Searched through the old threads and couldn't really find my answer, so I throw caution into the wind and start a new thread!

Went around to retail stores such as Circuit City and Best Buy to look at head units for a friend's car. Looked at some head units, and thought it really nice that Circuit City would install the head unit if you bought it there, but I think they might be racking up those prices. Now, I know that with computers, I never buy in stores, I usually buy from newegg.com or maybe step into Tiger Direct. I'm looking for a similar situation with car audio - where do you guys go for the best prices and selection? Do you prefer online retailers?

I know there's Google to find out car audio websites, I'm not a dummy, but lots of sites pop up, and I would like to know what people normally use instead of just trusting the first link from Google and being disappointed.

And what about installation? I, and said friend, are no where near competent in installing. I'd prefer to have someone else do it, and we really don't know anyone that is car audio savvy. Obviously, I know an online retailer is not going to offer this so where would you recommend?

9/4/2008 10:26:49 AM

if you're around raleigh, i'd say a few twwers would install... maximadrvr I know probably would.

9/4/2008 10:36:18 AM

Over at least 20 head unit installs, I have never taken anything of mine to someone else to do. That being said, [user]maximadrvrrrrrrrr[/user] is definitely the car audio go-to here.

9/4/2008 10:38:02 AM

i would recommend crutchfield.com for stereo purchases. They are not the cheapest, but they are an authorized retailer of every product they carry, provide everything you need for installation for free, and will warranty defective products.

A lot of online retailers sell B stock, refurb, or knock-off products. Some don't, but they are still not an authorized retailer and offer no warranty in most cases.

Sonicelectronics.com does offer their own in house warranty for one year on any product you purchase through them though, and I have never had a problem there.

You can also check out audioexpress.com for some decent equipment and prices.

As far as equipment goes, avoid anything except the top of the line when dealing with sony. Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, and Eclipse all have great track records.

The free install at BB and CC is bogus. They offer free labor, and stick you with $90 in parts.

9/4/2008 11:32:11 AM

^ i second the crutchfield recommendation, i've bought many items from them over the last 8 years or so and really couldn't ask for a better company to deal with. truly top notch service

9/4/2008 11:11:58 PM

two good site i recommend are:

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/
http://www.woofersetc.com/

now the thing about circuit city doing the install is if they break something e.g. trim piece, dash, etc. they are responsible to fix it. also c.c. requires the installers to solder all connections vs. best buy using crimp connectors. although there isn't anything wrong with crimp connectors, soldering is by far the best way to do it. the parts that MaximaDrvr make reference of are the wiring harness and trim kit which are both necessities. crutchfield does include these and any other necessary install item needed for your particular application for free but the price markup on the main purchase is usually higher. since you say you don't want to attempt the install i'd definitely consider circuit city as long as you found a product there that you like. don't settle for something just so you can get them to install it for free. with that being said, if you find a product you like at circuit city do some price comparison shopping at some of the online websites such as the ones i listed above. if you are just looking for something basic i doubt you'll save a lot of money by purchasing a head unit online and having someone else install it. reason being is you're going to have to pay for the install kit and wiring harness anyway plus payment to the installer which is probably going to be around $40. if you were looking for a high-end head unit ($1000+) then i'd recommend an online purchase and paying someone to install it since the price difference online would be a lot greater than a retailer vs. a lower-end head unit.

9/6/2008 3:32:41 PM

Yup, crutchfield isn't the cheapest but you can bet your ass it will be hassle free and you will get all the installing parts you need. For me the lack of having to deal with any bullshit is worth a little more $$

9/6/2008 3:33:59 PM

Ill add that if anyone ever needs wiring diagrams or good general info, http://www.the12volt.com is a great site.

9/6/2008 3:35:48 PM

could someone tell me what is wrong with my cd player. bought it brand new a while ago, but my friend recently apparently turned it up too loud or something and now it wont even cut on. its bothering me just a lil bit considering how new this equipment is. thank you.

9/11/2008 2:46:45 PM

try resetting it. if it's a detachable face unit, take it off and there should be a small button to push with a ballpoint pen.

9/11/2008 2:53:45 PM

thanks for the insight...

9/11/2008 2:58:11 PM

You can't damage the cd player by turning it up too loud. If anything it probably just pulled more power than normal and blew a fuse.

9/11/2008 3:59:56 PM

^ i checked the fuse and it is not blown. any more suggestions?

9/11/2008 10:30:13 PM

There could be multiple fuses. There is probably a fuse in the back of the radio. There may be an inline fuse on the positive (red) wire. There is a fuse in the vehicle's fuse box.

Your best bet is to make sure both the positive wires (red and yellow) are giving you power when your ignition is turned on. A multimeter is probably the easiest way. That will isolate it into a problem with the wiring or a problem with the head unit.

9/12/2008 12:40:01 AM

sorry for not stating earlier that i had already checked the fuse in the fuse box AND the fuse in the back of the unit.

9/13/2008 4:02:45 AM

there is another fuse as well. You have a fuse in the interior fuse box, for the switched 12v power. Then there is another fuse under the hood (or wherever your battery is located) that will have another fuse for the audio system (constant 12v power).

Is anything else in the car not working? Cigarette lighter? Power outlets? Dash lights? dome lights?

What kind of car is it??

9/15/2008 2:14:01 PM

98 Grand Marquis LS
dome lights and everything else is working fine

so perplexed right now...def should learn more about cars, lol

9/15/2008 8:48:14 PM