It seems to me, it would exceed your expectations, if you just bought a quality head unit, and added a stand alone dsp unit.
Knowing what I have learned on here, I would never buy a head unit based off the option of on-board dsp, when the stand alone dsp units are far more tune able.
With the Dayton dsp-400, for example.. you get way more tune ability (your not limited to pre-set crossover points) there is a 10 band parametric eq for every channel. And much more.
I currently have a Pioneer avh-x4800bs, that I’m running active, and while it does sound good, your limited to pre-set crossover points, and a 13 band graphic eq. I have been experiencing ongoing issues with this unit, touch screen laggg! Error codes, random high pitch squealing through the speakers, that only goes away if I shut it down...when I power it back on everything’s normal. I am doubting it’s gonna make it much longer.
Alpine may not have all the features of some of the other units, but there is a damn good reason these feature vacant Alpines cost twice, sometimes three times what these full of feature brands cost....Quality!
Maybe one of the more experienced members can explain it further.