I had a new stereo put in my Silverado last week, and it uses Digital Signal Processing (DSP). If you don’t know what DSP is, there’s a decent explanation here: What is a DSP Amplifier? Meaning Explained.
The sound is way better—louder, clearer, overall a big improvement. But something weird is happening. When I listen to it, it feels like I’m wearing noise-cancelling headphones. The DSP must be doing more than just cleaning up the sound.
The problem is that I’ve started feeling dizzy and nauseous after using the stereo, almost like I have vertigo. This seems to happen only after listening to the new system, so I think it’s connected. Has anyone else experienced this with a DSP setup? Maybe it’s similar to how some people get dizzy from noise-cancelling headphones?
Even hours after listening, I still feel a bit off. If anyone has ideas or has gone through something similar, I’d appreciate the help!
This could be a phase issue, but there are a few things worth checking. Some DSP pros might have better advice, but here’s what I’m thinking:
Phase Problems
If the DSP causes phase issues, sound waves might interfere with each other in a way that feels unnatural. It’s a bit like how noise-cancelling headphones cancel out sound but in reverse.
If the subwoofers or other speakers aren’t properly aligned, you might get weird sound effects that mess with your head.
Time Alignment
DSPs often adjust when sounds from each speaker reach your ears. If this setting is off, it could create a confusing sound that makes you feel dizzy.
EQ Settings
Over-tweaked EQ can create strange frequency responses. This could make your ears feel weird, especially with low frequencies.
Spatial Effects
Some DSP setups create artificial surround sound. If it’s done poorly, it can mess with your perception and even make you feel off-balance.
Low Frequencies
Very low bass or infrasound might cause physical discomfort, like nausea or dizziness, if the system is over-amplifying these frequencies.
What to Do
Check if all speakers are wired correctly and in phase.
Double-check the time alignment in the DSP settings.
Try flattening the EQ to make the sound more neutral.
Consider recalibrating the DSP with tools like an RTA to balance everything out.
@Phoenix
Thanks for the detailed reply! Glad to know I’m not imagining things. I’ll take it back to the shop and have them go through all of this. Hopefully, they can fix it!
This has happened to me too! When I picked up my car, the installer had the RCA cables mixed up. I was getting the rear right signal through the front left speaker and vice versa. It completely threw me off—it’s definitely a phase problem.
Noise-cancelling headphones and car audio time correction aren’t really the same, but I can see how they could have a similar effect. If the sound is reaching your left and right ears at slightly different times, it might throw you off.
Maybe the time alignment in your DSP is just a little bit off? Like, if it’s close to perfect but not quite there, it could mess with your brain.
From what you’re describing—feeling like you’re wearing noise-cancelling headphones—it sounds like a major phase issue. I’ve had this happen with mids, and it gives that exact sensation. The dizziness is a bit extreme but makes sense.
What’s the rest of your setup? I’m guessing it’s a newer Silverado. If it had Bose originally, there might be some integration problems causing all this.
Sub Amp: Blam Relax RA 501D (the Kicker amp didn’t work properly, so they swapped it). They did mention some general issues with the vehicle but didn’t go into details. Could this be the problem? I’m thinking about asking them to disable the DSP completely to see if that helps.