I Did a search but couldn't find any info on this.

I am planning a system for my 84. The thing is I want to install a EQ. I had in mind using a Passive EQ. just checking stuff out on E bay, I noticed that most of them say Pre amp etc.

If i understand that then the EQ has a built in amp? will that give me problems when using a external amp?

I'm a little confused on this.


Since I have your attention.
I am also contemplating using a custom fit box that they sale that fits in the cargo area. With 2 10"s

Or a Bandpass with 1 10"

Now I'm no stereo expert at all ,I have been reading this stuff all day. So I'll try and stay with you.

 

Active EQ's are generally better than passive in my personal opinion. Passive EQ's work by limiting the output on a given frequency while active can boost output or decrease output on a given frequency. This does lead to some technical issues, but the majority of high end EQ's out there are active.

All pre-amp really means is that it comes before the amplifier and usually does some signal processing. It won't interfear with your amp at all.

I'm not sure how much I would trust a custom box off e-bay. You really are best off building one yourself and if you're not willing/able to build one yourself then your next best option is to buy from someone who drives a 3rd gen just like you. Jim85IROC and Renzor (or something like that) both build/sell boxes.

 

Cool, Thanks man.

 

All modern eq's are active. A passive device is one that does not use its own power, but is powered off of the signal. A crossover is a good example when trying to understand the difference between passive and active. A passive crossover is build with capacitors, inductors and resistors, and is right in the signal level. An active crossover is one that typically uses op-amps, which have their own power source.

When it comes to EQs, I don't think I've ever even seen a passive one, although I'm sure they used to exist at one time. Every car eq I've seen is an active eq. Some of the cheap ones might have a built in amp as well, but those seem to be very rare.

Any eq that advertises that it has pre-amp outputs means that it does not have a built in amplifier. It is a unit that is designed to work with an amplifier, hence the "pre-amp" designation. Pre-amp literally means "before-amp".

Just out of curiosity, what sort of eq are you looking at getting? Most head units have equalization capabilities that are as good or better than most stand-alone EQs unless you get up into the realm of 1/3 octave units, which aren't intended for the average joe to begin with.

If I were you, I'd take whatever amount of money you were planning on spending on that EQ and just put it toward a better head unit that offers the eq options that you need. Most head units, even basic ones, will have a 5-7 band eq or a 3-4 band parametric eq. Either of those types of equalizer will be just as useful as a stand alone unit for most issues.

 

ive got an old PA2 eq and i couldnt be happier w/ it and yes most will say preamp cause it will take rcas from the output on the deck to the input on the eq then from an output on eq to an input on the amp.