The Audiophile's BS Thread

They are using that to adjust levels on a large band EQ. Basically from my understanding pink noise is a combination of most of the sounds from very low to very high frequencies. Using an RTA mic (I could be wrong on the name) they watch the levels of each frequency, if one peaks higher than the other they bring some of the level for that frequency down, if ones lower they know to adjust that frequency "louder" so it is level across the board (for the most part)

Sorry that that was mostly in basic terms but I feel like its an understandable explination

 

Watching their YouTube videos is painful. Those guys act like idiots the whole time, and most of the "super kustom" stuff that they do looks half-assed to me.

Anyways, They probably have their laptop hooked up to some type of audio processor which they are setting the EQ on based off of a reading from a real time analyzer while they play pink noise inside of the vehicle. At our shop, we have a similar tuning process which we use for high end audio processors like the Bit One. We also have a few of our own tricks that we throw in during our tuning process on high end systems .

 

Really? I enjoy watching some of the stuff they do. Are there any programs that you use that don't cost that much that you, I, could do that with? It seems that it would take some of the guess work out of tuning my stuff.

Something I've overlooked is that until I get my money right to order that PDX-V9 my R is 4 ohms and will only allow the amp to run 250rms, per spec's in a perfect world, is there any way I can dummy load the sub so the amp will see 2 ohms and run 500w? I know the resistance changes as the sub moves but I'd like to be able to run it like that for a month or so. Bad idea?

 

I don't know of any good real time analyzer programs that you can get for your PC, but I'm willing to bet that you would need some hardware to go with it. Not to mention, you would need a very sensitive microphone to use for tuning. You might be better off buying a separate RTA. The one we use is made by Audio Control.

The program that is used to setup and calibrate the functions (equalizer, time alignment, crossovers, etc...) is usually proprietary to the audio processor which you are using. If you're bored, you could download the software for the Audison Bit One and see what it has to offer.

http://download.elettromedia.it/

username: bitone
password: bitone

Bit One Updates and Documents > Bit One Software and Firmware update > File: 1-Bit_One_update_PCsoftware1-5_firmware1-5-0-0.zip

 

I wanted to try this, but I have a MAC, and nothing like this works on a MAC. I open the zip and get a text file

 

Yeah, unfortunately, the Bit One software is only made for PC as of now.

Here are the three main areas of the bit one configuration software. It has a few other features which are not shown in these snapshots I just took. The channels (1 through 8) that are listed on the first image are set up to match your exact system upon initial calibration of the processor, once hooked up to a source unit. You can also see that there are 4 available presets (A,B,C,D) which can be set in completely different configurations and toggled between on the fly using the DRC remote. Fun stuff!

 

Starting to get a little excited about this audison bitone. Still haven't researched much but it seems legit.

Can anyone answer this very important question for me though: the Alpine pxa-h800 REQUIRES the separate "remote" unless you have a compatible alpine head unit... which I do not. The remote alone is an additional $200+

Does the audison piece require their external remote as well?

 

Oops never mind, just read that the controller is included with the audison already.

 

The Bit One comes with the DRC. However, it is NOT mandatory to have it connected to the Bit One for setup or operation.

If you are running 5 or fewer channels, the Bit Ten may be a better alternative for you. It is less expensive and retains all of the most important features that makes the Bit processors so great.

http://www.audison.eu/index.php?page=product&id=42

 

Thanks for the info. I currently have 5 channels, but if I spend this kind of money on a DSP, I want to actively cross over my front components by adding a 2ch amp to compliment the existing system, or replace my 4ch with a 6ch. So I think the bitone would have to be my choice. I'll need 7 channels total.

I just read this entire review which is extremely detailed and unbiased and it has a lot of great info. Compares Audison BitOne with Alpine H800

http://www.mobileelectronics.com.au...a-h800_vs_audison_bitone_processors_compared/


One thing I found extremely detrimental about the bitone is that the review stated that the master volume must now be controlled by the external controller. Is this true? Maybe I read it wrong.

Seems like the only major difference between the 2 units is the Alpine offers auto-EQ for novice users, as also process' Dolby Digital 5.1 signal and can create real or synthetic 5.1 sound I the vehicle, even with a stereo setup. Kind of nice, but both features I would probably not use. It seems the BitOne is more suited for my needs, however both units are extremely nice.

I guess the final verdict will come down to the price I can get them for. That will be the game changer for me. We shall see. This is not an urgent project of mine, so only time will tell.

 

Well a quick search shows that I can pick up a bitone for around $675 whereas the Alpine is about $550-650 plus the controller for an additional $250 bringing the Alpine to around $800-900 total.

I can purchase these units at dealer cost from a shop I used to work for so I'm sure the Alpine is a few hundred less at my price... problem is I don't think they sell the Audison unit have to call and ask but its not available on their website.

Pacificstereo.com

 

Looks like either way they will cost me around $700 total. Plus a new amp and some more RCAs. So $1000 it is!

Now let me ask you more experienced installers with knowledge of these units... in case you did not see it, my current setup is listed a few posts back. Basically pioneer double din, focal polyglass components front and coaxial rear, 2 jl amps, and jl stealthbox with two jl 10s. It sounds amazing already. If I add another 2 channel amp and bi-amp (or actively crossover) front components, and them add a processor such as the Alpine or Audison, how much better will is REALLY get?? Is it worth $1000???? Will simply bi-amping my front components (active) be enough of an upgrade? How much more will one of these processors really give me. Night/day difference or just noticeable to me because I know what I have. Be honest here, no sugar coating.

 

Ewwww.

I have had victims of some HORRIFIC installs come crawling to us for help after being raped by the Pacific Stereo in Woodland Hills.

They suggest that in order to avoid problems with engine noise. If you are a well-versed installer, you should have no problem avoiding engine noise on your own, and using your source unit volume control will be fine.

Honestly, the tuning options that an audio processor like these have to offer will make a HUGE difference, especially in our trucks.

For the first few months that I had my Bit One, I did not make the time to set my time alignment or equalization. It was bi amplified, and I had my crossover points where I wanted them, for the most part. Once I spent the time necessary to set the time alignment and REALLY get into detail with tuning the Bit One, it was like night and day. Listening to an A and B comparison of my pre-tuning and post-tuning presets, if I didn't know any better, I would say that they were two completely different stereos.

 

Thanks for the info. I didn't actually work for Pacific stereo, it was another shop in chino hills that we worked with them closely. Then we closed down and 1 of our installers went to work for the one in riverside. Never been to woodland hills shop, but Riverside is pretty legit. I only know that one installer and the owner, so I don't know what kind of work they do there, but they hook me up so I'll continue to buy from them any day. Its a tax free dealer cost price... why not I've seen some sweet installs come out of that shop though. If I don't know how to install, I'd trust them.

 

I wanted to reiterate a point made above. You do NOT need to have the display unit connected for normal use. I set the volume to a good spot when tuning via the computer and then disconnected it.....forever. I still have it but I've not used it since. That was about 2 years ago. This reminds me that I should probably go out there and tune the truck soon. It's been forever.

 

Finally dialed in my home theatre, currently only 2.1 at the moment.

TV: Samsung 7000 60" plasma 3D with wifi.
Receiver: Marantz SR7005
Blueray: Oppo BDP-83 (using AudioQuest Carbon HDMI)
Speaker: Vandersteen 1's (2-ways). Velodyne Sub.

When listening to quality music, I listen on Pure Direct with no audio processing (sound directly as recorded), and only runs 2 channel in this mode.

When listening to hard rock/hip hop/TV, or when we have people over that don't really get audiophile grade quality, the Marantz gets put on stereo where it is 2.1.

 

Interesting set of towers. I just googled them and saw some cutaway pictures. I also liked the "other" pictures I saw that google came back with.

PS: Is that right tower in front of a doorway?

 

Yea, I really dig the Vandee's. They lack a little in bass, but mids and highs will blow you away.

That doorway is a weird addon that actually goes into the garage. I only have half my garage because of that addon. It will be demo'd soon hopefully, then that doorway will be closed off.

 

So i need an audiophiles expert opinion on sound bars. My moms birthday is coming up and she wants one for her TV and i am a little skeptical on how they sound. I have never heard one though. I suggested doing a surround sound set up but that gets pretty pricey. I would like to spend around $200, do you think i could get a decent sound bar in that price range? Or should i scrap that idea and see if my step dad will throw in some money and get a nice surround sound setup? I like the idea of a surround sound, one of the reasons is because i am a carpenter so i know how to run all the wires and everything though the walls(one story house so i can go up through the attic, over to the other side of the room and back down the opposite wall) so it would not only sound good but it would look good also, maybe even some speakers that mount in the wall or ceiling. If i can get my step dad to chip in i am guessing the budget would be around $700, i don't think i can get him to drop a bunch of money cuz he is really not into this kind of stuff.

 

I don't have much experience with sound bars but I can tell you $200 is on the low side for anything worth buying. I recommend saving up for something nicer, either a better sound bar and a subwoofer or possibly a "Home Theater in a Box" type system.