> I think the slightly lower price at the end of last year helped out its popularity...

It did for me. Remember to take the price of the Empeg, then add around $400 for amp, cabling, and installation. It adds up.

Of course, now that I finally have a decent car stereo, I am looking at what it is going to cost me to get a subwoofer, another amp to power it, and a cap so my lights stop dimming every time someone hits the kick drum. Not to mention that I think that I am blowing out my rear speakers.

Whatever money I saved on the Empeg at a lower price, I have sunk into audio equipment. And I am loving every mp3 filled minute of it.