OnYrMrk wrote:out of all those, I would go with the Diamond first, the Kicker second, and the PG third, no way would I own a soundstream of the current type.
Now the old circa '90s blue Soundstreams, you better believe it
Honestly, as far as budget amps go, I think I'd take Soundstream today over a good number of others. Internally theres alot worse out there, and it seems like they're trying to get back to basics with a new reference series.
I guess I just expect the company to do their rated specs. In my experience, even Audiobahn and Sony amps can do that... both are far less impressive internally.
I know it's not the same old Soundstream though. Here's the
Picasso 4x80w I'd be surprised if that could'nt do spec.
Now how they sound is another story... but compared to current Phoenix Gold, PPI, Viper, etc... it's probably all rather similar.
Diamond doesn't back their products very well, but you're not likely getting MFR warranty with anything off the grey market so, just cross fingers. I'm careful with my stuff, and I've never had a car audio product failure.
Kicker is expensive for what you get... and truthfully I don't find Kicker's subs, amps, or components that impressive. To me, its SPL stuff, and lacking in the SQ dept. And thats just opinion, but that impression was reinforced bigtime in Louisville at IASCA finals.
I'd like to know if Alpine amplifiers are still the quality they once were. And now Orion introduced an all new HCCA series
Seems all MFRs are trying to re-live their glory days.