Phoenix Gold vs Soundstream amps

I would consider the tried and true Crossfire VR705D, the Memphis Belle and the Eclipse PA5532 before either of those amplifiers. Do some digging and see what you can find.Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.

So is Soundstream and Phoenix Gold just overrated? Ive heard great stuff about these amps.Thuan

Soundstream from years ago (5 years and older) were amazing amplfiers, now they are built by Korean company Power Acoustik instead of American company Soundstream. Phoenix Gold as well has their amplifiers now built overseas as well. They did this to do one thing, lower the retail pricing of their equipment. You get what you pay for. While I am sure they are OK amplifers and will work for what you need them to do, have a look at other makes and models. Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.

On the flip side, when Alpine was designed and manufactured in Japan, the quality of the products were far superior to their US successors. Todays Alpine systems ( aside from their very top of the line stuff ) is only a shadow of their Janpanese counterparts.Jeff

Velocity Custom Home Theater

Mobile Audio/Video Specialist

Morden, Manitoba CANADA

A shadow? How's about 7 day old stubble instead.  Old School Alpine as awesome. Won myself a 3558 back in the day. Wish to god I would have kept it now though.Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.

3558 ?? I have one of those in my winter beater now powering a single DD Drive 12" . All I can say is WOW !! I've always loved the old Alpine stuff........ 3548 2 channel amp, 6013EX 10 " Subs & the great cassette decks from them were always a treat to install ( the ones with the cages and harness all in one ) Boat anchors in today's industry, but the quality was impeccable.Jeff

Velocity Custom Home Theater

Mobile Audio/Video Specialist

Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Ahhh, you are speaking about the 7300 series of Alpine heads if my memory serves correct. They had one particular model that was interchangeable from tape deck to cd player. They used the same cage and harness. Yup tried and true made in Japan and trounced thoroughly any takers at the time. Too bad they went the way they are now.Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.

in reguards to the 2 amps though, i have a tarantula, and havent been happier. but the brands forbidden listed would/will be my option(s) that i'd sniff through looking for an amp. nothing wrong with my SS but i want to test the waters with companies, as im very new to car audio. either amp though should provide enough power to make you happy ;p