clarion eqs746

what exactly will it do for me and for sound wise? here is what i have: ida-x200 mrp-m500 12" alpine type-r rf punch 240x4 infinity speakers (front) alpine speaker (rear) rf 1 farad cap btw, someone is selling it to my for 43 bucks.

It's an EQ.  It provides tone control.Support the12volt.com

DYohn wrote: It provides tone control.

what does this exactly mean?

in your opinion, what are the key basics of having a loud car audio system?

i already have the vehicle. i just need some pointers.

"a great sounding every day driver" kind sir.

I'd begin by hiring the best car audio shop in your area and working with them to design a system customized to your car.  Hire someone who will let you work with them so you can learn as you go.  The best first step is upgrading the vehicle's electrical system as much as possible and doing the best possible sound deadening job.  Remove the vehicle's entire interior and treat the sheet metal, including the roof and paying special attention to the doors and firewall.  Eliminate as much road noise and engine noise as you can.  Test and eliminate interior components vibration as much as you can.  Then create the best front seat sound stage you can afford, using the cleanest electronics you can find (lowest distortion) and a good set of high-quality components properly mounted in the front.  Consider custom pods in either the doors or kick panels.  Then get the vehicle RTA metered and correct anything you need to with minimal EQ or other treatments or by swapping the speakers to correct for deficiencies in your specific vehicle.  Lastly, choose one or two good quality 12" subs and have the best possible subwoofer enclosure designed for it and custom built to fit into your vehicle.  The enclosure is more important than the actual subs you use.  After it's installed meter the car again to achieve the proper balance between the mains output level and the subs.  Note that the subs come last - in order of importance, they are the least important to achieving good sound.    This process may take a few weeks, and you will probably spend at least as much money on the install as you will on hardware.  And have fun!Support the12volt.com