I have a low opinion of EQs in general but, especially if you are going to compete, they have real value. An EQ may be the only way to tame a hot frequency band. I say avoid them while you can, but there isnt a brand right now I can recommend (mine turned into K-rap). [img]graemlins/cry.gif[/img]
There is another thread in the SQ section where we talked about time alignment and that may be of interest too.

I'd honestly have to add here that you should consider finding a used Pioneer P9 head unit and processor. It's the best piece for the money on the market (in my opinion) that allows for a great amount of flexibility for tuning. You should be able to find a used one for around $900 to $1050 USD used if it's in good shape. Next I'd say look at the Rockford/DEnon DWVW mentioned, but you'll need to add some processing if you're thinking of competing. Finally, I owned a C90 and 4000 processor. Very nice but if not being able to see the screen in daylight will bother you, "DO NOT" not touch the C90 from Sony. It will drive you insane. Otherwise an awesome head unit.

Next, I recemmend that you find a few cars to listen to for gear selection "IF" you're not sure about what you've purchased and "IF" you have the abilities to change. There's lots on people here in Ontario that can give you a demo of what they are running. That being said, you've made a solid choice in gear. Do those subs work at all in an Infinite Baffle setup?? IB is a nice way to save your trunk space wise and plays nice and deep.

And, find a very good installer and make sure to budget some money. Don't skimp on installation. Installtion is 90% of good sound. You can email me if you want any recommendations.

Hmmmm......... The Pioneer P9 is currently not within my budget based on the price you mentioned... I would rather get something less than US$500 - sometimes you can get the Sony on ebay slightly used for less than US$500.00 and that is what I was planning on. Or perhaps just get the Rockford/Denon unit new that is available on sounddomain.com.
Anyone here willing to let me hear their system? Please let me know.
No they don't work in an IB setup. They need a box of specific dimensions.
Yes, please recommend some to me. That has been the biggest challenge so far in my audio upgrade path. I don't want to take chances on an installer. I want it done right the first time. I just can't afford to get a sloppy installation done (time wise). Thanks for your help Tom!

maybe try burlington radioactive? 905-631-9800. Talk to Lee, tell him Ty sent ya.

The CDX-C90 is the best high level deck Sony made, the next step up from that is the full XES system. You CAN NOT knock that deck. I'm a bit beyond my point of no return with my install to convert to that unit right now, though.

As far as install, I don't really know the scene out east so my recomendation would be to find people who actually compete succesfully and find out who did there system. They will make or break the system as far as IASCA SQ competition. There are many shops that will say, "we can do SQ systems" but what is there point of reference? For example you mentioned Perfect Tones, maybe go talk with them, find out what IASCA SQ competitions they have won (get proof) that would be a good start. I personally would talk to Moe Sabourin, he is very intimate with the IASCA scene out there and definately would know who the good shops are, or talk to Todd Gaskell, Marc Turner, people like that as they are active SQ competitors.

Can you please pm me the emails of the guys you mentioned above - (Moe Sabourin, Todd Gaskell, Marc Turner etc), so that I can contact them and find a shop that has won IASCA SQ competitions. TIA!!

What's your budget for an install ?????

You should give me your amps....you can have my Xtant...it'll should run your whole system if you use passives:D

Dave Mackinnon on this board is another good guy in ontario to talk to about iasca sq.. Also, Jamie Edmunson (impala builder) on this site. Both are from areas somewhat close to you.