hihoslva

I've been getting bored with my Kenwood lately, and have been looking into buying a new deck - maybe.

I came across the Rockford Fosgate decks, and some of the features are intriguing, particularly the RFX9300:


First off, I like the looks a lot. Very clean, IMO - and the red lighting is cool, and the display is not too "busy".

MP3 capability is a must, and this has that, too.

What impressed me also is the power/preamp section: 25 watts RMS - not bad. BUT- 3 sets of 5 volt RCA outs. I was kinda shocked to see such a well-priced deck have 5 volts on the RCAs, and a non-fading sub output, along with a built-in 80 Hz lowpass crossover that can be disabled - my Kenwood has like 1.8 or something shitty like that, and only front/rear.

Plus, the price on Crotchfield is only $250 - I'm sure I can do better than that, too.

Anyone ever use RF source units? Any opinions?

~HH

onehawaiian

get the black one!!! it looks so cool! actually, it's kinda off black... those rf hu's are pretty good. easy to use and the sound is really clean. subjective as sq may be, i think it's worth the scrilla.

hihoslva

Thanks, onehawaiian. I actually like the "brushed aluminum" looking one - don't know if it's really metal or just lastic (probably plastic) but I think it would match up nicely with my interior paint, being that I went with a nice bright silver.

But the 'off black' is definitely cool, too.

Anyway - it'll probably be a while before I do anything. Gotta see what kinda clams me and my lady make out with after the wedding - then I'm looking to buy a house, maybe have a kid or two - they'll be plenty of money to be spent elsewhere. But if we do "well" , I can definitely see myself buying a small wedding gift for me, like a new deck.

Thanks for the input.

Another thing - I'd really like to find a good deck that has a steering wheel remote, optional or included. I know the Pioneers do, but any others? Besides Aiwa please - I really would like a decent deck - no offense to any Aiwa owners out there, but I think their MP3 decks kinda suck.

Anyone know how to mod a handheld remote to a steering wheel?

~HH

pr5owner

2 words... Premier DEH-740MP
________
HONDA L ENGINE HISTORY

onehawaiian

any blaupunkt skyline model. if you want mp3, look at the los angeles.

Dave Cameron

I would not spend time slandering them, but hihoslva do some digging about who manufactures their units for them becuase Rockford has no internal capabilities to do a headunit, it is a sourced unit.
I do like the looks though... Rockford stuff has always had pretty high voltage RCA outs- of of the earliest companies to grasp how much you can get out of higher voltage-

hihoslva

Do YOU have this info? I'd be interested to know - even if it is "slandering".

Info is info - good or bad.

Thanks

~HH

douggie

For anyone who's looking for or planning to buy a MP3 deck, do (actually, MUST defintely) check out:

http://www.highwaymp3.com/hwmp3.htm

And do check out their forums (message board). It's sorted by MP3 decks, so it's easy to find out users experiences with a particular MP3 deck. I think it has a thread for EVERY single brand and make of MP3 decks!

onehawaiian

wow, that was actually pretty informative! all those mp3 decks, prices etc. cool.

hihoslva

I know that Blau makes good quality units, but I have to question why I (just my opinion, mind you) would choose the L.A. over the Rockford unit:

Blau LA:

2 sets pre-outs
NO dedicated sub out.
NO built-in xover for sub
4 volt pre-outs.
Display is "so-so" looking, IMO - kinda "busy"
Only security is "key card" - no detatchable face
non-motorized face (I know - who cares anyway)
Crutch price: $500

RF 9300:

3 sets pre-outs
Dedicated sub out
selectable xover at 80 Hz
5 volt pre-outs
Clean display, with red lighting
More characters in display
Detatch face security, which is my favorite.
motorized face (I know - who cares anyway)
Crutch price: $250

So, what makes the blau so good, anyway? It looks like I can get more for 1/2 the price with the RF.

So - why Blau??

~HH

hihoslva

Where did you read that the LA has 3 pre-outs? Crutch says only two - maybe one set can act as a sub-out?

I do agree with the S/N noise ratio, though - that is pretty impressive.

Interesting about the ID3 tag info - I didn't realize the RF won't show them. Truth is, though, my Kenwood does, and scrolls them, but I never use it. I just leave the thing on the clock all the time.

I don't know when I'll be buying a new deck - but I was just interested in the looks and features of the RF - thanks for all the opinions I asked for! And I hope to hear some more, too.

~HH

Dave Cameron

Subs are mono signals anyway, so you would not miss anything. A two to one splitter would take care of that!
I have Blaupunkt in my protege also, the SF, and am impressed with what you get for the dollar with it.
Very impressive digital fm section, good cd with impressive specifications.
But check out Douggies link that is a fantastic resource on MP3 palyers, I plan on going back and digesting it soon.
Don't rush and enjoy the shopping!

eltonr

I have a friend that works at a car audio place......and he told me that they have had quite a few problems with the Rockford HU's. He also told me that they don't make them they are sourced out as well but some company (he mentioned that name and i had never heard of them....). I have some rockford speakers and i know after buying those i'll never buy rockford stuff again....they make pretty good amps but i don't know about the other stuff....

douggie

Yeah, it's impressive alright. But then it's just another number in the specification list. Anything over 90db is good enuff and probably anything higher is not discernable by human ears.

Also, if you listen to MP3s most of the time, it really doesn't matter much because MP3s are more "lossy" anyway. And at 70mph, it's just meaningless...

But of course, it always feels nice to know that the HU is capable of delivering such good numbers

hihoslva

I have RF amps, but I also have a set of Fanatic Q woofers in my front doors. I actually think they are excellent speakers. They might not be quite as "clear" as the Infinity Reference they replaced, but they have impressive mid-bass, and good midrange. Plus, with RMS power (100 watts - I push 90+) they get plenty loud without distorting at all. I really enjoy them a great deal.

I think RF has a trend - the low-level stuff (speakers and subs especially) are not impressive at all, while the closer you get to the high end of their line, the better the quality. I know - sounds logical - but it seems to be a WIDE spectrum with Rockford - I can't say anyone is impressed with RF's "Z" subs, which are the low-end, but the Punch and Power HX2's are definitely respected by SPL freaks, even in the consensus is that they are not good SQ drivers. Maybe not as respected as the Adire Brahma or JL W7, but the top end can hold it's own.

~HH