I own a Kenwood KDC-MP4028, and as far as getting it set up out of the box for sq, it is very easy compared to some of the Alpines I have run (9835/9815, etc). I actually prefer the sound of this deck to some of the decks I mentioned, also. Nice deck, IMO.

 

I didn't find my 9835 difficult at all to set up. Only thing I hated about it though was when you were trying to fine tune it. Make a change and if you don't save it quick enough the screen goes back to standard and your changes are gone. Not to mention that saving any changes requires first saving it to a preset number and then saving it again to the main dial.
PITA really compared to the Pioneer's and Eclipse I have had that let you listen for a bit to determine if your ears really enjoy the change you just made or not. If you don't like the change you just put it back and if you do enjoy it well it's already saved and there isn't any wasted time presing button after button before going on.
Anyways, the EQ in the upper end Eclipse models is far superior to the one's in the Alpine's (unless of course you feel the need to spend the extra dosh to get the add-on processor).
Again, it would be Pioneer and Eclipse as my units of choice and I would go with the Pioneer I suggested earlier over the overpriced Eclipse units.
You get so much ability with the new 880PRS for the price there's no wonder the things are getting back-ordered.