By: AIC-Team | Last Updated: | This post contains affiliate links.
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Introduction
One forgets the mileage or how tired they are of driving if the right music is being played correctly while driving. Sometimes, a car’s audio quality is distorted by road noise, engine noise, wind, glass reflectiveness, size and shape of the vehicle, and seat absorbency.
Therefore, there is a need for one to have an equalizer for their car. Furthermore, music is good for the soul, and thus, an equalizer helps make good music hence increasing the quality. Below are our best picks and a buying guide to help you in the selection of your car equalizer Below are our best picks and a buying guide to help you in the selection of your car equalizer
Brand – Audio Control Color – Black Dimensions – 6.9 × 3× 1
Performance
The AudioControl LC2i is an active, high-voltage OEM line converter. A compact, 2-channel processor with active circuitry accepts speaker-level signals of up to 400 watts per channel from factory-installed amplifiers. It then converts the speaker-level signals to high-quality pre-amp signals directed to aftermarket processors and amplifiers.
The AudioControl LC2i allows you to enjoy the best sound quality while maintaining the use of your factory volume and steering wheel controls.
Design
The AudioControl LC2i features a compact chassis design that allows an inconspicuous installation. Sound quality. AudioControl LC2i active, high-voltage OEM converter has an active circuitry that delivers superb better sound quality and does not compromise the bass response.
Speaker-level input
They have a two-channel active speaker level input that accepts up to 400 watts per channel. It also features removable set-screw Phoenix terminals for quick connection.
AccuBass
It includes AccuBass processing for correcting bass roll-off. This processor automatically corrects the bass roll-off that is popular with many factor factory-installed systems. Moreover, the AccuBass Bass Compensation works at any volume level.
Pre-amp Outputs
The AudioControl LC2i has comprised of volt RMS (13 Volts peak) pre-amp outputs with level matching controls. It is equipped with a pair of pre-amp outputs for full-range amplifiers and a pair of Bass pre-amp outputs for subwoofer amplifiers.
Level Controls
It has simple Threshold and Level controls that permit users to optimize the bass response to be compatible with their speaker system. Nonetheless, the AudioControl LC2i is equipped with a Bass Control Input (RJ-14) for optional remote bass level control, but it is sold separately. GTO (Great Turn On).
They make use of selectable GTO auto-sensing turn-on circuitry so that no remote wire is required. The LC2i turns on using the unit’s speaker-level inputs. It also offers a 12-volt trigger output to turn on your amplifier.
Power
This equalizer needs a hardwired power and ground connection to your vehicle’s 12-volt electrical system. The line-output converter has removable set-screw Phoenix terminals that enhance quick connection.
Installation
The AudioControl LC2i features integrated mounting flanges that allow you to install the unit under a seat, in the trunk, or under the dash. They do not supply any mounting hardware.
Brand – Clarion Dimensions – 4.25 × 7× 1 inches Frequency Range 50Hz- 16kHz
Performance
Clarion EQS755 7-Band Car Audio is a type of car equalizer with front 3.5mm auxiliary input, rear RCA auxiliary input, and high-level speaker inputs.
Graphic equalizer
It has a 1/2 DIN Graphic EQ/crossover with a 7-band graphic equalizer, selectable low-pass filters for the sub out, line-level, and speaker-level inputs, plus 6 channels / 8Volts RCA outputs.
The number of bands
Clarion’s EQS755 boasts 7 bands of equalization that will allow you to fine-tune your sound. The 7-band equalizer has frequency adjustments in the 50Hz to 16kHz range over seven bands (50Hz, 125Hz, 315Hz, 750Hz, 2.2kHz, 6kHz, 16kHz). This offers you the power to get the most out of your sound system and the ability to tune the sound output to your musical taste. Each frequency can be adjusted from -12 to +12dB or -15 to 15dB for subwoofer frequencies.
Filters
The Clarion EQS755 includes a low-pass filter on the sub output. This low-pass filter is selectable at 60Hz or 90Hz with a 12dB slope. The low-pass filter keeps away wild bass frequencies.
High and low-level inputs
The equalizer offers a stereo RCA input for aftermarket stereos and 2 channel speaker-level inputs for integrating with factory radios. This means that if you use a new or old factory or aftermarket sound system, this equalizer will boost the system’s sound performance significantly.
6Channel/8V RCA outputs
It features 6 channel/8V RCA outputs for Front, Rear, and subwoofer channels to enable you to connect external amplifiers.
The 8V power ensures that your amplifiers receive a clean, powerful signal which eventually gives you a stronger sound with well-balanced high and low frequencies.
AUX inputs
The Clarion EQS755 offers two Aux inputs. The front-panel aux ( 3.5mm) input allows you to connect your smartphone or any other portable audio player. Second, there is the rear-panel stereo RCA aux input for connection of portable CD or DVD player.
These aux inputs have a variable gain control that matches the audio level of your main source device.
Controls
This Clarion 1/2 DIN graphic equalizer provides separate controls for the Master Volume, Subwoofer Volume, Front/Rear Fader, and selection of Main or Aux inputs.
Power
It has a wiring harness that features power, Ground, and Remote Turn On leads that require hardwired.
Installation
This equalizer can be custom mounted in a 1/2 DIN space next to your source device or under the dash.
It is packaged with mounting brackets and hardware.
Brand Soundstream Color Black, Silver Dimensions 7.5 × 1.1 × 5.1 inches Maximum Output Level 13.5 V
Performance
Soundstream Bx10x Bass Reconstruction Processor has a selectable grounding mode(balanced & unbalanced) and LED Bass maximizer indicators.
Lighted display and remote controls
The Soundstream BX 10X digital bass reconstruction processor has a lighted display and remote control that enable the user to view larger images, additional photos 1/6 of 8 images, and allows you to open larger description features.
Selectable ground mode
This digital processor features a bass reconstruction processor with selectable grounding mode balanced and unbalanced led bass maximizer indicators.
Compatibility
This digital bass processor is compatible with most Bluetooth-enabled phones, which will help you match the modern needs of avoiding wired connections. They also are hands-free and headset type compatible.
Installation
Easy to install in any vehicle. The dash control of this bass processor can be installed anywhere in the vehicle, though easy adjustment from the driver’s seat is advised. This equalizer can also be hooked up with many factory speakers.
Brand – American Bass Dimensions – 9× 8 × 8 inches Input Impedance 15k Ohms Pre-amp Outputs 7V Maximum Output Level 7V RMS Subwoofer frequency 30Hz- 300Hz
Performance
American Bass High End, 7 band equalizer voltage display, is a parametric-equalizer featuring a digital display. The AB7BV is specifically designed to work perfectly with the American Bass amplifier to give unparalleled performance.
7 Bands
The American Bass High End has a seven-band parametric equalizer that will give you a wide range of tone-shaping possibilities ranging from 50Hz to 16kHz.
Controls
It has an LCD on its front that reads your selected voltage as you adjust your settings, creating a more sophisticated user experience than basic dial-by-ear models.
Installation
Its connectors are well labeled therefore enhancing easy installation.
Brand Clarion Mobile Electronics Dimensions 10 × 7 × 2.5 inches Car audio type crossover Channel input 2/4/6 RCA output 5 Volts
Performance
If you create a serious sound system beyond the boom of the bass, you must go for the Clarion MCD360. This electronic crossover ensures that your subs are pounding out the bass, your mids are filling in the sound, and the tweeters are hitting those high notes.
Front and rear outputs
Both the front and rear outputs of this equalizer a built-in 18dB per octave electronic crossover that is continuously variable from 32Hz to 8kHz.
Subwoofer output
The subwoofer output uses an 18dB electronic crossover, and it is adjustable from 45Hz to 250Hz.
Level controls
The dash-mounted level controls give a convenient way to adjust the bass to match your taste without you getting off the seat.
Versatility
The Clarion MCD360 2/3 way 6-channel electronic crossover is versatile as it offers inputs for two or three-way system setups with rear fader control.
They are packaged with a wired remote subwoofer level control.
No detailed direction on the crossover knob as to frequency levels set.
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Buying Guide For Best Car Equalizer
Today’s market comprises various music devices that will make a ride more comfortable and a fun, among them being a series of equalizers. The best car equalizers allow you to boost or cut your system’s tone in ways not supported by standard treble, mid-range, and bass controls. Therefore, an upgraded one will help you get a superior sound quality.
Types of car equalizers
Graphic equalizers
Parametric equalizers
After understanding what an equalizer is, you may be asking yourself the benefits of getting one?
Advantages of a car equalizer
An equalizer creates a balance in sound according to the mood being aimed at. It mainly aids in adjusting the bass and the treble in music production and makes the instrument producing them deliver the right mood.
An equalizer helps you customize your music by allowing you to establish your preferred level of tones and amplification.
Helps you to fine-tune your music through the audio filter feature as, in most cases, *unlike other sound devices like speakers.
It assists in the absorption and elimination of sidetracking unwanted road noise or engine noise that would affect the general music production in your car.
An equalizer offers more options than many stock head units that only contain bass, treble, and mid-range frequencies. For example, an equalizer can produce more bass, less bass, more treble, etc.
The best equalizers protect your audio system by delivering a higher, clearer volume without taxing components, unlike speakers that only handle certain levels and tones of amplification.
This article will guide the features and characteristics you need to look out for when deciding on the type of equalizer you will purchase.
Factors to consider when choosing the best car equalizer to buy
1. Price
Under 30$
There are a few equalizers in this range, but some have good quality. However, they don’t come with as many features as the more priced equalizers.
30$-100$
The most common equalizers fall in this range, primarily due to affordability. They are of higher quality, more durable, and offer more options to control your audio system than the cheaper ones.
Over 100$
Those who are very serious about their car audio should consider selecting the equalizers in this price range.
They come with the best features to make your music sound according to your preference and liking.
A graphic equalizer boosts or cuts a specific range of frequencies to improve sound quality. They have sliders that move up or down in decibels. Most graphic equalizers work by dividing sound between 6 and 31 bands of frequency, with a physical or virtual slider controlling the volume of each band.
Parametric Equalizer
This filter allows you to adjust the volume level of a frequency or range of frequencies with an audio signal. It simply helps you turn the treble and bass up or down, allowing you to change the coloration of your car stereo.
Analog Equalizer
They work by intentionally shifting the phase and then combining the original signal with the shifted version.
Digital Equalizer
Most digital equalizers copy the behavior of analog equalizers but with a varying circuit design. They use taps on a digital delay line instead of using capacitors and inductors to shift the phase.
EQ Booster
This is both an equalizer and an amplifier. They are weaker than the external amplifiers but are an alternative to buying a separate amplifier and equalizer.
3. Ease of use
If you haven’t bought or had an equalizer before, you might be wondering how to use it properly. Many car sound system equalizers, mainly the graphic, dash-mounted versions, are very easy to use and adjust to your preference. Others may require more knowledge to configure. For instance, parametric equalizers should be used by those with more than basic knowledge about their vehicle’s sound system.
4. Quality
Quality is an important feature to look at when choosing a car equalizer. There are some popular and well-established brands known for their high-quality products. These are Pioneer, Boss, and Kenwood.
5. Compatibility
After considering quality, the other thing to consider is the compatibility of your car equalizer with the car’s sound system. Car stereo equalizers are installed inside the dash and display there, though others are installed in the trunk.
Depending on the available mounting area in your vehicle and the dash setup, there might be compatibility issues with some styles of equalizers.
Therefore, seek assistance from professionals or aftermarket parts companies so that they can guide you to finding an equalizer that is of good value according to your budget.
6. Number of Bands
A band helps to fine-tune output production. It is used mainly to mix and record sounds and be helpful when you want to find out how the sound was mixed.
An average five-band graphic equalizer has five sliders with the following fixed frequencies: 30Hz (low bass), 100Hz (mid-bass), 1kHz (midrange), 10kHz (upper midrange), and 20kHz (treble or high-frequency). Also, a 10-band equalizer has ten sliders with ten fixed frequencies.
Graphic equalizers have fixed frequencies, while parametric equalizers offer more options, allowing you to select the center frequency.
7. Filters
Specific equalizers have filters or crossovers that separate low, midrange, and upper frequencies and place them in your speakers’ correct sound driver.
For example, low frequency is set on the woofer, the midrange, and the highs on the tweeter or a super tweeter if the speaker has one. This enhances better imaging of the sound, where the initial panning of the recorded instruments is more accurately reproduced.
If you have a speaker with no crossovers, an equalizer with a filter can serve the purpose.
8. Audio Controls
Different equalizers have different controls for the master volume, subwoofer volume, fader, main or AUX inputs, etc.
Some equalizers lack the power button and are only turned on when the head unit is powered on.
9. Spectrum analyzer
Some higher-end equalizers have this feature that gives the real-time measurement of your audio signal. They offer you a visual representation of your frequencies. Therefore, if you want an equalizer with this feature, you should consider the high-end ones, which are mostly more priced.
10. Sound processor
This is the part of an equalizer that automatically adjusts its setting based on the noise in the car.
11. Bipolar switching
This is an exemplary electrical system that allows for increased voltage output by double as many quadrants as traditional systems. Therefore, you should look for an equalizer that allows bipolar switching.
12. Subwoofer feature
It helps the speakers you are using to deliver just the sounds they were manufactured to provide. You will find a set of pre-amp outputs with a low-pass filter in many equalizers.Some models use a high-pass filter on the front and rear channels whenever the subwoofer output is used.
13. Faders
The fader helps create a balance in the sound output of the entire system. For example, some car equalizers offer a front-to-rear fader that enables dual-amp balancing even when using a receiver with only one pair of pre-amp outputs.
14. Line drivers
Some car equalizers have line drivers that boost the voltage from your receivers to the maximum level accepted by your amp.
15. Mounting area
You are recommended to first check the available mounting space before going to buy an equalizer. Equalizers come with different mounts. For example, dash-mounted equalizers are very popular and can be mounted either on top or below the receiver.
You can buy special mounting brackets if you want to mount your equalizer below the dash.
16. Durability
Choose car equalizers made of high-quality material that will make them serve you with many years of performance without wear and tear.
Conclusion
Last but not least, ensure that you invest in the best quality you can in your car equalizer. Also, invest in quality wiring. Don’t rush to cheaper RCAs that could cause humming, buzzing, hissing, static, or popping sounds in your car. Instead, spend a bit more on the cables to ensure better audio performance.
In addition, don’t fear playing around with your equalizer. The best way to find out if it’s top-quality is by experimenting it as much with the system through trial and error. With time, you will eventually know how to ensure the best sounds come out of your audio system.
