Best budget DSP? Nakamichi NDSK4085AU in depth review

An in depth review of a budget Nakamichi DSP/amplifier and overview of the smartphone app and PC software.
Thanks to Frank for supplying the gear, check out HEPAKing:
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[@CM-1986]

Nakamichi made some amazing head units back in day. My Dad had the MB-100, then jumped to the CD 700 that sounded amazing they did suffer from the e mach fault code. He went Alpine F1 status (head unit only) but was drawn back to the Nakamichi when the CD 700ii came out if you ask him today he will always say that was the best headunit he ever had and I agree 👍 I think today they pump out anything to complete with the market it's a shame as they did make some impressive quality products.

[@wuerzburgkids4evernever795]

Yes they did.

[@DevinderAthwal306]

Great video. On the back of this video I'll be getting one of these for my second car. Really looking forward to the testing you're going to do in the future.

[@RAW-CAt]

How much will it cost you?

[@todosepuede]

Great review! Thanks!

[@trdspeed140]

The UI looks a lot like the Dayton Audio DSP-408, except with 31 bands instead of only 10. Nice

[@JayRays1truck]

I just purchased this DSP to try out in my pickup. I can’t wait for it to arrive, I’m very excited to see what it can do.

[@dimi3391]

Did you get it and install it yet? I’m looking for a DSP myself, which is why I’m asking.

[@JayRays1truck]

@@dimi3391 I have the DSP but I’ve been trying to find the power cable for it. I ordered one online and I will let you know if it works when it comes in.

[@dimi3391]

@@JayRays1truck that would be awesome! I would truly appreciate it.

[@JayRays1truck]

@@dimi3391I finally got my cable and have it installed. I found a cable on Amazon from PUZU. It is called PUZU #0 Car DSP Amplifier Universal Wiring Harness. It fit perfect on this Nakamichi DSP. So far, I’m still learning how to set the DSP correctly, but I love it. It brought out a ton of clarity in my truck and made it so I actually had to turn down the gain on my amplifiers. I will have a video on my channel soon about it.

[@thaio7800]

i have this dsp, it works great havn't had any issues. its very solid 6v rca output etc. not as complex as any other dsps which is both good and bad depending on how you look at it but if you're looking for a cheaper alternative this is definitely a very solid choice.@@dimi3391

[@SDX9000]

looking forward for measurements of amps and DAC performance :)

[@vikasmalik2567]

❤very nice detail

[@arjunarya6286]

Please make a similar vedio for pioneer deq-s1000a

[@felipekastilho8162]

boa noite amigo o que voce acha de usar ele como dsp em um amplificador audison sr 5600 ou melhor usar as entradas de alta do amplificador mesmo ?

[@rc720s]

Great video, are you going to test the rms power? Do you think is worth for my second car, i also have alpine s series speakers and amp power from an alpine head unit, but would like to add time alignment and more to get a better sound stage. Where i live it is worth around 200 Euros

[@RAW-CAt]

I will make a video on the power and distorsion in the next couple of days, stay tuned😉

[@feins]

The Nakamichi now also a China branding and no more a Japan company this DSP cost rm890 in Malaysia which around GBP150. I’m using a China brand call GoldenAcostic DSP A6 which cost rm1700 about GBP290

[@jonathansch444]

why in the world do they have 24 different dsp's??? . what is the best 1 that has 6 in and 8 out or more that coast under $400

[@arunprasadramanathan]

Sir, Any feedback on 10/12 channel DSPs of Nakamichi like NDSR260A, NDSR520A, NDST550A, NDSR360A - they have Optical and Coax Ports too , just incase if you or anyone experienced the Sound. I understand it cannot stand with Higher DSPs like Helix or ZAPCO or ESX - greater than USD $800 DSPs. One thing I find easier in Nakamchi DSP - is the tuning capability (both PC and App tuning). it is super convenient and easy. My analysis & Observation: (please correct if I am wrong): With matching RMS, Low THD & high SNR amplifiers and configurations against good entry level or 2nd level speakers of High quality brands (Xcelsus,Morel,Focal,Ousail, Helix, Audison etc...), Properly tuned Nakamichi DSP does the work (it is not absolute rich in SQ like DSPs Helix/Zapco etc.. level), but for its price vs value it does the work & saves USD 1000 who would need it on any day.

[@RAW-CAt]

Yes you are correct. Even if it's not the cleanest DSP on the planet, it will do the work just fine. I fortunately , this is the only Nakamichi DSP I reviewed.

[@ts6640]

This looks like it might work for a Home Theater application. In that vein, I have a quick question, is it possible to bypass the amplifier portion of the unit and use it strictly as a DSP?

[@RAW-CAt]

Yes. The line level signal goes through RCAs. The amplified signal is in the harness wires. You can use either.

[@ts6640]

@@RAW-CAt Thank you!

[@KnallenN]

If i have a preset done on the app, and then i wanna change the EQ on the computer program, will it find the presets?

[@RAW-CAt]

Yes, the presets are saved in the DSP itself.

[@TeaApriliani]

Hi mate, is this dsp really 4x80watt? Have you tested the real number?hope you can reply it before i made a purchase...

[@RAW-CAt]

No, it's not. You can find another video where I measured it. It's more like 15W clean-ish.

[@nnggvs]

Hi! Good Content...Thanks 👍🏻 Can I purchase 2 Nakamichi DSP Amplifiers and make it 8 channel or I would need to instead go for a 8 Channel DSP?

[@RAW-CAt]

You can piggy back DSPs, but that overcomplicated things for no reason, just get a DSP with more channels.

[@joeyallcock1011]

have u got a multi ch dsp set up now? i myself aim for immersive/ auro 3d/ object based 360° similar to 11.2.6 / center match L+R 3×low height 3×above Ear level per L+R with ×2sub with ceiling L+R ×2front ×2side ×2rear. I'M LOOKING FOR OPEN SOURCE OBJECT BASED?360° 3D IMMERSIVE AUDIO SOFTWARE TO DECODE DOLBY THX, DTS-X ,ATMOS TO USE WITH 16×32 SOUND PROCESSOR FOR HOME ALSO FOR IN CAR AUDIO CINEMA SOUND. ? LAPTOP/ PC TYPE STUFF??? ALL IDEAS WELCOME AS BUDGET WUD B NICE BUT I DONT EVEN HAVE SUCH ITS CASE OF AS/ WEN + WOT I COME ACROSS TO ACHIEVE THIS. gratitude & thanks to all who can offer direction to me. MAKE THE MOST OF WOT U HAVE & BE THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF! j.c.allcock

[@prky009]

Hi Raw-cat How is Alphine PXE 0850 X compared to this Nakamichi processor ? What’s your view onJL twk 88 processor .?

[@RAW-CAt]

The 0850x is much better sound quality and build quality wise. Functionally they will be very similar. No experience with JL stuff as here in the UK they are super expensive.

[@prky009]

@@RAW-CAt what will be your choice between Alphine PXE 0850x vs Helix dsp .2 For a good SQ level audio . I get both at similar price . Helix dsp.2 is bit cheaper since it has 8 channel output ie $500 and Alphine is around $550 I own a hatchback and Im planning for a 3 way active setup . Does 12 channel is really needed

[@RAW-CAt]

@@prky009 no, you don't need 12 channels. The DSP.2 is a very old and outdated processor, I would choose the Alpine between these two.

[@prky009]

@@RAW-CAt let me go ahead raw cat This is my set up Head unit : Alphine ilx 650e Processor : Alphine PXE 0850X FRONT : Xcelsus XU6.2i component Midrange : Xcelsus XXM 325 competition series Rear : Xcelsus 2b component Amplifier : 1) Morel MPS series Class AB 70 rms x 4 2) Morel MPD class d 70 rms x4 Sub woofer : Kicker 10 inch sub Hope this gonna give some pretty gud audio . I will update on my installs

[@mustbeviv]

How do you wire active subwoofer using the RCA outputs(high level I assume)

[@RAW-CAt]

Active subwoofers will have low and high level inputs, so you can use the RCA as subwoofers need processing as well, you need to EQ then and tike align.

[@mustbeviv]

@@RAW-CAt So you can use CH7 & CH8 to wire an active sub woofer?

[@RAW-CAt]

@@mustbeviv you need only one channel.

[@mustbeviv]

@@RAW-CAt Case 1: Can I use CH7 going to Left input(L) of subwoofer and CH8 to Right input(R) of subwoofer instead of using only one channel & using Y splitter to connect L & R input of sub. I am not sure if both the channels are bridgeable Case 2: Use only one channel C7 and connect mono RCA cable to either L or R sub input Case 3: Use Case 2 RCA Y splitter to input both L & R input of subwoofer

[@JayRays1truck]

I received the DSP today. Now, I’m having trouble finding the power cable online.

[@RAW-CAt]

Look for 'DSP harness" something like this a.aliexpress.com/_EzScmD1

[@JayRays1truck]

@@RAW-CAtThanks! I finally found what I neededz

[@andrestocker6911]

Good afternoon. Can you tell me how this connector is marked? I can not find. I bought this DSP and have a connection problem. If there is no standard, at least a link to China

[@RAW-CAt]

Look for "DSP harness". There is a link as an example: a.aliexpress.com/_EJ6OItv

[@andrestocker6911]

Thank you very much. Now I have a direction to take@@RAW-CAt

[@n.shiina8798]

holy moly. cant believe what i saw here. cheapo brand caps, who knows its quality?. PSU wise, i dont think there's enough filtering and separation between digital and analog section. what DSP chip did they use and what DAC chip did they use?. i do hope the opamps and power chips were not fake at very least. let alone the PCB design, i dont believe they put any thought into it. i kinda understand why people buy these kind of thing, though. they got a lot of features while being cheap. quality? what quality?. it just works

[@RAW-CAt]

Very true. If you are Interested, you can find me on FB and I can send you some close up pictures of the internals👍

[@n.shiina8798]

@@RAW-CAt sure, i'll hit u up soon

[@cencao5045]

哈哈 太有趣了，你说的是真实情况---此段文字来自于：中国汽车音响改装行业的从业者

[@johnd5542]

Its a shame it doesn't have optical. I recently got dsp8x12 and went optical from head unit. It is super clear. These car audio companies gotta get away from out dated rca signals.

[@RAW-CAt]

To be honest such cheap DSP with cheap internals best to be used via BT streaming Spotify🙂

[@johnd5542]

True its definitely looks like a great entry dsp. Looks like it has the dayton beat.

[@onesikm3]

What decent quality head unit did you purchase that comes with an optical out besides for Chinese android units I’ve seen and the Sony which isn’t practical for daily drivers ?

[@onesikm3]

Are the channels bridgeable ?

[@onesikm3]

I didn’t see the signal to noise ratio rating ?

[@RAW-CAt]

No, they are not.

[@RAW-CAt]

I didn't measure it.

[@onesikm3]

Cool man it might be just what I need. So there was no amplifier built in this unit correct ? Did you have a chance to test it and play music to see if any noise gets picked up and bleeds into the system ?

[@brotherhoodofsteelman1447]

How well can this withstand a cat laying on it?

[@RAW-CAt]

About 96%😉

[@motorax.service.motociclete]

Nakamichi is best known from analog era, they were and are best well known for Cassette Decks, TODAY Nakamichi Dragon Deck sells for over 5000 EUROS even 10.000 EUROS for top ones. In car audio they had sone good HU like CD400 CD700, and also some real SQ HU like TP1200 way back in the day when DENON also had car HU ...NOW, Nakamichi is a joke, 100% cheap quality, 100% china quality (not good china) they also have some " SQ Tube amp" which is rubbish also... You better test the Awave DSP the 12 ch standalone not amplifier + dsp is best buy in the game regarding specs and price

[@TheSFFV]

The software looks just like the software for the Recoil DSP.

[@RAW-CAt]

I just might get a Recoil DSP as well for testing☺️

[@timothy5977]

Everything Recoil I've bought so far has been top notch

[@user-fe6jc6px3c]

я от вас в шоке,это негожий продукт по качеству звука!У нас уже его оттестили-очень посредтвенная поделка((На голову лучше его это: Hellion HAM 4.8Pin DSP, еще круче:Hellion HAM 8.80 DSP(но в два раза дороже)

[@RAW-CAt]

Not sure if you watched the actual video or jumped to comment just after reading the title of the video🤔

[@arunprasadramanathan]

Nakamichi basic DSPs - please try the direct connection to USB of the DSP (FLAC/WAV files in USB) or direct inbuilt Bluetooth of the DSP, They sound way better than connecting to Head unit and playing. All frequencies are playing at high energy and for the price it retails - it does amazing work.

[@RAW-CAt]

I had much worse results using USB and BT compared to analogue inputs...

[@arunprasadramanathan]

@@RAW-CAt 😞😞😞

[@arunprasadramanathan]

@@RAW-CAt , Sir, Any feedback on 10/12 channel DSPs of Nakamichi like NDSR260A, NDSR520A, NDST550A, NDSR360A - they have Optical and Coax Ports too , just incase if you or anyone experienced the Sound. I understand it cannot stand with Higher DSPs like Helix or ZAPCO or ESX - greater then USD 800 DSPs.

[@rts100x5]

IMO amplifiers should not be integrated with DSP ...same with MiniDSP Harmony

[@RAW-CAt]

Customer wants and needs say otherwise.

[@randymeinholdt4401]

How the hell can anyone take a audio reviewer seriously who has never heard of Nakamichi

[@RAW-CAt]

You don't have to take me seriously🙃 However, with my reviews you are sure that they are not influenced by brand loyality or preconceptions from back in the day. I take a piece of gear for what it actually is ,not what it was, what it should be or how people remember it. There are plenty of reviewers praising modern shit equipment just because it was good ages ago.

[@sedatmehmed4371]

Nakamichi of back innthe day would never put 200 bucks of DSP amp. They were always expensive to and high quality. So i don't think today's Nakamichi has much to do with the old Nakamichi

[@VinayKumar-sg1bg]

JBL 2544 is better than this product

[@RAW-CAt]

What does the JBL retail for?

[@joeyallcock1011]

infinity

[@dusanskulavik1878]

But it is total crap, absolutely not possible to use it cause sound....

[@RAW-CAt]

Not sure where this is coming from, It's usable and sounds decent🤷 Maybe you have some settings wrong?

[@dusanskulavik1878]

@@RAW-CAt No, I tried to install some products from this new/last Nakamichi product range - amp (NHMD100.4), and it was terrible. Lot of distortion, even in low volume absolutely not possible to use. And also one subwoofer (NS-W10D) and it was terrible too, absolute crap (fs about 60 hz) no any xmax, very very hard suspension. Both products imediatelly finished in waste bin. So I am surprised that you show something like this, did you hear this dsp with amp?

[@RAW-CAt]

@@dusanskulavik1878 yes, I had it in my car tuning the Alpine Status and it sounds ok. Don't know anything about the amplifiers they make, so can't comment on that. The subwoofer that you are mentioning does look crap even from the specs. However, your first comment should have been about the specific amplifier that you had, not so generalised.

[@dusanskulavik1878]

@@RAW-CAt This amp with processor also look crap even from spec.... This product on Alpine Status speakers, and did you like it? Do not joking...

[@RAW-CAt]

@@dusanskulavik1878 as a budget DSP it does what it needs to do 🤷 If you want my opinion, you should really consider watching the actual video, as now it looks like you are commenting without watching anything...

[@iamu]

Nakamichi is a shit company that sells a 250 dollars unit without a 1 dollar connector. They can go broke if you ask me. I will never buy again.

[@davidtimmerman3121]

the plug costs extra!😆😅🤣😂🥲😇good review, none the less.