8ch minimum DSP choices as of fall 2018?

They're all worthy in their own way. I like my PXA-H800 a lot but I would only get it if I already have an Alpine headunit. Helix Pro is overpriced for what it is IMO so I wouldn't get it unless you came across a great deal. The rockford DSR-1 and Dayton DSP is what I would look at for the absolute budget minded person. The JL TWK is like the in between at an attractive price point but I don't like it cuz it doesn't give you full control. As of right now if I were to spend money on a nice DSP I would go with the zapco z8 IV or V. Zapco is reasonably priced for what they offer IMO. They have a great track record and they are constantly innovating. Every DSP is made in China nowadays so choose based on what you're trying to get out of it. Rather than brand name. I would just starting saving your pennies right now...

Due to the complexity and variety of factory audio systems it is unlikely for one manufacturer to make a DSP that covers the entire range of current production vehicles. This is why we rely on integration devices such as PAC AmpPro, JL Audio FiX, Zen Audio's various specialty products, and so on. It used to be that input EQ and channel summing were adequate to give two full range "flat" left and right channels from 4 or more input channels.

CDT Audio DSP4.8 also needs to be included.

blazian87 said:

Every DSP is made in China nowadays so choose based on what you're trying to get out of it.

Click to expand...

The Helix DSPs are made in Germany. 

I have zero complaints about Helix gear.  I liked the Helix DSP so much I recycled it for my new car.  The DSP.2 is even better. 

Smaple said:

The Helix DSPs are made in Germany. 

I have zero complaints about Helix gear.  I liked the Helix DSP so much I recycled it for my new car.  The DSP.2 is even better. 

Click to expand...

I'm sure it's great. Not trying to bash. Many of these DSP's have a place of their own. Always good to recycle nice gear, that's for sure. I knew someone would bring this up..So from what I have heard from an inside source... They are assembled in Germany but made from China parts. I don't know how much of this is true but it shouldn't really matter because it all comes down to engineering. I'm a huge proponent of German engineering so don't take this the wrong way. I'm a big fan of Helix as well. 

This is by far the best dsp for the money right now: https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-dsp-408-4x8-dsp-digital-signal-processor-for-home-and-car-audio--230-500

Most people will be hard to convince of the need of a dsp but if they already have a factory headunit and want to run 8 active channels $150 is way easier to swallow than most peoples expected price tag for a dsp of $400 

I agree with the comments above.  The most flexible system so far is the JL VXi series of amplifiers that can be connected to a network hub that allows 5 amps to be tuned from a single connection - that is up to 40 channels (five 800/8) of individual tuning (with a pair of tunable outputs on each amp on top of that, so 50 channels of tuning with 40 amplified).

I typically prefer Alpine and own the PXA-H800 with the RUX-C800.  I love having the controller for tuning without a laptop. I also run Alpine head units with it and haven't experimented with just a stock HU (yet, planned after I move the VXi to another vehicle).