A B & M Super Chief can be heard farther away, has higher decibels, and draws less current. Unlike the Federal Q which is manufactured today in China, and most parts to repair it are not readily available. The B & M is manufactured in the United States, with parts manufactured in the United States, and is repairable. All the new units come with epoxy coatings to protect it from salt spray. A unit manufactured in the 1950's can still be rebuilt today.