I was checkin out some amps today online and I found a few that I like and that are in my price range. They haven't heard them mentioned very often so I need some input on them. I don't want you guys to bash the brands just because they aren't popular but if you have actually heard them and dislike them or if you know the quality of build is worthless let me know. The two brands I picked out each have a big line up of amplifiers so I am guessing that althought their price is cheap they might still be good amps (the companies could have lower prices until they become more noticed is what I am trying to say).

Hifonics is the first brand I ran into...
(this is the amp if you want me to be more specific)
http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=42 00

Soundstream is the second one I found. I like this amp more because it doesn't have the extra doohickies such as lights and stuff.
http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=31 95

 

The high end soundstream stuff (there 6500 amp and xxx woofers) are pretty wicked from what I hear. Don't know much about their lower stuff. Hifonics is a decent brand. Make good budget amps, thats about it. I would stay away from them for daily drivers, had my brutush 1000bx fry once and the sound quality difference I notice between that and my rockford t10001bd is astonishing. Make a lot of power at a good price if you want to run a couple for spl on a budget or a ground pounder with little worry of sq.

 

I have to agree -- both Hifonics and Soundstream are not the same brands they used to be

 

Well, I've had a Brutus bx-1205d for 1.5 years now running at 1 ohm with no problems, and it sounds as good as any other comparably powered amp that I've listened to. I have nice clean, tight bass, and great bass transients. Like I've said a number of times, this is the best sounding system I've had in the last 20 years, and I've owned most good brands, including Old Hifonics, RF, Alpine, Pioneer, PPI, PG,etc... As far as amps are concerned, I've really never been able to hear the difference in sound quality with comparable power to the same set up...and I've a/b tested many times. With Amps, I like a proven track record with me( my experince with that brand), as such I've always had great results with RF, Alpine, and Hifonics...so those are what I use. Anyway, I know Hifonics had some problems with the 2001-2003 models( bad solder), but 2004 and up should be fine. As far as value is concerned, can't beat a 1000-1200 watt amp for $ 315.00 cdn brand new(and that was 1.5 years ago, I think they're even cheaper now(EBAY obviously)).