There are some big names that you will never fail to come across when discussing car audio. Some of the biggest names that come up are Rockford Fosgate and Skar Audio. These two names come up for several good reasons. Both manufacturers make some of the best car audio equipment you can find today. In this article, we will discuss Skar Audio vs Rockford Fosgate.
To start with, Skar Audio is famous for its premium subwoofers. If you are a car music enthusiast who prefers a music system with earth-shaking bass, Skar Audio subwoofers are what you need. On the other hand, Rockford Fosgate is famous for premium amps. Collectively, both manufacturers design several audio equipment, and not just subwoofers and amps.
So which brand is better between the two? Well, answering this question requires comparing both brands in detail. That way, you can know the pros and cons of each brand. Consequently, you will be able to tell the brand that offers the kind of music experience you want in your car audio system. Read on to learn more about them.
Skar Audio Vs Rockford Fosgate: Do They Have Anything in Common?
One of the things these two top brands have in common is that they manufacture high-quality car audio equipment. Each manufacturer offers all kinds of car music accessories such as crossovers, subwoofers, head units, speakers, amplifiers, and tweeters among others.
While Skar Audio only specializes in car audio equipment, Rockford Fosgate also offers audio solutions for marine vessels, ATVs, motorcycles, scooters, and other Powersports.
Although Skar Audio is younger in the business than Rockford Fosgate, it has become an established car audio equipment manufacturer quite quickly. Both manufacturers are based in the USA.
Rockford Fosgate – Brief Background
Rockford Fosgate was founded in 1973 by Jim Fosgate. As the name suggests, the company is named after its founder. It is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona.
The company specializes in designing and manufacturing audio equipment for cars such as speakers, subwoofers, and amps. Its products are available in a wide range of designs to suit the audio requirements of different car music lovers.
The company boasts of winning several awards over the decades, thanks to its top-quality audio equipment. Its awards include accolades from leading car audio, electronics, and stereo magazines. It also has some sub-brands and subsidiary companies such as Sound Ordnance.
Skar Audio – Brief Background
Skar Audio, on the other hand, was founded by Kevin Schlenker in 2010. It is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida. The company specializes in designing and building car speakers, car subwoofers, and car amplifiers among other car audio systems. Skar Audio only specializes in car audio equipment.
Its products are among the most respected brands in the market of car audio equipment. Skar Audio has had its products featured in several print and online publications. Also, the company is a member of the Loudspeaker Manufacturers Association. The association comprises top-tier manufacturers of loudspeakers in the world.
The goal of the company is to design and manufacture car audio equipment of the highest quality possible while providing its customers with outstanding customer service.
Why You Should Choose Rockford Fosgate Instead of Skar Audio
Rockford Fosgate has several advantages that would make you choose its products over those of Skar Audio. Some of the reasons that make Rockford Fosgate products more superior to those of Skar Audio include but are not limited to:
1. Quality
One of the areas where Rockford Fosgate shines is quality. While Skar Audio is still building its reputation as a newer company, Rockford Fosgate is more established, respected, and well-known. Thus, you can trust the quality of their products.
2. Reputation
If you have been in the car audio industry for quite some time now, you will acknowledge that Rockford Fosgate is more known than Skar Audio. You are more likely to find services for Rockford Fosgate products in the event something goes wrong. It has a strong reputation for great customer service.
3. Variety
While Skar Audio only offers car audio equipment, Rockford offers a wider selection of audio gear. They offer amps, speakers, subwoofers, tweeters, and head units among other audio equipment not only for cars but also for boats, motorcycles, ATVs, and more. Their wide variety of products means that you have higher chances of finding the right product for your music listening needs.
Why You Should Choose Skar Audio Instead of Rockford Fosgate
Although Skar Audio is not as old as Rockford Fosgate in the market of car audio equipment, its products are increasingly gaining a lot of respect. Also, the brand is increasingly becoming famous. Its products are appreciated for durability and superior performance. Here are some reasons why you would want to choose Skar Audio products over those of Rockford Fosgate:
1. Premium quality components
One of the areas where products from Skar Audio shine is that they are specially made with premium quality components. The company does not cut corners when it comes to the quality of components in their products, which results in higher sound quality and a longer life span of their products.
2. More affordable
Products from Skar Audio are generally more affordable than those from Rockford Fosgate. Thus, they are a better choice for anyone working with a tight budget.
3. Superior customer service
Additionally, Skar Audio is known for its unmatched customer service. The company is always willing to assist its customers who face any problems related to Skar Audio equipment. Thus, you will hardly get frustrated as you will easily get help.
Shortcomings of Rockford Fosgate Products
Products from Rockford Fosgate come with some disadvantages. For instance, they are often more expensive than products from Skar Audio. Also, a beginner may find it more challenging to install their products. While some of their products may lack a little in sound quality than some other brands, they are still great for most car enthusiasts.
Shortcomings of Skar Audio Products
Although Skar Audio manufactures its products with premium components, its products may be a little more expensive than other brands on the market. Although you may find more relatively durable products out there, Skar Audio products are still favored by their superior sound quality.
Final Thoughts on Skar Audio Vs Rockford Fosgate
Ultimately, the better choice between Rockford Fosgate vs Skar Audio depends on your personal preferences. Both brands design and manufacture superior car audio products. Also, both brands have earned a respectable position in the market of car audio equipment. Thus, it is quite hard to go wrong with the two options. Overall, when upgrading your car audio system, the two brands are great options to consider.
Michael Evanchuk is a San Francisco-based sound engineer with 20 years’ experience installing, troubleshooting, and repairing commercial, automotive, and household sound equipment. Evanchuk owns an auto stereo center, where he offers highly competitive car audio installation and repair services. He has written dozens of articles on different sound engineering topics, all of which have been published in leading journals, blogs, and websites.
