Kenwood KGC-4042A 5-Band Car Equalizer

Product Rating
3.2 of 5
5 reviews

Price Range
$114 - $114

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	$114.00
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Product Description

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.

Strength

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

Weakness

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

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.

Strength

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!

Weakness

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.

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.

Strength

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

Weakness

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

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.

Strength

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.

Weakness

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

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.

Strength

Weakness