Goldhorn DSP16 Ultra: 16-Channel High-Fidelity Audio Processor

🎛️ Triple DSP Core Power

3x ADAU1463 DSP chips (Analog Devices Flagship), delivering 16 fully independent processing channels with 32-bit floating-point precision and ultra-low latency.

🎵 Dual ES9038Pro DAC

2x ESS Sabre32 Reference DACs (32-bit/768kHz) with 7 selectable filter modes—the identical DAC technology used in $50,000+ professional mastering consoles.

⏱️ 0.005ms Delay Precision

Ultra-fine 0.005ms delay adjustment steps (vs. 0.02ms standard)—enabling microsecond-level time alignment for competition-grade imaging accuracy.

📡 Dual AK5558VN ADC

2x Asahi Kasei flagship ADCs (32-bit/768kHz) ensure pristine signal capture from OEM head units and high-level inputs—preserving every nuance of the source material.

DSP Processing

Digital-to-Analog Conversion

Analog-to-Digital Conversion

EQ & Time Alignment

Inputs & Outputs

Physical & Power

🎼 31-Band Parametric EQ

±15dB adjustment in 0.1dB steps, Q range 0.5-15 (0.1 steps). Peak, High/Low Shelf, 1st/2nd Order All Pass filters for surgical frequency shaping.

⚡ SKYATOM Surround System

Goldhorn's proprietary spatial audio algorithm creates a 360° immersive soundstage with precise imaging and depth—competition-ready staging.

🎯 Ultra-Precision Time Alignment

0.005ms delay steps (0-20ms range) enable microsecond-level speaker synchronization—the difference between "excellent" and "world-class" staging.

🔇 Active Noise Cancellation

Digital ANC technology reduces road noise, engine rumble, and wind noise—improving dynamic range and revealing low-level musical details.

📡 Bluetooth 5.0 (aptX HD)

Qualcomm chipset with aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC codecs—wireless streaming at near-lossless quality (24-bit/48kHz).

🎚️ Dynamic Loudness Control

Automatically adjusts EQ curves based on volume level—preserving tonal balance and bass response at low and high listening levels.

🔌 16 High-Level Inputs

Direct connection to OEM amplifier outputs—no LOC converters required. Supports factory systems with auto turn-on and signal sensing.

💾 8 User Presets

Save multiple tuning profiles (Jazz, Rock, Classical, Competition)—instant recall without re-tuning. Perfect for different music genres or listening positions.

🏆 Competition Sound Quality (SQ) Builds

Target Events: EMMA, IASCA, SBN World Finals, MECA

Why DSP16 Ultra:

• 0.005ms delay precision → microsecond-level time alignment for perfect staging
• 16 independent channels → full active 3-way front + 2-way rear + subs + center
• 31-band EQ per channel → surgical tuning for judges' frequency response tests
• Dual ES9038Pro DACs → lowest measurable THD+N for distortion categories

🚗 Ultra-Luxury Vehicle Installations

Target Vehicles: Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7-Series, Porsche Taycan

Why DSP16 Ultra:

• 16 high-level inputs → seamless OEM integration (Burmester, Bowers & Wilkins, etc.)
• SKYATOM Surround → multi-passenger soundstage (driver + rear VIP seating)
• Active Noise Cancellation → enhances cabin quietness and reveals sonic details
• Start-Stop compatible → modern luxury vehicle electrical systems

🎹 Reference Home-to-Car Audio Conversions

Target Users: Audiophiles, musicians, mastering engineers, vinyl enthusiasts

Why DSP16 Ultra:

• Dual ES9038Pro DACs → same chipset as $50,000+ studio converters
• 7 DAC filter modes → tailor sonic signature (brick wall, apodizing, linear phase)
• USB-DAC input (192/32) → direct connection to high-res music libraries
• >125dB S/N ratio → approaches theoretical limits of human hearing

🔊 Multi-Amplifier Reference Systems

System Architecture: Fully active 3-way fronts + rear fill + multiple subwoofers

Why DSP16 Ultra:

• 16x RCA outputs @ 6Vrms → drive up to 8 stereo amplifiers (or 16 mono)
• Independent channel processing → unique crossover/EQ/delay per speaker
• Gold-plated RCA connectors → pristine signal integrity across 16 output stages
• Proprietary opamp design → ultra-low output impedance for long cable runs

📍 Mounting Location

• Under-seat installation: Minimal footprint (304 x 231 x 50mm)
• Trunk/cargo area: Protect from extreme temperatures and moisture
• Avoid direct sunlight: Operating temp -40°C to +70°C (within spec)
• Secure mounting: Use included hardware; vibration resistance critical

⚡ Electrical System Requirements

• Operating voltage: 11V-16V (DC power supply)
• Start-Stop compatible: EPS (Engine Power Save) ready
• Fuse rating: 10A (included, use quality blade fuse)
• Ground connection: Direct chassis ground (minimize noise floor)
• Remote turn-on: Output provided (500mA max for amp control)

🔌 Input Connection Strategy

• OEM integration: Use 16 high-level inputs (no LOC needed)
• Aftermarket head unit: RCA inputs (2-channel stereo)
• Digital source: Optical/Coaxial (192/24) for lossless
• USB-DAC: Direct computer connection (192/32) for audiophile playback
• Bluetooth streaming: Built-in aptX HD (convenience source)

🎛️ Tuning & Calibration

• Software: Windows PC (32-bit, Windows 7+), WiFi included
• RTA measurement: Use calibrated mic + REW or AudioTools
• Time alignment: Measure distances; use 0.005ms steps for precision
• Crossover tuning: Start conservative (80Hz/3.5kHz), refine by ear
• EQ adjustment: Target flat response first, then musical preference

✅ Reference-Grade DAC Technology

Dual ES9038Pro DACs (ESS Sabre32 Reference) deliver THD+N of 0.00018% and S/N >125dB—specifications that match $50,000+ professional studio converters. This is the same chipset used in high-end Chord, dCS, and Mytek DACs.

⏱️ Ultra-Precision Time Alignment

0.005ms delay adjustment (vs. 0.02ms standard) provides 4x finer control than competing processors. This microsecond-level precision is the difference between "excellent imaging" and "holographic soundstage."

🎚️ 16 Independent Processing Channels

Full 31-band EQ, crossover, time alignment, and polarity control per channel—enabling complex system architectures like active 3-way fronts + rear fill + multiple subs + center channel.

💎 Superior Value vs. Competitors

At $5,999, costs $500 less than Brax DSP (12ch) while offering 4 more channels, and justifies its premium over Zapco HDSP-Z16 V with dual ES9038Pro standard, superior S/N, and ultra-precision delay.

🎵 Dual ES9038Pro DAC Technology Explained

The ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9038Pro is the flagship DAC chip from ESS Technology—widely regarded as the industry's reference standard for professional mastering studios and ultra-high-end consumer audio equipment. Each DSP16 Ultra includes two ES9038Pro chips, enabling:

• 32-bit/768kHz processing: Far exceeds CD quality (16/44.1) and high-res audio (24/192), ensuring mathematical precision in digital-to-analog conversion.
• 7 selectable filter modes: Brick wall, apodizing, linear phase, minimum phase—each filter subtly shapes transient response and frequency roll-off characteristics, allowing users to tailor sonic signature to personal preference or system acoustics.
• THD+N of 0.00018%: Total harmonic distortion + noise below 0.0002%—this is inaudible distortion, approaching the theoretical limits of human hearing resolution.
• Dynamic range >125dB: The difference between the quietest and loudest sounds exceeds human hearing range (~120dB), ensuring pristine reproduction of both delicate pianissimos and thunderous crescendos.
• Professional studio pedigree: The ES9038Pro is found in converters from Chord Electronics (DAVE DAC, $13,000), dCS (Rossini, $28,000), and Mytek (Manhattan II, $6,000)—making the DSP16 Ultra a reference-grade bargain.

⏱️ Femtosecond Clock System (Ultra-Low Jitter)

Digital audio quality isn't just about bit depth and sampling rate—clock jitter (timing instability) introduces audible distortion that degrades soundstage precision and tonal accuracy. The DSP16 Ultra employs a high-precision femtosecond clock oscillator:

• Jitter specification: <1 picosecond (ps): A femtosecond is one quadrillionth of a second (10⁻¹⁵). This clock stability ensures that each digital sample is converted to analog voltage at precisely the correct moment.
• Audible impact: Reduced jitter improves soundstage depth, image focus, and high-frequency clarity—listeners describe the difference as "blacker backgrounds" and "holographic imaging."
• Comparison: Standard car audio DSPs typically use ~10-50ps jitter clocks. The DSP16 Ultra's <1ps jitter represents a 10-50x improvement in timing accuracy.
• Why it matters for car audio: Automotive electrical environments are electrically noisy (alternator whine, ignition noise). A precision clock resists these interference sources, maintaining signal purity.

🌌 SKYATOM Surround System Technology

SKYATOM (Goldhorn's proprietary spatial audio algorithm) creates a 360° immersive soundstage that addresses the fundamental challenge of car audio: asymmetric listening positions. Unlike home audio (where speakers are equidistant from the listener), car audio requires sophisticated DSP algorithms to create a convincing center image and spatial depth.

How SKYATOM Works:

• Psychoacoustic modeling: Analyzes stereo content to extract spatial cues (inter-channel time differences, level differences, phase relationships).
• Dynamic center extraction: Creates a phantom center channel without traditional summing (which collapses soundstage width)—vocals and lead instruments appear anchored at windshield center.
• Surround synthesis: Injects ambient/reverb content into rear channels, creating front-to-back depth and envelopment without sacrificing front-stage focus.
• Multi-passenger optimization: Unlike traditional DSP tuning (optimized for driver only), SKYATOM creates a wider "sweet spot" where both driver and front passenger experience convincing imaging.

Competition advantage: Judges in sound quality competitions (EMMA, IASCA) evaluate staging width, depth, height, and focus. SKYATOM provides the spatial realism required to score highly in these categories.

🧠 Triple ADAU1463 DSP Core Architecture

The DSP16 Ultra's computational heart consists of three ADAU1463 DSP chips from Analog Devices (formerly SigmaDSP)—the gold standard for professional audio signal processing. This triple-core architecture delivers:

• 16 independent processing paths: Each output channel has its own dedicated DSP resources (crossover filters, parametric EQ, time delay, dynamic processing)—no compromises or channel-pairing required.
• 32-bit floating-point precision: Calculations use 32-bit floating-point math (vs. 24-bit fixed-point in budget DSPs), providing ~140dB of computational headroom—preventing digital clipping even during extreme EQ/crossover adjustments.
• 192kHz processing rate: All DSP operations occur at 192kHz sampling rate, ensuring that crossover phase response and time-domain accuracy remain pristine across the entire audio bandwidth (20Hz-20kHz).
• Low-latency processing: Combined DSP latency <5ms (inaudible)—no lip-sync issues when integrating with video displays.
• Headroom for future updates: The triple-core architecture provides computational overhead for future firmware enhancements (additional filter types, new algorithms) without hardware obsolescence.

🔀 Input Mixer & Advanced Signal Routing

The DSP16 Ultra includes a sophisticated input mixing matrix that enables complex source routing scenarios:

• Multi-source blending: Combine multiple inputs simultaneously (e.g., OEM head unit + Bluetooth + AUX)—useful for navigation prompts overlaid on music playback.
• Automatic source switching: Priority-based input selection—when navigation speaks, music ducks automatically; when call ends, music resumes.
• Per-channel input assignment: Route different sources to different output zones (front cabin plays music, rear cabin plays movies).
• Navigation mode: