for us that are into more then just rap..

[TIM TIM TIM]

I like to listen to pretty much everything.. and from past expiriance, it is VERY hard to get GOOD sounding rap (alot of bass, little mids, lots of highs) and rock (much less bass/hitting not rumbling, lots of mids and lots of highs)
what do you guys recomend doing to get an easy adjustment.. I thought about trying to get a seperat EQ (6-8 bands) and hooking it up somehow on a switch so i can bypass it for rap (very easy to tune, just turn up bass and highs) and flip it on for rock (needs much more adjustment)... what do you guys think, and are there any ideas of how to do this?

system set up will more then likely be componets up front (infinity kappa, xs kicker ect..) coaxials in the rear (again, kappa or xs kicker)..more then likely an mtx sub, maybe 2... (reason for these brands is I am a circuit city employee)

[kpr10is]

Thats your Circuit City brands for ya. Im not one to retune all the time, I set it once and leave it. Pick up a Kicker KQ5 or KQ9 on accomodations...when tuned right you should be able to listen to anything and not have to really mess with it for daily use. And personally, out of everything on accomodations, Id probably get a full Kicker system, the nicer stuff than we have in-store.

[93ex]

As much fun as it is to play with toys, the constant attention gets old. Find something with digital presets and just use those if youre hell bent on using an eq for this. Edit - audiocontrol dqs, with remote.

Personally, I just like the midbass, then tune the sub low and adjust the sub level output.

[TIM TIM TIM]

honestly I DONT want en EQ. I Want this as simple as possible. I wanted to do all kicket, but I think i might do mtx subs (same discount as kicker). the kicker tend to be louder, but the mtx's really hit alot better. I do plan on going all SX kicker amps though, which are all digital..

Im have no idea what digital presets are. Is there where I can basicaly make a setting.. save it, make another and save that.. then go back and forth depending on the music??????

[93ex]

Im have no idea what digital presets are. Is there where I can basicaly make a setting.. save it, make another and save that.. then go back and forth depending on the music??????

Yeah.. You know I think my head unit actually has that... as do most upper echelon head units.

[djgizmo]

Hmmm, is it just me are is it odd that someone wants to adjust the sound of the system depending on the music style vs tweaking it to sound good. A good system should be able to handle both equally well w/o having to change back and forth.

I bet you're one of those guys that aligns your eq like in smile, like the evil bad sound clown laughing at people who does this.

Yea, you can get a digital eq with programable presets, but on a scale, I'd recommend setting for a remote bass module for on your sub amp (think kicker can still use modules), to turn it up and down depending on your mood.

I have the older Kicker 3xi crossover that had that option, loved it, made it nice to turn down the bass in a hurry.


honestly I DONT want en EQ. I Want this as simple as possible. I wanted to do all kicket, but I think i might do mtx subs (same discount as kicker). the kicker tend to be louder, but the mtx's really hit alot better. I do plan on going all SX kicker amps though, which are all digital..

Im have no idea what digital presets are. Is there where I can basicaly make a setting.. save it, make another and save that.. then go back and forth depending on the music??????

[GradeA_TireFryer]

most newer radios have different eq profiles - rap/rock/power .... ect
get a hu that will do that - i think that is what you are looking for..

[TBSpyder]

Buy a deck with two "custom" eq presets.

[TIM TIM TIM]

most newer radios have different eq profiles - rap/rock/power .... ect
get a hu that will do that - i think that is what you are looking for..
I will be running a 4 channel amp to them, I know pioneer and all have that, but honestly i think its a dumb cheap EQ..

djgizmo your an idiot, Sorry that I do not like the same sound for my rap and my rock... Rap does not require much mids, actually to me it sounds better with very little mids, whereas rock is the complete opposite.

[Notladstyle]

I will be running a 4 channel amp to them, I know pioneer and all have that, but honestly i think its a dumb cheap EQ..

djgizmo your an idiot, Sorry that I do not like the same sound for my rap and my rock... Rap does not require much mids, actually to me it sounds better with very little mids, whereas rock is the complete opposite.

EQ's serves very important purposes but djgizmo is right about on thing. A quality installation with quality speakers and equipment should not need major sound adjustment with the EQ. The problem is in a car audio environment is it almost impossible to get the same sound at all times even with high end equipment. Also, recording producers are much more liberal with their own EQ adjustment before the sound even hits CD which complicates matters worse. So a deticated EQ will almost certainly be needed to get consistent sound.

Also, you mentioned you want preset EQs, unfortunately preset EQs have to be digital, and as you mentions are "dumb cheap" EQs. The closest to decent digital EQ I have found resides in the JVC Arsenal headunits. its a 7 band parametric with 15 user customizable presents. You can also have it auto select an EQ setting based on the CD in the drive. That unit runs for $279 retail

[djgizmo]

djgizmo your an idiot, Sorry that I do not like the same sound for my rap and my rock... Rap does not require much mids, actually to me it sounds better with very little mids, whereas rock is the complete opposite.

Thank you for the kind words timmy tim. As NoTLaDStyle mentioned, most producers already have eq'd and mastered their tracks the way its supposed to sound prior to you listening to it. By cutting out the mids etc etc, you're not hearing what they've intended you to listening to. ;)

[TBSpyder]

Thank you for the kind words timmy tim. As NoTLaDStyle mentioned, most producers already have eq'd and mastered their tracks the way its supposed to sound prior to you listening to it. By cutting out the mids etc etc, you're not hearing what they've intended you to listening to. ;)


That might be true if a single speaker had the ability to play every frequency of the spectrum distortionless at 160dBs. It has nothing to do with how a track is produced...it has everything to do with how accuratley your given speakers can reproduce that track.

[TIM TIM TIM]

my plan is to use either infinity kappa's, kicker RS or polk momo componets in the front and coaxials in the rear. with more then likely an mtx sub or 2, probably 10's.. i dont care if its rediculously loud, just want it really clean ( i know there are better brands but i get big discounts on these)
there not junk, but there still not the BEST out there.

[djgizmo]

True, but the general idea is that a well put together sound system (component fronts, rear fill, some nice subs and power to run it all) Should be able to reproduce this w/o much eq'ing.

If he wants a really clean system, he probably needs to start from the ground up and do it the right way. IE running good power cables, good grounds, a dynamat type sound dampener on floor underneath the carpet, fiber fill in the sub boxes, securing objects that rattle. Most of that can be accomplish in 2-3 days (2-3) 12 hour sessions.

That might be true if a single speaker had the ability to play every frequency of the spectrum distortionless at 160dBs. It has nothing to do with how a track is produced...it has everything to do with how accuratley your given speakers can reproduce that track.

[GradeA_TireFryer]

i agree that would make a night and day difference

[TIM TIM TIM]

True, but the general idea is that a well put together sound system (component fronts, rear fill, some nice subs and power to run it all) Should be able to reproduce this w/o much eq'ing.

If he wants a really clean system, he probably needs to start from the ground up and do it the right way. IE running good power cables, good grounds, a dynamat type sound dampener on floor underneath the carpet, fiber fill in the sub boxes, securing objects that rattle. Most of that can be accomplish in 2-3 days (2-3) 12 hour sessions.
power, ground, rca's are all tsunami, the rca's are like 80 bucks alone for a 2 channel set (your cost, not mine ;) ).. so cables are good, dynomatt will more then likely not be used, but I may end up if its too bad.. and the myth that dynomat will stop all of my rattle is BS, i have been through the whole trying to stop rattle thing before and gotten it down pretty good... tighten trunk latch, remove little flap things in the bottom of the trunk, and then work from there.. i really am focusing on my cars speed, just want a really clean system in it as well (subs will be removed when going to teh track)

[Notladstyle]

someone paid $80 for RCA wires? :D:D:D:D:D thats just funny to me... ok I guess you have to be an audio freak to get the joke...

[Notladstyle]

btw those flap things are there to ensure you dont die of co2 poisoning, I would put them back in and deal with the noise

[TIM TIM TIM]

co2 poisoning isnt so bad... and yes people do, there supposedly really good... but i would never pay half that for them!

[djgizmo]

someone paid $80 for RCA wires? :D:D:D:D:D thats just funny to me... ok I guess you have to be an audio freak to get the joke...


btw those flap things are there to ensure you dont die of co2 poisoning, I would put them back in and deal with the noise


lol, I was about to say the same thing about those flaps. Timmy tim wanted to poison himself didn't he . I've never been big on tsunami myself. $80 for rca's is crazy. I can have 3 sets of custom length stinger dream series made for that much. I've done stinger, monster cable, and custom microphone cable for rcas. I prefer stinger / monster cable, but if not, then microphone cable works great too. For ground / power wire, never seen much a performance difference between different brands as they had the simular thread count.

When I mentioned dynamat material, it wasn't to stop 'rattle' like trunk rattle, its to deaden road noise and it does help stop metal door rattle. (underneath your door panel)

I wish you best of luck on your eq adventure.

[GradeA_TireFryer]

The Flap Things Are Really There So You Can Shut The Door/trunk - The Allow Air Movement Out So You Door/tunk Closes Easier.. They Are A One Way Flapper. Normal Closed To Prevent The Co2 Head Rush.....

[canyouheminow]

Instead of waisting money on an crossover unit or eq unit just go ahead man up and buy a high end head unit. A quality high end head unit can make all the difference in the world. I recomend either a Kenwood eXcelon 8 or 9 series or a high end Alpine unit. Anything else and it's a coin toss everday on the quality of sound to come out. I man'd up and bought and in dash fold out dvd unit, best investment I could have made. Expensive but so worth it, car stereo is a lot buying a car, if you buy really cheap you're gonna get really cheap.

[djgizmo]

Remember he's getting his gear from CC. He's not going to go you're route right now (aka low on funds)

Instead of waisting money on an crossover unit or eq unit just go ahead man up and buy a high end head unit. A quality high end head unit can make all the difference in the world. I recomend either a Kenwood eXcelon 8 or 9 series or a high end Alpine unit. Anything else and it's a coin toss everday on the quality of sound to come out. I man'd up and bought and in dash fold out dvd unit, best investment I could have made. Expensive but so worth it, car stereo is a lot buying a car, if you buy really cheap you're gonna get really cheap.

[TIM TIM TIM]

yes very low on funds, i dont want a tv.. this is a freakin civic not an escalade, its got a built/turbo motor, im trying to get the best sound i can but keep equipment to a minimum so i can easily pull out the sub/amp and drop alot of weight for the track.. i dont want to add 50 pounds in dynomatt either... i understand that dynomatt helps sound ALOT, i also understand that car racing and car audio do not go together very well.. i am just trying to get teh best i can with what i have to work with..

[djgizmo]

Understood tim, thats why I backed off, we all have our wants / needs and I wish ya best of luck. I'll be doing something simular to you, but I need music way more than I need speed ;)

[TIM TIM TIM]

thanks :D.. I was just wondering some ideas to get a good sounding system with the least equipment possible.. I think im gonna do the infinity kappa's inside and mtx subs/amps (4ch and sub amp)

[djgizmo]

I'd still recommend an all infinity, keep it simple sam ;) If you want the best bang for your buck, get the best deck you can afford, then go from there. Good signal into your amps will make a world of difference. If not, just make sure the minor things are done right, extra thick grounds, secured power wires, run your rcas and power wire on different sides of the car etc. you know the drill.

[Notladstyle]

I'd still recommend an all infinity, keep it simple sam ;) If you want the best bang for your buck, get the best deck you can afford, then go from there. Good signal into your amps will make a world of difference. If not, just make sure the minor things are done right, extra thick grounds, secured power wires, run your rcas and power wire on different sides of the car etc. you know the drill.

o man all infinity cannot be beat. I have never heard anything sound as good than a whole infinity reference system which can be had for under 600$

[canyouheminow]

Not really telling you to get a TV per say was just using that as an example. Head unit is the foundation to a good system. If you get a good head unit then you won;t need a seperate EQ box. I highly recdomend a high end Kenwood unit or Alpine, I agree with the Infinity advice one Kappa 12 and mathcing Infinity amp would be just right. Loud enough when you want it and light and easy enough to take out when you need to. For replacement of your factory speakers I recomend mathcing kenwood, cause they're matched for the head unit. Basically whatever head unit you get, get brand matching speakers to replace the factory ones.

[TIM TIM TIM]

referance???? nooo ill go kappa.. do you guys really think infinity all around is a good idea???? i havent heard the subs

[TIM TIM TIM]

we dont carry kenwood.. i think im getting a panasonic deck

[djgizmo]

referance???? nooo ill go kappa.. do you guys really think infinity all around is a good idea???? i havent heard the subs

since you work at CC, should be able to test them out right? All in all, for the brands that you have, I prefer Infinity the best. Panasonic used to make some really nice decks back in the day, (even think at one point they shared the same manufacturer as Alpine)

[TBSpyder]

IMO, Panasonic sucks...always has. I'd venture to say even Sony *shudder* makes a better deck than Panasonic. As far as your speaker limitations, from my experience, the Momos are by far the best choice...atleast considering the 3 brands you listed. They're definetly one of the more popular choices for a "cheap" speaker at our store.

[MDIFYTD]

Here's my two cents...

EQ your system flat and let the music dictate how much bass, mids & highs you have.

[TIM TIM TIM]

since you work at CC, should be able to test them out right? All in all, for the brands that you have, I prefer Infinity the best. Panasonic used to make some really nice decks back in the day, (even think at one point they shared the same manufacturer as Alpine)
At CC we carry the reference series, best kicker sub is l5, best speakers are the ks series so we just carry the besic lower end stuff.. i can order the better stuff though

[djgizmo]

IMO, Panasonic sucks...always has. I'd venture to say even Sony *shudder* makes a better deck than Panasonic.

Disagree, Panasonic used to make some great decks (believe were one of the first to come out with a 4v out deck for less than $250.) Now Sony hasn't (IMO) made any decent decks since their Mobile ES days. Even there 2000 Xplode series, wasn't bad, but not great either.

[TBSpyder]

Disagree, Panasonic used to make some great decks (believe were one of the first to come out with a 4v out deck for less than $250.) Now Sony hasn't (IMO) made any decent decks since their Mobile ES days. Even there 2000 Xplode series, wasn't bad, but not great either.


That's my point, Sony sucks too...Mobile ES or not. Please share which Panasonic decks you consider "great" though. In my 7 years of installing, I've yet to see a Panasonic deck which could compete with an Alpine, Pioneer, or Clarion of equal level. You get what you pay for, they're cheap because they're made cheaply.

[Notladstyle]

That's my point, Sony sucks too...Mobile ES or not. Please share which Panasonic decks you consider "great" though. In my 7 years of installing, I've yet to see a Panasonic deck which could compete with an Alpine, Pioneer, or Clarion of equal level. You get what you pay for, they're cheap because they're made cheaply.

:lol: I like it when car audio installers get into cost vs quality manufacturing techiniques... especially funny that you added Pioneer & Clarion on that list considering their recent losses in warranty claims.

[TBSpyder]

especially funny that you added Pioneer & Clarion on that list considering their recent losses in warranty claims.

???

[canyouheminow]

I agree unlees it's absoulte top of the line Panasonic steer very far away from. I know CC carries Alpine though, so go mid to high end alpine. But what like what was stated earlier it comes down to quality vs. value.

[GradeA_TireFryer]

I Have Used And Installed Them All
Jvc - Junk
Blaulpunk - Real Junk
Panasonic - Junk -except For The There First Cd Players 10+ Years Ago
Sony - Ok Junk - Older Stuff Better
Dual - Ok Junk - Just Ugly
Kenwood - Good
Pionerr - Ok - They Been Doing It A Long Time
Alpine - Good
Eclipse - Good
Clarion - Havent Used In A While, Old Stuff Junk - Pro Stuff Ok

Its The Old Saying - You Get What You Pay For...
You Cant Compare A $120 Radio To A $300 Radio - There Is A Reason The Cost More..
Damn I Rember When The Cheapest Cd Player Was $500.00 = And Junk

[Notladstyle]

I Have Used And Installed Them All
Jvc - Junk
Blaulpunk - Real Junk
Panasonic - Junk -except For The There First Cd Players 10+ Years Ago
Sony - Ok Junk - Older Stuff Better
Dual - Ok Junk - Just Ugly
Kenwood - Good
Pionerr - Ok - They Been Doing It A Long Time
Alpine - Good
Eclipse - Good
Clarion - Havent Used In A While, Old Stuff Junk - Pro Stuff Ok

Its The Old Saying - You Get What You Pay For...
You Cant Compare A $120 Radio To A $300 Radio - There Is A Reason The Cost More..
Damn I Rember When The Cheapest Cd Player Was $500.00 = And Junk

... totally baseless ratings.

[TIM TIM TIM]

circuit city hasnt carried alpine for quite some time now... my choice of decks are sony (no way in hell) panasonic (maybee), pioneer (more then likely), jvc, or jenson (LMAO)

so im really thinking pioneer, but the higher end decks we have are FUGLY as hell so im going to have to check out even higher end ones..