Parametric EQ

Well, you were the one talking about the harshness of different domes earlier. Upon investigation you might learn that the harshness is being caused by a peak in the 8-12khz range. A simple narrow notch down 3db might do it for you. You may be totally pleased with the sound after using that one band of eq. On the other hand, if you want to get things totally flat with the help of a real time analyzer, it'll probably take 5 or more bands. I originally thought I'd try to flatten out the response using an RTA and an EQ. Let me tell you this. It is WAY harder than it looks / seems / sounds. Every notch also effects adjacent bands. After many hours of frustration my strategy changed to simply removing a couple peaks. I only ended up using a couple bands of PEQ. My RTA doesn't read flat, but I cured the major problems and it sounds good. Having said that, I would always buy the best possible front midrange / high speakers I could. Don't even consider buying the pioneers and "fixing" them to make them sound like the rainbow speakers. It just won't happen. I frankly wish I would have spent more time researching my midrange / high purchase. I probably would have saved a little extra for the Quart Q series. In other words, if your choice is between the pioneer + expensive eq or the rainbow / quart with no eq, there's no contest... buy the best mains you can. If you really do want an eq the ones from AudioControl are excellent. Also, don't buy a crap eq. Many of the cheap in-dash eqs out there, especially the few band graphic ones, aren't really going to be that good at actually helping you fix a problem - and in many cases just add another place noise can enter the system. New Project: 2003 Pathfinder

Thank you very much. This is more than a start for me now. I might mention the pioneers are already installed, so no matter what, I will upgrade. I have seen many ads fro audio control eq's and realize what you are talking about as far as adjusting them however. thanks

Probably about the same sq. The real advantage is simply a larger freature set. Many times they come with user memory, a couple bands of PEQ, etc. New Project: 2003 Pathfinder

Are you wanting TRUE parametric equalization? Your best bet IS INDEED, digital. Try Alto, and look at their trunk mount, set it and forget it systems. I use two of the UCSPros in my trunk, one for the sub, and one for the three way system in the doors... This is awesome gear - Yes, even better than Nakamichi (there's a jab, let's see if anybody catches it) You may have to join their forums, but ask there where you can find a dealer in your area. Like Eclipse,you can ONLY buy it thru a dealer if you want a warranty. Do not try to acquire the stuff via eBay.It all reminds me of something that Molière once said to Guy de Maupassant at a café in Vienna: "That's nice. You should write it down."

Try the Audio Control DQX.  I own one & it truly does allow it's user to fine tune a system.  As always though, a good sounding system starts with a good game plan.  Don't expect to install a couple of coaxials in the factory locations, power them with an amplifier & shape the sound with an EQ & expect to win SQ competitions.  My preferred method is to start with a high quality head unit, add a multi-band parametric equalizer, fabricate a pair of kick panels with a focal point aiming mid level in the center of the vehicle, install a nice set of component speakers into them, & feed them with a high quality, high power (too much power is better than not enough if you know the speaker's limitations) amplifier.  Tune it by ear.  Best way to tune by ear is to attend a live concert ( I enjoyed the 3 Doors Down show.  The sound quality is probably the best I have ever heard for a rock band.), listen very carefully to the instruments & the vocals taking mental notes on how they sound.  Next, obtain the CD from the band you just heard ASAP as time is of the essence to "remember & recreate" the sound.  After making your settings, either write them down or save them to memory on your EQ.  Then check your settings with an RTA using pink noise from a test disc & see how flat your setting is.  I always check this on my personal system & if there are any major (3db or more per band) I try to flatten the curve to less than 3 db increment per band.  I am a sound quality enthuisiast & love to share my ideas with anyone willing to listen.  I enjoy a good sounding system that is crystal clear whether it is my own or someone else's.  To me, nothing compares to it.  By the way, the DQX has the capability to make any system sound perfect as long as quality products are used & professionally installed.  Yes, the DQX is more costly than any modest head unit on the market, but it is well worth it in the right hands.