sorry i didnt take the time to read everything you wrote. it was just a question, not an attack. And no, obviously i havent used their entire line. But ive used enough to know they ****. Its not user error. every company has its bad products. but when the bad overwhelms the good, then you steer clear.
That's just it, you are making rash conclusions likeley based upon a limited use of the Sony Line.
Granted, I have not used EVERY product in the Sony line, however, I have installed and personally used darn near 90% of it over the last 10 years.
In that time, not even a single issue with any Sony Product. Kind of odd considering your view of the bad overwhelming the good and denying any user error. It's one of the two, and I'll wager on the latter being correct in your case, even if you do not wish to admit it.
You have a better chance of a Saleen S7 showing up in your driveway than you do in purchasing 2 products of the same branding that are both "lemons."
Re-read part of my first post to this topic:
I've got 3 Sony HU's , all functioning flawlessly since day 1. The newest is nearly 3 years old (CDX-M630), the next just slightly older (C-90), and the oldest still running strong after 8 years. (EXCD-21).
Kinda throws your reliability statement out the window.
Sony's latest technology in the Xplod line is more reminiscent of the older Mobile ES Line. They have greatly improved their designs, expanded their features, and certainly improved their appearance quite a bit.
My own CDX-M630 is a perfect example of this.
The C-90, is obviously a slightly unfair comparison as squeak9798 pointed out. That unit was beyond it's time when released, and really still is today. It has been regarded as one of the best units available for an aftermarket Head Unit for some time. To say that this unit "sucks" pretty much defines whoever says it, as a complete idiot.
The EXCD-21 - here's the real bread and butter. This unit was originally released in late 1996 (IIRC) as an entry level/beginner Head Unit. Bare Bones Functions. I've had mine installed in one form or another for the past 8 years. How many entry level units do you know of that still function perfectly that are of this age?
That really throws your "reliability" statement out all together.
I have no idea where you get the idea that Sony's skip a lot. I live in a town with roads that are not exactly smooth, and have never had a Sony Skip. May be I just install the darn things correctly? Think about that one......
what features are good? well, SQ for 1. and sony sure lacks in that department. ive heard quite a few sony subs, and have yet to hear one that actually sounds ok. HUs, well a good EQ for example. sony's eqs are by far the noobiest ive ever seen. ever sony deck ive seen or used has broken within a year or 2. and as mentioned above, they skip pretty easily. amps, oh sh!t, dont get me started. they cant put out their RMS in ANY sony amp ive ever used. yes, ive used them and tested them. ive only used them cause i was out an amp a couple times. and id rather get a pioneer or pyle (of shit) amp than a sony.
By that logic, do you expect to just drop in a new component and magically achive sonic SQ splendor just like that?
SQ is subjective and can be controlled in any environment with a little time and effort put into it.
Sony offers a 7 band EQ with user definable programming, a Dynamic Soundstage Organizer, and independant fade/balance; Bass/Mid/High controls and Loudness options, standard on most units produced today. By no means are you going to come close to a flatline on an RTA with this, but you'd have to be completely ignorant to not be able to achieve respectable SQ with these options.
As mentioned before, I've yet to have any of my Sony's Skip in the time I've used them, and they certainly have lasted longer than 2 years.
I'll agree with you on the amplifier issue. Like many manufacturer's, Sony likes to exaggerate their actual output a bit. Not nearly as drastic as Legacy rating an amp for 2000 watts and producing about 125w x 2, but you get the idea.
I've yet to have any reliability issues otherwise with them however.
it seems as if you really havent had as much experience as you say. or you just dont know what your talkin about.
Assumption is the mother of all f*ck up's. You want to go this route....
Try me.
dont assume the "bandwagon" is always wrong. usually, in instances such as this where the majority is on the bandwagon, they will be right.
Don't board the bandwagon so easily. Find out for yourself.
It's funny how often the bandwagon is merely full of hot air rather than first hand knowledge.
