If you are a frequent long-distance traveler, you can easily attest that nothing motivates you more to keep going than music. It brings irreplaceable fun to what would have otherwise been a tedious and boring experience.
Now, just like home audio systems, the quality of your stereo systems plays a pivotal role in determining your car audio experience. Of course, most of the modern cars come with very nice music systems that bring music to realism.
However, if you think that your car audio system isn’t giving you the best, adding a car audio equalizer will be wise.
A car audio equalizer works by adjusting the audio input signals to ensure optimal sound quality. And when buying a car audio equalizer, you should ensure that you get the one that works best for your car, budget, and ears. Here are the 11 best car audio equalizers!
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Top 11 Car Audio Equalizers
#1 Clarion EQS755 7-Band Car Audio Graphic Equalizer
No products found.Enhance your music car experience by getting this premium-grade car audio equalizer. It is one of the best-rated EQs in the market. For this reason, you can buy knowing that you are securing one of the best deals in the market.
Being a 7-band equalizer, Clarion EQS755 will handle frequencies at 50 Hz, 125 Hz, 315 Hz, 750 Hz, 2.2 kHz, 6 kHz, and 16 kHz. With such a wide audio spectrum, you will always get the best out of your sound system. I mean, with this unit, you will always adjust the sound of your car’s stereo system so that you get what exactly goes with your taste.
Also, in case you are among those that haven’t interacted with a car audio equalizer before, this unit comes with you in mind. It installs in simple steps so that you won’t even need to hire a professional to do the work for you!
The simple controls mean that you can adjust and readjust the sound as you please depending on your needs. And with all these features along with lots of bells and whistles it packs, Clarion EQS755 goes for a slightly higher price. However, comparing the price to the impact it brings to your audio system, it’s still a nice deal for one to grab!
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#2 Massive Audio EQ-7X Car Equalizer
No products found.When it comes to a car music system, everyone wants one that will give clear sound even in conditions when there is a lot of background noise. And yes, just as you are thinking, with this unit, you won’t get any background noise like in some other models we have in the market.
The selectable 12dB low-pass crossover and the Gold plated terminals ensure that it delivers great crossover and an enhanced sound from your system. I mean, you can think of Massive Audio EQ-7X Car EQ as one of the few car equalizers designed to take the performance of your car’s stereo system a notch higher just as they claim.
Although it comes at a lower price as compared to the preceding model, it shares most of the features with its predecessor. For instance, it is a 7-band unit. This feature along with tons of other controls lets the user control how they want their music to sound.
It measures 7 inches wide, 4-1/8-inches deep and an inch high. Hence, for those looking for a compact-size unit that will deliver amazing results, they won’t go wrong with this option.
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#3 Rockville R7EQ 1/2 Din 7 Band Car Audio Equalizer
No products found.This equalizer comes with screws, bracket, and an understandable user manual. Hence, it should be in place and working within a few minutes upon arrival. Like all the previous models, this EQ from Rockville offers 7 bands ranging from 50 Hz to 12 kHz.
Also, each of these bands affords the user a customization range of between -18 dB and +18 dB. And since it comes with a built-in crossover, Rockville R7EQ offers more than just an ordinary car audio equalizer.
The subwoofer frequency range in this model is 40Hz to 250Hz and is adjustable to suit your needs. To ensure even better sound quality with minimal distortion, the manufacturer uses components of the highest quality.
The several rotary knobs are an implication that this equalizer is designed to allow for maximum user adjustability. Each dial is equipped with a blue LED light so that you will never touch the wrong button when you need to enjoy music in your car the next time you are returning home late.
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#4 Audiopipe 9 Band Equalizer
No products found.If you are looking for a high-quality equalizer that can handle more than 7 bands, then here comes the ideal option for you. As the name suggests, this is a 9-band equalizer. Thus, it gives you more options than any of our previous models to control how you want your car audio to sound.
These frequency bands here include; 250Hz, 50Hz, 500Hz 125Hz, 1KHz, 2 kHz 4KHz, kHz, and 16 kHz. The multiple adjustment knobs mean that you will never need to readjust the sound of your car’s stereo system using the head unit.
The rugged metal casing indicates that this equalizer is designed to withstand rough handling whereas the mounting brackets make putting it up in place a breeze. Also, the push buttons of this unit will pop out once you push them to let you adjust and then retract back to their position. This feature ensures that the buttons don’t get bumped.
Another commendable feature about the Audiopipe 9 Band Equalizer is that it has a switchable Aux input. This feature provides a way of linking the unit with devices such as iPad and satellite receivers.
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#5 Power Acoustik PWM-16 Pre-Amp Equalizer
No products found.For those that want to improve their car music experience without spending too much on an equalizer, here comes the perfect option for them. This high-quality unit arrives with a pocket-friendly price tag that easily goes with any budget.
However, as you would expect from a unit of its price level, Power Acoustik PWM-16 Pre-Amp Equalizer offers only 4 audio bands. Hence, it may not allow for more detailed audio customizations like some of the high-end models we have in the market.
The sound quality, however, is up there with some expensive models. In other words, expect to enjoy excellent clarity with this inexpensive model. It measures 8.8 x 7.8 x 2 inches so that it will never lack a spot in your car. Furthermore, since it weighs only 1.75 pounds, expect to have an easy time installing or carrying this unit.
Most users of this equalizer also like that the knobs are metallic and not of plastic like in some models in the market. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the buttons getting shaky after a while as with plastic constructions.
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#6 Soundstream MPQ-7B 7-Band 1/2 DIN Equalizer
No products found.This is a good-looking equalizer that will also give you high-quality sound. It has 7 frequency bands, that is, 40 Hz, 100 Hz, 275 Hz, 700 Hz, 2 kHz, 5 kHz, and 14 kHz. Each of these bands allows the user to adjust between the range of -18 dB and + 18 dB. Therefore, you will always hear your favorite tunes in the exact manner you have always wanted.
The dial knobs adjust smoothly and are of high-quality to ensure that they last for a very long time. And since these controls are backlit, you will always locate the right dial every time you need to make some adjustments on the unit.
Soundstream MPQ-7B 7-Band 1/2 DIN Equalizer also features a selectable low-pass filter, an input selector switch and a fade control button. The premium-grade unit also offers front, rear, and subwoofer RCA outputs.
Nevertheless, it also has its flaws. For instance, the bolts included in the installation kit do not work with a few factory head units. Although this doesn’t sound like a big deal, it still increases the overall cost of buying and installing the unit. Also, some users reported that the knobs get gritty after a very extended period of use.
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#7 Gravity 7 Band Graphic Equalizer GR-EQ9
No products found.For the people that want a good equalizer that is easy to install, this is one of the options they may consider counting on. It is simply a graphic EQ that has a subwoofer equalizer. It offers a maximum output of 7V.
Also, this amazing unit from Gravity has an impressive Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) of 90 dB. This rating simply means that the level of the audio signal is 90 dB than that of background noise. Hence, expect it to enjoy clearer music with this unit than with most of the options in the market.
Gravity 7 Band Graphic Equalizer GR-EQ9 has a Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of 0.05. The low THD means that this premium-grade equalizer is engineered to let you get the best from your car’s stereo system.
The unit offers 7 bands, that is, 50 Hz, 125 Hz, 315 Hz, 750 Hz, 2.2 kHz, 6 kHz, and 16 kHz. With all these, you will like how the sound of your audio system will adjust to match your musical taste. The knobs turn smoothly and will not get gritty over time like those of some of the members of the competition.
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#8 Planet Audio Half-DIN, Band Car Equalizer
No products found.This high-fidelity preamplifier provides front, rear, and subwoofer low-level outputs. It boasts a very impressive SNR of 110 dB to ensure that you enjoy excellent clarity in your music with minimal to no background noise.
Additionally, the THD rating of 0.0005% is one of the best ratings you will find in the market. The signal processor measures 7.2″ x 3.8” x 1.3”, (L x D x H). With such a small size, it is easy to carry to your car and won’t claim much space.
The unit offers multiple control knobs for optimal music customization. The Master Volume control lets you adjust the overall output of the preamplifier whereas the Fader lets you adjust the sound level of front and rear speakers. The input select button allows you to choose the input source.
These buttons along with other controls ensure that you get the exact kind of audio experience you have always wanted to get from your car audio system. You can set the desired amount of boost/cut anywhere between -18 dB and +18 dB for every frequency band it offers.
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#9 BOSS Audio Systems AVA1210 7 Band Pre-Amp Car Equalizer
No products found.If you are among the people that are only willing to invest in products that come from manufacturers with a solid reputation, then this is one of the units that you can consider giving a shot.
This preamplifier is from BOSS Audio Systems, one of the industry-leading brands we have in the market. It combines excellent workmanship with high-quality components to ensure that you get an in-car audio experience like no other.
The high signal to noise ratio (110 dB) means that background noise is now something of the past. The BI-FET op-amp minimizes sound distortion so that you get every word from your car’s audio system clearly.
Being a 7-band EQ, you can always adjust the sound to match your needs using the provided control knobs. The blue light illumination is an implication that you will never struggle to locate the correct dial even when traveling in the night.
The EQ has a depth of 4.6 inches, a width of 7 inches and a height of just an inch. For this reason, we won’t be wrong to put it in the category of the small-but-mighty models we have in the market.
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#10 Sound Storm Labs S4EQ 4 Band Pre Amp Car Equalizer
No products found.Although this car equalizer may not work in a few vehicles, it works exceptionally well it turns out compatible with your machine. It has 4 band frequencies- 40 Hz, 150 Hz, 1 kHz, and 20 kHz and each has a corresponding slider for adjustment.
The preamplifier also features other adjustment knobs. These control dials include master volume control, fader control, and subwoofer filter and level control for more personalized music experience.
All the components of this equalizer are of the highest quality. Thus, in case you are looking for an equalizer that will hold up well for years even with regular use and customizations, this EQ from Sound Storm Labs will hardly disappoint.
The dual color illumination is also another amazing feature that this car equalizer packs. Most customers like that the backlighting is just right and not too bright to cause distraction at night.
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#11 DS18 DS-KEQ5 DS18 Five Band Graphic Equalizer
No products found.When buying a graphic equalizer, you should ensure that you get one that will bring the very best out of your car music system. And yes, featuring a built-in crossover, DS18 DS-KEQ5 is one of the equalizers that come to take your car’s audio experience a notch up.
The 5-band graphic EQ packs several control knobs that meet the musical tastes of different music lovers. Also, these knobs will stand up to constant turning without developing issues like those of some members of the competition.
The rugged casing protects the internal components so that you get a long-lasting performance from your purchase. The RCA input/output have gold plating while the high sound to noise ratio ensures crystal clear sound with minimal to no distortion at all.
Could you be a music lover operating within a small budget? Don’t worry! This equalizer brings tons of voice enhancement features at the fraction of the price of the competing models.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
What is better crossover or equalizer for a car audio system?
If you are wondering whether to buy a crossover of a car audio equalizer, the fact remains that these two components are good for your system. However, buying equalizers with built-in crossovers will save you money and space.
Are equalizers worth it?
Even with the best factory head unit, there will always be room for improvement. A good car stereo will only have limited band equalizers. An equalizer gives the listener tone adjustments that are not covered by the head unit.
Who makes the best car audio equalizers?
We have many brands out there that offer premium-grade equalizers. Some of these include; Boss Audio systems, Clarion, Massive Audio, Planet Audio, and many others as covered in this list.
What do I look out for when buying an equalizer?
Before you buy an EQ, consider the bands, Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), adjustability and the quality of the knobs, Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), and other many features. More bands will offer greater customizations while a high SNR is good for clarity. The THD needs to very low.
How much does a good equalizer cost?
The cost of an equalizer will depend on the manufacturer and the features. The good thing is that we have nice options for every budget. Hence, you can always operate within your budget when it comes to car audio equalizers.
Verdict
There is no doubt that car audio equalizer steps up the overall performance of a car’s audio system. Hence, in case you don’t have one, you are missing on something very important. Go through our selections to choose your car addition.
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
