best way to recognize sub distortion

[endofdays89 5,000+ posts]

are there any easy ways to figure this out?

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[Immacomputer 10+ year member]

The best way? Well that would be to measure the back emf signal on a scope to get your actual output waveform.

I am assuming though that you meant how to listen for AMPLIFIER distortion played through the sub. And again, a scope is the best way to check for clipping. The only other semi-reliable solution is your ears but most people can't hear a clipped signal for some reason.

 

[thorshammer1 10+ year member]

x2 Use your ears.

 

[Haunz 10+ year member]

The best way to measure distortion levels from a driver is to use a measurment microphone/preamp and a signal analysis program such as speakerworkshop...

If you listen by ear you can tell when either the amp, driver, or both are creating harmonic distortion by listening for the harmonics.. (duh)

If a sub or speaker sounds tonally different at high levels that is an indication that it is playing distortion...

 

[audioholic 5,000+ posts]

He said recognize, not measure.

 

[Immacomputer 10+ year member]

He said recognize, not measure.

You would recognize it if you measured it haha.

 

[GMCJimmyslt2000 10+ year member]

if u think ur hear distortion most likely there is, unless its some rattling goin on.

just go to the back of ur car, and take a listen, most of the time u can tell from the back

 

[newusername 10+ year member]

Your ear is not particularly reliable for recognizing distortion reliably. I don't recommend commenting on quantitative performance without something to reliably confirm it. The best way to recognize distortion is to measure it.