How to max out your Pioneer DEH X8800BHS with the SMD DD1 Distorion Detector

In this video we use the SMD-DD1 to set the Max volume on the Pioneer DEH. We test the RCA and the deck power for clip. We also test all the sources for level matching volume. thanks and enjoy
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[@MrSpanky473]

I remember the day we had to "play it by ear". this is the best tool I've ever invested in. thanks for making these vids.

[@FiveStarCarStereoInc]

Thank you, the good old days how did we ever survive.

[@Brian1.]

I am glad this video was made. i returned my mvh 380bt to get the 8800. 5 star rocks!

[@FiveStarCarStereoInc]

Brian Miles yeah, top of the line all the way! Thank you

[@lmc333]

I have no idea what this is about, but I am glad this video exist... Great work guys! I just bought this head unit, can't wait to install it....

[@patricklawrence9784]

Gotta love the bloopers at the end of the video. Laughed when he clandestinely bit his tongue cause he couldn't get it intro right. LOL

[@STR8SICCC]

This is some crazy stuff, never thought I'd see anything like this for a car stereo.

[@ROBBG88]

I bought it and I love it it dont clip till 61 it's great loud and multiple features I will nvr trade it in lol

[@STR8SICCC]

@@ROBBG88 Don't clip till 61?

[@Luminous.Dynamics]

​@@ROBBG88 thats the DEH 80PRS, this one clips before that

[@PoppaTInstall]

I wanted to point out that at 4:24 this unit has 3 RCA Preouts (4V) so the 40hz would be for the sub output and the 1khz would be for the front and rear as most likely it will be ran that way on a basic set up. Good explanation on how to use the DD-1.

[@FiveStarCarStereoInc]

Good idea, next time we will do the 40hz on the sub out and the 1000hz on the front and see if there is any difference.

[@HardKnocks160s]

@@FiveStarCarStereoInc can u guys please do the sub output it would b nice to see the difference

[@Noshow.4880]

thanks for taking the time to make these videos

[@FiveStarCarStereoInc]

You bet, thanks for watching

[@xxdjcreativexx]

I have a question. When setting the gain on my amplifier for a subwoofer via the subwoofer out on the back what volume would i use? I plan on using the high level speaker outputs for the other speakers and a seperate amp for the sub. So would i use volume 48 (high level speaker outputs before clipping) since im not going to go past that volume. Or would i use volume 60 (the rca/subwoofer out before clipping) wich volume should i use when setting my amplifier gains for a subwoofer? 48 since im using the highlevel speaker outputs and wont go over 48, or volume 60 wich is where the sub out clips at? Thanks! Great video.

[@jms7585]

Excellent videos. Here is a question that I can never get a straight answer for. After establishing max clip volume of a head unit via DD1 and then properly setting the gain of a mono sub amp...can you adjust the eq on the head unit to "powerful?" OR, do I have to listen to all sources on "flat" headunit settings?

[@turbocell0410]

You can EQ after setting the gains. Generally however, you try to avoid boosting frequencies and use your EQ to tune to the cabin of the vehicle. Look up how to tune your stereo using an RTA.

[@wadehensley5005]

You can set it to powerful, but the clipping point will be at a lower volume. Just be careful

[@fullpeladas]

I know it's 2 years later but the real fact is set your eq to your settings then set the gains on deck then om amp

[@Sanctus19]

Thanks for the great video, I got this exact model deck, with the GM-D8604 and GM-D8601 amps. Do I just follow your instructions to get the most sound out of my deck until I can get an SMD-DD1 of my own? Pioneer states that the gain must be set to H with 4v decks.

[@FiveStarCarStereoInc]

Sanctus19 yeah that will work.

[@chicoleno007]

great video thxs so much. i appreciate u taking the time n explaining it.

[@FiveStarCarStereoInc]

angel gomez you bet:)

[@riveralley]

@@FiveStarCarStereoInc Hey just to say nice swearing...

[@robertmenke56]

Ok. So the first way you did this you adjusted everything when you got max volume @ 48… you set all sources ok done…. Then you do it with the rca… you got max volume at 60 and adjusted all sources at that volume… I’m confused. What’s way should I be setting this? I set my radio max volume by putting dd1 leads in my full range amp front left speaker output and set my max from there. Is that right?

[@supersportimpalass]

I wonder how many of these SMD has sold because of you guys? It's gotta be a lot! Nice video btw

[@joecampeau2677]

Awesome information man you guys are truly 5 star keep up the good work

[@letsyo]

thanks for the such a detailed video!

[@FiveStarCarStereoInc]

Thank you

[@tornado7002]

You say "deck power", I would assume that was the speaker output connection on the radio you used on the first run. I also noticed when you did the second run on the RCAs you were able to go up higher in volume without clipping. Is it better to use the RCA output to the amp and speakers than the other speaker connection? I didn't install my headunit, but I've been studying and took my radio out to look behind it and I noticed none of my RCA jacks are being used, the speakers and the sub out seems to all be wired to the harness. Is this another way it can be done, or should I be paying my installer a visit. From the looks of it the RCAs put out better louder sound. Just curious because I'm in the midst of doing all my own installs, just gathering info.

[@joshua199628]

Tornado yes man, RCA delivers a cleaner, louder signal, its the best option to choose

[@jameswillis1742]

I have this stereo with polk speakers in a 02 dakota...sounds awesome

[@d3daiM]

Is your phone volume at maximum? This is the last thing that I am unsure of..because if your input device is at a lower volume or produces distortion naturally when at maximum volume doesn't that mess up the overall tuning?

[@billychapman8711]

Doctor Scoop take an old 3.5mm cable and cut it in half then strip the cable and test your phone with a tone generation app most phones clip at max volume but one click lower will usually be the sweet spot

[@stevenrajh]

Can you do one for the pioneer AVH-X4750DVD?

[@soloxisbest]

So how do you go about doing this with while running in network mode?

[@enriquezambrano1]

very good video than you. I have a question, pioneer DEH-80PRS vs Pioneer DEH X88BHS which one is better?

[@FiveStarCarStereoInc]

Enrique Zambrano that depends. The 80 has been a benchmark in sound quality for years. The 8800 does not have the EQ anywhere near the 80. With that being said the 80 is lacking in modern features. The 8800 is a great mix of an easier EQ and modern features.

[@enriquezambrano1]

Thank you sir

[@mersenario762]

but what level vol in the phone? max, mediuem or low?

[@goomz84]

So i did some playing around with mine, and for a sub for easier explanation, with the crossovers set to full pass, radio to flat, sub volume at 0, every sound enhancer off (as stated minus the bass knob turned up), in the book and in every video, its stated that after its all done, you can set the settings on the radio for the sub from there. Out of curiosity, as the sub volume gets turned up after the gain is set, even slightly, so does that distortion indicator. Wondering if its more efficient to turn the sub vol up a little bit on the deck before the gain is set to prevent that distortion indicator from turning on?

[@dj516nadz]

this video is only for stereo output via speaker and rca, use the device to adjust the amplifier gains separately for each amp and crossover

[@Luminous.Dynamics]

Sub volume is your RCA voltage. You gotta set it at max or you wont see anything close to advertised RCA Pre out voltage

[@goomz84]

⁠@@Luminous.Dynamicsas 4 years have passed since I left this comment, I have upgraded to the dd1+, which among other things, has the display and I can assure you that the sub volume setting does not have to be turned all the way up to achieve accurate results. I do however turn the bass knob all the way up during this process. Now the radios rca pre out voltage may not be exactly at say 5v, but 4.8 depending on quality brand name equipment and not “boss” or eBay radios. After this comment I’ve gone from the 80-prs to two other pioneer double dins, as well as tons of clients vehicles with the same tools and as long as (if two amps are used), sometimes there will be a discrepancy for each ones max clean volume. That is where I typically see the difference in advertised voltage, because you’d have to tune using the lesser volume on the radio

[@akuma4u]

the apps you are using on the phone to play the 1khz.. are they all recorded at the same level?

[@FiveStarCarStereoInc]

akuma4u no, close but a little off. The current one we use is Audio Signal Generator PRO - incl. Sweeps & Noise by Thomas Gruber appsto.re/us/pgCw1.i

[@chicoleno007]

one more thing. can hook it up to any 1 of the stock speaker cable coming out ou the unit. also which track do i test out the unit. last but not least. i have a android phone which app will work so i can test the tones.

[@FiveStarCarStereoInc]

angel gomez yes you can use any out the solid color channels. We use track 1 and 2. We are test some Android apps now.

[@tommangu9940]

This was a very helpfull video, great stuff 👍

[@FiveStarCarStereoInc]

Tom Mangu thank you very much

[@benjamingarcia847]

Would it be safe to say that this would be the same clipping point for my 8800? I don’t have access to a dd1. Thank you

[@fullpeladas]

99.9%

[@PrincernPrince]

I would like to make my own playlist with this unit. How do I create my own playlist for my USB Drive with my favorite somgs?

[@FiveStarCarStereoInc]

Princern Prince you would have to do it on a computer. Drag the songs into a fold and drop them onto the thumb drive.

[@josecunsako31]

What’s the best pioneer single din radio ? I need to upgrade

[@Luminous.Dynamics]

pioneer DEH-80PRS. But those tripled in price and became rare in the last 2-3 years, so Id say its really not much of an option these days. The new Pioneers are good too, they dont look as nice but they have good specs to produce a nice clean strong sound

[@jhornaldomendez9100]

What is the name of the application you used?

[@FiveStarCarStereoInc]

Jhornaldo Mendez it is Audio Tool by performance audio

[@teyjingwoon]

Do you have cheaper option for detecting distortion ? as a hobby user dont think i will just invest in a DD1 just for distortion.

[@FiveStarCarStereoInc]

The dd1 is the cheaper option, the other tool is an oscilloscope.

[@jonathanwashington4801]

What happens when you DD-1 isn’t getting signal from your pioneer radio

[@destrykirk3175]

Does anyone know about ARC Audio, i heard they make high quality amps and speakers. Anyone have them in there vehicle?

[@Andrew_kiwi_AF]

Destry Kirk yes you are correct. ARC is a higher end brand

[@hoover274able]

Have you ever heard of Pure

[@destrykirk3175]

Kell Jackson I have not

[@Luminous.Dynamics]

Should be clean up to 52ish if S.L.A is turned off though

[@single_cam9199]

What about the volume of the phone and the phones eq

[@dj516nadz]

Try minus 1-2 volume level from max. {depends on brand and bluetooth version.) turn off eq or use flat eq from external sources

[@thegotoguy3044]

thanks all I need is a dd1

[@alphaomega8373]

Sometimes that thing detects distortion before it detects signal.

[@FiveStarCarStereoInc]

+Alpha Omega Tony ( the guy that made it) has a video showing an Alpine radio that had a problem. It was giving a false read that it would pick up. After further testing it was the Alpine that had a bad output.

[@JuanTrends0796]

Which place made?

[@RanGer-498]

Yes

[@HardKnocks160s]

So with this radio with my amp will. It play 60 with no clipping?

[@saint6563]

Dbuilt Series No. This was only for setting the high level [speaker] output(s) & the low level [RCA] output(s) of the Pioneer unit. You'll have to set the gain for your amp(s) independently. GL

[@HardKnocks160s]

SAINT 65 my gains are already set up. 56 max volume. On amp. And 4 channel amp.

[@saint6563]

Dbuilt Series By "MAX" what do you mean? All the way counterclockwise? Or, all the way clockwise?

[@HardKnocks160s]

SAINT 65 all the way full tilt. Max . no clip clip. .

[@saint6563]

Dbuilt Series Glad! Lots of people don't know how the gain control works [properly]. Glad it's working for you. Enjoy.

[@ClaudBol]

what is the sla for?

[@FiveStarCarStereoInc]

300C 5.7 CB it is Source Level adjust. If your source has a low output, like Bluetooth on a phone, you can turn it up to match other sources.

[@ClaudBol]

thanks

[@FiveStarCarStereoInc]

300C 5.7 CB you bet👍

[@dtwistrewind7361]

supplementary line amplifier,it's a slave boost circuit to bring up the source level to better match and stop the dreaded oh the adverts are on turn that telly down for example.

[@MickeyMishra]

I do this backwards.

[@dtwistrewind7361]

please stop using mobile phones to set it, the USB and audio outs are terrible just use a USB stick so no other factors are coming into play and iPhones have terrible line out quality compared to HTC and Samsung.