Is Nakamichi NDSK4085AU any good? Distortion measurements

Distorsion measurements of Nakamichi NDSK4085AU DSP amplifier.
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More testing, more experiments, more measuring!

[@CarGift-videos]

That’s what make the amplifier sound diferent from each other… but in the end, just like you said, good for the money. 👍

[@bbriankb1086]

I currently run this Nakamichi DSP, compared to my brothers HiFonics M8-DSP (European Hifonincs). I do think the Hifonics is higher quality interms of SQ and distortion from adjustments on the parametric EQ's. If I try to make any adjustments greater then ±3dB the nakamich starts to induce "ringing". I have never used the internal amplifier and I figured it that it wouldn't work for me. I have a ATOTO android 7" touchscreen, and being able to download and use the Nakamichi DSP software and Bluetooth the DSP, tune it from the head unit is super convenient over the small screen on my phone. I have found that the Bluetooth seems to sound "cleaner" than the analog or USP input, I don't know if you testing methodology introduced erroneous result for the Bluetooth. I am still trying to figure out REW, so I can send you my measurements. We can see what the sound output looks like. I have been fairly satisfied with the DSP but have been planning to buy a Helix or Mini DSP in the future.

[@JayRays1truck]

Where did you get the power cable? I just got this DSP in today

[@vallewigert1770]

Powersupply of the computer may contaminate signal over USB, this could be helped with an galvanic isolator (like audioquest jitterbug). It would be really intressting comparing noice or jitter on optical vs coax vs usb (all digital formats). Thanks for an excelent video.

[@RAW-CAt]

Not sure if it makes any difference, but during the measurements, the laptop is running of battery. So don't think so that there can be contamination🤔

[@wowerman]

Thanks for video. What is max delay on channel you can adjust?100ms?I did watch your full video. A lot of harmionics will introduce resonant freq and may be difficult to find perfect eq settings. You would need to spend some time to find best settings. I have stock Bose amp in my car and another 2x amp at the back which one of is doing sub and another mids and highs. Unfortunately have delay between them.I worry if intruducing this or similarily priced DSP I will worsen the sound quality at the back of the car.

[@SonyFoLife]

How does this compare to the Dayton dsp408 though? Looks not great on its own, but is it better or worse than the 408 considering it's the only thing that's really price competitive (and is known to have noise floor issues)

[@RAW-CAt]

I would like to test it out. Need to wait until someone sends me one or will collect enough donations to buy one🙂

[@ATC40k]

​@RAW-CAt if you want to test this i can order one and send to you for testing. Im curious to see the results.

[@RAW-CAt]

@@ATC40k sure, contact me via FB or email [e-mail] to discuss the details.

[@JasonWW2000]

Keep in mind the Dayton is rated 2 volt out with no amplification built in. So they are not interchangeable unless you plan to use external amps.

[@Mark_5150]

I'm curious on what a Dayton Audio DSP-408 measures.

[@RAW-CAt]

A lot of people are😁

[@murdamechanik]

Do a review on the alpine optim8 please. I want to know if the autotune is worth it.

[@RAW-CAt]

I would be very happy if you would send me one☺️

[@murdamechanik]

@@RAW-CAt I want to know if it’s good before I buy one😀

[@RAW-CAt]

@@murdamechanik I would like to know that as well☺️

[@JasonWW2000]

The power output specs are lacking important data. Alpine doesn't usually make mistakes, so I'm skeptical of its power ratings. I suspect it maybe only do half its rated power (based on the fuse and typical efficiency numbers).

[@volvos90power]

When you're mentioning "analog input". are you talking about the high level input or the low level inputs?

[@RAW-CAt]

Low level RCAs.

[@volvos90power]

@@RAW-CAt Thanks! Did you ever try the high level in:s? I have bought the NDSK4285AU and I had the idea of using the 4ch hi level input so I could use the Fader on the stock head unit as kind of a "bass remote". Just wanted to know if hi level was worse/better than the low level before installing.

[@RAW-CAt]

​@@volvos90powerno, I don't have a factory HU, so can't try that.

[@bennyblanco14]

I have a helix dsp.3 if you want to measure

[@RAW-CAt]

Sure would like to😁 Contact me via FB or email [e-mail]

[@somebodyx]

Don't combine unlocked frequency and rectangular FFT window. Choose Hann etc.

[@RAW-CAt]

Ok, I will try Han windowing👍

[@somebodyx]

@@RAW-CAt Rectangular window needs lock else you get the wide shallow skirt thing.

[@somebodyx]

Always compare noise floor and harmonics levels to your test tone's level. Their distance to it is their absolute level, not their distance to zero dBFs.

[@RAW-CAt]

So use dBr on the vertical scale?

[@somebodyx]

@@RAW-CAt Its either dBc (carrier) when measuring or dBr (reference) in the saved charts analysis. Same effect. Those scales stick the main tone(s) at 0dB. For everything except pure noise floor they can be used. They are going to stick noise floor up to top if there are no tones included.

[@chriscuthbertson]

The Honda will break down far less than the Ferrari. ;)

[@RAW-CAt]

Might be the case😁

[@tiongsangyi805]

WIth 31BAND PEQ.whick EQ type i need to choice to eQ...keep it generic need other setup?

[@RAW-CAt]

You might want to watch my older tuning videos😉

[@JasonWW2000]

I'm have trouble understanding your question.

[@peter_phamous]

If it ain't raw; I say naw

[@n.shiina8798]

this pretty much explains that Nakamichi today is not the same company as 90s Nakamichi. it's no different quality than Chinese budget junk. sorry for the harsh word but i just disappointed such a well known brand went south like this. i rather get a second hand DSP at the same price

[@RAW-CAt]

And this is exactly why I want to do this testing😊

[@n.shiina8798]

@@RAW-CAt keep it up!. i like measurements over anything on reviews

[@JasonWW2000]

They did not "go South", they simply sold the name. The original company is long gone. What possible 2nd hand dsp could you get for the same price as this?

[@RAW-CAt]

@@JasonWW2000 maybe a Dayton🤔 Or an old Audison BIT. As bad as older Audisons are with tuning capabilities, I think they would measure much better than this Nakamichi.

[@JasonWW2000]

@@RAW-CAt In the US, the Dayton is around $200 new, so pretty similar in cost to this Nakamichi. Audison units on the used market are still several hundred dollars and hard to find. I can't think of anything in this price range. The Steg SDSP68 used to be around $200 usd, but has gone up dramatically recently. Over double the price. I'm thinking the best value in dsp amp is going to be the Helix M4 and M6. Good dsp and good amp. Priced well at $400 and $500 usd, but might be a little more now.