"I bought my first 5 Stage Reverse Osmosis system from APEC in 2004 (RO-45), and just bought another one (RO-90) now that we have moved into a new house. The new one is very similar, but with better hardware, and a higher volume per day. And it was the same price I paid in 2004! (I waited for a sale)
The quality really is above any filter unit you can buy at the local store - this ain't no cheap $150 big box store unit! The solid charcoal filter is a must. I recommend that you get replacement filters for stages 1,2,3 once a year as directed, so-as to keep the Reverse Osmosis Membrane lasting the full 5 years.
I have had to contact the company every year to get replacement filters, and they have been responsive and helpful. I usually buy off the website. One time, I bought two pre-filters and they only sent one. But I called them and they sent the other filter out priority and paid shipping."