For those interested, the original 03 EQ was similar to the 01 as a fixed point boost at 30Hz, enabling the speaker's -3dB point at around 27Hz while maintaining 90dB sensitivity at 8 ohms (6 ohms minimum). Those early EQs had less sophisticated circuitry and implementation, with electrolytic caps in the signal path and so forth - creating a transistory veil on the music. Each generation got better with the CS3.5 becoming direct-coupled.
Jeff - you're not alone in preferring the direct path and sacrificing the deep bass for more transparency. You might consider the CS3.5 in your replacement search. The EQ is getting upgraded well above stock and the speaker is in line for significant driver and crossover upgrades.