Adding an Equalizer to a Stock Head Unit

[Buck62]

Hey guys, got a question for all you electronics wizards here.

I know most people advise against it, but I'd prefer to skip ripping out my stock head unit because I do like the features on it. I just want to have a bit more contol of the tone and shape the sound to where I like it, especially the midrange. I'd like to install a small equalizer like this one inside the storage compartment below the head unit...


http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_475.html


The Kenwood KGC-4042A is a highly rated unit and has a very low level of .01% THD. It's dimensions are pretty small at 3-1/2"W x 1"H x 5-3/4"D, so it should fit in with no problem.

From what I understand, I'll have to install an output level converter to convert the speaker level output to line level. Is that all I have to do? Is there something I'm missing? Does a passive equalizer also need an external amp? Is there some type of equalizer that has an amp built in that would be a better choice? I just want to give my system more mid-punch and sound-shaping options, that's about it, and I don't want to kill my pocketbook.

Comments?... Advice??

Any and all would be appreciated... thanx!

[KeWLKaT]

watch out for the equalizers

most of them only have RCA outputs, so you NEED to amp all of your speakers

[mnstrmech]

thier used to be eq's with built in amps, years ago, but they didnt have near the power that most aftermarket decks have today. i did this same thing years ago on an old sunbird i had, an eq on the stock deck, and an amp, and it didnt sound anywhere near as good as an aftermarket. id suggest just getting a pioneer deck, cause with the sound focus eq, i have 5 bands of eq adjusting, and even with the stock speakers, i think it sounds amazing!

[Vampyrate]

actually, if your car is still under warranty, and dont want to mess that up audio wise, get the kenwood deck from www.hyundaipartsonline.com its cheaper than going to a dealer, and is the special hyundai version of teh kenwood deck that has RCA outputs for subs and a few other cool features, like changing the display color and the likes.

[KeWLKaT]

Hey guys, got a question for all you electronics wizards here.

I know most people advise against it, but I'd prefer to skip ripping out my stock head unit because I do like the features on it. I just want to have a bit more contol of the tone and shape the sound to where I like it, especially the midrange. I'd like to install a small equalizer like this one inside the storage compartment below the head unit...


http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_475.html


The Kenwood KGC-4042A is a highly rated unit and has a very low level of .01% THD. It's dimensions are pretty small at 3-1/2"W x 1"H x 5-3/4"D, so it should fit in with no problem.

From what I understand, I'll have to install an output level converter to convert the speaker level output to line level. Is that all I have to do? Is there something I'm missing? Does a passive equalizer also need an external amp? Is there some type of equalizer that has an amp built in that would be a better choice? I just want to give my system more mid-punch and sound-shaping options, that's about it, and I don't want to kill my pocketbook.

Comments?... Advice??

Any and all would be appreciated... thanx!

Here you go man:

http://www.elantraxd.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14711

[FinalBreath]

A new head unit will not void the warranty tho... so i would jus say tear into it and get a new one. To me that stock one is ugly. I just dont like the Yellow lights.

[johnblaze94]

No, installing an aftermarket HU will not void ther warranty if installed correctly. However, if when splicing into the factory lines without a wiring harness (for the EQ only as Buck62 wants to do) a wire is completely severed, the warranty can be voided.

I reccommend an aftermarket headunit tho. They have cool features that the factory HU does not. Take your time and look for one that suits you audio and visual style. I guarentee with a little bit of effort in this matter, you will be very pleased with the outcome.