Need Sonora Design products? We have them!

Thinking back a decade ago, no DIRECTV commercial installation was complete without at least a few Sonora Design products. They were the preferred high-end supplier for amplifiers, taps, and other distribution products. In the last few years, you’ve heard less and less about them. Why is that?

The Sonora story

Yes, there was a time when Sonora Design was about as hot as they come in the DIRECTV world. They even landed “official supplier” status when they designed and built the TAMP-6 amplifier. At one time the TAMP_6 was required in every DIRECTV installation. You could be forgiven for thinking it wasn’t a Sonora product, though, since it had DIRECTV branding.

Although Sonora Design did gain that coveted supplier status, they also seemingly lost their way. I’m not sure whose toes they stepped on, but slowly you started to see that their influence was fading. Although they had offered SWM combining products for years, it was Zinwell’s SWM Expander that got “official” status over Sonora’s, even though Sonora came first. Sonora was first with a 6-line amplifier and 7-line tap, but the “official” status went to Unitron’s STA amplifier and satellite tap.  Clearly, there was something wrong with the politics there.

Eventually, Sonora Design’s star faded to the extent that they were purchased by rival Holland, who is the official supplier of many DISH commercial products but who hadn’t made inroads into the DIRECTV community.

If you want to replace a Sonora product…

The good news is that Solid Signal is one of the few places you can still get Sonora Design products at retail. Our selection is more complete than anyone else’s. If you’re looking for a Sonora product, we probably have it. If we don’t, we can try to get it but they don’t make every product anymore.

You can also choose to replace some Sonora products with other manufacturers. As I said, the STA series amplifier is really the cream of the crop. It’s not as inexpensive as some of the older single-line amps from Sonora but its combination of features and flexibility make it a much better choice. The same is true with the official AT&T-approved polarity locker. Sonora’s 4SATPL was the de facto choice, but this one features more lines and a more industrial design. It’s made by ProBrand/Eagle Aspen, another long-time DIRECTV supplier.

Get the DIRECTV equipment you need

Whether you’re trying to get a little more life from an older install or you’re contemplating a new install, there’s only one place you need to look. Only Solid Signal has the best selection of real, AT&T-approved parts as well as some of the older hard-to-find ones. We carry older Zinwell, Eagle Aspen, and Sonora Design products that no one else does. We’re the place to find those 1-for-1 replacements you want so you can get back up and running quickly.

If you’re looking for a replacement for something that’s just not made anymore (like the once-popular Spaun multiswitch) we can help too. We’ve sold more AT&T/DIRECTV products than anyone, and we are ready to recommend a good replacement for a part that’s no longer made. Every day our customer service department helps hundreds of people like you get what they need.

Why not give us a call at 888-233-7563 if you need help or advice. Our 100% US-based call center is here to help during East Coast business hours! If it’s after hours, fill out the form below and we’ll be happy to help!

 

About the Author

Stuart Sweet
Stuart Sweet is the editor-in-chief of The Solid Signal Blog and a "master plumber" at Signal Group, LLC. He is the author of over 10,000 articles and longform tutorials including many posted here. Reach him by clicking on "Contact the Editor" at the bottom of this page.