiocontrol.com/MobileAudio/Products/index.html
About amping power... you seem to know your gear well as this is a good thing to have an amp that can deliver full power to the subs or speakers without "clipping" the amp signals. This 150% you mentioned, gives added "HEADROOM" for high transient levels avalable in CD format, but not add distortions to the audio signal.
I see 2 options:
1. Know your system well enough that you can detect distortion and clipping before it gets out of hand. No matter what power range is used in a system, leave some room for transient peaks that can leave some amps clipping their guts out.
2. Go with a slighly (25% is good) larger amp and be conservative on the gain setting process.
The main thing, learn to detect the limits of the system and use it below that threshold. It's kind of like having a turbo on your car. If you always keep your foot on it hard, expect problems with the engine in short order. But if use of the turbo is only periodic and when needed, you should be fine for many miles. Same thing applies to audio gear.
Swez
PS If one is an SPL Competitor, you have to push the system hard, but have a few spare drivers on hand... when they die
cplkittle on 11/10/2003 01:18:43
Has anyone ever used or have any input/reviews on a kenwood KGC-9044 equalizer? It is about the size of a regular head unit, and it looks like a pretty good one. I trust Kenwood, but was looking for a personal review before I spent almost 300 on this particular EQ. Here is the webpage:
http://www.kenwoodusa.com/product/product.jsp?productTypeId=28&sortBy=price&productId=457
Swez on 11/10/2003 08:39:08
Nice features on this design... 11 bands of EQ, HP & LP filters for F&R channels and LPF on subs too.
I like the display features and it can give 1-4 volts (user adjustable) output to outboard amps and sub level control too.
This is a large unit.. 1 Din size, so you need some space to install this unit properly in the dash. All features are menu driven so many steps are needed to adjust the EQ settings to your liking. That's a pain in the drain dude! Call me Old School, but sliders or dial knobs are much easier to tweak... especially in the dark while driving.
Overall though, nice EQ.
However, Pioneer and others have HU's that can do all these features as well, in a smaller package. Sure, the HU costs more, but you get a lot of features in this level of HU upgrades.
For what it's worth... that's my opinion,
Swez
cplkittle on 11/11/2003 08:50:44
I do agree with you on the sliders issue, when I installed the first system in my first car 10 years ago, illuminated sliders were the sh.. stuff! and if you got one with 4 or 5 yellow to red LED lights, it just didn't get any better.
I really need an EQ, what I am looking for mostly is any 10-12 band focusing on cosmetics. Cosmetics will determine whether or not I use a passive and amp or an amplified eq.
I looked at the page you suggested, Those are really nice!! I have been looking at a memphis crossover that has sub, mid and high outputs. It is a trunk mount style xover, but I don't think I will get the controll with it that I can with an eq. any suggestions or matches to a 10-12 band in-dash illuminated slide eq with an illuminated bar type level meter? The flashier the better!
Swez on 11/11/2003 10:37:13
I cannot add anymore ideas on this topic as Audio Control is my "go to" product for performance and flexibility. Yes, they are that good in my books.
The Kenwood looks nice and has all the features... but being a menu driven, will be hard to change settings on the fly. That's why I like lite sliders or dials. Just my preference... up too you.
Swez
I have heard that it is hard to find a good powered EQ that is worth a flip for under $200, just looking for more opinions on that. I will probably go with passive EQ and a small amp for my mids. My head unit (JVC) just isn't enough for my new polk component speakers. I know that it is better to use an amp rated at 150% higher than the speakers on subs for a cleaner sound (using amp at half power v/s bridging and maxing out the sensitivity or gain) Is this also true for mids and highs?
Replies (5)
Swez on 11/6/2003 20:28:20
Most EQ's today are active DSP types. They have a preamp, but many use passive components for frequency band controls and an output preamp to minimize noise and boost signal voltage.
If you are going to add EQ, get a good one! Yes, they cost more... but they do so much more too. Many have line drivers and multiple outs for F/R and subs. The products from Audio Control are soemof the best I know about.
Have a look: http://www.audiocontrol.com/MobileAudio/Products/index.html
About amping power... you seem to know your gear well as this is a good thing to have an amp that can deliver full power to the subs or speakers without "clipping" the amp signals. This 150% you mentioned, gives added "HEADROOM" for high transient levels avalable in CD format, but not add distortions to the audio signal.
I see 2 options:
1. Know your system well enough that you can detect distortion and clipping before it gets out of hand. No matter what power range is used in a system, leave some room for transient peaks that can leave some amps clipping their guts out.
2. Go with a slighly (25% is good) larger amp and be conservative on the gain setting process.
The main thing, learn to detect the limits of the system and use it below that threshold. It's kind of like having a turbo on your car. If you always keep your foot on it hard, expect problems with the engine in short order. But if use of the turbo is only periodic and when needed, you should be fine for many miles. Same thing applies to audio gear.
Swez
PS If one is an SPL Competitor, you have to push the system hard, but have a few spare drivers on hand... when they die
cplkittle on 11/10/2003 01:18:43
Has anyone ever used or have any input/reviews on a kenwood KGC-9044 equalizer? It is about the size of a regular head unit, and it looks like a pretty good one. I trust Kenwood, but was looking for a personal review before I spent almost 300 on this particular EQ. Here is the webpage:
http://www.kenwoodusa.com/product/product.jsp?productTypeId=28&sortBy=price&productId=457
Swez on 11/10/2003 08:39:08
Nice features on this design... 11 bands of EQ, HP & LP filters for F&R channels and LPF on subs too.
I like the display features and it can give 1-4 volts (user adjustable) output to outboard amps and sub level control too.
This is a large unit.. 1 Din size, so you need some space to install this unit properly in the dash. All features are menu driven so many steps are needed to adjust the EQ settings to your liking. That's a pain in the drain dude! Call me Old School, but sliders or dial knobs are much easier to tweak... especially in the dark while driving.
Overall though, nice EQ.
However, Pioneer and others have HU's that can do all these features as well, in a smaller package. Sure, the HU costs more, but you get a lot of features in this level of HU upgrades.
For what it's worth... that's my opinion,
Swez
cplkittle on 11/11/2003 08:50:44
I do agree with you on the sliders issue, when I installed the first system in my first car 10 years ago, illuminated sliders were the sh.. stuff! and if you got one with 4 or 5 yellow to red LED lights, it just didn't get any better.
I really need an EQ, what I am looking for mostly is any 10-12 band focusing on cosmetics. Cosmetics will determine whether or not I use a passive and amp or an amplified eq.
I looked at the page you suggested, Those are really nice!! I have been looking at a memphis crossover that has sub, mid and high outputs. It is a trunk mount style xover, but I don't think I will get the controll with it that I can with an eq. any suggestions or matches to a 10-12 band in-dash illuminated slide eq with an illuminated bar type level meter? The flashier the better!
Swez on 11/11/2003 10:37:13
I cannot add anymore ideas on this topic as Audio Control is my "go to" product for performance and flexibility. Yes, they are that good in my books.
The Kenwood looks nice and has all the features... but being a menu driven, will be hard to change settings on the fly. That's why I like lite sliders or dials. Just my preference... up too you.
Swez
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