In the end I've managed to locate a second hand empeg - but they can't last forever! I'm glad there is something out there to *compare* even if it doesn't bear the empeg name.

I have to agree with this. I dread the day my empeg (and backup) die, but I know it is a possibility. And if it does happen, at least the market is finally showing signs of catching up to where empeg was years ago.

I just personally wish Rio would try to get back into the car market more then their efforts with OEM radios. While I did factor my empeg install into what car I bought, I am not sure if I would base the entire reason for buying a car around a stereo.