From what I can see the empeg eq is EXTREMELY flexible. More than most people need. However, I am still using an external eq and here's why.

Since I now have two head units, the eq I have allows me to switch between them with the push of a button. It also gives me master volume control over the two units. Every song sounds different to me and I like being able to tweak it with a few knobs rather than entering the eq settings and tweaking it there which takes some time (even to change the eq preset). I also have dedicated subwoofer output control which is the most common tweak I make. The empeg eq is the best I have seen on a car radio. It reminds me of the Rockford Fosgate Symetry system without individual amp control. The symetry system is a load of money too.

I use the empeg's settings to compensate for my cars audio characteristics. Then I use the external eq to tweak the settings. I liked the fact that all those features were at my fingertips without entering menus or previous setup. I like to listen to music differently for different moods. I have choosen the Eclipse 2101 model eq. I looked at the audiocontrol range and the equivalent model is the "four.1i" or "four.1". However, it lacks the dedicated subwoofer output. The "four.1i" is perfect for those people that don't have a seperate subwoofer amplifier or have a 5channel amp. The eclipse eq's are often on eBay for about $150. I got lucky and got mine there for $112. Eclipse now makes a newer model called the 21010. It is exactly the same with a different volume knob.

Alex Lear