I have run Helix Ultra and Arc PS8 pro. They sound different. They are in different vehicles so not really a fair comparison. With no EQ and no tuning, only safety crossovers set, the Arc sounds smoother. After tuning they are the same. Possibly a different DAC?

 

They both have AKM Dacs.

In the US, you will get better support out of Arc Audio. I buy another DSP, it will be an ARC purely for the support. Helix and Arc are similar feature wise. (features I use anyway)

 

The support is a big deal so that’s a good point. I already have experience with how helpful they are. Helix, I’m out of luck since I got it used.

 

You have support for helix pc tool right here 👍🏼

for future reference of you and anyone reading… rather than trying to remove a rotary encoder in one piece cut the legs and basically remove it in pieces, then unsolder each leg/support one by one… it saves massive headaches if you end up with what you did… it is then easy to locate on the board with the notches and resolder

 

Unless someone has done a blind abx test with the two anyone saying one has a sound signature is not going to give a reliable answer…

taking one Dsp out and fitting another is not a reliable way of testing differences, nor is comparing two different vehicles with the processors in…

The reality is the arc and the Dsp.3 will sound pretty much identical

 

I live in the US and If i were to buy another DSP, i dont know if i would go with ATF product over ARC just because of the support. The people at ARC support their dealers but they also support their end users and ARC understands that without actual end users, dealers have no one to sell their products too.... Doug Dobson was a huge supporter of End Users in the US and Canada when he was with MSC, but he has moved onto other ventures... If it were not for this forum including contributors like @dumdum (& Nick back in the day) I would have had a heck of a time learning the ins and outs of Helix & Match software and product offerings. I have had a couple of chances to meet and talk with different engineers and trainers from ATF along Julian himself, these guys are fantastic and could care less that i am just an enthusiast (who also does Home, Boat and Car tunning on the side for fun). This year at mastertech they sat and walked me through new features of DSP Tools 6 for about 90 minutes and this was after the MSC hosted DEALER only event.... There seems to be a huge disconnect between what MSC & ATF have as their missions

 

My DSP did finally show up Friday. Apparently AF had to nudge MSC.