Comparing different stereo systems in new vehicles using REW

boogts

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Hi All,

I have tried to make good use of REW for years to make the mini-dsp adjustments in my old car work better, but when it comes to new cars, how can I best evaluate, objectively, what is the best stereo before buying - other than of course just playing some songs? As in what best feeds back the output signal frequencies most faithfully?

When running the wave, I get the attached graph - done with the left, right and then left and right speakers together. Am I to assume the flatter the line, the better the speaker system? Or what tools / windows would best help. I figured this is a bit obtuse since I'm not changing up anything in the room, just want a baseline to determine a systems capabilities. Thank you!
 

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Sonnie

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The blue trace is a very nice response curve for a car... assuming you measured where your head is typically located.

Unfortunately with vehicles we are stuck with dampening material to help with resonances in the vehicle, which may or may not be measurable with a sweep... and then something like the miniDSP C-DSP 8x12 DL with Dirac Live, if you are willing to go aftermarket amps.
 

boogts

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I measured with the mic (UMIK-1) at the driver's head, yes, though that is with 1/6 smoothing.
 

Sonnie

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Apr 2, 2017
Messages
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Location
Alabama
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
StormAudio ISP Elite 24 MK3 Processor
Main Amp
McIntosh MC1.25KW Monoblock Amps
Additional Amp
StormAudio PA 16 MK3
Computer Audio
Intel NUC w/ Roon ROCK
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Panasonic UB9000 4K UHD Player (for media discs)
Front Speakers
RTJ 410
Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Focus C-18
Front Wide Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT
Surround Speakers
JTR Neosis 210RT
Surround Back Speakers
JTR Neosis 210RT
Front Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Rear Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Subwoofers
JTR Captivator 2400 x6
Other Speakers or Equipment
VTI Amp Stands for the Monoblocks
Video Display Device
Sony 98X90L
Remote Control
Universal MX-890
Streaming Equipment
FireCube for movies and Lenova Carbon X1 for Roon
Streaming Subscriptions
Lifetime Roon Subscription
Tidal
qobuz
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Satellite System
Dish Joey 4K
Other Equipment
Zero Surge 8R15W-1 | Salamander Synergy Equipment Stand
1/6 smoothing is normal ... and closer to what you are actually hearing than what you see with non-smoothing.

Short of going aftermarket, I'd say you are doing pretty well.
 

El Duderino

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Personally, if you're trying to determine the likelihood of your being satisfied with the OEM system, I'd start by testing stereo presentation with test tone tracks. If the stereo presentation is wrong, you're screwed, no matter the tonal performance. I use the Educar TestTune app (available in the iOS and Android App Stores).
 
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