Kenwood KGC-4042A

Strengths:
I'd say the best thing about this eq is the sub-crossover control and sub level control. With these controls I can get every song I listen to, to sound just the way I want it with a simple adjustment, comes in real handy.

Weaknesses:
if you wanna use it for more than a sub eq and crossover, you have to have your front and back speakers running through a seperate 4 channel amp. ohh, and I think 179.95 is a little steep for an eq, but thats what It sells for new in crutchfield!

Summary:
I traded a neon light a sub for this eq, and I am happy with it, it works great, and looks real cool with your choice of green or orange illumination. The sound quality is super-clean with no distortion at all. I would recommend this eq to anyone looking for a real high quality eq, this eq reeks of quality, and you can hear it. I like the idea of my front speakers being high passed with the sub on, they'll sound better because they won't be pumpin out distorted bass at high volume, which will sound better and save your speakers from being ruined:) I mounted the eq under my dash, but its so small you could mount it just about anywhere you can think of. IF your thinking about buying one of these new, shop around a little bit, crutchfield sells it for 179.95!! best bet is to try ebay or do some comparison shopping at online stores.

Similar Products Used:
I have never used another eq, so I can't really compare this to other eq's.

Summary:
Kenwood KGC-4042A (EQ)MRSP: $190
Price Paid: $99
Dimensions: 3 1/2 x 1 x 5 1/4

Bands: 5 bands: 50hz(18db), 200hz(18db), 800hz(12db), 3.2k(12db), 12.8k(12db)

Special:
Variable Subwoofer crossover(30-150hz)
Variable Subwoofer level control(0-10 volume level)
3 sets preamps outputs(front, rear, and sub), 1 input

Good: For a small unassuming EQ, its got alot of useful features. The sub crossover is very good and the level control has came in handy quite a few times. You can also select the subwoofer to stay off with a press of a button on the EQ’s face(also located there, is the flat/EQ switch). With its tiny package, you should be able to mount it almost anywhere. It is a bit long though, so that may limit you somewhat. It includes a faceplate style mounting plastic piece(a bit ugly, for more style, I recommend you make another, or cover it with vinyl to match your interior) for attempting to mount it in traditional areas. This unit also has no noise that I can hear. When the bands are at flat and the EQ switch is pressed, you can tell the difference(the sound is like it is being “EQ’d slightly) but there is no hiss.

Bad: It is not a preamp. There are no gain features on this amp and the manual lists it as 0 volts output. Its merely a stand alone EQ. Little in, means little out. Also, the front outputs have a low pass cutoff when the sub is activated. For those of you with only a front stage and subs, I recommend you use the rear RCA’s only. Otherwise, you will find a irritating lack of bass presence toward the front stage(assuming your woofs are in the trunk)

Ugly: Bound to come up in the conversation is the lack of bands. This is the only thing I really don’t like about the unit. I still use it today as my primary EQ, so it does a good job, but I wish I had more control with more bands. Some of you may find this to be plenty, but if you are hesitant and like to mold your music, keep looking.

Recommendation: If you are tight on space(I have it vinyled into my door pocket, due to a lack of a decent area to mount it stealthy and maintain driving tweaking) and need a little tuning up, but don’t want the big multi-band deals or are looking for a little tuning with a good sub crossover/level control, this might just be what you need. If you find a good price or picking up one used, it comes in handy.