Foreign brands and their U.S. presence or lack of

Brandon@GZUSA
10+ year member

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Im curious what everyone's thoughts are on the subject.

Ground Zero: was big here in the 90s, there is the possibility of them returning soon. Their product lines offer something for everyone and they are a proven brand, I'm anxious to see how well they do if/when they come back over the pond.

DLS: another brand that I use to see at competitions all the time, had a good reputation for their build quality, sound, performance etc. Now, they're rarely seen. I don't see much marketing for them here in the States. I checked their website and they have a US distributor but the dealer network isn't much. I'd love to see them return with some proper marketing and strong products.

Eton: probably best known here for their HEX work that Diamond Audio used, I also read that JL Audio uses or used the Eton tweeters in their higher end components. They've got a killer product line! Their subs look nice, obviously looks aren't everything but with their history, I'm sure they're a strong performer. Their amps aren't the prettiest to look at but they seem to have a great range of them and cover several different power requirements. Everything or read about their components has been positive. I'm not sure why they've never caught on over here, you can get their home audio through Madisound but I haven't found any U.S. retailer for mobile audio.

German Maestro: from my understanding these were the original MB Quart, which back in the day were ******. I know they show a U.S. distributor but from my experience they too are hard to find in any shops. That *****, they could be a freaking home run hit if the marketing picked up some. Product line is designed to have something for everyone. They also have a good line in home audio as well. Is it price, lack of marketing, quality of builds, or something different that has hampered their U.S. presence?

PHD, the new comer, current forum sweet heart. I have ran the FB Pros and the AFs and have been very happy with the sound of both lines. They are still very new here and therefore hard to find in many shops. Most people have not heard of PHD and write them off based on their own lack of knowledge. They (PHD) have a good line of speakers but seem to be lacking on sub and amplifier lines. The upside potential for PHD is huge if done right. They've got a great line up of speakers to work from, hopefully their amps turn up soon and are nice to look at. I personally would like to see them build some subs that are able to handle a little more power. The fact that they are now utilizing a U.S. warehouse is a big benefit for the consumers.

Overall I see some awesome products that all of these manufacturers offer. I'd love to have the opportunity to see, feel and listen to them. Hopefully a few of them will grow and succeed here.

So, what say you?

 
Many of the higher end brands are doing just fine... Its just you dont see/hear about them because they arent directed toward the DIY markets. They are high quality products installed by shops into the vehicles of everyday people who just want good sound.

 
they just haven't had rep here in the US. on that note i got a set of PHD FB Pro's that im going to be installing in the next few weeks when i get the amp to push them.

 
gz: tc ripoffs, nothing special.That's not accurate and has been a long stated fact that is entirely incorrect. gZ worked with Bob Carver to design their subsdls is nice, sonic sells em.

eton is kinda meh, imoCan you elaborate, I have not had the chance to hear the product under their own name

if german maestro is mb quart ill stay FAR AWAY. that harsh as ti twitter ******.. all the way up the line Original MB Quart was nice IMO but we all like different stuff

phd seems kinda meh, but ill hold off on commenting till ive heard em.Aside from their limited line up not sure what there is to not like

overall you listed a lot of fairly boring brands, and skipped over several VERY NICE overseas brands.
List the others please. I love looking at new equipment and am not fully aware of all other brands. Most of the other brands I am aware of ate doing pretty well
 
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Brandon@GZUSA

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