DSR1 High/Low Input Settings... What Should I Do?

General
1

Hey everyone, I’ve been putting a lot of work into getting my system all set up and it’s finally done. Now, I’m stuck on what to do with the high/low input setting on my DSR1. I have a 2013 Honda Accord EXL V6 with the navigation system, and it’s the premium sound model. I disconnected the factory amp and used an amp bypass harness to hook up the DSP. The harness has RCA connectors for the signal transfer, so I used some good-quality RCAs for the connection.

Right now, my DSR1 switch is set to low, and the software is also set to low. But a shop told me I should switch it to high because I’m apparently overdriving the DSP with it on low. When I changed the settings to high and switched the software to high-level input, I couldn’t turn the volume up before hearing distortion and the speakers cutting out. The shop guy suggested I use resistors.

So, what should I set the DSP to? And if high is the right choice, what kind of resistors would I need to avoid the distortion?

2

You need to check the voltage going into the DSR1. Is it high or low coming from the factory radio?

3

The factory premium system uses low level. It comes with the 70-1730 harness that has RCA connections. You’re right, the shop’s advice is wrong.

4

Stevie said:
The factory premium system uses low level. It comes with the 70-1730 harness that has RCA connections. You’re right, the shop’s advice is wrong.

Thanks! I appreciate it. If you don’t mind, how did you know it’s low level? I actually used this harness instead of the one you linked. It should be the same, right? Low level RCA?

5

@Ridge
Yup, it’s the same deal, same basic harness.

How do I know it’s low? Well, let me tell you a little story. Once upon a time, when I was just starting out, I got a CSX with the premium sound, but I didn’t realize it had the premium system because there were no badges or markings to indicate that. So, I built the 70-1729 harness and tested it with the radio in my bench setup. Two clicks of the volume and the stereo started blasting and distorting like crazy. I freaked out and went to ask the lead installer, who’s got like 30 years of experience. He looked around and asked, ‘Did you test before choosing the harness?’ I hadn’t, and he made me realize I had the wrong one. So, I ripped apart the 70-1729, built a new 70-1730 harness, and installed it right. That’s how I learned to test before making a harness. I was really mad, but it was a lesson learned.

6

@Stevie
Haha, wow, I bet that was a stressful moment. So, no harm done to your speakers, just a lot of panic and a heart attack moment?

7

Ridge said:
@Stevie
Haha, wow, I bet that was a stressful moment. So, no harm done to your speakers, just a lot of panic and a heart attack moment?

Yeah, no damage to the speakers, just a quick ‘WTF’ moment. I asked the lead for help right away.

8

Stevie said:
The factory premium system uses low level. It comes with the 70-1730 harness that has RCA connections. You’re right, the shop’s advice is wrong.

You’re a legend. Thanks a lot! I’m doing everything on my own, asking a bunch of questions to figure it out. It’s tough to start from scratch with no one around to ask for help.