Crutchfield -
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 17,786
Likes: 4
From: Redsox, Pats, Celts & Bruins !!! Redsox Nation !!!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
They are a little expensive, but their customer service is top notch, IMHO. No questions asked return policy and no restocking fees. Even if you install it, don't like it, they will still take it back.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,891
Likes: 2
From: Baltimore MD
A. They are the best place to learn about new products.
B. Their website is great.
C. By the time you go to an electronics store - wasting time, I can order what I want from Crutchfields from their friendly and knowledgeable Reps.
D. They are one of the few places that sell correct OEM interface harnesses so you don't end up cutting and splicing your new equipment into the existing car harness.
E. For matched items they are the best (head unit plus correct 6 cd changer, etc).
F. They are just plain great!
B. Their website is great.
C. By the time you go to an electronics store - wasting time, I can order what I want from Crutchfields from their friendly and knowledgeable Reps.
D. They are one of the few places that sell correct OEM interface harnesses so you don't end up cutting and splicing your new equipment into the existing car harness.
E. For matched items they are the best (head unit plus correct 6 cd changer, etc).
F. They are just plain great!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 475
Likes: 1
Well, you picked one there that's almost impossible to find from anybody other than Crutchfield, so I couldn't find a better price for that one. Specialty items, or low production number units are giong to be the exception to the rule...
What features specifically are you looking for? Why did you pick that model? Are you locked into the Sony explode line
?
What features specifically are you looking for? Why did you pick that model? Are you locked into the Sony explode line
?went for base model to run ipod and sirius plug and play. in future i will install full blown system. Normally I look for 20 mhz for good listening, numerous preamps, strong good peak rms power. Just really love Crutchfield and have had nothing but great experiences for over 20-years now and wanted to get input from all of you as there may be a better price dealer out there. I have kenwood in my gtp and it rocks with the 650 profile amp etc... I just wondered if there was dealer that did it all like crutchfield at the same price. I can't find any, but will try some of the suggestions in this post. thanks.
Last edited by 1badc5GoStrong; Sep 25, 2007 at 10:13 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 475
Likes: 1
I usually browse http://www.woofersetc.com/ , no complaints. I was big into car audio when I was younger (and before I had a car). Even became a certified IASCA (International Auto Sound Challenge Association) Judge at 16 (though that has since expired as I never re-certified to take the test again). Other then that a lot of stuff I buy direct from less well known manufacturers.
I think your experience allows you this freedom. I would not be as confident. I will check out woofersetc.com. thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,193
Likes: 156
From: Navarre FL
I usually browse http://www.woofersetc.com/ , no complaints. I was big into car audio when I was younger (and before I had a car). Even became a certified IASCA (International Auto Sound Challenge Association) Judge at 16 (though that has since expired as I never re-certified to take the test again). Other then that a lot of stuff I buy direct from less well known manufacturers.
woofersetc. I got my HU for $150 less than crutchfield has it! 
A free install kit isnt going to make up that difference!
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
I mean really... Crutchfield is like a legitimate big box electronics store.
Woofersetc, onlinecarstereo, etc, are more along the lines of a guy in a white van selling speakers. Now the more trustworthy ones - yeah, you get genuine stuff. But there are a lot of fakes floating around - believe it or not!
Obviously the guy in the white van is going to sell them cheaper - his overhead is next to nothing in comparison. And he doesn't have to worry about contracts with manufacturers. He just buys in bulk from some random store, removes serial numbers so it can't be tracked, and sells them at a small profit.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,193
Likes: 156
From: Navarre FL
a factory warranty and good product support aren't provided... But woofersetc DOES warranty items, doubt they are going to disappear any time soon.
I mean really... Crutchfield is like a legitimate big box electronics store.
Woofersetc, onlinecarstereo, etc, are more along the lines of a guy in a white van selling speakers. Now the more trustworthy ones - yeah, you get genuine stuff. But there are a lot of fakes floating around - believe it or not!
Obviously the guy in the white van is going to sell them cheaper - his overhead is next to nothing in comparison. And he doesn't have to worry about contracts with manufacturers. He just buys in bulk from some random store, removes serial numbers so it can't be tracked, and sells them at a small profit.
I mean really... Crutchfield is like a legitimate big box electronics store.
Woofersetc, onlinecarstereo, etc, are more along the lines of a guy in a white van selling speakers. Now the more trustworthy ones - yeah, you get genuine stuff. But there are a lot of fakes floating around - believe it or not!
Obviously the guy in the white van is going to sell them cheaper - his overhead is next to nothing in comparison. And he doesn't have to worry about contracts with manufacturers. He just buys in bulk from some random store, removes serial numbers so it can't be tracked, and sells them at a small profit.
I dont see why you couldnt use the manf warranty with wooferetc. but as you said, they provide a 1yr warranty anyway. I tred to register my HU with JVC, to see if it would work, turns out I forgot to write down the serial #
As for support, you may be right. Honestly I dont know cause I didnt have to use it. I plugged it in and everything worked perfectly. But if you need the support and they arent anyhelp Im sure you can find someone locally or on here who is willing to help out.
I just cant justify the extra $150 just to get better cust support over the phone!
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,435
Likes: 0
From: Saint Louis MO
I looked at Crutchfield but the prices were too high. I shopped around and found Sonic Electronix to have the best prices. They also send all the install hardware free. David 
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
It is true that if you know exactly what you want and are just looking at the best prices, other places can save you money.
But if you need advice and excellent install procedures, it is tough to beat Crutchfield.
This is why I bought many of my C3's parts from Vette Brakes; They provide far more than a price and to me, that is worth alot!
But if you need advice and excellent install procedures, it is tough to beat Crutchfield.
This is why I bought many of my C3's parts from Vette Brakes; They provide far more than a price and to me, that is worth alot!
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
I dont see why you couldnt use the manf warranty with wooferetc. but as you said, they provide a 1yr warranty anyway. I tred to register my HU with JVC, to see if it would work, turns out I forgot to write down the serial #
As for support, you may be right. Honestly I dont know cause I didnt have to use it. I plugged it in and everything worked perfectly. But if you need the support and they arent anyhelp Im sure you can find someone locally or on here who is willing to help out.
I just cant justify the extra $150 just to get better cust support over the phone!
As for support, you may be right. Honestly I dont know cause I didnt have to use it. I plugged it in and everything worked perfectly. But if you need the support and they arent anyhelp Im sure you can find someone locally or on here who is willing to help out.
I just cant justify the extra $150 just to get better cust support over the phone!
I'm just saying it costs Crutchfield more to sell equipment than it does WoofersETC or Sonicelectronix, etc.
Overall, I prefer to support authorised dealers over the grey market online stores. Unless the price difference is hugely significant. Many local stores will cut you good prices similar to ebay/we/se prices.
For $150 dollars... If I trusted the grey market dealer, I'd probably choose to save the money.
Last edited by Kale; Sep 26, 2007 at 04:30 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 9,844
Likes: 33
From: S. FLA :: Professional Devil's Advocate
It all depends, crutchfield no doubt offers top notch customer service and support which is kind of built into their prices. Woofersetc etc offer legitimate equipment for enthusiast looking to build far more elaborate items. Even so I'd probably buy a HU from crutchfield and leave the real simple stuff elsewhere. Like a subkit, not rocket science to run some RCA's out from the HU to a trunk, run a power wire plug and play it into an amp and hook up a sub or even the same for stock size replacement components. HU's are no doubt the biggest PITA with a system.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
It all depends, crutchfield no doubt offers top notch customer service and support which is kind of built into their prices. Woofersetc etc offer legitimate equipment for enthusiast looking to build far more elaborate items. Even so I'd probably buy a HU from crutchfield and leave the real simple stuff elsewhere. Like a subkit, not rocket science to run some RCA's out from the HU to a trunk, run a power wire plug and play it into an amp and hook up a sub or even the same for stock size replacement components. HU's are no doubt the biggest PITA with a system.
Of course that time includes the learning curve of fiberglass, body filler, and texturing.
Last edited by Kale; Sep 26, 2007 at 11:58 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 9,844
Likes: 33
From: S. FLA :: Professional Devil's Advocate
That's why I said stock replacement a direct bolt-in replacement. If you're glassing a custom enclosure that yea that ranks up there in PITA level. Sound deadening depends on how elaborate the car is never cars with wires to everything are a PITA. Old school cars where its just a few bolts holding everything down are awesome. I imagine the corvettes would be a pain with power seats, computers everywhere and the tiny size of these cars.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 925
Likes: 4
From: EXTON PA
Cost
Cost is a problem but the service is high. Very detailed install instructions specific to my vehicle, no cost mailing mailing to the location, mailing was fast-Next Day arrival, included correct harness to connect speckers to the corvette wiring without a splice.
Cost was much higher than others. Found a 40.00 difference with the site suggested in this thread but Crutchfield has recommended speakers for your vehicle and a number you can call to discuss a issue.
I agree I cannot do this with all my speaker purchases but for the corvette issues I wanted to self install with no splices to all wiring.
Cost was much higher than others. Found a 40.00 difference with the site suggested in this thread but Crutchfield has recommended speakers for your vehicle and a number you can call to discuss a issue.
I agree I cannot do this with all my speaker purchases but for the corvette issues I wanted to self install with no splices to all wiring.
Last edited by kg54trains; Sep 27, 2007 at 09:39 AM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
Likes: 21
From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
Cost is a problem but the service is high. Very detailed install instructions specific to my vehicle, no cost mailing mailing to the location, mailing was fast-Next Day arrival, included correct harness to connect speckers to the corvette wiring without a splice.
Cost was much higher than others. Found a 40.00 difference with the site suggested in this thread but Crutchfield has recommended speakers for your vehicle and a number you can call to discuss a issue.
I agree I cannot do this with all my speaker purchases but for the corvette issues I wanted to self install with no splices to all wiring.
Cost was much higher than others. Found a 40.00 difference with the site suggested in this thread but Crutchfield has recommended speakers for your vehicle and a number you can call to discuss a issue.
I agree I cannot do this with all my speaker purchases but for the corvette issues I wanted to self install with no splices to all wiring.
If you putting in an after-market system HU and speakers, you would not be using the stock speaker wiring as you would run everything from the amplifier to the speakers.
Crutchfield is okay, but you really need to know what you're doing when you buy stereo equipment. I was ignorant when I did my first stereo installation on the vette, now I know better and do my research before buying anything.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 475
Likes: 1
Finished Install Last Week
Put the Sony X-Plod in. I had to run hot wire separate from wiring harness and bend down the metal stock unit brace tab so unit would slid all the way back into dash. Now I have Ipod in glove box, Sirius hooked through front auxiliary and the standard radio and cd options as well; love it. Nothing like having four solid options But, I will be modifying it in future as I desperately need an amp, cross-overs and new speakers.
But, I will be modifying it in future as I desperately need an amp, cross-overs and new speakers.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Crutchfield has to sell at MSRP to maintain their authorized reseller status and of course be able to provide knowledgable, US-based, English speaking support!!! They have sales every now and then on EOL products which you will have to call or put in your shopping basket to get the price type of situations that are good deals w/ a warranty as well.
I've bought some items from them knowing I was paying full MSRP for essentially the warranty. If it's a < $1K item and I could save a $100.+ elsewhere buying on the grey market knowing that I would on my own if it crapped out prematurely, I'd consider it and have done just that in some cases. With big ticket items, I don't know too many people who would drop a few grand on gear w/o the peace of mind of a factory warranty, myself included.
It's all about what YOU are willing to pay for peace of mind whether that comes by way of a warranty, support, no questions asked returns, etc... Apparently, Crutchfield is doing rather well so they must be doing something right.
I've bought some items from them knowing I was paying full MSRP for essentially the warranty. If it's a < $1K item and I could save a $100.+ elsewhere buying on the grey market knowing that I would on my own if it crapped out prematurely, I'd consider it and have done just that in some cases. With big ticket items, I don't know too many people who would drop a few grand on gear w/o the peace of mind of a factory warranty, myself included.
It's all about what YOU are willing to pay for peace of mind whether that comes by way of a warranty, support, no questions asked returns, etc... Apparently, Crutchfield is doing rather well so they must be doing something right.
