Audiocontrol DQX or something else???
 

I am fairly new to car audio, have a very nice system so far, sony cdx-gt710hd H/u, diamond audio h600s comps running off passive x'over's, focal solid 4 4-channel feeding my comps 75watts per, currently no sub stage, will have that in a few weeks.

i am wondering what would be my best option for processing and staging
have been looking at a audiocontrol DQX for 399$ and then a kicker front row to help with the time alignment, i have read alot about the dqx, both good and bad, that its a very powerful EQ, but muddies up your signal resulting in poor staging and degraded SQ. but due to the fact that i can run active with it it if would be worth it, because i know going active results usually in better SQ and staging because you can play with x'over points, unless somebody can recommend another processor around the same price, looking to buy something this upcoming weekend, so help would be much appreicated!

IMO Your best bet is to replace the deck with a Pioneer deh-80prs. This will give you the ability to go active and have independent time alignment for each speaker. EQ is maybe not as powerfull as his big brother (p99) or an external processor but is still good enough to correct most problems.

I'm running one in my wife Yaris and this winter went to an IASCA comp in Syracuse and got first place in my class beating 3way setup with much more expensive gear.

Sound deadened and seal those door should also be on your high priority list, depending on the car it could be real easy and will give you a much better sound.

When it's all done i suggest you find a shop or a friend that have a RTA and tune the car.

Where are you located?

Thanks for the reply

To be honest i had the 80PRS and loved it, but i found myself finicking with the controls all the time, i had my system sounding okay, but at the time didnt have enough to get it tuned properly so i returned the unit. active i absoulutely loved the sound, much much more dynamic and clear, midrange very defined, vocals crisp, highs was where i got stuck, x/over pts etc.. couldnt get it right

the eq is where i dont want to mess with it, i want it tuned properly and never touch it again, unless its going in a new vehicle, thats why i was looking at the dqx, deadening in this vehicle is not an option, the mids are baffled, sealed as much as i could, and that made a huge difference, very defined mid range and clarity.

im in minnesota, i have an appt to get my system tuned on july 7th with soundwaves, installer/tuners name is C.J, one of the more highly regarded installers in the country actually, ranked in the top 50 installers in the country ^^,

like i said i have heard nothing but good things about audiocontrol, i know a better h/u helps of course, not sure if i should go that route first, or try the DQX and see where that takes me, im planning on upgrading the h/u to the 80prs down the line, but i like the h/u i have, only thing mine currently doesnt have is time alignment

also i cannot find any specifiaction on the crossovers to my comp's so wanting to go active might be difficult :/