T R Theater Research Inc Paramax Audio Sold twelfth-rate audio products at top-end prices out of the back of a van in Atlanta, Georgia

Not actually my ripoff to report, but happened to a very close friend.

Friend was approached by two "audio contractors" in a van at a gas station in Atlanta, GA.  Their story was basically the same as all the others here - they were home theatre contractors who had been left with overages at the end of a job and needed to unload them to make some cash before the client claimed the overages as part of the contract.  They were looking for $600; when my friend told them he couldn't swing that, they asked him what he could.  They (reluctantly) agreed on $250.

What a load of garbage.

They alleged (among other things) that the unit (a WI-200) had an HDMI port, that it was a fully-extendable and scalable surround-sound receiver, and that the retail price was well over $3,000.  The unit is barely surround-capable, the speakers are lighter and less powerful than my computer speakers, and the thing is far less scalable or extendable than the old Sony bookshelf system I had when I was ten.  I would have to seriously think about it before I spent even $50 on this item, and would probably leave it on the shelf at that price.

Caveat emptor - if you hear of this brand, steer clear.  Of course, if you're researching this online, you've either already bought it from someone in the back of a van (the products are not sold in ANY retail locations and are not available online except via eBay or Craigslist) or are thinking about going back to buy one from someone in a van.  If you and your money are lucky enough to be safely at home, stay there.