Car Stereos: EQ Install, pioneer deh 7800mp, eq settings

Question
Hi!

I have a 1997 Camaro running the following:
*Pioneer DEH 7800mp HU.
*4 Pioneer 6.5 inch Full range speakers connected to a Dual 600w 4 channel amp.
*Kenwood 10" Sub connected to a Kicker ZX300.1 mono amp.

I realize the HU has built in EQ, but I seem to be having a real hard time getting my system to sound "Clear". Mainly the sub reverb and not crisp. I've tried adjusting everything so many different ways I'm at my wits end.

I have a Sony XE-90MKII 9 band eq w/ sub control that I want to install to try to correct this.

My question is, which RCA output from my HU do I connect to my EQ?

I think It's the front speakers output (I realize I will lose the ability to fade, but not an issue).

Or any other suggestions, such as should I turn down my 50hz setting? My LPF is at 80hz and my Front and Rear HPF is at 100hz.

Thanks Much !!

Answer
Hi Allyn,

You can use any of the head unit's pre-amp outputs for the equalizer input, provided it's a full-range signal.  This means you can connect the front, rear or even the sub output--provided the sub output is switched to "non-fader" in the deck's setup menu, so that you're not using the deck's built-in low-pass filter.  The simplest option is simply to use the front outputs.  You'll still have a fader function available, but it will be controlled through the EQ instead of the head unit.

You'll need to make sure that the head unit's internal high-pass filter is switched off, and the EQ settings, bass boost and loudness functions are neutralized.

I'm not sure if you'll be able to solve your problem with the equalizer.  A muddy output from the subwoofer might be caused by a number of different factors, including the interaction between the subwoofer and the front/rear speakers.  A few other things you might try:

Double-check the front and rear speakers to make sure they're all wired in the same polarity.  In addition to checking the wiring, you can do this by ear: adjust the balance and fader so that only two speakers are playing, then slowly adjust from one speaker to the other.  If the bass sounds louder and clearer with a single speaker than with two, then the two speakers may be wired out of phase with each other.

Once you're sure the front and rear speakers are matched, try switching the polarity of the subwoofer.  This can be done through the head unit (normal/reverse setting in the subwoofer controls) or you can switch the positive and negative wires at the sub box.  If the sub can be made to "blend" better with the rest of the speakers, it might reduce the muddiness of the bass output.

You might also try adjusting the crossover settings for the front/rear speakers and the sub to a lower frequency.  Ideally, the sub should only play tones that are too low for the front and rear speakers to reproduce effectively.

It's possible that the sub isn't working well with the enclosure; you might try stuffing the sub box with damping material, like the polyfill used to make pillows.  This can make the sub work as if it's in a larger box, which might help smooth out the subwoofer's response curve.  Check to see if your enclosure matches the sub manufacturer's recommended size.

Hope this helps!

Brian