I'm looking at a Phoenix Gold 4-band parametric and Clarion 7-band passive equalizers. I've seen great reviews for each. I have a cheap (Pyle Retail $30) 4-band parametric now. I like it but the mids don't work well (I had them driving Kenwood 6x9s and now I have Infinity 6x9s with a 100Wx4 Kenwood amp). I'm looking for something under $100. Both have good S/N ratios and Boost/cut levels. The Phoenix comes with a level knob for each frequency knob which increases/decreases the amplitude. What do you say?
If you REALLY need one, I say go with a parametric EQ. They can do a better job of dialing in on "problem"frequencies...
Treble and bass don't cut it, especially if you are playing at loud volumes through decent speakers and amp.
In my opinion, NO. They do not provide effective control. If you need more midrange, add speakers and an amp dedicated to that job. You need more highs add a tweeter. The point is that an EQ does not fix a problem, its a bandaid. Most modern speakers are very good at providing accurate reproduction, but if you mount it on thin sheet metal, it will not perform anywhere near its capabities.
I agree with you to a point on this subject. Sometimes the addition of speakers or more power in that fequency range can make a dramatic impact. But that is not always possible. Many situations arise where it is easier to tune the speakers with an eq than it is adding onmore speakers. This is true in places where their is not room for the addition of speakers., or the speakers cannot be placed in a manner that fully enables them to reach the full potential they have. An eq can do some wonderful things in a system, IF NOT OVERUSED!!!!! If a narrow range of bands needs more than about 4-6 dB of boost or cut, then there is an issue elsewhere, whether its poor x-over selection, speaker placement, or mobile acoustic enviorement. I have used various eq's in the past and had excellent results with them, Most were parametric, some fixed, If a person has access to an RTA to check the system before the purchase of an eq, that would REALLY tell what needs to be done as far s getting a smooth curve . Cool9, are you just wanting a toy to play with or are you competing in SQ????? Because that is something very serious to consider if you are going for SQ. Notch filters can kill the peaks very easily, but passive's cannot boost frequencies, That would be a good way to help smooth things out...... And remember, if you do use an EQ on a system, you can do some serious amplifier clipping and launch speakers if it is not used PROPERLY.........................................
I'm not competing in anything. I hardly have any money, I don't work. I just want a balanced sound at low and high volumes and that varies from CD to CD which is why an EQ comes in handy. I like to hear everything at loud volumes. My system is much better with an equalizer than without but I need something better. My PYLE has an awful midrange. In addition, the car is a poor acoustic environment, car speakers are placed in poor locations (eg. there are no good locations). My rear speakers are pointed towards the rear window less than 6" from them. I've never blown a speaker my whole life whether it be Infinity or Kenwood or Polk. Do you mean settings on an EQ can push an amp passed its capabilities and damage it? (I have a 10-band EQ (less than 500 KB software) on my PC going thru Logitech 3" mids/6" woofer 35 Watt speaker system and it's made the sound on my PC 1000% more enjoyable!)
