What is a DSP?
"Active" car audio systems with a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) are considered superior to "passive" systems for several reasons, primarily due to their enhanced control and customization capabilities.
Enhanced Control: In an active system, each speaker has its own dedicated amplifier, which allows for precise control over the audio signal sent to each speaker. This means that the system can better optimize the power delivery to match the specific needs of each speaker, resulting in improved sound quality and clarity.
Customization: With a DSP, active systems can manipulate the audio signals in real-time. This enables a high level of customization, such as adjusting the equalization (EQ), applying filters to remove unwanted noise, adjusting the timing (delay) of the audio signals, and simulating different acoustic environments. These adjustments can be tailored to the specific acoustics of the car's interior, resulting in a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience.
Flexibility: Active systems with DSPs offer greater flexibility in system design and setup. Since each speaker has its own amplifier, it's easier to fine-tune the system to achieve optimal performance. Additionally, changes and upgrades can be made more easily compared to passive systems, where adjustments are limited by the fixed components of the system.
In contrast, "passive" systems rely on a single amplifier to power all speakers, and audio processing is typically done externally or within the head unit. This setup offers less control and customization compared to active systems with DSPs, as there is limited ability to tailor the audio signals to each speaker's specific characteristics.
Why you need it?
Overall, active car audio systems with DSPs provide superior sound quality, customization options, and flexibility compared to passive systems, making them the preferred choice for audiophiles and enthusiasts seeking the best possible audio experience in their vehicles.
See below DSP’s from our premium manufacturers: (click on each one to learn more)