Alpine is shipping its first new digital signal processor in 6 or 7 years. Part of the sweeping aftermarket trend in new DSP/amplifiers, the PXE-0850 includes a built-in 8 x 25 watt power.
Sony also began shipping last month its first DSP processor in decades, the XM-GS6DSP. It too, has a built in amplifier as nearly every major brand is now offering new DSP/amplifiers that make it easier to keep a factory radio but achieve great sound.
“Complex factory head units can make it hard to add on aftermarket products, so DSP (Digital Signal Processor) management is key to unlocking a system for custom sound tuning. The PXE-0850S can take up to six independent signals and combine them to create a full-range signal. The full-range signal can then be sent to up to 12 independent channels, creating an opportunity to add aftermarket amplifiers and speakers to the system,” said Alpine.
Alpine PXE-0850
The PXE-0850S can tune a system wirelessly or through a wired connection on a PC (using the included USB cable). Bluetooth wireless tuning using a smartphone or tablet requires the free “PXE-DSP-APP” found on the App Store and Google Play. The app for the wired PC connection is available through the “Support” section on www.alpine-usa.com . Either format allows the user to assign inputs/outputs, crossovers, time correction, and 31 bands of equalization, view them in one place, and make and hear sound adjustments with real-time results.
The PXE-0850S comes with an LCD remote controller that can be flush-mounted on the dash. The rotary knob controls volume, preset storage and recall, all while displaying the results on the remote controller’s LED screen. The use of the controller is optional and it does not have to be installed if the smartphone control is enough.
‘Alpine’s new unit comes in at a suggested price of $699.
Sony XM-GS6DSP
Sony’s DSP includes a 6-channel amplifier with power output of 45 watts by 4 at 4 ohms plus 600 watts at 2 ohms bridged RMS. It has Bluetooth smartphone control to adjust equalizer and speaker settings as well as volume level and fader controls, when used with a Sony Music Center app.
It allows audio streaming and time alignment for every seat at $399.
Top photo: Alpine XM-GS6DSP shown in the top row, center.
Sony offered one of the industries first DSP’s in the early 90’s in their Mobile ES line.
Thanks Mark. I’ll change it to “its first DSP in decades.”