I am new to this exciting world of car audio customization. In my research, I have seen that many Chinese/Korean/Import 1/2 DIN decks and other parts are roughly 1/3 the price of domestic products.

I asked this question in another of my posts, and had DUKK respond by saying that it wasnt worth it in his opinion. Sinemeup also added that I should check the classifieds and stick to known names.

Has anybody here purchased cheap import products from places like lightinthebox.com, or other sites? Anything positive? Horror stories?

I appreciate the advice from DUKK and Sinemeup. Duly noted and thank you for taking the time to respond with your experience. However I would like to here some stories from people who have dealt with these products.

Thanks everyone!

 

Heres one... my friend owns a shop, has some guy come in to try and push some of these no-namer double dins on him... he puts in a dvd into a brand new unit and what do you know, it doesn't play the dvd...

 

Is it a brick and mortar retailer/ is it someone who will be at the same address tomorrow who is selling it?
Does it have a warranty, and is the warranty any good?
Does the product you are buying have ANY form of pedigree (has anyone ever heard of it, does it have a work vs non-working track record)?
Why is it cheaper? could it because the profit margin is cut OR because quality control was eliminated?

 

OK OK. The Chinese retailers are seemingly quite shady. It was nice to think that I could have everything all in one unit for really cheap but its comments like these that show a contrast.

Can anyone suggest the best vs most cost effective way to play music directly off my IPhone 3G and make hands-free calls as well, either all in one unit or not?

That was my original plan.

Thanks everyone!!

 

JVC | Canada | Product Detail - KD-R810

This does everything you're asking it to do. Either by bluetooth or your could run USB ipod directly to the deck as well.

This year's JVC line up is actually made by Kenwood and it's nice and solid compared to their old stuff.

Alpine you can generally do it if you buy their extra bluetooth module. KCE-400BT (only compatible with 75% of units, so check.) But the microphone quality is head and shoulders above JVC.

The main complaint I hear about the JVC bluetooth is that it makes your voice sound "watery"

 

you get what u put into it if u wanna get a 100 dollor indash your gonna get that quality

 

Well my post wasn't meant to scare but to make sure you move forward with our eyes open. I cant recommend certain name brands as they are (Boss, Jensen come to mind) and I hate to see people throw money away. Remember the Chinese and Koreans probably make every Alpine, kenwood, JVC deck out there so it is possible it IS a good deal but this lowers this down to what it was before this post, and that is a gamble. BTW the Chinese and Korean quality can be excellent (or it could be baby formula with melamine powder in it)

 

lol i saw this topic and this scene just screams at this

hxxp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb_R1VZqLcE

 

These import decks that you're talking about won't fit into your dash properly. They're 1/8" too big on the height. They do offer a lot of options for a low price. I've installed many. The breakdown factor is something to concern yourself with too. Will the person who is offering it to you give you a real warranty?
I have a JVC KD-A815 in one of my cars and it has been flawless! nobody complains about the quality. And unlike Alpine, it always works.

 

:P

The quality control on DDINS has been this year, but I haven't seen any problems with the regular decks.