Crutchfield

Full review
I hadn't ordered a thing from Crutchfield in years. During my recent Jeep CJ7 restoration, I needed a trusted source for my Jeep's stereo system. I had been to many of my area's "stereo shops" but they all seem to have biased opinions. Other than car audio, Crutchfield sells digital cameras, TVs, home audio, video and gadgets to suit most anyone's needs. I find that the selection is better than the stores because they carry brand new stuff, blemished and discontinued items.

Their website is well laid out and easy to find what you're looking for. Once on the site, you're faced with your first question (in car audio) - the make, model and year of your vehicle. In my case, it's custom applications, so the site allows me to shop based on type or brand too.

What's great about Crutchfield, is that they take the time to ask what your needs and parameters are. I never feel rushed. Then they suggest your options, your optional supplies and then send a very clear step-by-step installation guide along with the order. So (pretty much)anyone can install a car stereo and its components. Another great thing about Crutchfield is that the technical support is there for you - no matter how long ago you purchased from them.

Each product has images and a description and then there are tabs under the image. They include: an "Overview" of the product, "Hands on Research" that offers more in-depth information, "Features and Specs", "Accessories" that are available for that product and then there are reviews. Of course, those reviews pale in comparison to Epinions reviews (sheepish grin).

Another great option is that most everything they sell has a "scratched & dented" option. Meaning you can buy something that has a slight blemish for less money.

During my recent sub-woofer purchase, my advisor asked the volume of the sub box that I made. He calculated the interior volume of the box (at 1.773 cubic inches) and then told me what speakers would work best for my particular sub box. For those who don't know, sub-woofers need to move a certain volume of air to be effective.

After he sold me the speaker, he asked if I had any sound baffling material for inside the box. This material makes the box characteristics resonate better. I totally forgot about that material and I was happy he didn't. He has also asked about wire but I already purchased a spool. While some places give the impression they're in it for the money and then forget about you, Crutchfield really does have an air of honesty and empathy for its customers.

My recent purchases (as well as my orders from years ago) show up right on time and well-packaged.

I find Crutchfield to be honest, unbiased and quite knowledgeable. They even offer a 30-day return on stereo equipment. Another great fact about them? Their customer service and technical help call center is located in THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!

What I Don't Like: In this competitive marketplace, most companies offer a 30-day price guarantee. I find it annoying that Crutchfield doesn't. For instance, I purchased an Alpine amp for $279.99 and found it on a few other sites for $249. And my Kenwood head unit was $159.99 and I spotted its replacement model for a mere $20 more - my model is not even offered any longer on many of the other websites.

And that's another thing, many of Crutchfield's offerings seem to be on the verge of being "discontinued." My tweeters were discontinued two weeks after I purchased them and the Kenwood head unit I purchased is no longer available on many other websites. Its replacement is a little bit more money.

My advice: While Crutchfield's customer service and tech support are top notch, their pricing is (more often than not) more money. So that "free" accessory or that free tech support - isn't really free.


Logon to www.crutchfield.com. It's a great website to do some investigative homework for your home or car stereo system, video equipment and other techie gadgets. Request a catalog. Not only is it fun to read, but it's a wealth of technical advice and some of what's available in audio and video technology today.

The bottom line is... MANY companies can take business ethics lessons from Crutchfield. They know how to get business done right - before and after the transaction. The mere fact that (as of 4/12/08) 3,220 Epinionators have rated Crutchfield and the average score is 5 out of 5 stars speaks for itself. But I would shop around FIRST for the best price and determine if paying more money is worth tech support that everyone should have anyway.

Visit their website at www.crutchfield.com or call them at (800) 388-2911.