5 Best DSP For Car Audio in 2024

According to a survey an average American adult spent 17,300 minutes behind the wheel each year. Nothing can make the drive more pleasant than a quality sound system. Here is our quick list of the best Digital Signal Processors (DSP) for Car Audio

Product	Channels	Top Feature
Sony XM-GS6DSP	1 Inputs 4 Outputs	Premium Sound Quality
Stetsom STX 2448 DSP Crossover & Equalizer	2 Inputs 4 Outputs	Economical
PRV AUDIO DSP 2.8X Digital Signal Processor	2 Inputs 8 Outputs	Maximum Channels
Taramp’s Pro 2.6 S Digital Audio Processor	2 Inputs 6 Outputs	Easy to Use
Taramp’s DSP-1600	1 Input 1 Output	Maximum Performance

Editor’s Choice – Sony XM-GS6DSP

In any sound system, as the name suggests, the quality of sound is the most important criterion. And only a few companies have experience equal to ‘Sony’ in this field.

This supercharged Class-D digital signal processor not only tune-in your factory-fitted car stereo but also boosts the sound because it is designed to function not only as a DSP but also as an amplifier.

Its most important feature is its ability for time alignment with a simple touch on your smartphone screen.

DSP time alignment is a technique used in audio engineering, particularly in high-end car audio systems, home theaters, and professional sound reinforcement systems, to improve sound quality by synchronizing the audio signals that reach the listener’s ears from multiple speakers. This technique addresses the issue of sound waves from different speakers arriving at the listener’s ears at slightly different times due to variations in speaker placement and distance from the listener.

Furthermore, you can also adjust the equalizer, speaker settings and volume levels in the same way. High-Quality electrolytic capacitors, both at the input and output provides a responsive bass. It can be said that if you are seeking an upgrade of your car audio system and are willing to pay a premium price for some exceptional boosts than this piece of ingenuity is for you.

Main Features

4.1 Channel Time Alignment
Low and High pass filters for accurate sound.
Ability to connect to your smartphone
1500W max power.
Heavy-duty aluminum case

Pros

Premium Quality Sound
Two-in-one (DSP + Amplifier)
Simple and Smart
Reliable

Cons

Expensive

User Reviews

According to users of Sony XM-GS6DSP, its sound quality is most premium in its class with their time and money well spent. A specific user used it in its 1963 Volvo 544, and said it made his car feel ‘awesome’ and modern. Some other users described it as a full package with which you don’t need to add any other unnecessary components. Its only drawback described was its amp’s ability to be used only with Sony Music Center App. However, most users did not support this claim.

Stetsom STX 2448 DSP Crossover & Equalizer

Cars are getting expensive day by day and sometimes it does not make sense to put huge amounts of money on already high-priced vehicles. So the next product we are going to review for you covers you in this area. Stetsom STX 2448 is a digital signal processor, featured with the ability of time-alignment, phase inversion and equalizer adjustments at the modest price possible. It also included an LCD display and knob-style interface for real time adaptations. It has two audio input and four audio outputs which allows you to choose a separate input for different outputs. Moreover, it has an integrated equalization system and Dynamic Attack Release System that controls Attack and Release Parameters in real-time providing security to your hearing.

Main Features

LCD Display
Dynamic Attack Release System
Shortcut keys for selecting output channels
15-Band Graphic Equalizer

Pros

Most Economical
Provides security to hearing system
Security password that blocks the editing of parameters
Language Selection (English, Spanish, Portuguese)

Cons

Not easy to use

User Reviews

Most users of Stetsom STX 2448 are satisfied with their purchase and called it the best DSP for starting out. One particular user used the same unit in five different cars and all the audio systems worked perfectly fine. However, some users complained about the user manual as it was in Portuguese which hindered their ability to learn most about the system.

PRV AUDIO DSP 2.8X Digital Signal Processor

The ability to handle two input channels and 8 output channels simultaneously puts PRV AUDIO DSP 2.8X in third place. For those who want to make their cars sound system no less than a professional DJ’s system, this is the best product available.

It has a 15 band graphic equalizer, manual tuning capability and 12 presets (Flat, Loudness, Bass Boost, Mid Bass, Treble Boost, Powerful, Electronic, Rock, Hip Hop, Pop and Vocal). Moreover, it also features time alignment, real-time signal adjustment, and attack and release parameter control. Further, it is extremely light in weight and has a 16*2 LCD display with a knob-style interface.

Main Features

8 output channels and 4 input channels
LCD display
Equalizer (15 band)
Only 1 pound in weight

Pros

Best for professional use
Maximum input and output channels available
12 Presets and stress-free equalization
High and Low pass filter to control distortion

Cons

Lacked proper customer service

What do users think?

Users of PRV AUDIO DSP 2.8X are very happy with this product. They described that there is nothing more professional that can be bought at this price. Some users also recommended to use it in homes as they are already using it. However, some users are not happy with customer service provided by its manufacturing company.

And one particular user mentioned that those who do not have experience with a DSP before needed to watch tutorials for using this piece of equipment as it is a bit professional.

Taramp’s Pro 2.6 S Digital Audio Processor

‘Not all the fingers are equal’ just like that not everyone is a geek of sound systems. Many of the users just want a simple DSP, that equips them with the ability of plug and play.

That’s why the next product we came up with beats everyone in criterion of ease-of-use. Taramp’s Pro 2.6 DSP is developed with the state-of-the-art technology with 2 input channels and 6 output channels. Though it’s simple and built with lack of user’s experience in mind still it features a lot like real-time audio adjustments, an integrated 3 band equalizer, an LCD display, low-pass and high-pass filters at inputs and outputs, and much more. If you are someone who is new to this passion and using a DSP for car audio for the first time and also wants practicality and efficiency, then this product is surely for you.

Main Features

Parametric Equalizer
Scroll Button
Low and High Pass Filters
LCD display
2 Input channels and 6 output channels

Pros

Installation/Setup is easy
Friendly User Interface
Economical

Cons

No Bluetooth connectivity

What do users think?

It was very hard to find a critical review for Taramp’s Pro 2.6 DSP. Especially the first-time users recommended it greatly for their counterparts. However, some users complained about the lack of manual guide in the packing and also about its lack of Bluetooth connectivity which must be a necessary feature of all audio systems.

Taramp’s DSP-1600

With the evolution of trance and high-bass music there comes the demand for car audio systems with the ability to shake not only your car but also generate a minor audio quake in the surrounding areas!

Such capabilities require a DSP that not only fine tunes your music but also produce a rush of adrenaline in your body with its massive output. That’s why we reviewed Taramp’s DSP-1600 as next product in our list of Best DSPs. It comes with output power ranging from 1600 W to 3000 W.

And it’s not just the power that it embodies but also features like input and output filters, analog-to-digital converter, and much more that make it a serious contender.

Main Features

1600W to 3000W output power options
Analog Converter
Input and Output Filters
250 megavolts input sensitivity

Pros

Maximum Power Output
Compact and Rugged Design
Built-in Amplifier

Cons

Expensive
Huge and Bulky

What do users think?

Almost all of the users of Taramp’s Pro 2.6 DSP are more than happy with this product. One particular user described it as a DSP with potential of doing much more than it was built for. Another user described that when he plays a song in his car, the sound system shakes the picture frame hung on the walls both in his home and at his neighbor’s. However, some users are not happy with the performance of the built-in amp.

How Did We Pick the Best Digital Signal Amplifiers For Car Audio?

Here is the guide on the criteria for the selection of the best digital signal processors:

Sound Quality

The first criteria we surveyed for the selection of the best digital signal processor is the sound quality. Because there can be no compromise on it especially when we are talking about the heart of most of the modern sound systems.

Price

Hundreds of bucks should not be the requirement of fine sound system that’s why we put price on the second number on the list of our criteria. So people who are new to this passion and those who already put thousands of dollars on their vehicles does not have to spend much more to fine tune their car sound system.

Maximum Channels

More the input and output channels, more one can enhance and customize the quality of sound reaching to them. That’s why we put the amount of channels available as the third criterion of while enlisting these products.

Ease of Use

The world is not full of sound professionals and it is also must not be necessary to understand all the technicalities behind making a fine audio system. Some things must remain simple and easy to use. That’s why the ease-of-use is one of our most important criterion.

Maximum Power

One of the important characteristics of any modern sound system is its ability to produce a loud output level without distortion. So Maximum Power Output is selected as the fifth most important criterion while considering our list of Best DSPs for cars.

Summary

To cut a long story short it can be said that a Digital Signal Processor is the heart of most modern sound systems.

We based our selection on a diverse set of criteria such as Sound Quality, Price, Maximum Channels, Ease-Of-Use and Maximum Power while enlisting these products.

Here is our list: