Sq equalizer question

[mcsddd]

Im deciding if i should get a headunit w/sound processor built in or should i get an external processor. Im looking at the alpine w-535 headunit and rockford 3sixty.3. The alpine headunit has 9 band parametric eq and rockford has 31 band. I've searched and learned this make the rockford more accurate but i've also searched and it says you only really need 4-7 bands. I want a really clean sound. Any inputs would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Kevin M]

What kind of speakers and amps do you have? What are their locations? A lot of what you want will come from proper placement, deadening, and quality of components. The 9 band parametric can remove a lot of problem areas, giving you some added tuning ability. You can use it in conjunction with a 1/3 octave eq but it is the last thing you should do when tuning your system. If you are after super control a 360.3 will get you there. There are a few people that have them on the board and are better versed with it than me. They should be able to help.

One caveat though, the more processing power you have; the more difficult it will be to get right. I just got 2 1/3 octave eq's and am excited and dreading the work I have ahead of me. I'm hoping I can have it close to where I want it in 2 weeks but that seems optimistic. It's not like we can just slap a smiley face on the eq and call it a day. lol

[mcsddd]

I have hybrid audio Clarus components in a Lexus gs400 there in the stock speaker locations

[mcsddd]

I would like to have a lot of control. I don't mind the difficulty. But if the 9 band is really detailed I can go with that.