Brandwave

QSC vs RCF:Which is more popular?

In September 2026, QSC had more branded searches than RCF among PA system brands in New Zealand. QSC had about 100 branded searches, while RCF had 80. QSC made up 20.4% of all PA system brand searches we track, and RCF accounted for 16.3%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about PA system brands, RCF appeared in three of the five answers and QSC in two. QSC was mentioned before RCF in two out of three answers that named either.

Among PA system brands in New Zealand in September 2026

Who do people search for more?

QSC, about 25% more searches than RCF

QSC 100 searchesRCF 80 searches

Who does AI mention more?

RCF, mentioned in 3 of 5 answers, QSC in 2

RCF in 3 of 5QSC in 2 of 5

Who does AI recommend more?

QSC, named ahead of RCF in 2 of 3 answers

QSC first in 2RCF first in 1

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Top PA system brands in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews

In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, RCF was mentioned in three out of five: in all three ChatGPT answers, but not in either of the two Google AI Overviews. QSC was mentioned in two out of five: in two of the three ChatGPT answers, but not in either of the two Google AI Overviews. QSC was listed before RCF in two out of three answers that named either.

Most recommended by AI

Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.

  1. Yamaha1st
  2. JBL Professional2nd
  3. QSC3rd
  4. RCF4th
  5. Electro-Voice5th

Mentioned by AI

Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.

  • Yamaha5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
  • RCF3 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
  • JBL Professional3 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
  • QSC2 of 5Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
  • Electro-Voice2 of 5Named in 1 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers

See every answer about PA system brands

5 answers

Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in New Zealand on October 21, 2026.

Is QSC or RCF more popular in search?

This chart shows how often people search Google for QSC and RCF by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all five PA system brands we track, month by month, from searches in New Zealand.

QSC and RCF among PA system brands in New Zealand, by month

Share of searches by month for QSC, RCF. The figures are in the table below the chart.

View monthly share of searches table
MonthYamahaQSCRCFJBL ProfessionalElectro-Voice
Oct 202545.7%21.7%17.4%8.7%6.5%
Nov 202543.8%25%16.7%10.4%4.2%
Dec 202553.1%16.3%16.3%8.2%6.1%
Jan 202636.2%25.5%21.3%10.6%6.4%
Feb 202648.8%23.3%14%9.3%4.7%
Mar 202646.7%22.2%17.8%6.7%6.7%
Apr 202642.9%20.4%20.4%6.1%10.2%
May 202642.9%24.5%16.3%10.2%6.1%
Jun 202643.6%25.6%15.4%7.7%7.7%
Jul 202646.7%22.2%17.8%8.9%4.4%
Aug 202646.7%22.2%17.8%6.7%6.7%
Sep 202653.1%20.4%16.3%8.2%2%

How has the QSC and RCF comparison changed over the last 12 months?

3 findings
  • QSC was ahead of RCF in every measured month of the 12 months ending September 2026.
  • Across the 12 months ending September 2026, QSC’s share of searches among PA system brands in New Zealand moved from 21.7% to 20.4%, and its estimated monthly branded searches held steady at 100.
  • Across the 12 months ending September 2026, RCF’s share of searches among PA system brands in New Zealand moved from 17.4% to 16.3%, and its estimated monthly branded searches held steady at 80.

How did search popularity change for New Zealand PA system brands in September 2026?

2 changes

  1. In September 2026, QSC lost share of searches among PA system brands in New Zealand, from 22.2% to 20.4%.

  2. In September 2026, RCF lost share of searches among PA system brands in New Zealand, from 17.8% to 16.3%.

How are branded searches counted?

4 search terms

Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using QSC’s and RCF’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.

QSC

2 branded search terms

  • qsc
  • qsc audio

RCF

2 branded search terms

  • rcf audio
  • rcf speakers

How the Brand Demand Index is measured

Other head-to-heads among PA system brands

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