I own the RDS 8000 and early on it was noted the wire was an issue. I opened mine and made sure there was no strain issue. I have moved to the SD10 and really it has all the features I care to try and learn. I personally don't really need to know all the information they try to sell you on. Like my car and my phone it's just TMI You can't beat the price for what they have though and if you think these have problems just search Spectrum. Now there is a fireball I would just fix the wires and be done with it a good radio repair shop ought to be able to handle it for you if you don't feel up to it.