QuestionI was looking to upgrade my car's system and my friend happened to be selling his. He sent me the following about it:
* 150 watts RMS x 2 at 4 ohms
* 300 watts RMS x 2 at 2 ohms
* 600 watts RMS x 1 bridged output at 4 ohms
* stereo or bridged mono output
* 4-ohm stable in bridged mode
* Tri-Way capable
* 50-250 Hz high-pass/low-pass (12 dB/octave) crossovers
* MOSFET power supply and output devices
* MEHSA mounting technology increases the heat transfer from the MOSFET output devices to the heat sink, for higher power output, lower operating temperatures, and greater reliability
* TOPAZ noise-killing differential inputs that eliminate 80% of ground loop noise
* Trans"ana circuitry keeps preamp voltages low and signal paths simple for outstanding audio quality
* NOMAD advanced protection circuitry for "intelligent" shutdown protection
* wired remote included for fingertip control of Punch Bass (0-18 dB boost at 45 Hz)
* speaker- and preamp-level inputs
* 17-1/16"W x 2-7/16"H x 9-13/16"D
Rockford Fosgate HE2 RFP4212 12" Dual 4-ohm Voice Coil Component Subwoofer:
* polypropylene woofer with large roll treated foam surround
* dual 4-ohm voice coil design
* CONsealer gasket hides mounting screws and stops bass-robbing air leaks
* frequency response 28-200 Hz
* power range 100-400 watts RMS (200 watts per voice coil)
* peak power 800 watts
* sensitivity 86 dB SPL
* top mount depth 6-3/16"
Its all ready in a box and the amps are attached to the box I believe. I was just wondering what you think of this. Is it quality equipment? Hes asking $200 for all of it. My dad and I were considering making our own set up but I'm on a budget =\ The car is an '05 scion tc if that matters.
AnswerHi Dan,
I don't really do much buying or selling of used car audio equipment, so I can't tell you how good the price is.
The amplifier and subwoofers would generally be considered good quality, though not really "competition"-level equipment. Both components are probably about 6-7 years old. I'm assuming that there are two subwoofers and one amplifier. If so, and if they're in good condition, they should easily outperform any new components you're likely to find in the $200 range.
Rockford doesn't make an amplifier that's very similar to the 601S you're looking at. The closest current model would probably be the P500-2, which lists for $350; the 601S is a more powerful amplifier, however. I'd consider the subwoofers relatively comparable with the current P3 series of subwoofer, though the P3 is rated for a bit more power. The P3 lists for $250 apiece. I'd guess that your friend's system was probably purchased for around $700 when it was new. There haven't been any major technology improvements in amplifiers or subwoofers since these components were made, so you wouldn't be getting anything special by purchasing new equipment. Mono amplifiers are somewhat more popular now; you don't see as many big 2-channel amps like the 601S used to run subs any more, but the subs and amp are well matched and should work well together.
I'd inspect the components closely, especially the subs. Look for any signs that the surround material is starting to come apart from the cone. If it looks like it's in good shape, though, then I think you'd probably be happy with the system.
Hope this helps!
Brian
