JL AUDIO vs WETSOUNDS

[nyryan2001]

Their product lines have grown considerably....

If you wanna learn more about Exile... here is a great place to start.... Brian form Exile chimes in on this Wakeworld thread.

http://www.wakeworld.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1845452

[David Analog]

But then you do have to question why Exile has so few dealers across the US. It's because there is a long list of dealers who feel (and I mean strongly feel) the exact opposite of what was stated above about Exile service.
You can be sure of this. Brian with Exile will jump through hoops for anyone who can positively or negatively impact his reputation on forums, which is understandable because forums are his primary method of marketing his product. Beyond that, customer service experiences run contrary sometimes taking months to resolve the most basic of issues with fabricated excuse after excuse.
The other part of the dealer perspective is they are professionals who are better qualified to see differences in products. They recognize when power specs are bogus, they recognize when model numbers are intentionally deceptive, they know when an over-hyped $200 EQ has essentially the same guts as a $50 EQ, they see side-by-side quality differences and less expensive build quality, for starters.

[MLA]

"You just dont hear as much about them because many vendors dont carry their line for whatever reason...."

There are a few reasons for this.
Brian is more then happy to sign up a dealer in order for that dealer to display and promote the product, all the while, Brian is selling direct to these customers at WAY below MSRP. This is a breach of any standard manufacture/dealer agreement.

There original line of amps, the M and Xi series, were tested and found to be producing 40%-60% less watts RMS then stated by the manufacturer. There is nothing "marine" about the exile EQ, yet is marketed as such. Dealers need to have confidence in the products they show a customer.

Once torn down and inspected, the exile gear is mid-level build quality as compared to a line such as Wet Sounds, JL or even Kicker. With the manufacturer-direct deep discount, the product is priced about right IMO.

[nyryan2001]

^^^^ never miss an opportunity to bash Exile do you guys?

Is this really necessary? Or do you think you could do as well pitching your services and gear on their own merits?

[David Analog]

Ryan,
I'm just stating the facts from first hand experience.
I have no products or services to pitch as I am no longer in the audio business at any level in any way.
Who injected the Exile brand into a thread where the OP only invited input on two other brands? I won't even speculate as to your motive.
You state your opinions and I'll state mine. I offered another position. I didn't attack you personally or attempt to discredit you like an over-matched child would. Everytime the Exile fan boys receive a counter opinion, they do all they can to find an ulterior motive. The only motive here is that I want to share my knowledge and provide a little reality . If you dispute anything I've specifically stated then say as much and I will be tickled to defend or expound upon it. Until then, why don't you stop creating false doubt about what my motives are.

[nyryan2001]

I have nothing to gain David, I have a ZLD and I paid $150 for that when it was on sale. I have Polk, Treo, Arc, Wetsounds and Exile ZLD in my boat. Can you spin that into being an Exile fanboy?

I didnt attack you, asked a relevant question, but since you want to offer assessments of each other and call names, here is mine of you, well minus the names:

You are a guy who spent his life learning his craft to the PhD level, but lacks the maturity and savy to deliver information in a balanced paternal way. You were probrably surrounded by like minded folks most of your career, who did the same, so you think its normal, and you stopped developing in that aspect. I dont have to be an audio expert to identify how your overly hostile conduct towards Exile has been on here and other websites. Begs the question..... WHY?

[David Analog]

Quote, "Begs the question..... WHY?"
Ryan,
In post #17 I was very clear about my why I take a negative position on Exile and those reasons are based on facts that can be supported beyond question.
Power specs that are tested as 45% off manufacturer ratings that have been measured on $50K worth of instrumentation by an independent lab is not the only reason but should be reason enough. Some people naturally have a strong response to that type of deception. I just happen to know enough to know the difference. Facts are facts.
The continued questioning of motive and character is simply a diversion intended to lead the attention away from the facts.

[nyryan2001]

So the new amp line that exceeds CEA and bench tests are BS ratings? Aren't those also facts?

Or did you just conveniently forget to add that?

your lop sided spins erode your credibility David. I don't see how this can be good business for Earmark. Like it or not, even in retirement, industry wide, folks associate you with Earmark.

what originally brought Exile into the discussion was about marine audio reputation for customer service.... The only other comparison similar I can provide is how folks are about Cory and his Evolution boat covers. Someone using premier customer service as a top consideration CANNOT overlook Exile regardless if he isn't Mr Popular with dealers driving costs up sky high. To customers he is. Begs the question why competitors hate him so much and his customers love him.

[pe4me]

I have no bias or opinions of anyone commenting, no offense to anyone.
I have read David's post in multiple forums and while most of the time I can follow him, I see him only as an asset to the on-line community. Certainly there maybe some tech specs that could be questioned, or maybe he advocates for brand x or whatever but ultimately I feel more informed after reading his posts. I would also say that the experience I do have with what David has recommended is always impressive. This is not to say there are not other options, but I feel it is part of being and using the net responsibly in doing your own homework based on sources you deem credible.
I was actually surprised to see this on PN, but I hope the banter heads to the positive side. As an audio idiot, I value our resident experts as the are great resources to formulate your own opinions from before walking blindly into the local shops.
All of our boats sound better as a result of productive online discussions. Can't wait to upgrade my 210 next summer. My old pro 80s were nothing short of incredible back in the day. I hope the rev 10s impress. JL for the cabins? I will stay tuned.