Pioneer DEH-80PRS Tested for RMS Voltage and THD Output

Ever wonder how clean the Pioneer DEH-80PRS is? Well, my friends, the mystery is over! Watch me put my 80PRS on the Panasonic VP-7704P Distortion meter to measure output at 1kHz. We check for RMS Voltage as well as THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) at maximum volume output. I think you may be surprised at the result!
Part 2 of this test is coming soon where I perform the same test with an uncompressed WAV file on a USB thumb drive, and also try my iPhone 5 connected via Bluetooth. Which one do you think will result in the cleanest output?? Stay tuned to find out!
See Part 2 here: • Pioneer DEH-80PRS THD ...
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[@CarAudioFabrication]

That baby is clean! I need to do one of these in a build! THDddddddddddddd

[@Whitefox-pc7lp]

Super low THDDDDDDddddddd lol

[@RailManSD]

Can't wait to see more of vids like this in the future! Really enjoyed it! I'd like to see it done with a 20hz -20khz pink noise track at 0dB. I've always had my eye on this deck. Its a real gem for the money!

[@titodelatorre5598]

that's awesome! glad to see newer headunits retain quality.

[@Tinybench]

Thank you very much for posting these videos!!!! I appreciate it!!!!!!

[@ArcadeDude44]

Awesome! I can't wait to set my shop up, soon!

[@Reefdevil]

Thanks for testing this! I had the kenwood x997 before this unit and it was nothing but problems. One thing I noticed is that when I had the x997, I always had alternator whine (even with power going directly to the battery, and grounded on the same point as my amps). That 80prs cleaned everything up!

[@edwintyree7947]

My head unit for the past 8 years. I wish I’d had bought a backup unit back when they were readily available. These were hands down the Best Buy for an audiophile grade HU. I think mine was like 350.00 new.

[@wal]

Interesting...my THD via Bluetooth is actually pretty clean (all the way up to 62). I'll upload the video soon showing the difference. We all hear different, so SQ is subjective anyway. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, we appreciate all feedback.

[@K4gixxer1000]

I love your your vids man! So how so you like it? i was thinking about gettting this one or the alpine cde 149bt but now im leaning towards the pioneer keep um coming man love the tests!

[@MeatPopsycle]

I love stereos that have those pretty spectrum analyzers. I remember going out and spending a huge chunk of money for a Kenwood Excelon Z828, simply because it had the smoothest, most accurate S.A. of any of the units available at the time. I miss that unit.

[@wal]

+MeatPopsycle I'm with you bro, me too!

[@77SonofGod77]

Very Clean Indeed! Great Vid!!!

[@wal]

Thank you muy mucho!

[@wal]

I tested another Alpine, the DVA-9861 recently, and this Pioneer is cleaner THD wise (and has more voltage out). Many folks use those DVA's with H701 or H800 processors, so I'll have to combine the two (using optical digital connection), then measure the output at the processor

[@CjKillinit]

Thanks for the vid btw!

[@wal]

The DD-1 shows distortion at 1% THD, this deck does nearly 67x better at 0.015% THD. I recorded a video/test using my Tone Gen Pro app for the 1kHz tone. I think I'll redo it with the uncompressed track on my iPhone 5, the only real "fair" way to compare. This way I'm not comparing using different tracks (in a way).

[@robertvega1110]

Just picked one up in large part because of this video!

[@wal]

robert vega awesome! I really like it, a few things I'd change, but overall a fantastic head unit! I'm thinking of getting another one for my test bench and using the Alpine 9815 in my truck

[@normalicy]

And this is why I've been using Pioneer head units since the mid 90's.

[@wal]

Yes, I sold the Pioneer / Scion 1805 head unit, but kept the basic factory Pioneer head unit. The voltage output and SQ is just so much better with a good aftermarket HU

[@ronny1990]

Nice vid..nd m really stocked to see the results..! The video proves that my decision was.gud, cz I have this unit in my 2010 fiat linea. ;)

[@wal]

I'm sure we'll get one in soon to try out

[@wal]

Yes, RCA out voltage with the internal amp turned off. I should have compared with the amp on as well. As I'm sure you are aware, it will add somewhat to the THD, so I'd leave it off unless for some reason you'd need to use it

[@ansalon72]

This is fantastic.

[@kevincustoms7742]

very satisfied with it...value for money

[@MrMan-ol4ic]

this explains why u see pioneer in almost all competition vehicles and daily drivers,pioneer males a dam good head unit.

[@wal]

Just wish the build quality was better...and the interface is very quirky

[@simorebuths7301]

So what is better in your opinion alpine or pioneer

[@robertpadilla9457]

Can you check the DEHP-9400BH

[@wap1bambi]

nice test man i tested my entry level sony it was 0.022 % THD that only at 0.9 volts 29 on the volume can go to 34 but then it distorts like hell it just shows you how good more expensive units are no distortion all the way up to max and at 4.8 volts wow

[@wal]

I guess it gets to a point when you've got to think the THD is not the factor. It's still fun to use as a comparison measure! We'll try the 7909 and 9255 in the future for sure...

[@wadehensley5005]

Did you ever do a test on the old school Clarion Pro Audio 9375r? That thing was a complete beast!!!! I'd never used anything cleaner, and im wondering how it would stack up to this unit. Currently im planning on putting that DEH 80 prs in my new setup

[@semarugaijin9451]

yo Big D, do more THD tests, as well as amp dyno tests

[@wal]

I'll redo my Bluetooth test using the DD-1 track. I was using the "Tone Gen Pro" app and there should not be any difference in the results, but just to keep things consistent...

[@Swoliosis1]

How about the RMS wattage from the internal amp?

[@Avaddon911]

Man I need to get one of those decks

[@wal]

The Pioneer's interface is a little quirky, but not too bad once you learn how it works. I wish there was a button for mute and pause though. Overall, I like the minimalist design and the SQ is outstanding!

[@wal]

Can't argue with that! It takes 5 clicks of the wheel to pause a track!

[@chrisjarrett2473]

Damn thats what i'm talking about ultra clean signal great vid BigD hey if you can get your hands on a pioneer avh-p4300dvd test it thats what I have and i'm curious but I have no way of testing I would really appreciate it keep up the good work oh and if you ever want to get rid of that hot shots eq/w leds hit me up i use to have one back in the day thanks again.

[@m4st3rowner]

Yea I have the dd1 tracks on my iPhone5. That how I set up over Bluetooth because I use that the most. It don't distort but I'm sure the pre-output is different.

[@wadehicks9270]

Not bad at all. Good video bro.

[@wal]

I'd like to try some old school SQ head units...7909, 7949, Clarion 9255, McIntosh, etc. to see how they compare. This 80PRS gives you amazing features and SQ for a very reasonable price!

[@033Fritz]

The older units may have a higher THD but for some reason seam to sound warmer/richer than this does. I like this HU unit too, no complaints D but the 7949, 7990 7909 & the lil 7904 sound incredible, IMO.

[@bob25948]

Any other head unit with clean signal and sq? Give me some other option 80prs is sold out

[@gabrielleal706]

I've had this unit since it came out in 2012 and it the best one I have owned hands down! I've had Eclipse, Alpine, Sony and believe once a 8 track player... lol jk. But seriously awesome head unit.

[@wal]

We'll get a PRS880 in someday soon to try out. Again, I'm not trying to say here the THD is the only factor to the best SQ, please don't misunderstand

[@suje809]

Funny how this is the best radio rn by pioneer and its been almost 10 years since its release

[@wal]

The head unit market is declining because factory head units are becoming ever irreplaceable

[@CYCOMiko81]

That's y I love pioneer decks

[@drrckhamilton]

Hey, what's up D. I appreciate your videos man. Question for you. Have you ever checked with the DD1 where this unit clips? Thanks again. I subscribed.

[@wal]

Thanks for the comment and sub! The purpose of this video is to show how low the THD is with this head unit. It will not clip with the DD-1 at full volume with the 1kHz 0dB track. The DD-1 detects distortion at 1%, this head unit is well under 1% even at full output

[@wal]

It is something else to test just to make sure, but I'd say the USB and SD card should provide nearly identical results. I also want to test a big portable external HDD (500GB or more) and see how it handles the indexing and track skipping. May try that shortly...As for your options, I think the USB option would be fine, easier to put music on it anyway (well, at least it is for me).

[@jondoe6618]

I just bought this head unit. Question is should i set my gains on max volume or around 50 out of 62 for the lower volume recordings?

[@A8vscRrabbit]

I still use this deck in my yota. 80 prs 4x60 ppi Sedona to kappa 6.5 co axials and Yamaha's Rp 1500.1d (2) ix8 d4's (Skar audio) I love it

[@JamesMoore-fb9sw]

Just got one last week.

[@renemcarthur4983]

Well derek I picked up one 2 summers ago ultra clean headunit just like u said

[@wal]

Awesome 👏

[@normalicy]

Funny you mention it, the reason I don't like the newer units is due to the rotary controller. Well, more due to the huge number of things that it has to control and the menus you have to go through to do what where simple things on the older units.

[@TheQuadfather1976]

I'd love to get my hands on a "deal" with an old school Pioneer DSP

[@wal]

Yeah, I thought my older Alpine units had ultra clean output, the results of the 80PRS make me REALLY want to try a P99RS. Maybe Pioneer is listening?? Send one my way!

[@littlejln213]

I have one! I would probably let you test it.

[@CjKillinit]

Where do the Sony GS810 and the Kenwood KDC X998 stand in comparison to the DEH-80? Any one familiar with them?

[@pastorofmuppets325]

Hey +bigdwiz, it's ur man from DIYMA. I was really impressed by this. I've never been a big fan of Pioneer decks as I had bad luck with them in the mid 90's. I ended up having one repaired a couple of times. Regardless, I am now eyeing one of these on Amazon for $250. I'm curious if there was a difference in preout THD, at a lower volume? When I set up my stereo, I generally set gains based on the source units volume being at ~ 75%- 80% max volume. I'm sure as low as it was at max vol, it would be even lower at a more reasonable volume. Just curious... Love the vids and keep it up.

[@wal]

Yo Kevin Williams this test was done at max volume, max voltage output and that's the THD I showed. I haven't tried lower volume levels, but I'd suspect even lower THD. When I get a chance, I'll try it out.

[@inspectorspl]

Would a line driver like the AudioControl matrix be beneficial with the 4.8 volts the prs 80 puts out or is is necessary?

[@jondoe6618]

How did you measure the voltage out? Just used the multi meter on the rca out? I want to test my denon sub out voltage. I have this head unit and I love it!!

[@wal]

My Panasonic THD meter only measures 400Hz and 1kHz. No P8400 to test at the moment

[@anitatime]

You need to test the Kenwood KDC-X995 ..some reviews seem to think it has the better sq?????

[@mikka1986]

Can you do a test between CD vs USB vs SD card? My "ear" distortion meter seems to tell me that SD card playback has the lowest distortion. also test screen off and internal amplifier off.

[@LightningSlow1]

best head unit ive ever had. beats my alpine d855 hands down

[@renemcarthur4983]

thinking of picking one of these up

[@wal]

Rene Mcarthur I still use one of these in my daily driver and bought another one for my demo vehicle which the build is still in progress. The interface is a little quirky and the buttons feel plastic-y, but the sound quality can't be beat.

[@eduardobatista329]

BigDWiz

[@f1caraudiopioneerspl662]

Me gusta sus videos!!!!

[@nopsFU]

I'm thinking about getting this head unit. What you expect the THD to worsen at 40 Hz instead of 1k Hz?

[@Reefdevil]

BTW, cant wait see if there is a difference in clarity between USB and Bluetooth. I have a high speed usb card that I was planning to store my music on and keep in there vs. using my ipod. Not sure if one option is better than the other?

[@wal]

I wasn't a big fan when they were all push button. This one doesn't have the best UI, but I've grown to like it quite a bit.

[@Guiltless765]

Had the 80prs.Didn't care for how difficult it was to tune.My Kenwood x996 sounds lots cleaner and easier to tune.Good test though D.Always the true stuff on your channel.

[@jonnybreilein5343]

Patience my brother, instant gratification is just the American way now, slow down. Can you remember the old real to real tape systems that were amazing sound but a pain to load and off load. Rewards to those who wait and Listen. It's un-American to be Russian.

[@craigshelhammer5683]

Jonny Breilein yep!whenever I put new stuff in my van I retune everything...will spend a couple hours trying to get the most out of it,till its as loud as I want,and still clean

[@Guiltless765]

@@jonnybreilein5343 I spent 2 weeks with that unit..Was patient enough. Smh

[@bigray3360]

big D...i would love to see the comparrison between this one and the original one. i have the original one

[@BIGTAGGART]

Whats a good clean double din..looking at the 4800bs

[@macgeek2112]

I have a DEX-P99RS in the garage looking for another car to put it in. I've considered selling it to get a new DSP unit that can be programmed with a laptop, but I just can't seem to part with it. Unbelievably clean sounding head unit when the amps are set up correctly.

[@wal]

Nice!

[@35Helena]

Have someone test the Pioneer dex-p99rs?

[@yvandoyeux6947]

Great test. To perform this test, do you let your factory Pioneer presets to “zero” or increase SLA value and various SPEAKER LEVEL values to reach for the distortion with the volume?

[@wal]

+Yvan Doyeux internal amp = off, RCA level test only

[@yvandoyeux6947]

BigDWiz of course only RCA, the question is still the same

[@macthemaxxmac4883]

Hey Dereck, what´s about the internal Amplifier? how clean is that Signal? My 6to8 gets the High Level Signal from the 80PRS. I can´t use the RCA´s, so the internal Amplifier is my focus. thx and greetings from germany!

[@macthemaxxmac4883]

i´ve read it, the Information is given on the pioneer Site... 5% THD, that´s poor.

[@eddie-g2143]

Hi bro....i own the DEH P7600MP since 2005...and i have thought several times to replace it with the 80 PRS...Does the head unit's rms wattage matter....when you use an amplifier????thanks a lot!!!🙂👍

[@derekquinones8614]

The alpine 9855 will really surprise ya also clean if not better than that pioneer both top of the line though !

[@robotaustin12]

Hey big d wiz. Long time subscriber and viewer of your website. I have this head unit and I'm having trouble getting the bass where I like it. I love my highs. Just can't figure out where to have my subwoofer level at. I feel like a can't get a good pre out voltage and I have to crank my amp gain if I want to get to the ac voltage that would equate to 3000 rms (what my amp is). What's the best place for all my sub settings before I tune the amp. That will get me the loudest with turning the Amps gain the least? Should I have the "loudness" setting on or off? What level should I have subwoofer level 2 at? I've been struggling with this for a while. On a previous system I had a different head unit. I switched only the head unit to the pioneer deh 80 prs, my bass instantly got much quiter, but my highs got oh so much better. I know this is a lot of weird questions, that probly don't make sense.

[@achnada727]

Is this radio better then all kenwood new excelon,s ? they running 4.0volts 52wx4 , 93db

[@carlosbrown4387]

Does this have DSP soundfield control mode

[@bigsean2473]

JVC KW-NT810HDT can you do this 1. it has a lot of the pioneers audio controls. would be nice to get video and total crossover control in 1 package.

[@McRemmyBaby]

Can someone try n help me? Does/slash can this head unit play 2 way speakers with built in crossovers on the 3 way network mode?

[@eliasibguzman5987]

ok thanks alot

[@Kuuiby]

would you do a test for me of a jvc kd SH1000?

[@wal]

Makes you feel good to own one of these, right?

[@bobswinehart3646]

Just ordered one. Cant wait!!! Thanks for the video.

[@djvee1024]

I own two💜

[@splaudio1]

well dammit im sure glad i picked this unit up then :)

[@improvisewitme]

Are there any modern head units that are comparable to this?

[@CUSTOMWORKS7.3PSD]

This would be a really great unit but the rca whine which looks to be a huge issue with pioneer was just incredible we tried every trick in the book and ended up putting in a kenwood unit no whine

[@wal]

Sounds like a grounding issue. I don’t have the whine issue

[@CUSTOMWORKS7.3PSD]

@@wal No doubt, jump over by my channel and see how I stopped the issue, It might be something you never seen or used but stopped the problem dead in its tracks just over a week ago so won't be hard to find

[@tatbaz1]

Does this make it a good idea to set my amplifier gains with this hu volume control turned all the way to 62?

[@knuffelis]

tatbaz1 yes, but remember all settings are on 0

[@jxrd-ks]

What is the benefit of turning the internal amplifier off? does the internal amp cause distortion?

[@wal]

Possibly. I need to try with it on and off and see if there is a difference.

[@michaelbelkonen5715]

BigDWiz can we please test the Eclipse avn4430?

[@sethdrak3]

Need to test the rms wattage coming from headunit to speakers

[@wal]

Need

[@m4st3rowner]

Do same test with Bluetooth. I know it's clean and it don't have any distortion. Checked with iphone5 and dd1.

[@lsvtieg]

Was this in standard or pro mode? I'm hearing things about it in pro mode & would like to see if it's true.

[@jrgry1024]

It is true

[@maniacoss3515]

What you hear

[@TheSol115]

please ranking HU in sound quality ... 99pr , 80prs , etc ..

[@mminc81]

That is incredible! You should sell your music

[@wal]

You're too kind...I know very little about music production, GarageBand on my iPad did most of the work

[@techmaster170]

Is that the RCA out voltage and THD test?

[@sicmacbrent]

Try to turn it to 62 and engage the eq. Distortion off the charts. I had this player for two months. Sold it and bought the jvc arsenal 95bt. Liked the sq better on the jvc but the jvc eq is really insufficient. Also thought the bluetooth on the pioneer sounded bad. High distortion after passing 45 on the knob.

[@gen-X-trader]

is there a double din anywhere near this? most modern cars all use double din and every good SQ deck i can find is single din

[@mohawksystem]

Single din will always rule when it comes to sq.. sorry to disappoint you bro.. 😢

[@opaladeluxo73]

Hi Dereck. If I remove the USB flash for example when leaving the car, and then insert it again afterwards, will the head unit resume playback at the same point of the same track? This is really important to me since I usually listen to long tracks.

[@wal]

opaladeluxo73 I do not believe so...but if you leave it plugged in, then it will resume

[@mikka1986]

opaladeluxo73 yes it will continue playback at the same point, only if you did not modify anything in you flash drive in between.

[@wal]

No videos on Kenwood Excelon's yet. I'll try to get one in soon to try out. I'm working on putting together an OSS museum / display for much of my car stereo gear I've collected over the years, so no real plans to sell much right now.

[@dyaxouems9139]

hey, the same test for Alpine CDE-hd 148bt ??? ... best stereo Alpine CDE-hd 148bt or Pioneer DEH-80PRS for you???because I have a 2 years ago a 148bt alpine stereo but I'm leaning to change and put a 80prs...your Opinion?? thanks for reponse !

[@eddie-nc8gu]

How come this 80prs not in double din?

[@wal]

I know what you mean! I'd love to have test gear capable of a full range 20-20kHz pink noise measurement...maybe one day I'll run across a used one for a reasonable price or something. The 400Hz and 1kHz measurements are a big limitation with the Panasonic unit, but it will have to do for now...

[@violater7026]

Jenson Bluetooth worth the $270? Or this is better ?

[@classicjukebox]

Can someone tell me about this test? Is this testing the amplifier in the unit? Or the preamp? And what sources will sound better through this unit? I own a avx 3800 double din that I have not installled yet, and am thinking of selling it and getting the PRS80...but I need some guidance.

[@wal]

+classicjukebox I'm testing the preamp RCA outputs to show voltage and THD. This is the "cleanest" head unit I've tested to date. I want to do another test comparing Bluetooth, CD and USB sources. My feelings are the USB will be the best, but only a test will determine...

[@yzcrkxrm1]

BigDWiz did you get around to doing these tests? ^^ and also. what is the max clean volume for the internal amp? i might run my tweets off of it so id like to know if you have that info... thanks!

[@knuffelis]

hey, when you planing do part 2 ?

[@wal]

Oops, sorry. I'll try to do that soon.

[@knuffelis]

+Dereck BigDWiz ok waiting