rcurley55 - I think that your thread was more directed at me. I appreciate what you are saying, but wanted to clarify a bit - I think we are more or less on the same page - customer service is a very important intangible that needs to be factored into purchases (but IMO it isn't all that key in this case given the nature of the purchase).

First of all, I agree that Crutchfield does (at times) have some very good deals. I am a big fan of Crutchfield, as I have bought many items from their, and their customer service, product knowledge, support, and extras (harnesses, diagrams, kits, etc) are top notch - but there are times when all the "extras" that they supply aren't necessary.

I completely agree that in most cases price does not equal value, or quality, but there are times and situations where the whole price, quality, value equation kind of blends together.

For example, in this case, if he was set on getting the Infinity speakers, why should he spend the extra $80? You and I both know that installing components is not a complex thing, does he really need the "Crutchfield" support for this? Sure, Crutchfield may have a reputation of standing behind their products, but they are not the only ones who do this. When I ordered from Sounddomain (same Infinity speakers), one of the speakers was defective. I simply called them, explained the situation, and I had a new one on my doorstep in a couple of days. Overall, I was thrilled with the customer service of Sounddomain. They did everything they said they would do (offer quality products, pricematch, stand behind their products). They may not have the expertise and product knowledge that Crutchfield has, but in this case, I didn't need/want it. I knew exactly what I wanted, how it worked, and how to install it. I did not need the Crutchfield "extras". I did not direct him to some unknown bargain basement operation. I simply was pointing out that he could save some money by looking elsewhere besides Crutchfield (based on what he wanted, and his budget). To me, taking five minutes to search around the internet for prices was well worth the $80 I saved. I agree that many times people take the "price shopping" thing way to far, but if you can save some money on the same thing (apples to apples), why not do it? Would I go out of my way and buy from a no name supplier to save a few bucks?.........heck no, but if someone has personal experience (with the same situation and product), from a rather well known seller, I will definitely check it out. While in many cases the value of "added services" is WELL worth it, I just don't think that given his case, it warrants him paying more.

I don't want this to come off as a ranting thread towards you (that is not my intention at all). I respect your knowledge and what you offer to the board(s). I was just explaining that I was in the same situation he is in (not that long ago), and I was trying to save him a little legwork (seeing as I did it already).

By the way, there are clean ways to use the female connectors, you don't have to "hack" things up.

:cheers: to everyone. Have a great weekend!

Congrats on your new car by the way, that is a sweet ride! You should post some pics!