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Kenwood KGC-4042A

Equalizer

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Item# 1134042A offer details

Item# 1134042A

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Our take on the Kenwood KGC-4042A

Add the compact Kenwood KGC-4042A 5-band equalizer to your car stereo and see the difference an EQ can make — noticeably improved sound for your entire system.

The KGC-4042A offers three sets of RCA preamp outputs. Two full range sets are controlled by a fader to provide dual-amp balancing, even with a head unit that has only one pair of pre-outs. The fader's also ideal for dialing in just the right amount of rear-fill.

The third set is a low-pass subwoofer output with level control. Whenever this sub output is in use, the EQ engages high-pass crossovers on the front and rear channels. That's like having a free electronic crossover packaged with your equalizer — a pretty sweet deal!

Important Note: This unit has no built-in amplifier — must be used in conjunction with one or more external amplifiers.

Details:
  • two sets of full-range outputs with high-pass filter that engages when subwoofer output is in use.
  • subwoofer output has adjustable level control (up to +10 dB).
  • adjustable subwoofer crossover range (30-150 Hz)
  • dual illumination.
  • signal-to-noise ratio 100 dB
  • THD 0.01%
  • 3-1/2"W x 1"H x 5-3/4"D
  • 1-year warranty
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What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • EQ
  • Power wiring harness w/ noise suppressor
  • Trim plate (2-1/8" x 5-1/2")
  • 2 Mounting brackets w/ hardware
  • 3-A fuse
  • Manual
  • Warranty information

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Features

Illumination:

  • GRN/ORG: Switch changes only the color of the rings around the fader and EQ and SUB knobs from green to amber.
  • Slide Controls: Are always amber.
  • Subwoofer Controls: Are always green.

Note: The switch for changing illumination color is on the side panel, therefore, it can not be changed while installed.

Subwoofer Crossover:

  • Variable between 30 and 150Hz.
  • Slope is 12 dB/octave.

Sub-Level Control: This control is variable between -Infinity and +10 dB.

Subwoofer Output: The subwoofer output is not controlled by the fader.

 

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1-8 of 8 items Sort Results By: Date Reviewed | Rating | Helpfulness
 
5 out of 5

Kenwood KGC-4042A

Written By All2skitzd, Dallas Tx on Tuesday, March 15, 2011
 
I first installed this EQ because the amp I stuck in to replace one that had a
meltdown didnt have bass controls one it (old school kenwood). Now iv replaced
my whole system besides this EQ. Adds a 100Hz Crossover on your front and
back speakers when using the sub output. Had to cut the back out of the pocket on
my dashkit on my 2001 cavalier but the hight is perfect and it sets back some to
prevent accidental adjustments.
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

oldie but goodie

Written By Ray, VA Beach , VA on Wednesday, February 04, 2009
 
Well, i have to say this the the best EQ ever for me, i was shocked they still made this one, i needed a replacement after having my original for so long .over 10 years as best i can remember anyways, but it is perfect for great sound. just would recommend it to anyone who needs a good EQ. Kenwood has always been a favorite of mine since i was a teen, and it still is, Thanks im happy again./ (just for the record the old EQ didnt die. it got wet or it would still be jamming! so it lasts and lasts long as you shut your sun roof ! hehe)
3 out of 4 people found this helpful
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Great Unit

Written By John, California on Saturday, January 31, 2009
 
This is a great little unit. Back in 1977 I had a 7 band equalizer from Alpine and the digital time delay. I sold both when I bought another new car. I had been looking for a long time for one and now I have it. It works perfectly and does more than I was expecting it to do.
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
5 out of 5

Better than the KGC-9044

Written By Mr. Anderson, Los Angeles, CA. on Monday, September 22, 2008
 
This little thing sounds better than the Kenwood 9044...the larger EQ with
detachable face. I tried'em both and smaller was better. Bass hits harder,
highs sound crispier. It also takes up lesser space!
4 out of 4 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Small but big in output!

Written By 718-612-****, Philadelphia, PA on Sunday, July 15, 2007
 
Well I had one last year and I can say it's very good EQ to have you get all three outputs and for a passwive eq to be that small it's a monster as long as you have the proper amp to push it. I myself was very impressed about the sound quality one thing about EQ's they have to be graounded very well or you will have a ground noise and those dog gawn, noise ioslators take the ground noise out but they take alot of your sound quality so make sure you ground it good and who ever purchases this item well be a big Kenwood fan, I can say I have not been disappointed with anything I got from Kenwood.
7 out of 7 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Bang for the Buck

Written By Ron, Lorton, Virginia on Monday, August 08, 2005
 
easy to install (can litterally go anywhere) ads more adjustment capabillity than any head unit e.q. and the sub cut button is by itself worth having the unit for when you're pulling into a neighborhood or the mall and you don't want your subs thumpin. Great unit--can't beat it for the price (i've had three now-I get another one every time i do a new system. Hope this helps !!!
35 out of 39 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

Great equalizer but very small

Written By Ken, SE Florida on Tuesday, June 07, 2005
 
This is an easy to install easy to use equalizer. I mounted it into the pocket under my head unit in my Mustang. It works perfectly. The only thing you must realize (And the only reason I gave it a 4 instead of a 5) is that this thing is SMALL. It is a little tough to get used to the short throw of the slide controls and they have to be "Nudged" rather than slid. This is also what makes it very versatile as you could mount it anywhere. In my opinion it was worth the trade off to still have some of my pocket left to hold small items rather then taking up the whole opening.
31 out of 31 people found this helpful
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4 out of 5

Kenwood KGC-4042A

Written By Rommel, Anaheim, CA on Friday, May 06, 2005
 
I don't need to say a lot about it, it's been my choice since 1991.
69 out of 96 people found this helpful
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1-8 of 8 items

Learn more about Equalizers

Learn more about Equalizers

How to Choose an Equalizer

How to Choose an Equalizer

Crutchfield Writing Team
11/17/2011
based on 22 ratings (4 comments)
 

Besides giving you tight tonal control over your music playback, equalizers offer you plenty of other useful features. Find out how to choose the one that's right for you.

 
Jeff's Tips for Getting Maximum Sound Quality in Your Car

Jeff's Tips for Getting Maximum Sound Quality in Your Car

Jeff Fay
12/28/2010
based on 506 ratings (31 comments)
 

Your car can be a great place for music listening. Many commuters suffer for hours each day with inferior sound quality that they'd never tolerate from their systems at home. Others assemble...

 
Installing An Equalizer

Installing An Equalizer

Crutchfield Writing Team
7/14/2009
based on 10 ratings (2 comments)
 

Most of the time, an equalizer is installed in the passenger compartment. It is usually mounted above or below the receiver in the factory radio location. Find out about power and signal wiring.

 
Equalizers FAQ

Equalizers FAQ

Crutchfield Writing Team
11/17/2011
based on 31 ratings (3 comments)
 

Q: What will an equalizer do for me? Where do I mount an equalizer? What's a spectrum analyzer and do I need one? Since I installed my EQ, my receiver's fader control won't work. Why not? Plus more...

 
Way cool interactive frequency chart

Way cool interactive frequency chart

Jim Richardson
8/17/2009
based on 2 ratings (1 comment)
 

While doing some research, I stumbled across something remarkable that I just have to share. It's an interactive frequency chart  published by the Independent Recording Network. ...

 

Accessories

Accessories we recommend

Audio Patch Cables
Run premium audio cables from your new equalizer to your amps for premium sound.
StreetWires ZeroNoise 3 Stereo Patch Cables
Available in two different lengths (19.7 feet)

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StreetWires Zero Noise 5 4-channel Patch Cables
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StreetWires Zero Noise 5 Stereo Patch Cables
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StreetWires Zero Noise 5 Stereo Patch Cables
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StreetWires ZeroNoise® 9 Series 4-channel Patch Cables
High-performance cables with superior noise rejection (16.4-foot)
$129.99
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StreetWires ZeroNoise® 9 Series 2-channel Patch Cables
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Professional Installation
Have your new equalizer put in by a qualified professional in your area.
InstallCard: Amp or Equalizer
Prepaid professional amplifier or EQ installation
 
 
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Kenwood KGC-4042A