Recommend me a (Kenwood) car stereo shop?

[Kermit power]

Hi All,

I'm looking at replacing my built in satnav/head unit (clunky old BMW kit with small 4:3 screen and analogue TV tuner, no Bluetooth etc) and probably want one of the double-din Kenwood units, unless anyone can really come up with a compelling alternative.

So, where to get it? Given that these things aren't cheap, and presumably have a variety of aerials and the like to be wired through as invisibly as possible, I'm not about to try the install myself, so I'd like a competent installer. Are any PHers in the area in this line of business, or at least able to recommend somewhere?

Closer to the Surrey end of SAS than the Berkshire end would be good.

[SVTRick]

Ian Bannings - Guildford

[bored-of-coding]

I've got one - 8220 I think .. I used Wentworth car audio in virginia Water (swallowed up Thames Car Radio, same bloke in charge)

[Kermit power]

bored-of-coding said:

I've got one - 8220 I think .. I used Wentworth car audio in virginia Water (swallowed up Thames Car Radio, same bloke in charge)

How do you find it?

Also, how did you choose which one to go for? I can't work out the difference between the various Kenwood models!!!

[flimper]

Unique in Lightwater know their stuff

[bored-of-coding]

http://www.wtcr.co.uk/

I picked it on the functions I wanted .. it will always end up as the most expensive anyway!

- full ipod control
- dvd usb etc etc playback
- satnav
- biggest screen

etc
One year on it's still excellent, the only complaint I have is the fiddly tiny little on-off button

[Blues]

I upgraded the MkI sat nav kit in my beamer (which i guess is the same as yours?) to a Mk IV with bits off e bay.
Not cheap, but very pleased with the results

[Kermit power]

Blues said:

I upgraded the MkI sat nav kit in my beamer (which i guess is the same as yours?) to a Mk IV with bits off e bay.
Not cheap, but very pleased with the results

I did look at that, but I'd be looking at getting on for £800 for a second hand one, and I'd still not have the Bluetooth or the ability to plug in and control a separate hard drive as far as I can see.

Aesthetics are less of a concern as well, since mine is actually in an MG ZT (they raided the BMW parts bin), so it only has the ridge on the head unit, not all the way across the dash as it does in a beemer.

[lawrencec]

there is
john klies in reading a good bunch and if you want to travel a Bit SCR in ashford also a very friendly bunch

[Tuscanless Ali]

Sounds alarming, Stafford road Wallington, not far from you.

[Kermit power]

That's a few options then. Once I get the car back tomorrow (hopefully) I'll set about making some visits.

[AeroMan]

flimper said:

Unique in Lightwater know their stuff

I've used them with very satisfactory results and have also bought two Becker units off them at good prices for installation by the Morgan factory.

Aeroman

[Wiggwam]

AeroMan said:

flimper said:

Unique in Lightwater know their stuff

I've used them with very satisfactory results and have also bought two Becker units off them at good prices for installation by the Morgan factory.

Aeroman

Have spent a fair bit with these guys over the years and would certainly recomend them to anybody. They really know their stuff..!

[CypherP]

Wiggwam said:

AeroMan said:

flimper said:

Unique in Lightwater know their stuff

I've used them with very satisfactory results and have also bought two Becker units off them at good prices for installation by the Morgan factory.

Aeroman

Have spent a fair bit with these guys over the years and would certainly recomend them to anybody. They really know their stuff..!

Another vote for Unique in Lightwater. Bought a Pioneer head unit from them for my previous car and had them fit it too. Great service and they even made a custom fascia for the head unit as they didn't stock one that would fit at the time. Ran the iPod connection cable through to the glove box behind the dash and was all done very professionally.

[obscene]

John Kleis in Reading gets another vote from me.

[Kermit power]

Well, I figured I should probably check out the Kenwood Premier dealer near where I live before travelling over to Lightwater.

Oh Dear.

I don't mind someone being grumpy and arrogant when they clearly know what they're talking about, but I'm buggered if I'm going to put up with it from someone who seems to know less about the products they sell than I've been able to find out off the web!

Looks like I'll be going home from Feltham via Lightwater tomorrow!

[SVTRick]

Kermit power said:

Well, I figured I should probably check out the Kenwood Premier dealer near where I live before travelling over to Lightwater.

Oh Dear.

I don't mind someone being grumpy and arrogant when they clearly know what they're talking about, but I'm buggered if I'm going to put up with it from someone who seems to know less about the products they sell than I've been able to find out off the web!

Looks like I'll be going home from Feltham via Lightwater tomorrow!

If I am back from Swindon your welcome to call in for a brew mate

[Kermit power]

SVTRick said:

Kermit power said:

Well, I figured I should probably check out the Kenwood Premier dealer near where I live before travelling over to Lightwater.

Oh Dear.

I don't mind someone being grumpy and arrogant when they clearly know what they're talking about, but I'm buggered if I'm going to put up with it from someone who seems to know less about the products they sell than I've been able to find out off the web!

Looks like I'll be going home from Feltham via Lightwater tomorrow!

If I am back from Swindon your welcome to call in for a brew mate

Cheers for the offer.

It will depend on timing, as I've got to be in London in the morning, then come out, get the car and be in Feltham by 3, so I may end up going on the way there.

[Kermit power]

And just to update, I made it into Unique this afternoon on the way to a meeting. Absolute chalk and cheese compared to my local place.

I'm waiting for him to come back and confirm some pricing, but it would take something going seriously wrong for him not to get my business.

[dreamer75]

Unique are fab - they've done 3 of our cars, and we pop in for a chat every now and then (in fact must go back as I need to reset my stereo after the car battery went flat)!