Video: Inside Crutchfield's Product Research Team
How we know so much about the products we sell
Our Product Research team examines one of every car and home audio/video product that we have in our warehouse. Check out the steps involved in databasing a product, and where to find the info the team gathers when you're shopping at crutchfield.com.
For car audio products, this product data combines with the data we collect from vehicles to create our vehicle-fit database (as seen in our video about the Crutchfield MasterSheet™). And that's how we know whether or not a product fits your car.
Read video transcript
Today I'm going to be researching this Kenwood CD receiver, the KDC-BT948HD. What we'll do first is we'll actually take the unit out of the box and document everything that comes with the unit, so the customer knows exactly what should be in the box when they receive it in the mail.
After that, I'll actually open up the owner's manual, and I'll read it front to back to make sure I know everything I need to about the unit before I start writing about it on the web. Once I'm done with the manual, I'll actually hook the unit up to a speaker, put a CD in it, hook it up to an iPod as far as to test iPod compatibility and then look and see what other accessories that we could add to this unit, whether it be Bluetooth, HD radio.
Once I've done playing with that stuff, we'll actually measure the unit to make sure that it fits your vehicle. We'll measure the width, the height, and we'll measure the depth, including cables, so we know there's enough clearance in your dash for it to fit. And additionally, I'll actually document it in our database wiring codes for the head unit as far as knowing what color wires are what whether it's a speaker lead, or a power lead, or ground lead.
Once that's all complete, we put it out there on the web for our customers and internally for our sales advisors and tech people to help assist our customers. We do this for every car stereo that we sell and every product that comes into Crutchfield. We take the time to sit down and make sure that it does everything that it should do, and that you know what you're getting before you're buying.
Allen J. Zale from TUCSON
Posted on 11/2/2021
I know of no other stereo equipment testers, reporters/retailers that can hold a candle up to Crutchfield. I've purchased several products through them over the years and they've all been equal to the "hype" (Crutchfield really does NOT spin out hype in their reviews). I like the straight factual information provided and recommendations from advisors. Here is my only wish (if none already exists): That Crutchfield put some of those talented workers to the task of creating a glossary that gives explanations (and maybe photos?) of what certain accessories or parts do. For instance, one of my readings used the term "HDMI eARC input." What is that? Or "wired Ethernet port connection." How is that set up? I still feel like a novice in the stereo digital world. I don't "get" most of the terminology or equipment even though i bought my first amplifier in 1969 (a Sansui "trip six") and have updated equipment right along through the years until the digital "revolution" came in. I'm on Old School Island -- right between Streaming and Downloading, but i sure would like to avail myself of all the crystal clear HD music passing invisibly through the airwaves around my home! I figure i'm not alone, eh?
Alexander H. from Crutchfield
on 11/4/2021
Brian from Columbus
Posted on 7/25/2021
One thought, I was looking at car speakers and would like the option to sort comments by vehicle make and model.
Jefferson West from Oklahoma City
Posted on 2/23/2021
Do you carry extended warranty on your tv you sale
Joe from New Albany
Posted on 12/22/2020
Boston outdoor speakers purchased from Circuit City back in 2008-9 just ceased working. What would be the recommended replacement? I can send you pictures of speakers if that can help. Thanks
Jon Paul from Crutchfield
on 12/22/2020
Richard A Baron from Oakhurst
Posted on 9/11/2020
The CDE-172BT that I ordered and received shortly there after, to my supprise , it won't fit.This radio was going into my wifes car, which I don't ride in very often. She drives a 2003 Chevy Malibu and which I found out the car has a DOUBLE DIN radio and the CDE-172BT is single din. Any sujjestion on what to do?
Alexander H. from Crutchfield
on 9/11/2020
david from marysville
Posted on 5/24/2020
I need to know the specs for building my box for 3 series 1 PPI 12s in the crew cab of my GMC sierra please send info
Alexander H. from Crutchfield
on 5/25/2020
Josh Lee
Posted on 5/26/2019
Someone should really try installing a double din radio in a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JKU (without Alpine audio). The instructions you have are wrong.
Alexander H. from Crutchfield
on 5/27/2019
Bryant from Adamstown
Posted on 8/9/2018
Sound like a dream job!