10 replies to this topic

[maccers]

Hi all, is it me or is there a distinct lack of shops that sell car stereo kit? I mean like actual dedicated shops (not Halfords). I went to two yesterday that I have used in the past many years ago to look for an updated head unit, but it seemed I was a massive inconvenience by being in the shop!!

 

The websites of both look really good and very informative, plenty showing stock etc. I know online is always the thing lately, but why have a half empty shop and woeful sales technique? 

 

Might stick with me old one or look buy a used one!

[johnv]

I'm afraid that on-line shopping killed any chance of being able to browse those shops. You'd only find what you want and buy it cheaper from Amazon! You'll have to do you shopping on your iPad .. a confusingly large number out there to choose from

[Aly-g]

I'm afraid that on-line shopping killed any chance of being able to browse those shops. You'd only find what you want and buy it cheaper from Amazon! You'll have to do you shopping on your iPad .. a confusingly large number out there to choose from

Unfortunately this is the way of the world that we live in today, scammers, thieves and conmen included.

[stuart bowes]

with the single din radios it's probably much of a muchness which one you choose anyway they pretty much all offer the same functions and probably at minimum have a pair of RCA outputs, if you even need that kind of thing in a mini

 

the only real issue you'll have is finding something like doesn't take styling cues from a 90's max power magazine

 

you said not Halfords.. but why not? they don't make the units they're just a retailer.  I wouldn't ask them for advice on speakers, wiring, amps, etc but they can sell you a simple head unit

 

for example this one looks fairly subtle and is cheap

https://www.halfords...reo-206094.html

 

or if you have more budget this one looks nice and includes DAB, with microphone input and so on

saying that I find DAB in cars to be temperamental at best, some work better than others

https://www.halfords...reo-215430.html

the EXTRABASS button is a bit cringe worthy but it's hard to find car stereos for grown ups

 

or the same without DAB

https://www.halfords...ity-215414.html

 

if you wanted to to go more high tech with touchscreen and android auto check out this recent post

https://www.theminif...-apple-carplay/

 

Around my way the problem with the audio shops is they tend to be little single unit high-street jobbies where no-one can park and you do rely on them being open when you get there, the stock levels are variable, whereas Halfords is convenient and has the budget to keep lots of things in the warehouse.  and online has it's own obvious benefits.  it is a shame though I used to like going in, chatting with them and browsing

Edited by stuart bowes, 25 May 2022 - 11:37 AM.

[PoolGuy]

I haven't seen the Wagers for a while but their shops used to be an Aladdin's cave for ICE fans http://thames-car-radio.co.uk

[DomCr250]

All the independents will work with a distribution channel, that means they keep their overheads (stuff in stock) low and ship to customers directly from the disties.  Exactly the same model as IT resellers use.

 

My advice would be to go down the 2nd hand market route, even stuff 5 or 10 years old has the majority of features on the head unit you will want in a mini.  I'm running Alpine 9850ri's in the mini and my Landcruiser, £25 a pop, super sound and early ipod compatible via a cable ...so you can have all your music in the car for under £40 ....9850 + 64GB old ipod.

[ace01]

As someone who has specialised in ICE previously, there are several reasons for the lack of shops stocking a good range of ICE.  Firstly as mentioned online sales have been a major competitor with low overheads etc. 

 

But secondly there is a lack of need for upgrading head units in modern cars.  They come well equipped as standard.

 

Thirdly, the cost of facias and leads that can cope with the variety of addons (reverse sensors, GPS, Bluetooth etc), not to mention CanBus, mean that any change is not likely to be cheap. 

 

Finally, many more modern car owners are unable to fit the kit themselves and the cost of getting it fitted is normally substantial.

 

I can't answer for poor service, that is not acceptable.

[PoolGuy]

 

I can't answer for poor service, that is not acceptable.

It's all too common in many types of retail these days.

[Marky Tizz]

I see you are in Epsom, there is a car audio place in Wallington - https://www.soundsalarming-uk.co.uk/

 

Not sure if you've tried it. A garage owning friend of mine rates them.

[maccers]

Thanks all for the replies. I totally agree online these days if you know what you are after wins most of the time. Guess I am getting old wanting to go into a shop, talk, touch, try out etc. I do shop in Halfords regularly, I just recall their ICE stuff used to be way more than it is now. 

I have an amp, and 6x9's under the rear passenger seat, and an Alpine CD125 unit, its fine, but wont support bluetooth streaming and wireless remote control. I was looking the Alpine CDE205 that supports old style CD's, Bluetooth and remote ready.

 

Will try the place in Wallington, cheers!

[maccers]

Just to update, huge thanks to Dynamic Sounds in Wandsworth who helped me out, and have a shop with items available...! I never made it to Wallington, so cant comment.