internet bargins??

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jmadison @ Sep 21 2006, 06:53 PM) [snapback]323120[/snapback]</div>

Most of it is "buyer beware". If you're a knowledgable buyer and are buying good quality equipment (which both JL & Diamond are), then you're probably okay, particularly if the on-line supplier has a DOA policy, or at least a 30-day type satisfaction guarantee. JL & Diamond are even more stickler-like on their warranty policy. Typically one year if you buy it (from an authorized retailer) and have it installed, but up to 3 to 5 years on some equipment if you let that authorized retailer install it for you....in some cases I've heard of only 30-90 day coverage if they don't do the install.

There's no shortage of people out there who really abuse their equipment, then want the manufacturer to fix it every time they cook something. That's why they are as touchy as they are.

I've both bought & sold car audio on-line.....the deep discounts come with an increased risk....but if the penny-pincher in you outweighs the play-it-safe'er (like it does for me) then roll those dice.

Good luck.

 

Hey jmadison - since you are in studio city I thought I would give you a tip if you are considering buying online. I was looking at some fairly high-end speakers and other components when I found that woofersetc.com had really good prices and offered "authorized dealer only" stuff - stuff you're not even supposed to be able to buy online. I knew there would be warranty issues (if that came up) but the prices were like one half retail on some stuff. I didn't buy everything there but did buy some things (I bought amps from the people that did the install since they were just not available anywhere online) - the price was just too good. Then I got a call from them and their retail store (if you can call it that) is in downtown LA. They gave me internet prices and I bought the stuff at the store. They said they would take returns if I was unsatisfied - in lieu of a manufacturer warranty .. everything is good with the equipment so I never had to test this out but they seemed less shady than I expected - and the prices were very good. I do believe that it is "buyer beware" though ...

 

Hey Joel,
Yes - I saved on the shipping by buying at the store .. it's downtown on 13th street (I think) on a street with a lot of electronics wholesalers. I bought my speakers from them - I did spend an obscene amount on my car stereo so it may not be a good model for you to follow.. Dynaudio 3-way's in the front and 2-ways in the rear and a Diamond Audio D6 sub. I also got a JL Audio amp for the sub there. I went to Beach Auto Sound in Huntington Beach for the install and other components - they do a lot of Prius's and make a nice sub enclosure that fits in the passenger side cubby in the back. People have posted pic's of their work. I have heard there is also a good shop in the valley (Soundsations in Newhall) but that is from reading postings on here. I'm sure you can search it on this forum (search "beach" in the Audio forum and you will get a lot of hits).
Bob

 

JL Audio will not repair things without a serial number. I have a bunch of JL Audio stuff. All except one amp I bought from my dealer. One amp I bought from a friend who wasn't going use it after all. I said I'd buy it from him (half off retail price). When I got it, I learned that he had bought it online (eBay), and the serial number was missing from the bottom. Even the sticker on the box with the serial number was gone. So if anything evey goes wrong, I'll be SOL. Anyway, it's only $250 out of the $3500 my stuff cost, so it's not a big deal. If it breaks, I'll buy one from the dealer and sell the busted one on eBay for parts.

For reputable companies like JL and Diamond, take heed of their warning. Chances are that nothing will ever go wrong, as they really do make some high quality stuff, and problems are rare.

If you want to save money, buy online. eBay has some amazing prices on great things.

If you want the security of a warranty, buy from your official dealer.