soundstream

I have heard that companies like Hifonics that used to be good have sold out and are now crap, is Soundstream one of them also?

Not to be confused with SoundSTORM

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2004 Hyundai Sonata
Kenwood KDC-X599 HU
2-Sundown X-18D4
2-SQ Q4500.1
2-SQ Q90.4
1-Massive DBX4
8-Niche 5.25 mids
8-Niche Tweeters
4-Skar 8" mid-bass
OhioGen 220a alt
OhioGen 350a alt
156.0

The new Soundstream amps now have a spider on them. Not the thing that the Soundstream from the old days would do. I think Maxxsonics, the same people that bought HiFonics now owns them.

so that woould mean yes it is crap

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2004 Hyundai Sonata
Kenwood KDC-X599 HU
2-Sundown X-18D4
2-SQ Q4500.1
2-SQ Q90.4
1-Massive DBX4
8-Niche 5.25 mids
8-Niche Tweeters
4-Skar 8" mid-bass
OhioGen 220a alt
OhioGen 350a alt
156.0

That just means it has a spider on it.

The "Maxxsonics" reference is the kicker. Otherwise it just means that you can tell the new from the old by checking for the spider.

But, yeah... The new Soundstream is garbage. In no way, shape, or form is it the same quality it was, in either build or sound.

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It all reminds me of something that Molière once said to Guy de Maupassant at a café in Vienna: "That's nice. You should write it down."

How long ago was hifonics good? Only time I heard or saw them was when I bought one of their amps at Frys for $80. It actually sounded good to me for the price, didnt seem like a flea market amp, but 2 weeks later when I returned to Frys their display unit was fried.

Also, I've had no previous experience with Soundstream but when I saw the spider on it, it seemed Tacky. Tacky usually strikes me as expensive crap, like Audiobahn.

Series 7 and 8 were the best of Hifonics. Gen X was the last made by ZED, designed by Steve Mantz. As soon as Maxxsonics took over MB Quart, Autotek, Hifonics and Crunch all took a dive. I have 16 year old Series 7 Boltars and Zeus that are still impressive.

Soundstream went to down hill right after the Reference line of amps. The old school stuff was up with A/D/S (before Directed). Always liked Soundstream on mids and highs, never thought they had the balls for sub duty. Good build quality and very smooth. The older Comp Sets and Subs were also worth while.

I remember Crunch, I didnt know they were still around. That brings back memories, seeing their ads on Lowrider magazine.

At the shop i work at we sell soundstream. I have been happy with most of their upper range products. namely triple x and tarantula series. One thing i dont like is that the Power Acoustik and Soundstream Brochures are pretty much identical, leading me to believe that yes, they sold out.

that being said i run 2 Power acoustik 5500 D monos to 2 JBL GTI 15's and i am pretty happy with it. Its no crown but its also not 6 grand per amp.

Soundstream XXX series will stop your heart with 8500 RMS subs and a 15,000 mono Block amp

also the Human Reign amps are one of a kind if you've never seen one look it up, they are sick

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Have you ever seen an Acura with them butterfly doors???

The original Tarantula Mono amp was a beast, Forbidden might still have his, anyway was a very butch amp. The Human Reign was just a shroud that covered a Reference Series. Can't remember what the cost difference was but it was $$$. Said to see the fall of such a great company. At one time Soundstream did offer home components.

Hifonis was quality stuff back in the days of the THOR, early 90's

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2004 Hyundai Sonata
Kenwood KDC-X599 HU
2-Sundown X-18D4
2-SQ Q4500.1
2-SQ Q90.4
1-Massive DBX4
8-Niche 5.25 mids
8-Niche Tweeters
4-Skar 8" mid-bass
OhioGen 220a alt
OhioGen 350a alt
156.0

audiocableguy wrote:

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The original Tarantula Mono amp was a beast, Forbidden might still have his, anyway was a very butch amp. The Human Reign was just a shroud that covered a Reference Series. Can't remember what the cost difference was but it was $$$. Said to see the fall of such a great company. At one time Soundstream did offer home components.

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Yah the human reign cost like a $1000 more than the reference, but you've got to admit its a pretty sweet shroud. lol.  in their brochure they have some test results from a german magazine (autohifi) where it scored excellent on all their tests. but it really is all about that cover.

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Have you ever seen an Acura with them butterfly doors???

I do indeed still have my original Soundstream made Tarantula....

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Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.