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can’t live with the dullness of factory speakers that don’t even come close to producing the original sounds that the artists produced. If that’s what you’re experiencing, then maybe your audio system needs some help.
There are a lot of options when it comes to sound enhancement to your car’s audio system, and frankly, just about anything’s an improvement over standard components. One choice of many music fans is to purchase either an equalizer or an epicenter. Which one is right for you?
Both of these popular components bring a new life to sound, but how they do that is a little different. Equalizers have been around for quite some time, gaining popularity as stereo technology became more sophisticated. In a nutshell, the way that equalizers enrich sound is by providing filters that isolate and enhance different frequencies, primarily those in the higher ranges. The boost they bring to music balances the range of sounds, producing a richer output. They also enhance music by filtering out electrical noise or other disruptions. However, one disadvantage is that they won’t do a lot for low frequency sounds, so they really don’t bring out the bass.
Epicenters came along in the late 70s and introduced a different method of sound enhancement. Unlike equalizers—which merely boost sound—epicenters actually reproduce it, particularly bass, by restoring deeper sounds that earlier recording systems couldn’t capture. Basically, an epicenter analyses signals for “missing” sounds—sounds that should be there and were originally—and re-creates them, ultimately sending them into the signal pathway. The result is a “punch” that you wouldn’t get otherwise, which makes the sound closer to what it might be if you were sitting next to the performers. Epicenters cost slightly more than equalizers.
The most obvious function of epicenters is to create more of an “extreme” bass response, which is especially useful for certain genres of music, such as the classic rock bands of the 70s and 80s, heavy metal, salsa, and other types of music that originated before subwoofers existed. Essentially, they bring out the deep sounds already in the music, or synthesize bass tones not picked up by the original recording. Moreover, epicenters can reproduce sounds that were recorded using antiquated technology, such as cassette tapes, 8-tracks, or even MP3s. Epicenters can actually add octaves missing from the original productions, and that adds an unmistakable quality to the overall sound. On the other hand, music that is produced using more contemporary methods might be delivered just as well by an equalizer, which would also be sufficient for types of music that don’t rely on bass, such as rap.
Like epicenters, crossovers are a type of filter, but they work a bit differently. A crossover “splits” frequencies by range and directs each respective frequency to the appropriate drivers, such as the speaker’s woofers, subwoofers, or tweeters. Their advantage is that they filter out unwanted frequencies that distort the integrity of the signal. The result is a more efficient distribution of frequencies, and, consequently, greater balance and clarity.
Even though the work that epicenters do might seem complicated, setting your preferred frequencies is a really simple matter. The frequency range of most epicenters is between 27hz and 63hz, with the usual factory default set at 40hz. These settings are controlled by two knobs found directly on the epicenter unit: The “Wide” knob, which adjusts how “wide” a frequency range you want to allow for, and the “Sweep” knob, which lets you pick the center frequency you wish to maximize. Finding the right settings is largely a matter of individual taste, your car’s speaker setup, and the type of music you listen to the most. Users will usually pick something mid-range and adjust it later, if necessary, which is why it’s a good idea to install the epicenter where it can easily be accessed in case a later modification is preferred.
It’s hard to go wrong if you decide to buy an epicenter, or an equalizer or a crossover, for that matter. They are a worthy investment in your sound system, plus think of the hours of listening pleasure you’ll have once you decide. If you need some help in determining what’s right for you, Genius Audio is your best option. We offer everything you need for your car audio system, including woofers, subwoofer for car, super tweeters for sale, drivers, car audio coaxials, amps, cables, and processors. We’ll also work with Snap! Finance to help with any financing needs you may have. Contact us today and get ready to start experiencing sound the way it was meant to be.
