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The folks at Crutchfield are just outstanding. The reason I learned of Crutchfield was actually because I signed up for a rewards offer through an online rewards program back around 2000. Part of the offer-reward was to sign up to get catalogs. One of those catalogs was Crutchfield.

Initially, I didn't order anything from Crutchfield. Their selection was impressive. Not only did they have a ton of stuff, they had the most obscure stuff. In many ways, these guys are like Radio Shack. If I need an obscure piece of electronics in a pinch, I'll go to a Radio Shack brick store. But if I want more selection and if I don't want to drive to the store, Crutchfield is a solution.

While Radio Shack is great for what they can squeeze into such small stores, and the *usual* expertise of the on-hand staffers, it isn't a solution to every electronics problem.

For one thing, Crutchfield sells far more than just accessories, even though they have all the accessories. Also, these guys have a very impressive website with great detail, selection, and excellent navigation. I can search by keyword, manufacturer part number, Crutchfield part number, or just do a general search.

But what really sets these guys apart is the customer service.

There has now been several occasions where I knew what I wanted in my mind, but just didn't have much of an idea of the name of a model, a brand, or where to find accompanying accessories. This is where the toll-free Crutchfield phone number comes in handy.

These guys are true professionals. I have yet to be disappointed. A few months back, I wanted a bunch of cables for a new DVD player. I called Crutchfield. They had plenty of solutions. I asked for price ranges of differently types of cables. It was as if they had a flip chart of exactly the types of things I was looking for right in front of them. The answers just rolled off the tongue. In short, I ended up getting "medium quality" across the board, including well-insulated component cables and optical audio cables. And at certain lengths. There are so many variables. And you know how it is... shopping for this stuff. It's a major pain! You just want it to work, right? Well I tell you, just call Crutchfield and tell them your situation and they'll set you up. And they don't forget about adapters or splitters or special cables or how far you need to go with your cables and on and on. They ask YOU questions so that you will be set up.

Just last month, I needed a set of head phones. I have two TVs in a 1,000 sq ft condo. It only works to have one TV playing, otherwise the sound mixes. So I needed a very nice quality pair of headphones, and I knew I needed an extension cable to get the phones all the way to the couch.

No problem. I didn't have to leave my seat. The Crutchfield Rep had several suggestions, as far as headphones models. I told him I wanted something nice, but not the best. I decided against the $300 Bose phones and went with some Sennheiser phones. They are outstanding. They sound great. The sound coming out of these things is better than anything I ever heard coming out of this cheap TV. And of course, that extension cord was no problem - plenty in stock. And the cord was only like $3.

Now I don't know that Crutchfield has the cheapest prices on the Web. They probably don't. And if I want something that is little more than a commodity on the Web, I'll use a comparison shopping engine to find it. But if I don't know exactly what I want and I need a solution to a serious problem, I call Crutchfield.

Other tidbits... Their hours are very liberal - 8 AM to Midnight Eastern all week. You can call just for questions and advice. If you don't want to use the phone, you can do a live chat. You can email. Their service is just outstanding.

And like I said, these guys (and ladies) know what they're talking about. This isn't calling Best Buy. These people are obviously trained and well paid.

They sell everything from a $1 accessory up to thousands of dollars high-def TVs. They sell just about everything electronics.

I also bought a car stereo from them. They have about as many models as anyone. I requested an MP3 capable player with an AUX jack for inputting my iPod. No problem. The deck was like $150 and Crutchfield threw in all the mounting and installation accessories.

I think you're getting the idea.

Oh and for those with the need for the finest of details... you can order by phone and major credit cards are accepted over the phone. Same deal over the Internet. That's Visa, Master Card, Discover, Amex, and a few others. Even Western Union is accepted.

Confirmation emails are prompt and the salespersons do not forget to send them if you order by phone - I've had this problem ordering by phone from say, J&R out of New York.

Order fullfillment and timely shipping - part of the package with Crutchfield. For my last order, I remember the guy saying "it'll ship out before the end of the day." I think I got it about two days later.

I highly recommend Crutchfield.

brad.