What things do you typically consider when buying audio equipment?

[bonesninja 5,000+ posts]

Typically, the things i consider are things that fit my personal needs. I usually contemplate what the desired goal is, i go and listen to LOTS of different equipment, I ask for LOTS of opinions, and then i end up taking chances based off of opinions. Like the times i bought a RE XXX and again with the RL-p's simply because i had no access to listen to them.

Lately, i've also considered resale value, and when i say resale, that leads me to think about 2 different markets, online and local. I've had great success selling my equipment here and on ebay but locally....nothing. Probably because of the fact that NO ONE around here ever heard of Soundsplinter or RE or even Autotek. That played a large part in my decision to stick to mainstream brands for my latest install. Let's face it, when dealing with audio junkies, who DOESN't know the name ALPINE or KICKER. I have plans of selling my cutlass once it's all hooked up and buying something else, so when potenial buyers see kicker and alpine, most of them will be like, DAYUM top of the line stereo equipment. Not like most of the typical installs i see in cars on ebay.

So what motivates you when you purchase stuff?

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[Thieroff 10+ year member]

Build quality

Smaller brands

Subwoofer diameter

Size of enclosure

Features, on decks and amps and such

Sometimes I just come across a nice deal or a trade I like also

CT

 

[ToyTundra 10+ year member]

how will it sound/preform

does it look ridiculus (ie jumping dolphin HUs)

will it fit where it needs to

cost

edit: I don't give a **** about resale. If i don't like it enough to keep it I deserve to lose all my money for being stupid/impulsive

 

[JAZN 5,000+ posts]

price/performance ratio

if it'll fit in the install

company's reputation

how many babes it'll attract

 

[iceteebone 5,000+ posts]

something new and can i afford it? willing to try new stuff all the time. i've been through lots of different brands

 

[AJ²06 5,000+ posts]

price/performance ratioif it'll fit in the install

company's reputation

how many babes it'll attract

Yep thats it.... //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

 

[Hundreth 10+ year member]

What I learned is to just save up and do it right the first time. I try to get products that are at least slightly overbuilt and have a good reputation.

 

[bonesninja 5,000+ posts]

something new and can i afford it? willing to try new stuff all the time. i've been through lots of different brands

i'm with you bro...i go thru so much stuff. i catch hell from my wife on the regular

 

[luvinthebass 5,000+ posts]

i always bring a calculator along with me especially when choosing amps to see the good brands from the crap in rms ratings and fuse size on the amp.

for subs- power handling, what they prefer, either sealed or ported

for speakers- brand name, reputable brands, power handling...rms handling that is //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

for head units: many options, a good pre-out voltage

that's about it

 

[qtipextra 5,000+ posts]

I pay attention to what some (respectful, credible) people on here say, as they know the good products. If I am thinking about buying something, I will search for it and make a thread about it to see if the particular item has a good rep or bad.

I also look at company reputation.

For me price is not an issue. If I want something, I will save up however much money it will take and get it. Then, after I have the money, I will find the best deal on that item. I know what I want, and I know it's good, so I know that's it worth waiting for and putting my hard earned money into.

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

I try to get opinions from those who have used it...

And while aesthetics aren't more important then the final sound (obviously), I'm a fan of classic design //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif If a product sounds killer and looks good, definitely worth a look //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[regal8r 5,000+ posts]

i take into account the amount of chrome and/or LED's it has...

jk //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crap.gif.7f4dd41e3e9b23fbd170a1ee6f65cecc.gif

 

[JeffyZ33 10+ year member]

Smaller brands

This is dumb IMO. It shouldn't matter if the brand is huge or small, if their product is quality and fits your application, why reject it for something less filling because of company size?

 

[Rich B 5,000+ posts]

I try to stick with quality old school amps whenever I can.

I prefer quality A/B designs to the newer higher noise floor digital designs out in recent years, even if it means I cant have a million watts pushing 500 18" subs.

But then Im an old fart compared to most of you here.

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

 

[89Vette 10+ year member]

I think the location of where the (subs mostly) audio equipment is going plays the largest role for me, since I drive a truck... I am still unable to decide whether I want to go sealed under the back seat (or if it is possible) or do a complete blow-through from the bed, where there would really be no limits to the size of the subs... But if I have to put it under the seat, the sub must be a lower series so it will fit //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crying.gif.ec0ebefe590df0251476573bc49e46d8.gif

Brand does not matter much, all of the top brand names are good... For me, I doubt it would make much of a difference of whether I go with Kicker subs or DD subs... probably because I have very little experience with car audio....