7 replies to this topic

[Interceptor]

Apart from the obvious components such as headunits, speakers, subs and amplifiers, what else is there that can aid in the search for SQ?
I’m talking about the stuff like time delay devices for the best sound staging, etc etc

[Dr DJ Choss]

sound deadener, good instal, nice new MDF, someone who knows how to fibreglass properly and someone who knows music but not car audio...

nothing worse than cancellation, vibrations, etc.

[ April 30, 2003, 23:10: Message edited by: Dr DJ Choss ]

[Sonic Nirvana]

SQ is all about installation and set-up to make the good stuff you paid for work properly and musically.

Time, money, thought and enthusiasm in those areas are worth their weight in SQ Gold

[claf_43]

definitely the installation, eq are fun though

[shiny_car]

i certainly find great benefit from having an alpine digital processor. whilst it works with non-alpine HUs, it integrates much better with an Ai-NET one for easier system control.

but what they add are time alignment and parametric EQs. TA really helps to blend my front stage with the sub for 'bass upfront', which creates far better integration and tranparency. the EQ is not essential, but does help fine tune certain areas that would otherwise be too boomy.

unfortunately, adding TA is an expensive proposition, and in most instances you may be best off buying a new (alpine) HU with it inbuilt. for example, alpine processors retail for well over $1K, which in itself will buy a high-end alpine HU.

in terms of EQs, i've not used an outboard graphic EQ before (eg: 9/11/15/30/31 band). an RTA of your system's response may help decide how many 'bands' you would require at a minimum (ie: highlight big peaks/troughs), however, the smaller EQs may suffer from inappropriate/insufficient adjustment. and tuning a 30/31 band graphic would require some patience and experience.

i personally find parametric EQs, with their fewer bands but adjustable 'Q' (ie: how narrow or broadly the frequencies above and below are affected by adjusting the specificied (centre) frequency), and selectable centre frequencies to be far easier to tune, especially 'by ear'.

in most instances, a system would benefit from both TA and EQation. but like for any component, worth buying something high quality, which invariably makes it expensive.

i'm not sure there's any other components worth adding.

[Macca]

A nice car somthing with big kicks unlike the mirage

Time alighnment is also very good as mentioned

[Pyroay]

I agree with some earlier comments regarding Time Allignment. I have a Pinoeer DSP with time allignment (possibly simmilar to the Alpine unit mentioned) and it is absolutly fantasic. Adjustable crossover frequency just about from from 20 - 20khtz, adjustable slope 6,12 (and 18 on the sub) time allignment which is awesome, a cool spectrm analyser display and heaps more. As mentioned these cost a litle. Currently there are some around for approx $800 although when you consider what is does, (eq, time allignment, crossover etc) it can serve the function of many other components.

One drawback, i have a 4volt headunit but the DSP only accepts 2 volt in.