Summary:
Whatever you do, don’t buy anything from R.F. Systems, Inc. in Lafayette, CO. First of all, they won’t tell you this up front, but they do not offer refunds. I purchased from them the VI-2 automatic Audio / Video A-B switcher. The switcher was being used to send a signal to my powered subwoofer (Sunfire Signature) from one of two different preamps. One preamp (Levinson 380S, Input A) is used for music only, the other preamp (Proceed PAV/PDSD, Input B) is used for video only. The switcher is supposed to detect the active input and send a signal to the subwoofer accordingly. If both inputs are active, the B input takes priority over the A input. Sounds simple right?
Well, the first unit they sent me was defective. Dead out of the box. The mounting screws on the unit were loose, and overall build quality was mediocre at best. When I called to exchange it, they tried to accuse me of breaking it! Really now, I’ve been an Audio Video hobbyist for 20 years, I think I can hook up an A-B switch. Anyway, they finally sent me a second unit. This unit switched signals all right, but even after all the preamps were powered down, and no signal was going into the switcher, it still continued to send out intermittent signals to the subwoofer. This would not allow the subwoofer to power off. I decided to return the switcher because it just didn’t seem compatible with my Audio / Video setup. To my surprise, RF Systems would not accept a return, and were basically rude and unaccommodating. (Unfortunately, I paid with a personal check and it had already cleared the bank). When I told them that I was going to tell my story to every Audio Video website, bulletin board and chat room that I could find, they reluctantly agreed to refund my money at their convenience. They told me to send in my switcher and when they can, they will credit me.

Well, it’s been almost 5 months now, and after several follow up telephone calls, they have not refunded my money. I have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, but still have not resolved this issue. Now I am out of $150.00 and have no product to show for it. They have basically stolen my money from me. What a horrible way to do business R.F. Systems! I have since purchased the Niles AVS2 switcher. This unit has a much higher build quality, it works flawlessly, and it was less expensive. Too bad I didn’t go with Niles in the first place. Live and learn…