What's the Best Budget Car Audio System?
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SKU: DSPA 810
Goldhorn DSPA 810 Pro v1.1 | 10-Channel DSP & 8×65W Amplifier
Why This Matters: Goldhorn is phasing out the DSPA 810 Pro v1.1 to prepare for Version 2.0 with enhanced features. This isn't a discontinued product being dumped—it's a field-tested, professional-grade flagship being cleared to make warehouse space.
The Opportunity: The DSPA 810 Pro v1.1 competes directly with units like the Helix DSP Pro Mk3 ($1,200+), Mosconi Pro 8/30 ($1,100+), and AudioControl D-4.800 ($999+). At $699.99 closeout pricing, you're getting flagship DSP processing and 8-channel amplification for mid-tier money.
What You're Getting: Brand new units with full manufacturer warranty, mature software (no beta bugs), proven reliability from 2+ years in the field, and complete accessory packages. The ADAU1450 DSP chip, Class AB amplification topology, and 31-band EQ architecture remain unchanged—this is the same unit that earned "Best Overall DSP" recognition.
Stock Status: Limited final inventory. Once v1.1 units are depleted, the DSPA 810 Pro V2 will launch with enhanced features. This is your last opportunity to secure flagship-tier DSP/Amp technology at this price point.
The Goldhorn DSPA 810 Pro v1.1 combines professional-grade 10-channel ADAU1450 DSP (1.2 BIPS) with 8×65W Class AB amplification in a single chassis. With 31-band parametric EQ per channel, 48 dB/octave crossovers, 17ms time alignment, optical input, and 8 preset memory, it delivers flagship processing and amplification at closeout pricing.
If you're building a 3-way or 4-way active system with dedicated amplification for tweeters, midrange, midbass, and subwoofers, the 10-channel DSP provides the routing flexibility to run complex crossover networks. Use 8 amplified channels for front stage + rear fill, then send 2 RCA outputs to subwoofer amplifiers.
The 8-preset memory system allows you to save customer-specific tuning configurations for rapid recall during service appointments. Optical input enables bit-perfect digital signal extraction from OEM head units, while EPS (Error Protection System) prevents thermal shutdown during demanding installations in high-temperature environments.
8 high-level inputs accommodate complex factory amplified systems (like Bose, Harman Kardon, Mark Levinson), allowing you to tap speaker-level signals before OEM amplification degrades them. The 17ms time alignment window corrects for factory speaker placement issues, and Navigation Mix mode prevents GPS interruptions from disrupting your tuning.
At $699.99 closeout pricing, you're paying $200-500 less than standalone DSP processors (Helix DSP Pro Mk3, AudioControl DM-810) while getting 520W of integrated amplification. This eliminates the need to purchase a separate 8-channel amp ($400-800), delivering exceptional value for your system.
The ADAU1450 represents Analog Devices' automotive-grade SigmaDSP platform, designed specifically for the thermal extremes (-40°C to +105°C) and electrical noise environments found in vehicle audio systems. This isn't a consumer-grade audio chip—it's the same silicon found in premium processors from Helix, Mosconi, and AudioControl.
The ADAU1450's 1.2 billion instructions per second (BIPS) processing capacity enables the DSPA 810 Pro v1.1 to execute complex DSP algorithms in real-time without latency or audible artifacts:
Each of the 10 DSP channels gets a full 31-band parametric equalizer with adjustable frequency (20Hz-20kHz), gain (±12dB), and Q factor (0.5-16). This level of granularity allows you to target specific resonances, correct for speaker response irregularities, and shape tonal balance without affecting adjacent frequencies.
Practical Application: If your midbass driver exhibits a 4dB peak at 180Hz (common with door-mounted woofers), you can create a narrow -4dB cut at 180Hz with Q=8 without attenuating bass response at 120Hz or 240Hz.
The DSPA 810 Pro v1.1 offers 8 slope options across three filter types: Butterworth (6/12/18/24/30/36/42/48 dB), Bessel (6/12/18/24/30/36/42/48 dB), and Linkwitz-Riley (12/24/36 dB). Steeper slopes (36-48 dB) provide better driver protection and reduce overlap between frequency bands, while gentler slopes (6-12 dB) create more natural phase relationships.
Why This Matters: When running a 3-way front stage (tweeter/midrange/midbass), you can use 24 dB/octave Linkwitz-Riley crossovers at 3.5kHz (tweeter/midrange) and 400Hz (midrange/midbass) to minimize phase interaction while protecting tweeters from midrange content.
The extended 0-17ms delay range translates to 19 feet of acoustic path length correction (assuming 1,125 ft/s speed of sound). This allows you to time-align speakers mounted in factory locations (like rear deck subwoofers 15 feet behind the listening position) without running out of delay range.
Comparison Context: Entry-level DSPs typically offer 5-10ms (5.5-11 feet), which limits your ability to correct for extreme speaker placement. The DSPA 810 Pro v1.1's 17ms headroom accommodates nearly any vehicle configuration.
Full phase control allows you to correct for polarity issues caused by asymmetric crossover slopes, driver mounting depth, or acoustic reflections. This is particularly valuable when integrating aftermarket speakers with OEM subwoofers, where phase misalignment creates a "hole" in bass response around the crossover point.
Real-World Scenario: If your aftermarket component set exhibits weak midbass output (80-120Hz) due to phase cancellation with OEM door speakers, you can rotate phase on the DSP output feeding those channels to restore in-phase summation.
The DSPA 810 Pro v1.1's amplifier section represents a critical differentiator from DSP-only processors and Class D-equipped competitors. Voltage Build-Up Technology allows the Class AB output stage to deliver a true 65 watts RMS per channel @ 4Ω from a 12-14.4V electrical system—power levels typically requiring 16-18V rails in conventional Class AB designs.
Class AB vs. Class D Advantages: The DSPA 810 Pro v1.1's Class AB topology delivers flatter frequency response (20Hz-20kHz ±0.5dB), lower THD+N (<0.05%), higher damping factor (>200), and no PWM switching noise compared to Class D designs. This results in tighter bass control, cleaner high-frequency reproduction, and zero radio interference.
The DSPA 810 Pro v1.1's connectivity options accommodate virtually any source configuration, from bone-stock OEM head units to high-end aftermarket processors.
Voltage Range: 0.3V - 30V RMS
Use Case: Tap speaker-level signals from OEM amplified systems (Bose, Harman Kardon, JBL) before factory amplification colors the signal. The wide 30V tolerance accommodates even high-power factory amps without input clipping.
Installation Tip: Use high-level inputs when integrating with factory head units that lack RCA outputs. Connect at the head unit harness (not speaker terminals) to avoid picking up noise from speaker wire runs.
Input Sensitivity: 0.3V - 8V RMS
Use Case: Connect aftermarket head units, source processors, or media players with low-level RCA outputs. The adjustable input sensitivity (0.3-8V) ensures proper gain staging regardless of source output voltage.
Best Practice: Use RCA inputs when available for lowest noise floor. If your source has both front and rear RCA outputs, connect front to RCA inputs and use high-level for rear channels.
Sample Rate: Up to 96kHz / 24-bit
Use Case: Extract bit-perfect digital audio from OEM head units with optical outputs (common in Toyota, Lexus, BMW, Mercedes). Optical transmission eliminates ground loop noise and prevents signal degradation from electrical interference.
Advantage: Many factory head units downsample analog outputs to 16-bit/44.1kHz but preserve 24-bit/48kHz resolution over optical. This input unlocks the full dynamic range of OEM digital sources.
Codec Support: SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD
Use Case: Stream music directly from smartphones without head unit involvement. aptX HD codec supports 48kHz/24-bit wireless transmission (576 kbps bitrate), approaching CD quality over Bluetooth.
Limitation: aptX HD requires compatible source device (Android phones with aptX HD support). iPhones default to AAC codec (256 kbps), which still provides acceptable quality for casual listening.
The DSPA 810 Pro v1.1 routes 10 independent DSP channels to a combination of amplified speaker outputs and RCA pre-outs:
| Output Type | Channel Count | Specifications | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amplified Speaker Outputs | 8 Channels | 65W RMS @ 4Ω per channel | Front/rear component speakers, full-range coaxials, dedicated midbass drivers |
| RCA Pre-Outs | 10 Channels | 6V pre-amp output | Route to external subwoofer amps, additional speaker amps, or active crossover networks |
| High-Level Speaker Outputs | 8 Channels | Mirrors amplified outputs | Drive factory speakers in parallel with amplified channels (rarely used) |
The DSPA 810 Pro v1.1's closeout pricing at $699.99 positions it uniquely in the market. Competing with units in the $1,100-1,400 range, the closeout price undercuts even mid-tier DSP/Amp combos while maintaining flagship specifications. Here's how it compares to alternatives in the sub-$1,000 category:
| Model | Price | DSP Channels | Amp Channels / Power | Optical Input | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goldhorn DSPA 810 Pro v1.1 | $699.99 | 10 (ADAU1450) | 8 × 65W @ 4Ω (Class AB) | ✓ Yes | Flagship DSP + 520W @ closeout price |
| AudioControl D-4.800 | $999.95 | 8 (proprietary DSP) | 4 × 80W @ 4Ω (Class D) | ✗ No | AccuBASS processing, OEM integration focus |
| Ground Zero GZDSP6-10SQ | $699.99 | 10 (ADAU1451) | 6 × 100W @ 4Ω (Class D) | ✓ Yes | 600W total power, Class D efficiency |
| Match UP 10DSP | $899.00 | 10 (ADAU1450) | 6 × 85W @ 4Ω (Class D) | ✓ Yes | Audiotec Fischer engineering, compact size |
| Hertz H8 DSP | $649.00 | 8 (ADAU1451) | 8 × 105W @ 2Ω (Class D) | ✗ No | High power output, budget-friendly |
| Goldhorn DSPA 406 | $399.99 (closeout) | 6 (ADAU1450) | 4 × 65W @ 4Ω (Class AB) | ✗ No | Budget option, same DSP chip, fewer channels |
| Dayton Audio DSP-408 | $299.00 | 8 (ADAU1701) | 4 × 50W @ 4Ω (Class D) | ✗ No | Entry-level DSP, older chip, budget price |
| JL Audio VXi800/8i | $999.99 | 12 (proprietary DSP) | 8 × 100W @ 2Ω (Class D) | ✗ No | 800W total power, JL Audio pedigree |
| Mosconi Gladen ONE 80.6 DSP | $949.00 | 8 (proprietary DSP) | 6 × 80W @ 4Ω (Class AB) | ✓ Yes | Italian engineering, Class AB topology |
System Configuration:
DSPA 810 Pro Channel Allocation:
| DSP Channel | Speaker Assignment | Crossover Settings | Output Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 (Amplified) | Front Tweeters (Morel Elate Ti) | HPF: 3.5kHz @ 24 dB/oct (LR) | Speaker-level output |
| 3-4 (Amplified) | Front Midrange (Morel 3") | BPF: 400Hz - 3.5kHz @ 24 dB/oct (LR) | Speaker-level output |
| 5-6 (Amplified) | Front Midbass (Morel 6.5") | LPF: 400Hz @ 24 dB/oct (LR) | Speaker-level output |
| 7-8 (Amplified) | Rear Fill (JBL GTO620) | HPF: 80Hz @ 12 dB/oct, -6dB level | Speaker-level output |
| 9 (RCA Pre-Out) | Subwoofer Left (JL 12W6v3) | LPF: 80Hz @ 24 dB/oct (LR) | 6V RCA to MX500/1 |
| 10 (RCA Pre-Out) | Subwoofer Right (JL 12W6v3) | LPF: 80Hz @ 24 dB/oct (LR) | 6V RCA to MX500/1 |
Tuning Strategy:
The Goldhorn DSPA 810 Pro v1.1 competes directly with units like the Helix DSP Pro Mk3, Mosconi Pro 8/30, and AudioControl D-4.800—all priced between $999-1,400. At $699.99 closeout pricing, you're getting flagship DSP processing and 8-channel amplification at exceptional value:
V2 Launch Impact: Goldhorn is clearing v1.1 inventory to prepare for the DSPA 810 Pro V2 with enhanced features (rumored mobile app control, increased power output). This means:
The Strategic Opportunity: If you were planning to spend $800-1,000 on a standalone DSP (Helix, AudioControl, Audison) and another $400-600 on an 8-channel amplifier, the DSPA 810 Pro v1.1 closeout saves you $500-900 while providing integrated DSP/Amp convenience in a single chassis.
Who Should Act Now: This closeout is ideal for enthusiasts building 3-way active systems, installers needing multi-preset functionality, OEM integration specialists requiring optical input, and value-focused system builders who want flagship DSP performance. If you don't specifically need mobile app tuning or 100W+ per channel power, the v1.1 delivers everything required for world-class sound quality.
Limited Time: Closeout inventory is finite. Once v1.1 stock is depleted, the only option will be the V2 at MSRP. Secure your DSPA 810 Pro v1.1 while this pricing lasts.
The Goldhorn DSPA 810 Pro v1.1 represents a rare convergence of flagship specifications and mid-tier pricing. With the ADAU1450 automotive DSP (1.2 BIPS processing power), 8×65W Class AB amplification, 10-channel processing flexibility, and comprehensive I/O including optical input, this unit delivers the performance of processors costing $1,200+ while integrating 520W of amplification that would require an additional $400-800 external amp.
At $699.99 closeout pricing, the DSPA 810 Pro v1.1 undercuts every competitor in the flagship DSP/Amp category. The AudioControl D-4.800 ($999.95) offers fewer channels and no optical input. The Ground Zero GZDSP6-10SQ ($699.99) provides more power but fewer amplified channels and Class D topology. Standalone DSP processors (Helix DSP Pro Mk3 at $1,199) require separate amplification, pushing total system cost to $1,600-2,000.
The v1.1's limitations—no mobile app tuning, 65W per channel output, PC-only software—are acceptable trade-offs at this price. For 90% of car audio enthusiasts who prioritize sound quality over convenience features, the DSPA 810 Pro v1.1 delivers flagship DSP processing, Class AB amplification, and professional I/O at mid-tier pricing. You're getting 699.99—a exceptional value). Once v1.1 inventory is depleted, this opportunity disappears.
Flagship DSP + 520W Amplification | ADAU1450 Processing | Optical Input
$699.99 Closeout (Originally
Limited Stock Remaining — V2 Expected at MSRP