All I can say is my wife is running the same Alpine amp that I bought used back in 1995. It's been used everyday since then (pizza delivery vehicles) and I haven't had a problem yet. That makes it worth it IMO, but they are a bit more expensive to start with.
Scott

Scott Mabe I WILL be Phil. 1999 Contour SVT, Tropic Green BAT kit, K&N RU-3530+MAF, Magnecore 8.5mm, some audio goodies, Hightowers, Knauberized, tatoo by Parkedcar.