Goldhorn P3 DSPA Plus | 20 Channel DSP/DSD Player with 8x80w + 150w x 2 Amplifier
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Goldhorn P3 DSPA Plus
20 Channel DSP/DSD Player with 10-Channel Amplifier
8x 80W + 2x 150W | 940W Total Power
Professional All-in-One Integration
$1,999.99
20-Channel DSP + DSD256 Player + 940W Amplifier | Factory-Fresh Condition
The Flagship 20-Channel Integration Solution
The Goldhorn P3 DSPA Plus represents the pinnacle of automotive audio integration: a 20-channel digital signal processor, DSD256 hi-resolution music player, and 10-channel Class D amplifier (8x 80W + 2x 150W = 940W total) in a single, professionally-engineered chassis. This isn't incremental improvement—it's a fundamental reimagining of what's possible in car audio system architecture.
Built around the Analog Devices ADAU1463 DSP processor (the industry's reference-grade chip for competition-level systems), the TI PCM1690 24-bit/192kHz DAC, and a sophisticated Class D amplifier section, the P3 DSPA Plus delivers 20 total output channels: 10 amplified speaker outputs (8x 80W + 2x 150W) plus 12 RCA pre-outs (6Vrms) for external amplification. This dual-output architecture enables unprecedented system configurations—from complex multi-way active systems to high-power bi-amped setups with subwoofer arrays.
What truly distinguishes the P3 DSPA Plus is its integration depth: 12 high-level inputs (tap any factory system without cutting wires), 3 USB Host inputs (connect multiple music libraries simultaneously), native DSD256 playback (audiophile-grade resolution), and 31-band parametric EQ per channel (620 total EQ bands across 20 channels). This is professional installation equipment designed for the most demanding applications—competition Sound Quality builds, ultra-luxury vehicle upgrades, and reference-grade home-to-car audio transfers.
At $1,999.99, the P3 DSPA Plus costs less than competing 16-channel DSP processors alone (Zapco ADSP-Z16 IV: $1,499 without amp/player), while delivering 4 additional channels, superior amplification, and unique DSD playback. The distinctive red anodized aluminum chassis (296x217x43mm) fits under most seats or in trunk installations, with built-in WiFi control and optional wired dashboard controller.
Three Professional Components, One Chassis
🎛️ 20-Channel DSP Processor
ADAU1463 DSP chip (Analog Devices flagship), 31-band parametric EQ per channel (620 total bands), 0.02ms delay precision, Butterworth/Bessel/Linkwitz crossovers (6-48dB/oct), variable phase rotation (0-359°), 5-band input EQ with delay.
🎵 DSD Hi-Res Music Player
Native DSD256/DSD128/DSD64 playback, WAV/FLAC/APE/AIFF/AIF (Hi-Res uncompressed), MP3/AAC/OGG/WMA (compressed), 3x USB 2.0 Host inputs (up to 6TB total storage), Bluetooth 5.0 (aptX/AAC/SBC), USB-DAC input (192kHz/32-bit).
⚡ 10-Channel Class D Amplifier
8x 80W @ 4Ω + 2x 150W @ 4Ω (940W Total Power), THD+N <0.02%, S/N >100dB, efficient Class D topology, thermal protection, bridgeable outputs (200W), dedicated power supply, 60A fuse rating.
Competitive Analysis: 20-Channel Systems
Competitive Advantage: The P3 DSPA Plus delivers 4 additional DSP channels vs. Zapco (20 vs. 16), unique DSD256 player functionality that no competitor offers, and higher RCA voltage (6Vrms vs. 4Vrms) for superior external amplifier control—all for $500 more. Compared to Audison BitOne.1 ($1,200) + separate 12-channel amp ($1,200+), the P3 DSPA Plus saves $400-600 while adding DSD playback and 7 additional DSP channels.
🏆 Unique Differentiators: What Makes P3 DSPA Plus Special
1. 20-Channel Processing
Industry-leading channel count enables 5-way active front stage + rear fill + center + subwoofer arrays. Configure systems that competitors can't support: dual midbass per side, dedicated center speaker processing, bi-amped subwoofer setups.
2. Asymmetric Amplifier Power
8x 80W + 2x 150W design is intentional: Drive tweeters/mids/midbass on 80W channels (8 drivers), reserve 150W channels for high-excursion midbass or dedicated subwoofer channels. Bridgeable to 200W @ 4Ω for compact subwoofers.
3. 12 RCA Pre-Outs @ 6Vrms
6Vrms output voltage (vs. 4-5Vrms competitors) provides superior signal-to-noise ratio when driving external amplifiers. Connect up to six 2-channel amps or three 4-channel amps for unlimited system expansion. Total system capability: 22 speakers + 4 subwoofers.
4. 12 High-Level Inputs
Tap into any factory audio system without cutting OEM wiring—preserving warranty and resale value. Intelligent High-Level Input Error Protection System (EPS) automatically detects and compensates for factory amplifier output anomalies. 6-ohm input impedance eliminates need for impedance adaptors.
5. Phone OTG Function
Connect Android phone directly via USB-OTG for lossless digital audio streaming—bypassing Bluetooth compression. Stream Tidal, Qobuz, Apple Music hi-res content at full resolution (up to 192kHz/32-bit). Phone charges while playing.
6. Input Pre-Processing
5-band parametric EQ per input channel with independent delay (0-10ms) allows correction BEFORE DSP processing. Fix factory system EQ curves, compensate for head unit limitations, or add bass boost to specific sources—then fine-tune with 31-band output EQ.
Target Market & Applications
🏆 Competition SQ Builds
IASCA/MECA/EMMA competitors: 20 channels enable 5-way active front stage (tweeter, super tweeter, midrange, upper midbass, lower midbass) + rear fill + center + dual subwoofers. DSD256 playback for competition demo tracks. ADAU1463 DSP meets pro-level judging criteria. Internal 940W drives front stage, external amps for subs.
🚗 Ultra-Luxury OEM Upgrades
Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7-Series: 12 high-level inputs preserve factory wiring/warranty. 20 channels accommodate OEM multi-speaker layouts (often 16-20 speakers). DSD player replaces inferior factory sources. 6Vrms pre-outs drive factory external amplifiers. WiFi app avoids dashboard modifications.
🎭 Home Theater-to-Car Conversions
Audiophiles converting home setups: 20 channels match home theater processor channel counts (7.1.4 Atmos = 12 channels + flexibility). DSD256 playback matches home SACD players. 31-band EQ per channel provides room (car cabin) correction. 3x USB inputs store entire music library (6TB total capacity).
🔧 Professional Installation
High-end car audio shops: 20 channels solve complex OEM integration challenges. 12 high-level inputs + 2 RCA inputs = 14 simultaneous sources (factory head unit, factory amp, aftermarket sources). WiFi tuning allows remote optimization. Password protection prevents customer tampering. 8 presets accommodate multiple drivers.
Complete Technical Specifications
DSP Processing (ADAU1463)
| DSP Processor | ADAU1463 (Analog Devices) - 32-bit floating-point |
| Processing Power | 150 MHz, 192kHz sampling rate |
| Output Channels | 20 channels (10 amplified + 10 via RCA pre-outs) + 2 additional RCA pre-outs |
| Output EQ | 31-band parametric per channel (620 total bands), ±15dB in 0.1dB steps, Q: 0.5-15 |
| Input EQ | 5-band parametric per input, ±15dB in 0.1dB steps, Input Delay: 0-10ms (0.02ms steps) |
| Crossover Types | Butterworth & Bessel: 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48dB/oct | Linkwitz-Riley: 12, 24, 36dB/oct |
| Crossover Range | 20Hz - 20kHz @ 1dB steps |
| Time Alignment | 0-20ms per channel, 0.02ms resolution (0.007 meters / 0.27 inches) |
| Phase Rotation | Variable 0-359° at HP/LP filters |
| Polarity | 0° or 180° per channel |
| Presets | 8 user presets (store different tuning configurations) |
DAC/ADC Implementation
| DAC Chip | TI PCM1690 (24-bit/192kHz, 8-channel) |
| ADC Chip | 3x PCM1840 (24-bit/192kHz, 12 high-level inputs) |
| Op-Amp | MC33078 (low-noise, high-performance audio op-amp) |
| Capacitors | 105°C high-reliability electrolytics + WIMA film capacitors |
Player Module & Sources
| DSD Formats | DSD256 (11.2MHz), DSD128 (5.6MHz), DSD64 (2.8MHz) - DFF/DSF files |
| Hi-Res Uncompressed | WAV, FLAC, APE, AIFF, AIF (up to 24-bit/192kHz) |
| Compressed Formats | MP3, AAC, OGG Vorbis, WMA |
| USB Host Inputs | 3x USB 2.0 Host (up to 2TB each, FAT32, 6TB total capacity) |
| USB-DAC Input | 1x USB-DAC (192kHz/32-bit, phone OTG support, lossless streaming) |
| Bluetooth | BT 5.0 with aptX/AAC/SBC codecs |
Amplifier Section
| Amplified Outputs | 10 channels: 8x 80W @ 4Ω + 2x 150W @ 4Ω |
| Total Power | 940W RMS @ 4Ω (all channels driven simultaneously) |
| Bridged Mode | 200W @ 4Ω (2 channels bridged) |
| THD+N | <0.02% @ 1kHz, 80% power |
| S/N Ratio | >100dB (A-weighted) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 40kHz (±0.5dB) |
| Topology | Class D, >85% efficiency, <400kHz switching frequency |
| Protection | Thermal limiting, short circuit protection, DC offset protection |
Inputs & Outputs
| High-Level Inputs | 12 channels (24V max, 6-ohm impedance, EPS protection) |
| RCA Inputs | 2x stereo RCA (4V sensitivity) |
| Amplified Outputs | 10x speaker terminals (8x 80W + 2x 150W) |
| RCA Pre-Outs | 12x RCA @ 6Vrms (THD+N <0.003%, S/N: 108dB analog / 111dB digital) |
| Auto Turn-On | DC offset detection or signal sensing (configurable) |
| Remote Turn-On Output | Yes (trigger external amplifiers) |
Physical & Electrical
| Dimensions | 296mm (L) x 217mm (W) x 43mm (H) = 11.7" x 8.5" x 1.7" |
| Weight | Approximately 3.5kg (7.7 lbs) |
| Operating Voltage | 11-16V DC (Start-Stop ready) |
| Fuse Rating | 60A (8-gauge power wire minimum) |
| Finish | Red anodized aluminum chassis with heat sink |
| Control Options | WiFi mobile app (iOS/Android), BT wireless player remote, optional wired panel controller w/IPS display |
| PC Software | Windows 7+ (32-bit), USB-B connection |
📦 What's Included in the Box
✓ P3 DSPA Plus main unit
✓ Bluetooth wireless player remote
✓ USB cable (PC connection)
✓ High-level input harness (12-channel)
✓ Speaker output harness (10-channel)
✓ RCA cables (input/output)
✓ Power cable (8-gauge, 60A fuse)
✓ Mounting hardware (screws, brackets)
✓ User manual & software CD
✓ Goldhorn WiFi app access (iOS/Android)
Optional Accessories Available Separately: Wired panel controller with IPS display screen ($249.99), additional Bluetooth remotes, extended USB cables for dash-mounted USB ports, custom mounting brackets.
Warranty & Support
🛡️ Manufacturer Warranty
Coverage: 1-Year Limited Warranty from date of purchase
What's Covered: Manufacturing defects, component failures, operational issues under normal use
What's NOT Covered: Physical damage from installation, abuse, modification, or misuse
📞 Technical Support
Direct Goldhorn USA Support: Email and phone technical assistance
Software Updates: Free firmware updates and PC software upgrades
Tuning Assistance: Community forums, video tutorials, professional installer network
Real-World Installation Scenarios
Scenario 1: Competition SQ Build - 5-Way Active Front Stage
Vehicle: 2021 Audi A6 (factory Bang & Olufsen system)
Goal: IASCA/MECA competition-level Sound Quality build
Budget: $8,500 total
Component Selection:
- DSP/Amp/Player: Goldhorn P3 DSPA Plus @ $1,999
- Super Tweeters: Hybrid Audio L1 Pro R2 @ $350/pair
- Tweeters: Scan-Speak D2606/920000 (Illuminator) @ $400/pair
- Midrange: Scan-Speak 12MU/4731T00 (4" Silver Cone) @ $300/pair
- Upper Midbass: Scan-Speak 15W/8530K01 (6" Revelator) @ $400/pair
- Lower Midbass: Scan-Speak 18W/8531G00 (7" Revelator) @ $500/pair
- Subwoofers: 2x JL Audio 10W7AE-3 @ $1,200/pair
- Subwoofer Amplifier: Arc Audio X2 1100.1 @ $800
- Sound Deadening: 150 sq ft Noico 80mil @ $450
- Custom Fabrication: A-pillar pods, door pods, kick panels, sub enclosure @ $1,500
- Installation Labor: $1,600 (50 hours @ $32/hr shop rate)
- Total System Cost: $8,499
Channel Allocation (20 Channels Used):
Internal Amplification (10 channels):
• Ch 1-2: Super Tweeters (L/R) - 80W each
• Ch 3-4: Tweeters (L/R) - 80W each
• Ch 5-6: Midrange (L/R) - 80W each
• Ch 7-8: Upper Midbass (L/R) - 80W each
• Ch 9-10: Lower Midbass (L/R) - 150W each (requires higher power for excursion)
RCA Pre-Outs (External Amplification):
• Ch 11-12: Subwoofers (L/R) via Arc Audio amp (600W each)
• Ch 13-20: Reserved for future expansion (rear fill, center channel, additional subs)
Why This Works: 20-channel processing enables true 5-way active front stage—impossible with 16-channel competitors. The P3 DSPA Plus's internal amplification handles all 10 front-stage drivers (super tweeters down to lower midbass), eliminating need for external 10-channel amplifier ($1,200-1,500 savings). DSD256 playback for competition demo tracks (Reference Recordings, Chesky Records) gives judges immediate "wow factor." ADAU1463 DSP provides competition-grade tuning precision. Total savings vs. separate components: $1,000-1,200.
Scenario 2: Mercedes S-Class Ultra-Luxury OEM Integration
Vehicle: 2023 Mercedes-Benz S580 4MATIC (factory Burmester 4D High-End surround system - 31 speakers)
Goal: Enhance factory system with DSD hi-res playback, preserve all OEM functionality/warranty
Budget: $3,500 total
Component Selection:
- DSP/Amp/Player: Goldhorn P3 DSPA Plus @ $1,999
- Installation: Under-seat DSP mount, high-level input from factory Burmester amp outputs @ $1,500 (professional integration specialist required)
- Total System Cost: $3,499
Integration Strategy:
Mercedes S-Class Burmester 4D system uses 31 speakers with factory external amplifiers. The factory head unit (MBUX) sends pre-amp signals to Burmester amps, which drive speakers. Challenge: How to add DSD playback + DSP processing without cutting ANY factory wiring or compromising warranty?
Solution: Install P3 DSPA Plus between factory head unit and Burmester amplifiers. Use 12 high-level inputs to tap factory head unit outputs (no cutting - use parallel taps). P3 DSPA Pro processes signals with 31-band EQ and time alignment correction, then outputs via 12 RCA pre-outs @ 6Vrms to Burmester factory amplifiers. The 10 internal amplifier channels remain unused—this installation uses P3 DSPA Plus purely as DSP processor + DSD player.
Result: Factory Burmester system remains 100% functional. MBUX infotainment controls work normally. When Hi-Res DSD music library is desired, switch to P3 DSPA Plus via USB input (3 USB drives with 6TB total capacity). Cabin tuning is corrected with 31-band EQ per channel—addressing Mercedes S-Class's known cabin acoustic challenges (leather seats, laminated glass create uneven frequency response). Factory warranty unaffected (zero OEM wiring modifications).
Why S-Class Owners Choose This: $150,000+ Mercedes buyers expect perfection. Factory Burmester 4D ($6,400 option) sounds impressive but lacks Hi-Res source capability (MBUX tops out at 320kbps MP3). At $3,500, adding P3 DSPA Plus provides DSD256 playback (audiophile-grade) + professional DSP tuning + zero visible modifications. Competitors (Audison BitOne.1, Helix DSP Pro Mk2) cost $1,200-1,500 WITHOUT amp/player—and lack 20-channel processing for 31-speaker factory systems. P3 DSPA Plus is the only solution under $5,000 that can properly address ultra-luxury OEM integration challenges.
Scenario 3: Home Theater Audiophile-to-Car Transfer
Vehicle: 2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
Goal: Replicate home theater reference system in vehicle (audiophile prioritizes DSD library playback)
Budget: $12,000 total
User Background:
Owner has $40,000 home theater system with Marantz AV8805 processor (13.2 channels), Anthem amplifiers, and extensive DSD music library (2TB+ SACD rips from 2L Records, Blue Coast Records, Channel Classics). Wants comparable experience in Cayenne for long commutes.
Component Selection:
- DSP/Amp/Player: Goldhorn P3 DSPA Plus @ $1,999 (20-channel processing, DSD256 playback)
- Front Tweeters: Scan-Speak D3004/662000 (Illuminator) @ $500/pair
- Front Midrange: Scan-Speak 15WU/4741T00 (Discovery) @ $350/pair
- Front Midbass: Scan-Speak 22W/4534G00 (Revelator 8") @ $600/pair
- Rear Fill: Morel Supremo 602 MKII @ $800/pair
- Center Channel: Scan-Speak 10F/4424G00 @ $300
- Subwoofers: 2x JL Audio 13W7AE-D1.5 @ $2,000/pair
- Front Amplifier: Arc Audio X2 600.6 (6-channel) @ $1,000
- Rear Amplifier: Arc Audio X2 400.4 (4-channel) @ $600
- Subwoofer Amplifier: Arc Audio X2 1500.1 @ $900
- Sound Treatment: 200 sq ft Noico 80mil + acoustic foam @ $600
- Custom Fabrication: Complete interior build (A-pillars, kick panels, dash pods, floor-mounted center, custom sub enclosure) @ $1,800
- Installation Labor: $1,551 (70 hours @ $22.16/hr shop rate - high-end specialist)
- Total System Cost: $12,000
System Architecture (20 Channels):
Internal Amplification (10 channels) - Rear Fill + Center:
• Ch 1-2: Rear Fill Tweeters (L/R) - 80W each
• Ch 3-4: Rear Fill Midbass (L/R) - 80W each
• Ch 5-6: Rear Fill Midrange (L/R) - 80W each
• Ch 7: Center Channel Tweeter - 80W
• Ch 8: Center Channel Midbass - 80W
• Ch 9-10: Reserved / Bi-amped center option - 150W each
RCA Pre-Outs (External Amplification):
• Ch 11-12: Front Tweeters via Arc Audio X2 600.6
• Ch 13-14: Front Midrange via Arc Audio X2 600.6
• Ch 15-16: Front Midbass via Arc Audio X2 600.6
• Ch 17-18: Subwoofers (L/R) via Arc Audio X2 1500.1 (750W each)
• Ch 19-20: Reserved for future expansion
Why Home Theater Audiophiles Choose P3 DSPA Plus: Home AV processors (Marantz AV8805, Anthem AVM 90) cost $4,000-6,000 and support 13-16 channels. P3 DSPA Plus provides 20-channel processing for $1,999—with integrated DSD256 player (home processors require separate SACD player). The 3x USB inputs accommodate entire DSD library (6TB total capacity). Audiophiles immediately recognize ADAU1463 DSP (same processor family as high-end home theater gear) and TI PCM1690 DAC (professional studio-grade). Result: Car audio system that matches home theater sonic characteristics—same tuning philosophy, same file formats, same reference-level expectations.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | P3 DSPA Plus |
| DSP Chip | ADAU1463 |
| DAC Chip | PCM1690 |
| ADC Chip | 3 x PCM1840 |
| Opamp | MC33078 |
| Capacitors | High Temperature for High Reliability to 105°C electrolytics and WIMA film Caps |
| Music Formats | Hi-Res: DFF / DSF / DSD Up to 256, Hi Res Uncompressed: WAV / FLAC / APE / AIFF / AIF, Compressed: MP3 / AAC / OGG / WMA |
| Music Inputs | USB Host x 3, USB-DAC x 1 (to 192/32bit), BT 5.0 aptX/AAC/SBC |
| Control Inputs | BT Wireless Player Remote, Wi-Fi Mobile App, Optional Wired Panel controller w/IPS Display Screen |
| PC Connection | USB B |
| Processing Functions | Crossover Frequency: 20Hz ~ 20kHz @ 1dB steps, Master Gain: 0 ~ 60dB, Channel gains: -20dB ~ +5dB, Polarity: Phase Reversal 0 or 180, EQ filters Q 0.5 ~ 15 @ 0.1 steps, Input Mixer, Volume Linking (Absolute/Relative), EQ Linking (Relative/Absolute), Crossover Linking (with EQ link on, Freq Link button links crossovers) |
| Delay | 0 ~ 20ms / 0.02ms steps |
| Output EQ | 31 bands on all channels @ ±15dB in 0.1dB steps, Filters: Peak / High Shelf / Low Shelf / 1st & 2nd Order All Pass |
| Crossover | Butterworth & Bessel: 6–48dB, Linkwitz: 12 / 24 / 36dB |
| XO Phase Rotation | Variable phase shift at HP and LP from 0° ~ 359° |
| Inputs | 8 x Hi / 2 x RCA / BT |
| Input EQ | 5 bands @ ±15dB, Filters: Peak / High Shelf / Low Shelf / 1st & 2nd Order All Pass, Input Delay: 0 ~ 10ms (0.02 steps) |
| Frequency Resp | 20Hz ~ 40kHz |
| Operating Voltage | 11V ~ 16V |
| Input Sens (V) RCA | 4V |
| Input Sens (V) Hi | 24V |
| RCA Out Voltage | 12 x 6V |
| RCA Out Specs | THD+Noise <0.003, S/N Analog ⧁108dB, S/N Digital ⧁111dB |
| Amp Outputs | 8 x 80W + 2 x 150W, THD+Noise <0.02, S/N ⧁100dB |
| Dimensions (mm) | 296 x 217 x 43 |
| Start-Stop Ready | Yes |
| EPS (Intelligent High-Level Input-Error Protection System) | Yes |
| Finish | Red Anodized Aluminum |
| Auto Turn On | Yes (DC Offset or Signal Sensing) |
| Remote Turn On Output | Yes |
| Clipping LEDs | No |
| Built-in Bluetooth | aptX |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | Yes |
| THD+Noise RCA | 0.003% |
| S/N Ratio RCA | 108dB Analog / 111dB Digital |
| THD+Noise Amplifier | 0.02% |
| S/N Ratio Amplifier | >100dB |
| Fuse Rating | 60A |
| Input Impedance | 6 Ohm High Level (No adaptor needed) |
| Controller | BT Wireless Player Remote, Optional Wired Panel controller w/IPS Display, Wi-Fi Mobile App |
| Input Mixer | Yes |
| Presets | 8 |
| Software Interface | PC 32bit W7 and up |
| All Pass Filters (Input & Output) | 1st Order and 2nd Order |
| Navigation Mode w/ Input Priority | Yes |
| Automatic Mode Switching Mixer | Yes |
| Password Available | Yes |
| Analog Noise Gate | Yes |
| Variable Power Off Delay | Yes |
| Seven DAC Rolloff Choices for ESS 9038 | No |
What's in the Box?
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Goldhorn P3 DSPA Plus | 20 Channel DSP/DSD Player with 8x80w + 150w x 2 Amplifier
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Goldhorn Owners Manual
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Goldhorn Wireless Remote System
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Goldhorn 3m Tuning Cable - USB
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Goldhorn BT / WiFi Antenna
Related Videos
Software can be downloaded from the Goldhorn-USA download page.
Goldhorn P3 DSPA Plus | 20 Channel DSP/DSD Player with 8x80w + 150w x 2 Amplifier