Do I need an Equalizer for Ultimate SQ?

This might sound like dumb question, but I am wondering if having an external equalizer is a must to achieve ultimate SQ. Most amps do have their own boost/cut controls for high, low or mid frequencies, but I was wondering if that is good enough to achieve real high-end quality sound.

Still waiting for my new parts to arrive.

They can't hurt-that's for sure. It'll give you more control over your frequencies and provide a cleaner output signal to your amps-which will lead to better SQ.

Hope that helps

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Duane...

If you think you're confused, imagine how you feel.   

When you say cleaner output signal to the amps I don't understand how exactly that works. I thought equalizers only boost or cut a particular range of frequencies, the wider the frequency range of each, the fewer the number of controlling pots/sliders, with more controlling switches for more "control". I guess I will have to experiment or find someone who has one to do some testing. I remember building my first equalizer a while ago (for home use) with 24 sliding switches. Was nice and a pain at times since I used to constantly change the sliders for each song because different CDs are recorded differently.

Depending on the brand and model some can increase the the ouput voltage being sent to the amp(s). Let's say for example you have an am that can safely take an input voltage of 4 volts. But your current setup is only giving the amp 1.6 volts. If you add an eq that outputs 3.2 volts, this will result in a better output from your amp. At least this is what happened when I added an eq to the system i've got going in my van. The music sounded alot better and clearer.

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Duane...

If you think you're confused, imagine how you feel.   

You really need to define "ultimate sq", mainly competition or personal. In short for either, Yes an equalizer is required for "ultimate SQ". With that being said, I will never have one in a personal vehicle because they are a pain in the ass to deal with.

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why are they a pain?

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To answer your question, do you NEED an equalizer, the answer is no.  I haven't had one in my system for a long time and I have measured flat frequency response from 18 to 22KHz.  I am adding one, however, simply because I indent to play around with things a bit.  More components in your signal path = more chances for noise.  Choose your system and install it properly, and SQ can be had without an EQ very easily (if not necessarily cheaply...)

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fugit, I think auex means they are a pain because you feel like changing the controls to comepnsate for different tracks (since most tracks are recorded differently anyway, you tend to keep changing the controls) and one is never happy with just one setting. At least that is why I felt it was a pain. Unless of course someone wants very high treble, or very low bass, but that can be achieved with the boost/cut controls on most amps and not necessary to have an EQ. Correct me if I am be wrong.   
And Dyohn, I agree that more compoments in the path between the source, preamp and amp means more chances of noise. I'll stick with my future setup.

I agree that you dont need an EQ for Ultimate SQ in the competion sense. However you generally will get points for having an eq ut you then get even more points for that eq not haveing to deviate any more than 6 db on any one band. As far as them not being able to hurt anything, thats not true either. If you put in an eq and then dont know how to set it, you can cause so many peaks and valleys in your system that you will never score any points. Eq's are great when used properly but they are very easy to use improperly from a competion point of view.

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