DD-1 HV worth the investment! Here's why for me...

[robleewent]

I recently purchased the DD-1 HV model, not that I needed the HV model, but maybe someday. After placing the order, Steve personally sent me an email update regarding my purchase. This told me that Steve cares about his customers. I didn't take the time to take nice pictures of the packaging and such, but I can tell you that it was boxed nicely and everything was there. I purchased a new 9V battery and installed it so that I wouldn't obtain any false readings.

I followed the included step by step instruction guide ( a 12 year old could do these steps) and started with the sub, front and rear outputs from my head unit,, sadly at this time a JVC. I had been only turning the volume to 30 out of 50 and had just set the built in crossovers and EQs by ear. After setting everything flat, I was surprised to see that I could actually go all of the way to 46 out of 50 for volume adjustments. At 47 the distortion light came on.. WOW! I had been under playing my audio for a year now!

I continued with doing my SAZ3500 Sundown Audio amp and my Rockford Fosgate 4 channel amp. On the SAZ3500 I actually had the gain set a little low. the Rockford gains were a little high. After this I reconnected the mids/highs which at this time are only some infinity 5x7s, and used the built in crossovers on my HU. I set them to the recommended points following the chart in the manual, but these seemed to be a little low for the infinity coaxial speakers at the 46 volume range, so I adjusted them a little higher. I'm sure when I switch to 6.5 components I will readjust. I then reconnected the 4-Sundown Audio SA12s to the SAZ3500. The subs are in a 34hz tuned ported enclosure so I adjusted the subsonic to where I thought it was at 35hz.. I need to read up on how to know exactly where it is set. I didn't adjust the low pass filter on the amp, instead I adjusted the LP filter on the HU for the subwoofer RCAs to 80hz as recommended in the manual.

With everything completed, I threw on some Bass Mekanik test tones (as I had in the past). The sound is more full, clearer, louder, and crisp. I did end up going back to the EQ on the HU and decreasing some of the low end frequencies just a hair. All bands on the EQ are at or below the flat line. I was impressed that it sounded better this way than before when I had increased certain frequencies.

Overall, I am VERY impressed with this device. I have already contacted my buddies and told them to make their investments now. I plan to purchase some of Steve Meade's other devices too. Sure I could have used an Oscilloscope, but I didn't have one laying around and I didn't feel like purchasing one. I'm MECP, CBET, and have my degree in electronics technology and use O'scopes at work all of the time, but this was so simple and quick.

A big congrats on a great product and special thanks to Steve for helping car audio enthusiast such as myself set gains more accurately and easier.

[meade916]

thank you very much for that review Glad it you love the products!