Kicker 03KQ5 5-Band Parametric Equalizer

After installing nearly a $1000 worth of Infinity Kappa amp and speakers in my Mazda 3, I still wasn't happy with the sound. Unfortunately I kept factory head-unit (complete junk), which didn't help.So instead of ripping out and replacing the head unit, I decided to add parametric equalizer to get a better control of the sound.My main criteria was the ability to choose the center frequency for each gain/cut level knob.Most parametric equalizer have pre-set frequency for each knob or worse yet values like "low", "mid", "high" instead of actual frequency values. Kicker KQ5 was one of the few EQs I found to do just that- for each of the 5 bands, a user can select the actual frequency that will be boosted/cut. Now I can make precise adjustments to my liking.A huge added benefit of KQ5 is two inputs, which allowed me to connect my iPod directly to the EQ, thus bypassing the head-unit (and its crappy amp) altogether. The resulted in much better low-end output, which otherwise was getting cut and "muddied" by the head unit's amp. Of course, I have to use the input selector switch on the EQ every time I want to switch between the radio and iPod, so make sure to mount it in an easily accessible location if you do the same.In addition, the front panel illumination can be switched between amber and green to better match your car illumination (or just for fun)- a very nice touch !Everything works and sounds well so far- I don't experience any clicking, humming, ground noise, etc that I hear frequently accompany EQ setups.A very worthwhile investment. My only wish would be to have separate EQ presets for each of the inputs, but that probably wouldn't be possible unless it had electronic controls (as opposed to mechanical knobs) or by doubling the number of knobs- a set for each input.

this eq is garbage i had one 2 years it quit working one me my first issue i had with it with engine noise going through the rca which the eq been in 2 different cars so both cars i had a issue with engine noise then my volume nob broke and so did the fader and the fader is right behind the volume and in the 2nd car it started clipping allot which i know which it did not had to do with the head unit cause i have that same head unit as long as i had the eq and it did not do that in the first car and not to mention they do sub input by phone cord so you have to get a kicker crossover so i replaced it with a different brand eq and crossover which is better and the engine noise went away so i do not recommend buying this and i know another few people who had the same issue

If you look around, you will not find a 5 band parametric dial controlled equalizer in this size. This unit might introduce just a tiny bit of noise to your system. The middle frequency dial has a nice indent so you know where the middle is without having to look. It would have been nice if all the other dials had that same convenience.I also created an interface to use with my old Kicker powered sub that uses a 3.5mm audio jack to work with this units telephone cable jack. The sub control will work, but the extreme low and extreme high end of the normal sub controller would not work, so the KQ5 would only control about the middle 75% of the normal self powered sub's range.Also the manual is a bit lacking. I used a 5amp fuse to power this unit. After over a year of use, I am quite happy with this unit's performance. The switchable light colors area nice touch.

Great parametric EQ. Sound is awesome. Built in crossover and adjustable levels. You can really fine tune your system with this. It have two outputs front and rear. I use it on a three way system but way of using a y cable for the front door 4/6 and rear 6/9. Then use the rear out for sub amp. It sounds sweet.

Very good clarity added to my system. Easy to install as well.

GREAT

I have had this product (KQ5) on 2 Kicker ZR600 amp's & 2 solo-baric Kicker L7's for 13yrs. Kicker is all I have ever bought. I bought my first 2 10inch kicker Impulses back when I was 15yrs old, so I was ready beat when I got my first car. I live in Guthrie,Ok just right outside of Stillwater, where Kicker is located.

This is the eq ever i been buy eq for 14 years now i from pyramid to audio control clarion pioneer alpine pioneer Kenwood kicker come out on top i brought audiocontrol dqxs waste of time