[(XrIeSvlis)]

The Bose system sounds really muddy, IMO, and I was wondering if hooking up an EQ would help make it better.

Has anyone tried this? If so, has the sound gotten better?

If no one has tried, then I'll give it a shot with a little cheapy $15 EQ from eBay and see if it makes the sound better. If it does, then I'll get a better EQ... If not, then it was only $15. I've lost more than that in less that 5 mins. at some casinos here in Vegas.

 

[Entropism]

Reading Topic: Aftermarket EQ on Bose

Well, I'm planning on using an Audiocontrol Three.1 with the Bose, which is a decent quality unit. I'd avoid the $15 EQ unless you;ve used it before and know that it doesn't destroy the sound. I've seen quite a few EQs kill whatever good points there were beforehand, because of shoddy equipment.

Also, keep in mind, in the long checklist of things that give you better sound, the head unit is probably LAST. Speakers being first, an amp that doesn't distort (NOT the head unit amp) being second, crossovers being third. An EQ is NEVER meant to "fix" a bad sounding system, it's mainly used to tweek the sound that's already there. Using it for anything but that will lead to disappointment.

 

[kyler13]

Reading Topic: Aftermarket EQ on Bose

When I get a chance I'm gonna move my Kenwood 5-band EQ into the 6 (if possible). It also has a sliding crossover and a level control for the sub. Not sure what will be useable off of it. I have yet to investigate the Bose system. It should give me better control than just treble and bass.

 

[stretchsje]

Reading Topic: Aftermarket EQ on Bose

An EQ will not correct muddy sound. It will let your drown out muddy frequencies, but do you really want to lose your midrange or treble?

Less is more with audio- I'd advice against adding more layers to your stereo.

 

[(XrIeSvlis)]

Reading Topic: Aftermarket EQ on Bose

Thanks for the info fellas. To make myself more clear, I want better clarity in the high range. I'm content with the low and the mid range. I was hoping that an EQ, alone, would help the highs.

 

[kyler13]

Reading Topic: Aftermarket EQ on Bose

I ultimately believe that part of the problem is sending the full range signal to the door speakers. Too much volume causes your low frequencies to distort the speakers, and that kills your midrange. The set up in my honda includes in-line filters below 600Hz (or close, can't remember exactly) and the door speakers sound brilliant. I leave the low frequency duties to the sub. In this case, less isn't necessarily better. The more you can do to ensure the proper frequencies are only being sent to the speakers that can handle them, the better off you are. That being said, you might be right about the EQ not being enough to take care of the problem. It's gonna take a little investigation to find out the weakness(es) of the Bose system. I'm hoping I can clean things up a little with my EQ. I can use one or both of the amps from my system if necessary.

 

[Entropism]

Reading Topic: Aftermarket EQ on Bose

I highly doubt it's below 600Hz, to be honest. If it is, you're losing a LOT of music. Mostly, front speakers are cut off around 60-90Hz, with the lower frequencies going to the subs. Most midrange & vocals are around the 600 Hz level.

 

[kyler13]

Reading Topic: Aftermarket EQ on Bose

Alright, it's probably lower. I just know that a friend of mine helped me set it up about 7 years ago and I think he had me buy too high a frequency high pass filter. Maybe it was 200 Hz. I have a pair of 10" subs so they have a bit higher upper limit. I do notice I lose some music for certain albums, but very few. Remember, these filters don't cut off at the frequency, they roll off. In reality it takes a couple octaves before you lose sound altogether. I think they're only 6 db/octave. My Kicker amp has a low pass module that rolls off at 24 db/octave.

 

[Entropism]

Reading Topic: Aftermarket EQ on Bose

Kyler, put it like this: At 600Hz and a 6dB rolloff, your vocals would not only blend in with the instruments, but probably be lower. That's with FEMALE vocals. With male vocals, you'd have it even worse.

Either way, this would be a VERY noticable thing. I mean, unless you like your music that way.

 

[kyler13]

Reading Topic: Aftermarket EQ on Bose

For you, Entro, I am going to crack open my front speaker panels on my Honda and check as soon as it stops raining. That should be by Saturday.