Our Historical Roots

The story of Rockford Fosgate began in 1973 when Jim Fosgate developed the Frequency Energizer (which became the patented Punch EQ) and pioneered the first car audio amplifiers. In 1980, the company established its headquarters on Rockford Drive in Tempe, Arizona—combining the street name with Jim’s last name to create the iconic Rockford Fosgate brand.

Rockford Fosgate Today

Still headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, Rockford Fosgate remains a global leader in high-performance audio engineering. Designed under the ethos "Built by Fanatics, for Fanatics," they produce industry-leading audio systems purpose-built for automobiles, motorcycles, marine vessels, and off-road vehicles.

A Special Note of Appreciation

We extend our deepest gratitude to the entire team at Rockford Fosgate for their collaboration on this project. By helping build and outfit our custom demonstrator cart with a world-class sound system, Rockford Fosgate continues to honor Jim Fosgate’s original vision: bringing high-fidelity audio to life and educating others on the power of great sound.

The Jim Fosgate Legacy Project was created as a tribute to innovation, education, and lifelong learning.

At the center of the project is a custom-built demonstration vehicle featuring a professional Rockford Fosgate audio system. More than simply a display vehicle, the cart serves as a mobile STEM learning platform designed to help students and the public understand the science behind sound and audio technology.

The project was inspired by the belief that scientific concepts become more meaningful when people can experience them directly. Through hands-on demonstrations, students can see how physics, engineering, and technology work together in the real world.

Why the Project Was Created

The Jim Fosgate Legacy Project was created to honor the life, work, and innovative spirit of audio pioneer Jim Fosgate while inspiring future generations through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

As both Jim Fosgate's daughter and a high school physics and chemistry teacher, I wanted to create a meaningful way to connect his legacy with future generations. This project combines my father's passion for innovation with my passion for education and hands-on learning.

The goal is not only to share the science behind sound, but also to encourage curiosity, creativity, perseverance, and lifelong learning—the same qualities that guided Jim throughout his life.

A Mobile STEM Learning Experience

Demonstrations may include topics such as:

• Sound waves

• Frequency and pitch

• Amplitude and loudness

• Acoustics

• Resonance

• Speaker design

• Signal processing

• Energy transfer

• Engineering design principles

Rather than simply reading about these concepts in a textbook, students can hear them, see them, measure them, and experience them firsthand.

The Build highlights

Vehicle: Denago EV Rover XL Electric Golf Cart

Rockford Fosgate Audio System Components:

• 1,000-Watt 5-Channel Amplifier (P1000X5)

• Two 10" Marine Subwoofers with RGB Lighting (M1D2-10B)

• 6.5" Moto Can Speakers (M2WL-65MB)

• 6.5" Marine Speakers (M2-65B)

• 4" 3-Way Coaxial Speakers (P1V2-4)

• Universal RGB Light Controller (PMX-RGB)

• Punch Remote Level Control (PLC2)

• Dual Amplifier Wiring Kit (RFK1D)

  Contact Rockford Fosgate for more details:

  Toll-Free (USA & Canada): 1-800-669-9899

  Direct / Local Line: 480-967-3565