I feel very naive when asking this, but what exactly is the process of "Bench Testing" a headunit? Looking on eBay (ya, ya, unauthorized dealers... ), in order for a unit to be under warranty, the headunit needs to be Bench Tested by a professional installer.

Also, about how much can I expect to pay for this process to be done?

Thanks fella's...

 

i don't know at all, but i'll take a wild stab... here goes:

maybe it means that before it' s actually installed in a vehcile, it needs to be tested to see if all of the factory settings and specifications are still guaranteed. and maybe it's done with a series of machines and experts while sitting at a bench... drinking coffee.

dont take my word for it, and PLEASE correct me if im wrong.

 

Bench testing simply means that prior to being connected in vehicle the unit is connected to an external power supply and speakers and verified that ALL FUNCTIONS!! are working on the unit (be this unit an amp, x-over, HU, speaker, whatever). If it is a CD/MP3/XM/FM/AM HU all five functions will be tested to ensure that they tune, track, FF, REW, Skip, Shuffle, FM1, FM2, RCA outputs, remote turn on lead, power antenna lead, etc.

All of this is done without cutting the wire harness that came with the unit. The reason a company wants this to be done in order to offer you any warranty is for a few reasons. First off they are not selling the product to you with a legal waranty (in other words they are in violation of distribution agreements they signed or are an unauthorized dealer) and the only way they can warranty it is by keeping the unit in brand new condition and claiming it to be DOA from their supplier. Also keep in mind that even if you have it benchtested it is still debatable that it was done properly and they can then say to you that the person bench testing the unit damaged it and you should seek restitution from the company who did the bench test.

Anyway, if you want to get one bench tested your local shop will usually do the test for $10-30 depending on how they are. However, I think that it would be best for you to just purchase the unit from an authorized dealer and avoid all the complications and unecessary headache that could come from saving a few bucks. Check thezeb.com or crutchfield.com many times they will run sales that are close to the prices you will find anywhere and they are both authorized for the products they sell.

 

cgorris - did you ever get a shop opened up?? Last thing I heard you were looking in Covington.

 

I tried to find a location that would be economically feasible. I had the place picked out but the lease fell through since another guy put a used tire store in the location. I guess he was offering more money in rent or a longer contract. Anyway, I continued to look around for a place for a month or two and before I found something that would be suitable I got a job offer that I couldn't really afford to turn down. I still have intentions of opening a shop but it looks like it is going to be further into the future before I am able to get it open. Seems like everyone was wanting a minimum 2 year lease and I only wanted to go 1yr with an option to renew for 2 yrs to ensure the business was going to work out. So depending on how long this position I am in now lasts??? I am not sure of when I will open one up. What I am doing now is focusing more on home HiFi/Theater and still doing some side jobs for a few people but I am trying to create a prototype near-field monitor and see how that goes. Maybe it will generate enough income that I will be forced to open a shop if I outgrow the workshop here at the house.