What does distortion really sound like?

[dennisthamenace 10+ year member]

Ok i did the search thing and couldnt find what i was really looking for... Im turning up my subs to see how loud they get, but the thing is i really dont know what distortion sounds like... could someone give me an accurate description or maybe a video?

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[Twistid 5,000+ posts]

sounds like crap

 

[audioholic 5,000+ posts]

Technically 'distortion' is anything not in the original recording that is being reproduced.

Best advice is learn how certain songs 'should' sound by using a well setup home (or pro) audio system, then compare how it sounds in your vehicle. Adjust accordingly. Somewhere along the way your ears will begin to recognize the sonic cues to distortion.

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

Good headphones provide a better reference, actually. Especially on the bass end of things.

 

[dennisthamenace 10+ year member]

am i looking for distortion in the words that are being said?

 

[pinkfloydms 10+ year member]

Sounds scratchy/muffled to me.

 

[Immacomputer 10+ year member]

Here is an unclipped 60hz signal:

http://media.putfile.com/60hz

Turn your volume down low to hear what it should sound like.

This is a clipped 60hz signal:

http://media.putfile.com/60hz-Clipped

Turn your volume down to hear what it should sound like.

If you can't hear the difference, don't ever adjust your gains by ear.

 

[Lakota 5,000+ posts]

Here is an unclipped 60hz signal:
http://media.putfile.com/60hz

Turn your volume down low to hear what it should sound like.

This is a clipped 60hz signal:

http://media.putfile.com/60hz-Clipped

Turn your volume down to hear what it should sound like.

If you can't hear the difference, don't ever adjust your gains by ear.

Pretty much sums it up.