SMD Distortion Detector DD-1

So I used this to set the gains of my Alpine 5 channel amp. This thing works great but what's great is that they give you a CD of test tones with varying levels of gain overlap. If you set gain to the optimum level equally across all your channels like most people do, then you will be generally happy with the sound after you further 'tune-in' your system in. I did that and then proceeded to adjust the levels and EQ on my HU (head unit). The problem is my component mid woofer fires into my lower leg, the tweeters are in the dash and the subwoofer is behind the rear seats. When you set all the gains the same, you inevitably ended up adjusting the subwoofer and equalization every time a new song comes on.So I experimented with the gain settings using a little more gain overlap with the mid woofer and even a bit more for the sub. The tweeters remain set to the initial (cleanest possible) gain setting. Guess what? HUGE IMPROVEMENT! I now run my HU's EQ completely flat. I no longer need to adjust the subwoofer bass knob for every song...I even have the sub boost on the amp at zero/flat…but most importantly, the mid woofer blends beautifully with the tweeter. On songs with very little bass content, I get a nice sub-bass ‘fill’…on songs with heavy bass, I get bodacious bass that’s never peaky or boomy. On everything else, it’s perfection.This was worth the cost of entry for me and this was my first car audio install. It’s more than just setting gains safely…it’s about exploiting the very best from your system.

I can't tell you how many times I've adjusted the gains on my 2 amps in the past 2 years. Just always second guessing what my ears are hearing, or not trusting the Digital Multi-Meter method. I wanted to finally set them right, be done with it, and move on to other aspects of the system. The DD-1 allowed me to do that. What I found to always be the issue was that I thought I had more room on my head unit's volume knob. It all starts at the signal. Since I thought I had that room, my amps were always off. The bad domino affected the rest of the system. Now I know exactly how far I can turn up the stereo, and where to set the max amp gains from there. No more guess work. The process is simple and quick. It may take you longer to access your amps, than it takes to set them. The directions are easy to follow and clearly laid out. Tons of videos out there to choose from to quickly learn how to use this tool correctly as well. Bottom line, my stereo sounds better than it ever has, and I fidget with the DSP settings frequently. Getting those gains right made the most impact in a post install tuning process. I could have gotten this months ago, instead of wasting all that time adjusting other settings. Getting gains right proved to be an important and crucial step. If that's not done right, the rest is going to be off.Now that I'm done with it, I can help my friends with their systems too. Sure I could sell it and try to recoup the cost, but it's something I'd like to keep around. I don't think I'm done with mobile audio just yet. I figure I'll need it again sometime.That leads me to the overall value of this product at it's price point. How much use you get out of it, is one of two main justifications of it's price. For an installer, this seems like a must have tool. Something that would be used time and time again. Definitely worth it without question. If you have a group of car stereo buddies that can maybe pitch in and get use, again, it's worth it without question. As a DIY'er that's just using it for one stereo, it's seems kind of steep. That's when justification 2 really shines. It does a good job at what it does, and a job that's crucial. How much is your peace of mind worth? It was worth it to me.No regrets. No more second guessing. Happy with the results.TIP: If you use multiple sources for your media, or a source other than CD, test with that media. If your stereo has a form of Source Level Adjust control, it's a bonus. For example I mostly listen to music via a USB flash drive connected to the head unit. So I obtained the test track files for the DD-1, and used the USB as the source. In addition of using the CD. Per the CD I could safely turn the volume up the 29. Switching sources, and adjusting the Source Level Adjust on my Pioneer HU, I could bump it up to +3 before distortion was detected. This way I know my limit is still 29, and yet I'm not holding back anything when using USB. Similarly do the same if you stream with BT as your main source. Do the CD first. Get your magic #. Then stream the tracks from your phone and make adjustments to your source level.For reference details, this was used on a Pioneer 6100 Nex head unit.2 amps were also dialed in. A 4 channel (JL XD400/4) amp powering aftermarket front passive components, and rear co-ax's. As well as a mono sub amp (JL Slash 600/1) powering a 10" ported sub (JL 10w3).

I have installed a number of systems in my cars in the past and most of them have resulted in distortion or the system not sounding decent. After using this on my most recent install with a Kenwood excelon 901 amplifier, I have to say it is probably the best system I have ever heard or installed. With this tool I was able to tune my system perfectly. Without it it would have just resulted in another system that was sub par. I cannot emphasize enough that this is the tool for every audio installation in the car. If you're on the fence go ahead and get this thing because it produces amazing results.

Yes I've owned this SMD DD-1 since 2017 (7yrs at the time of this review)Besides the occasional battery change it is still working flawlessly all these years.If you want to consider yourself an audiophile this is a must have because you can use it for EVERYTHING. This is NOT just for car audio.You can set your volume/gain on ANY amp and find the max clean volume on any source.Home audio amp/receivers, subwoofer amps, small amps, pro audio amps, even home audio subwoofers, and of course car audio head units and amps.I've tuned EVERYTHING with it. My living room set up, Restroom set up, Garage set up, Car Audio, etc. and anytime I upgrade it takes a minute to re-tune with the DD-1. The longer you own it, the more value it provides.And for those wondering how to tune a home subwoofer (with the built in amps) all you need to do is remove the speaker (sub) itself so you can access the speaker leads, then voila you can set your gain correctly with the DD-1. This would also apply to any speaker/sub with a built in amplifier including Car Audio 'Powered' Subwoofers.The SMD DD-1 has been my prized audiophile tool even though you only use it once per 'set up'. Like I said before the longer you own it the more value it provides. I've lost count how many things I've tuned with it. Knowing you have the cleanest possible sound quality is PRICELESS.

Simple to use but overpriced.

Made amp setup a breeze

Fantastic product, works extremely well. Quite pricey considering average users will only use once or twice. Still worth it for peace of mind.

Best product for the money, which will save you money in the long run recommend it to anybody that’s gonna do it yourself