Originally Posted by
TheTodd
I used to use the Dayton 408 and “upgraded” to the JL TWK88. The Dayton is a VERY capable DSP if you’re looking for basic functions, and it’s a bargain for the ~$200 price tag (assuming you add some options). The Bluetooth module alone was worth it for me to be able to use my phone to make quick adjustments rather than hooking up a laptop. I’ve read of multiple people experiencing noise even though mine was noise & trouble free.
I used upgraded in quotes because for all the features the Dayton has, the JL is almost exactly the same as far as ability & functionality. The biggest difference for me was that the JL has a control knob that does preset selection, master volume AND sub volume whereas the Dayton remote only did presets & master volume. Personally, I wanted a sub volume control so the Dayton came out. If you do some shopping you can find some decent gear for the right price. I got my TWK for <$400 from Crutchfield as an open box deal.
I’ll also say that while anyone will benefit from a DSP’s EQ functions (because you’ll have multiple EQ bands per channel), the real benefit comes from removing the passive crossovers and using the DSP to control the crossovers, EQ & time alignment for EACH SPEAKER. As an example, I have a 3-way set for my front stage. If I was using passive crossovers I’d have a 10-band EQ for the L and a 10-band for the R. Using the DSP, I now have 10 bands for each speaker so, basically, I have 60 bands of EQ available for just my front speakers. I can also delay each speaker so the sound from each speaker reaches my ears at exactly the same time. With passive crossovers you can’t do that and the sound gets compromised. Can it still sound good? Maybe. Will it sound AS good? Nope. No way.