The Ultimate Multi-Channel DSP Amplifier

At $1,599.99, the DSPA 1216 Plus delivers flagship specifications typically costing $2,000-2,500+ or requiring multiple units. The ADAU1463 SigmaDSP processor (Analog Devices' most advanced automotive chip) provides 48-channel I/O capability @ 192kHz/32-bit, implemented as 24 outputs. Paired with dual AK4458VN DACs (same as Goldhorn's $8,000 P5 Ultra), signal fidelity rivals standalone high-end processors.

The 12-channel amplification (8x80W + 4x150W = 1100W total) powers entire luxury systems from a single unit, eliminating multi-amplifier complexity, cost, and noise issues.

Strategic Position

Top of Goldhorn's amplified DSP line:

• Above DSPA 1012 Plus: +4 DSP channels (24 vs. 20), +2 amps (12 vs. 10), ADAU1463 processor, dual AK4458VN DACs, 1100W (vs. 940W)
• Below P5 DSP Ultra: P5 ($7,999.99) is pure-DSP flagship. 1216 Plus adds integrated 1100W amplification
• Unique: No $1,500-2,000 product offers 24-ch DSP + 12-ch amps + dual reference DACs

Undercuts competitors by $400-900 with superior specs.

ADAU1463: Flagship DSP Performance

The Analog Devices ADAU1463 is the most capable automotive-qualified audio processor in Goldhorn's product line, representing a significant step up from even the ADAU1452 used in the DSPA 816 Pro.

ADAU1463 Technical Advantages

• Processing Power: 24,000 program instructions (3x ADAU1452), 80,000 data RAM words (2x ADAU1452)
• 48-Channel I/O: Handles 48 channels @ 192kHz, implemented as 24 outputs
• Automotive Qualified: AEC-Q100 Grade 1 (-40°C to +125°C)

Dual AK4458VN DACs

Two AKM AK4458VN DACs (32-bit/768kHz, same as $8,000 P5 Ultra): 128 dB dynamic range, -115 dB THD+N, dual architecture (12 channels each) eliminates crosstalk. Signal path rivals standalone processors costing $2,000-3,000+.

24-Channel Architecture

Enables designs previously requiring multiple DSPs:

• Tri-Amped Systems: 6-ch front (tweet/mid/bass L/R) + 4-ch rear + 2 center + 12 sub zones
• Multi-Way Active: 4-way/5-way designs with independent crossover/EQ/time/phase
• Multi-Position: Separate driver/passenger optimization stored as presets
• Luxury OEM: Mercedes Burmester, BMW HK, Porsche Bose with channels to spare

Every channel: 31-band parametric EQ, active crossovers (6-48 dB/octave), time alignment (0-20ms, 0.02ms steps), phase (0-180°).

Unprecedented 12-Channel Amplification

The DSPA 1216 Plus's amplification architecture is unique in the marketplace: 8 x 80W + 4 x 150W = 1100W total system power. This configuration reflects deep understanding of real-world luxury system requirements.

Asymmetric Power: Strategic Design

• 8 x 80W: Clean power for mids/highs (tweeters, midranges, midbass)
• 4 x 150W: Headroom for subs, large midbass, rear fill in larger vehicles

Amplifier Performance Specifications

16 RCA Pre-Outputs: Ultimate Flexibility

Beyond the 12 amplified channels, the DSPA 1216 Plus provides 16 independent RCA pre-outputs @ 6V:

• Hybrid Systems: Use internal amps for full-range speakers, route subwoofers/midbass to external high-power amplifiers
• Full External Amplification: Use as pure 24-channel DSP with all channels routed to external amps via RCA
• Expandability: Start with internal amplification, add external power as system evolves without rewiring DSP

The RCA outputs deliver <0.002% THD+N with 108dB S/N ratio—cleaner than many standalone preamplifiers. At 6V output voltage (vs. 4V common in factory systems), noise immunity is excellent even in long cable runs.

Universal Input Architecture

The DSPA 1216 Plus accommodates every source scenario encountered in high-end installations:

12 High-Level Inputs

12 discrete high-level inputs accept speaker-level signals (up to 16V) directly from factory amplifiers or head units. This is critical for luxury vehicle integration where factory systems employ 8-channel, 10-channel, or even 12-channel amplification (Mercedes-Benz Burmester, BMW HK, Porsche Bose).

Input features:

• Signal Summing: Intelligently combines frequency-divided factory signals (common in OEM systems) into full-range channels for DSP processing
• Automatic Sensing: Detects signal presence and adjusts sensitivity automatically
• Differential Architecture: Maximizes noise immunity in electrically complex vehicles
• Preserves Factory Controls: Steering wheel buttons, voice commands, navigation audio, safety chimes all remain functional

Digital & Analog Connectivity

• 2 RCA Inputs: Line-level connectivity for aftermarket sources (up to 3V maximum input)
• Optical Input (S/PDIF): 192kHz/24-bit Toslink for luxury factory systems with digital outputs
• Coaxial Input (S/PDIF): 192kHz/24-bit RCA digital for alternative digital connectivity
• Bluetooth 5.0: Integrated wireless with aptX HD support, external antenna connection for optimal placement

Having dual digital inputs (optical + coaxial) plus extensive analog inputs means the 1216 Plus integrates with virtually any source configuration without adapters or external converters.

USB-B PC Connection

Full-featured Windows PC software (64-bit, Windows 8/8.1/10/11) provides comprehensive access to all DSP parameters:

• Graphical Signal Flow: Visualize routing from inputs through processing to outputs
• Real-Time Monitoring: Input levels, output levels, clipping indicators, system status
• 8 Memory Presets: Save complete configurations, recall instantly
• Advanced Features: Input mixer, volume linking, EQ linking, crossover linking, navigation mode, variable power-off delay
• Firmware Updates: Keep system current with latest features and improvements

Professional Signal Processing

Competitive Analysis: Flagship Territory

At $1,599.99, the DSPA 1216 Plus competes in the premium DSP/amplifier category against products priced from $1,500 to $2,500+. The value proposition becomes clear when examining specifications side-by-side.

Value Analysis

vs. AudioControl DM-810 ($1,899-1,999): The DM-810 is a highly-regarded standalone DSP, but offers only 8 channels (vs. 24) and no amplification. To match the 1216 Plus's capability, you'd need the DM-810 PLUS 8-channel and 4-channel external amplifiers—total cost $2,800-3,200. The 1216 Plus delivers equivalent functionality at $1,200-1,600 savings.

vs. Audison Bit One HD Virtuoso ($1,699-1,899): Audison's flagship offers excellent 13-channel processing but no amplification. Adding equivalent external amplification (Audison Prima or Forza series) brings total cost to $2,600-3,100. The 1216 Plus saves $1,000-1,500 while providing more DSP channels (24 vs. 13).

vs. Multi-Amplifier Systems: Traditional high-end installations using separate DSP + multiple amplifiers cost $2,200-2,800+ and require complex installation with extensive wiring, multiple ground points, and potential ground loop issues. The 1216 Plus consolidates everything into a single unit, saving $600-1,200 plus simplified installation.

The DSPA 1216 Plus's value proposition is clear: flagship specifications at mid-flagship pricing, integrated in a single professional package.

Complete Technical Specifications

Target Applications & Use Cases

Luxury OEM Integration: Mercedes-Benz Burmester, BMW Harman Kardon, Porsche Bose, Lexus Mark Levinson, Audi Bang & Olufsen—these factory systems employ complex multi-channel architectures. The DSPA 1216 Plus handles them with channels to spare, preserving all factory functionality while delivering dramatic sound quality improvements.

Competition Sound Quality: IASCA, MECA, USACi competitors require extensive DSP control and clean amplification. The 24-channel ADAU1463 DSP provides the surgical tuning precision needed for judging criteria, while 1100W integrated amplification reduces system complexity and potential noise sources.

High-End Custom Builds: Enthusiasts building ultimate systems benefit from the 1216 Plus's comprehensive capabilities: tri-amplified or quad-amplified front stages, dedicated center channel, multi-subwoofer zones, rear fill—all from a single integrated unit without external amps.

Professional Installation Efficiency: Installers appreciate single-unit solutions that reduce installation time, minimize wiring complexity, eliminate ground loop potential, and consolidate troubleshooting into one component. The 1216 Plus transforms multi-day installations into single-day projects.

Why Choose the DSPA 1216 Plus?

1. Unmatched Channel Count + Power: No other product at any price offers 24-channel DSP + 12-channel amplification (1100W total) in an integrated package. This eliminates the cost, complexity, and potential issues of multi-unit systems.

2. Reference-Grade Signal Path: Dual AK4458VN DACs (same as $8,000 P5 Ultra) + ADAU1463 flagship processor = signal quality that rivals standalone high-end processors costing $2,000-3,000+.

3. Asymmetric Power Design: The 8x80W + 4x150W configuration perfectly matches real-world system requirements—clean controlled power for mids/highs, abundant headroom for demanding loads.

4. Comprehensive Integration: 12 high-level inputs + signal summing + dual digital inputs + Bluetooth = integrates with any source scenario without adapters or compromises.

5. Professional Tuning Tools: 31-band parametric EQ, variable phase crossovers, precision time alignment, all-pass filters, linking functions—complete professional toolkit included.

6. Cost Advantage: Equivalent capability requires $2,200-2,800+ in separate components. The 1216 Plus delivers $600-1,200 savings while simplifying installation.

7. Single-Point Integration: One unit, one power connection, one ground, one USB cable for tuning. This dramatically reduces installation time and eliminates potential noise/ground loop issues inherent in multi-amp systems.

8. Future-Proof Architecture: 24 DSP channels + 16 RCA pre-outs provide expandability for future system enhancements without starting over.

Final Recommendations & Summary

The Goldhorn DSPA 1216 Plus is the flagship integrated DSP amplifier for customers who refuse to compromise. At $1,599.99, it delivers specifications typically requiring $2,200-2,800+ in separate components, consolidated into a single professional package with reference-grade signal quality.

This Product is Ideal For:

• Luxury OEM Integration: Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Lexus, Audi factory systems requiring extensive DSP channels and clean amplification
• Competition Sound Quality: IASCA, MECA, USACi builds where DSP precision and signal purity are judged
• High-End Multi-Channel Systems: Tri-amped/quad-amped front stages, multiple subwoofer zones, center channel, rear fill—all from one unit
• Professional Installers: High-margin projects where installation efficiency and reliability maximize profitability

Consider Alternatives If:

• Need more than 24 DSP channels → Goldhorn P5 DSP Ultra (pure DSP, no amps, $7,999.99)
• Don't need 12 amplified channels → Goldhorn DSPA 1012 Plus (20 DSP, 10 amps, $1,299.99) or DSPA 816 Pro (16 DSP, 8 amps, $1,099.99)
• Budget under $1,500 → Consider lower-tier Goldhorn products or competitors
• Prefer established luxury brand → AudioControl/Audison (at $400-900 premium)

The Goldhorn DSPA 1216 Plus is in stock, backed by manufacturer warranty, and ready to ship. Whether you're building a luxury OEM integration, a competition sound quality system, or an ultimate enthusiast build, this product provides flagship capabilities at mid-flagship pricing—the sweet spot for customers who demand the best without paying twice the market rate.

Experience flagship performance without flagship pricing. The DSPA 1216 Plus delivers.