Has anyone skipped the head unit and just used a switch on the dash to turn on the amps? What about treble and bass controls? fading could be accolmplished with dials on the dash also...any other foreseen problems?

I have just the ipod controling the whole stereo in my boat. I found that I could control fade, bass and treble with just the x overs and amp levels. The stereo sounds good to me other that don't forget your ipod at home (not that I have done this or anything). I have had this for 2 years now with no issues yet.

what about bass and treble for bigger stereos?

tried an eq? <BR> <BR>very interesting... i'm assuming you would use some interface to go to RCA's then straight into the first amp. (or split then to amps.) good idea. I've got a few CDs, but I honestly think 97% of it is on the pod too....

How big are you talking about?

Haven't had a head unit in my boat ever and don't miss it. Tune the system with an EQ if you have to.

Ty, to answer your question, IMO if you haev a fairly large system, exspecially if your trying to integrate pro audio with car audio equipment you should at least have an eq along with the ipod for tuning.

about 1700 watts with sub and tower speakers. An eq might be in order or should I just stick with a head unit?

That is about what I have running in my boat now (6 6 1/2" inside the boat 4 6 1/2 bi mods on the tower and 12" sub) and I don't have a problem balancing it out at all with just the amps and x over also there is some eq adjustment on your ipod. Well I guess it is more just tone adjustment but it might help you out some.

you are talking about an active crossover...not just on the amps, right?

if your running an EQ you mide as well be running a deck as well.. why wouldnt you want to run the deck?

I have x overs (high pass and low pass) in the amps that allow me to adjust bass level/volume to the sub and along with the tone/volume that will go to the rest of the speakers. It definatly is not as percise control of sound tone as with the head unit but a eq should take care of that for you if you are worried that the sound tones will be substandard. <BR>To be honest I am not sure that I could tell the difference anyway when the boat is running and the wind noise etc. This setup works and I am pleased with the sound. I am sure that it wouldn't win any awards though.

that is what I am trying to determine

I do the EQ only thing in my truck....works great!!

i was doing this setup before.. and had it all set up to work like this.. <BR> <BR>ipod connector from peripheral.com they have one for about 50 bucks that uses the docking on the ipod.. charges it also.. and has rca outs <BR> <BR>Sound processer from some were with at least 1 input 3 outputs (front/rear with sub) has master volume control as well as bass control and front/rear fade.. as far as price goes arc audio had a good priced one with all these features model number was KEQ-5 <BR> <BR>the rest would be simple rca outs to the amps.. and so on.. this should allow you to have all the control you want <BR> <BR>hoe this helps some