Rockford Fosgate RFX9000

Price & Contact: Call for pricing; 480-967-3565, www.rockfordfosgate.com
Max output level: 2.2 volts @ 0.1% THD+N
Max undistorted output: 2.2 volts @ 0.1% THD+N
Relative loudness: -11 dBu
Usable Dynamic Range: -94.7 dB
THD+N @ full output: 0.1% THD+N
Output impedance: 44 ohms
L-R channel error: 0.2 dB
Frequency response: +0dB, -1.4 dB

All measurements @ 14 volts unless otherwise specified
Max Output: 23 watts x 4 @ 36% THD+N
Max Undistorted Output: 13 watts x 4 @ 1%THD+N
Signal-to-Noise: -88.5 dB
Channel Error: 0.3 dB
Frequency Response: +0 dB, -2.2 dB

		Rockford Fosgate RFX9000 www.rockfordfosgate.com
		Rockford Fosgate answers the calls of MP3 enthusiasts and unleashes their powerful new RFX9000 head unit.		Rockford Fosgate RFX9000 Specs Price & Contact: Call for pricing; 480-967-3565, www.rockfordfosgate.com Max output level: 2.2 volts @ 0.1% THD+N Max undistorted output: 2.2 volts @ 0.1% THD+N Relative loudness: -11 dBu Usable Dynamic Range: -94.7 dB THD+N @ full output: 0.1% THD+N Output impedance: 44 ohms L-R channel error: 0.2 dB Frequency response: +0dB, -1.4 dB INTERNAL AMPS All measurements @ 14 volts unless otherwise specified Max Output: 23 watts x 4 @ 36% THD+N Max Undistorted Output: 13 watts x 4 @ 1%THD+N Signal-to-Noise: -88.5 dB Channel Error: 0.3 dB Frequency Response: +0 dB, -2.2 dB
		by Brian Smith

		The RFX9000 is a single CD head unit with AM/FM tuner and MP3 capability. The unit plays either standard CD Audio discs or MP3 files from PC CD-ROMs. Features include a fold down detachable faceplate, multi-color LCD display, 4 preamp outputs, and internal amps with 25 watts x 4 continuous and 40 watts x 4 max power ratings. Performance The preamp outputs of the RFX9000 make it clear that Rockford Fosgate intends to only offer hi end, low source impedance, great sounding source units. This unit measured a bit over two volts of undistorted output, although output impedance measured an impressively low 44 ohms. Measurements on both the preamps and the internal amps show a frequency response window that’s a bit wider than typical at 1.4 dB and 2.2 dB, respectively. The internal amps are, of course, over-rated in the power department, although, certainly not by a larger margin than any of the competition. They produce about 13 watts x 4 into 4 ohms at 1% THD+N or about 23 watts x 4 at the maximum setting with a substantial amount of distortion. The amps do have one feature that we don’t see nearly enough of; a heat sink. Precious little airflow reaches the rear end of a head unit in a typical installation. When airflow is at a minimum, more surface area to radiate unwanted heat is a pretty good idea. It’s interesting to note that while this moderately powered deck includes a heat sink, most of the "high-powered" units do not. Also important to note is that this RFX unit is rated at 2 ohms. It’s a freakin’ head unit! User Evaluation When it comes to ease of use, the RFX9000 is going to be my pick for this issue. While it’s still a far cry from the user interface of my dreams, it does have a couple of things going its way: 1. The rotary volume control is configured to handle multiple functions; and 2. There’s a distinct lack of questionably useful DSP to get in the way. With the RFX9000, the digi-knob controls volume, balance, fader and the tone controls. Pressing the knob cycles between these adjustments, allowing a fair amount of control from a single location. Compared to the song and dance that’s required to manipulate these controls on most head units, this is practically ergonomic bliss. Speaking of song and dance, this is the first unit that I’ve seen in quite some time that didn’t require a series of measurements to confirm that I was, in fact, measuring the preamps and not the effect of some internal (infernal?) DSP widget. While I’m not totally opposed to DSP, I must admit to being less than impressed with most of the offerings thus far. It’s nice to see that there are still options out there for those of us that prefer listening to music as opposed to pushing buttons that go "beep!" If you’re looking for useful features, how about the ability to play MP3 files? You can have a few hundred songs at your fingertips without the hassle of a CD changer. I’d take that over in-depth bass management any day.