Kenwood KGC-4042A

Price Paid:  $75.00

Summary:
I would recommend this unit if you want to be able to fine tune your system if it currently only has bass and treble controls, like my Alpine head unit. It give you far more usable adjustability than just bass/treb. I also like the subwoofer output controls that allow you to adj. the cut-off frequency from 150hz down, as well as 12db of +/- adjustment. This way you don't have to go into your trunk if you like to adjust your sub alot. It's also really small, so you can find almost any place to mount it- in the glove box, under the dash, in vacant cubby holes in the dash, etc.
The problem is that because it's so small, it's hard to use those sliders accurately and get just the right amount of cut or boost that you're looking for. Especially in a moving vehicle.
I would recommend this unit if space is an issue (like in my 944)- or if you are the type to just set the thing up, and you rarely adjust the sound. If you have a double din dash opening, get a single-din size electronic EQ because I'm sure those would be much easier to set up, and much easier to adjust while on the road. For $75 off of e-bay, though, I'm pretty happy.

Strengths:
The ability to get good sound out of just about any system. Sub controls make adjustments very easy. Small size mounts just about anywhere.

Weaknesses:
Small size makes fine tuning adjustments very difficult- especially when moving.

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $150.00

Summary:
I would definitly go for a parametric or digital eq in the future. It does its job, but this unit is very hard to make precise adjustments; especially while driving.

Strengths:
Mine is mounted directly above my head unit since it is so small. Nice to be able to adjust the sound without going too crazy. It's also very nice to be able to adjust your sub xover from your driver's seat!

Weaknesses:
Very hard to get a precise adjustment. Especailly on the 50 hz and 250 hz (both +/- 18 dB). 50 hz is a very critical frequency where too much adjustment can ruin the sound.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $125.00

Summary:
There are few excuses for buying this as opposed to the full 1/2 DIN Kenwood model. With only 5 bands of EQ, one wasted at 80hz, you're only getting a little more control than you do with the Bass and Treble settings on your head unit.

Strengths:
For the price, it has a good S/N ratio.

Weaknesses:
The sub output / 80hz EQ combo is boneheaded. If there's a sub level control, the first EQ band should be closer to 250hz.

Similar Products Used:
Kenwood's digital EQ is a much better product