Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio installation question

well you guys said that you got an amp-bypass. Well how do i get one, where can i get one. AND, how much is it going to cost me?

Listen guys, i know many think that crutchfield is a good place to get car audio, but its not.Sure they send you all you need, as far as instrucitons etc.., and im sure it comes right on time, but they are a rip off. Every place i have ever been to is cheaper than they are. they had my headunit a clarion DRX8675z for like 400 or a little under, i got it brand new for 240, and thats no misprint. Thats just one example. every single item i have ever looked up there i have found cheaper within minutes of looking online. Anywhere between 50 bcuks cheaper too 200. imtaking about HU, amps, speakers....so if you like blowing money go ahead shop there.

You're paying more due to their absolute first-rate customer service, free shipping return policy, supplied "free" installation kits/accessories, super-detailed car specific instructions, and well-knowledged help-whenever-you-want-it technical support. IMO, no on-line retailer compares.

That is why their prices are higher. As a general rule, I only buy stuff from them when it's on special. Then, you get a decent price and all of the extras.

I just picked up a Clarion Pro Audio HX-D10 for $310 shipped with all of the goodies as it was on special. The cheapest I found it elsewhere at all of the on-line discount retailers was 400 and up.

I think that your case is an exception, that is a good price for that head unit, but my case definetely still stands. To me its not worth it to pay 50 or 100 or more to get "technical help". If i really cant figure it out asking my friends or going to a stereo shop and asking or even asking online, id pay that 50 or 100 and have it done profesionally, and it would come out the same.Theres no reason for them to justify the higher and in most cases much higher price.

It's just a case of getting what you pay for. You find no value in their added services, so you think it's a rip-off.

Crutchfield is the perfect place for a car stereo newbie or a DIY'er to shop for their first time install. They might pay an extra $50 or more, but it'd be more than worth the headaches and common first time installer pitfalls. Those added services do justify the higher price.

You'd probably still come out ahead of taking the car to a pro (not BB/CC hacks, but a reputable car stereo shop). And, you'd have the satisfaction of doing the job yourself along with some very worthwhile knowledge.

i see your point, makes sense, they give you alot of technical help and all the guides, so i suppose if someone is new too this they may want the extra help and dont mind $50, but like i said I have seen prices from 50 to 200 cheaper, usually its between $50-100, and thats to much in mind for help. I see a 100 or 50 dollers as me having to work several hours to get, and im not gonna do that.

That's true. At my current level in car audio I wouldn't pay an extra $50 or $100 more, either.

I seldom buy from Crutchfield. It's only when it's on special and their price is on par with other on-line retailers.

Lately, I've been getting stuff from uBid and mmexpress. I just couldn't pass up that deal on the Clarion HU on Crutchfield.

Thats a nice clarion you got.

I agree. Crutchfield is a great resource for newbies, but if I'm going to spend that kind of money, i'll support the local audio shops instead.

ok nice talk about crutchfield. BUt, I asked where i could get my hands on a amp bypass for my 96 contour se. Please help my out i really want to put in my cd player.