Nice find.!I'd get that op.It's in Texas also.This is nice also http://www.caraudio.com/forums/amplifier-classifieds/595344-old-school-zed-6-channel.html
Nice find.!I'd get that op.It's in Texas also.This is nice also http://www.caraudio.com/forums/amplifier-classifieds/595344-old-school-zed-6-channel.html
Both Rockford and Kenwood still make top quality product, so long as you're not getting refurbs you shouldn't have any issues, hell I'm running a XR-1s in my wife's truck now and it's been in there almost a year under the front seat with ZERO issue and guess what....it IS a refurb..I think that Rockford has lost my business for good, just like Kenwood has.
Ok lets call it for what it is, you hear people complaining bout Rockford for one reason...PRICE...they complain that it's too high compared to other net favorites and as far as Soundstream goes seeing as how you brought up the Rubicon line, well due to the fact that we've had such a HIGH failure rate with them, we've dropped the Rubicon line all together. The Picaso and higher lines have been incredible amps for us and we're keeping them.I hear people complaining about rockford, but notice you don't hear many people complaining about Soundstream or Zapco. Of if you do its few and far between,
Shops are ditching Rockford because the product has become whored out online and customers are able to in most cases buy it online cheaper than it costs the shop to get it. The only reason we're still keeping the line is because we're one of the oldest Rockford dealers and simply because of it's name and a few people still want only Rockford. We don't stock very much of the product though seeing as how we can have it the next day in most cases.not shops saying they're ditching the line altogether.
Most shops are so afraid of the net and don't know how to embrace it that of course they aren't gonna tell you that "we dropped them because you could buy it on line cheaper than I can", if they did that what reason would you have to come into their establishment to buy something else because they've now just planted into your mind that "maybe you can get EVERYTHING they sale cheaper online."As for the shops that wasn't the response I got during my research. They specifically cited failure rates. If these companies are too lazy or cheap to do some quality control I'll just take my business elsewhere. There are plenty to choose from.
You still don't get it, you're on the INTERNET! Eight out of ten people you speak to here will tell you that the Big Companies and brick and mortor stores are ALL EVIL and xyz net brands are the greatest thing since sliced bread. Now granted there are quite a few "old name" companies trying to live off the rep of the original companies which is very bogus. I like the SI subs AND I like the JL's, I'm personally a Sundown dealer and have been one since 08' and I run it in my personal vehicle along with Focal. My point is this, neither Rockford nor JL have been know to be a "bang for your buck" type of company, when Rockford tried it originally it almost crippled the company beyond repair. What Rockford and JL both have done is introduce a somewhat more affordable line compared to their normal stuff, Rockford more so than JL and it's working for them. Those are also the only two "old school" that I can think of off the top of my head that hasn't gone under and been bought out simply for their name and rep and been brought back with crappy or sub-standard equipment.Another thing I'm starting to see the more I read the various car audio forums, is that all the big name brands really aren't as big as they used to be. Probably for good reason. For example when you ask about the best shallow mount sub, no one directs you to JL's tw5. They tell you to go with Stereo Integrity. And it isn't rockford who's making the best bang for the buck subs anymore, its Sundown Audio. I'm beginning to think that all those 80's and 90's big name brands are just sort of living off their old steam, and have been replaced by people who do it a lot better these days. You can say they're still good and they probably are still "good", but I notice nobody points me in their direction anymore either. While that may not be related to the topic at hand, its just something I've noticed.
I honestly don't know anything about the market you are in but I can find out who are supposed to be the reputable shops there if you would like. As far as brands well you've already mentioned some very good ones, I'm kind of biased because I've had nothing but great experiences with Sundown. Since 08' I've only had one amp go bad and they quickly replaced it with a new one. If you are budget minded, I've had great luck with the Soundstream Picasso and Tarantula Nano amps, Phoenix Gold's new stuff is great. Now mind you I'm suggesting these because they've been bulletproof for my customers. There are several brands both online and in b&m that will perform very well for you. If you do buy online try to find a reputable online store. As far as headunits go, well I'll just leave that one alone lol.....What brands would you advise avoiding? What shops? I'm in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.