Team-BHP - Car Audio - Driven (NCR)

I went to this place 2 days ago to get my speakers installation in Punto sorted out. Though Mr.Rana is a good person to deal with. I did not find the guys at Driven(Including Mr.Rana) professional at all. This is just another Accessory shop, their suggestions are based on what is available with them and their personal imaginations.

For Instance Mr.Rana commented on JBL Components 'JBL makes crappy speakers, which sound bright, even the Stock speakers in Punto are better than JBL components Because they are made up of paper cone':uncontrol. His suggestions and Knowledge is not based on facts but they are products of his imagination. He also said 'Because Punto has heavier doors, any ICE will not sound great':uncontrol

To top it all they use a derived from MP3 Audio CD with Bollywood numbers to check tune the setup. The most popular word with the staff at Driven is 'BRIGHT', anything which according to them sounds bad is bright, If the sound lacks bass its bright, it treble is too much its bright.

This place is Not Recommended.

Quote:

Originally Posted by naru (Post 1960666)

Mr Rana called me up after he got to know about my posts here. "I didn't realize you were so upset. If you feel this way, I'll change the set-up and pay the difference from my own pocket."

Sounds like they're totally reactive instead of proactive.

If he thought you had a genuine reason to be unhappy, he should have done it before you posted, not after. IMHO, his reputation has already been damaged..........

Quote:

Originally Posted by suman (Post 1961720)

Well, better late than never.

There are innumerable threads in team-bhp about product/service complaints. How many do you see ended with two thumbs up for the vendor?

Quote:

Originally Posted by .anshuman (Post 1961719)

The most popular word with the staff at Driven is 'BRIGHT', anything which according to them sounds bad is bright, If the sound lacks bass its bright, it treble is too much its bright.

In my opinion, this is one of the most abused word here on the forum.. many newbies here may not know the meaning and often co-relate this to being bad. Being bright isnt bad at all.. it's just the way you like your sound. Simple!

Quote:

Originally Posted by naru (Post 1960666)

This directory is a great idea. But let's not try to kid ourselves or other users. If you're willing to throw large sums of money in a shop, you WILL generally find the shopkeeper to be on his best behavior. Those on a budget may not necessarily get the same treatment.
...

My set-up cost just 17k. Small change for a high-end specialist like Driven. I could easily have been ignored, or engaged in a my-word-vs-your-word war here. But Mr Rana's response was, to use godog's words, gracious and humble.

Now, I can see where Godog's coming from: Never seen a businessman like Mr. Rana. And my case totally displays the business ethics of the place.

:thumbs up Two thumbs up :thumbs up

Now I'm neither a Driven fanboy, nor a Gyro hater, but it took 3 hours for gyro to fit a leather steering wheel cover on my car.
I was there to "dip my toes into the water", which is what I do at any establishment before blowing a big hard-earned load of cash. And it took them 180 minutes to get a piece of leather on the steering wheel. all the time I was there- and soon after I had made my intentions of not blowing up big money- I was treated, figuratively, like a street urchin. Unwanted.

On the other hand, when I first went to driven, I made it clear to Mr. Rana that I wouldn't be buying anything. I got treated to tea and made friends with his friends. Charmed.

I sincerely am not flaming gyro, I understand these guys do remarkable jobs. But I shouldn't need to be wearing Guccis to attract customer service.

Thats why I've never referred any1 with a budget of less than a lakh to go to gyro. Instead, my friends have cumulatively bought lakhs of ICE and other equipment @driven, and all have been happy about it. No complaints.

Me and my pals? For all I can tell gyro fanboys must be thinking "they're all a bunch of nincompoops". So be it.

I would give a thumbs up to Driven. Recently got an ICE and speakers installed in my new swift from Driven. Experience was great over all and I would recommend them to everyone. Mr. Rana is really patient and helpful in making a decision. I was on very low budget and still he did not show any lack of interest and even called me up to explain when I told him that there is some price difference in one product he is selling.
Would go to them always for future requirements.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOTORIOUS (Post 2030094)

what equipment you got there sameer ???

I got Kenwood KDC-U446 HU (6500/- with b/w). Its latest in indian market so not much reviews. But I liked its features and also its Iphone/ipod specific model so gives more advantage to me.

A pair of Bull 6.5 Co-axial speakers COA-650. (3,350/- with bill). For front doors.

Thats all I got as my requirement was just crystal clear sound with not much fuss. And I am happy so far with this set up. :thumbs up

Quote:

Originally Posted by panky12345 (Post 1962508)

:thumbs up to that, Panky. I myself love an audio system tuned on the brighter side. Each one of us has his own preferences when it comes to ICE. Nothing right or wrong about "bright" speakers. It's all down to individual tastes.

Since there are mixed opinions on Driven, I'm adding a poll to the thread. Please vote if you have first-hand experience.

Quote:

Originally Posted by naru (Post 1952130)

ok, I call up after a week, was given a time for the following week. Went there, got Bulls installed, found they had more thump, and decided to go for them, partly because they were 3k cheaper.

his policy, and how 1500 bucks is nothing and how people spend thousands and thousands on ICE. And how he's already made out the bill and given it to his CA and can't be undone....

Quote:

Originally Posted by naru (Post 1960666)

Mr Rana called me up after he got to know about my posts here.

"I can stand any loss, except that of reputation."

Naru, we are hapy that you are satisfied but what about those customers of Driven who are not yet members of TBHP? Will Mr. Rana address their upsets?

I would be happy to know he does/did. There are few really good ICE instalelrs in India and we need every good one we can get.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTO (Post 2038452)

Nothing right or wrong about "bright" speakers. It's all down to individual tastes.

Absolutely. The object here is that it is the customer's money, his/her car, his/her ears, his/her music, etc.. which is why my mom's car is tuned to suit her tastes, my wife's car is tuned to suit hers etc...there are no abolultes but a good install is a good install (well damped, good wires used, clean and professional).

The best VFM upgrade anyone can do to their system (be it stock ICE or Invisible/Bhagwan/Frankenstine/LBMish) is get the doors damped. The next most VFM upgrade is (BIG 3) power and RCA wires.

When I visit an installer I dont look at what models they offer. I observe how they are installing in their customer's cars. Do they know what they are donig? Are they following a thought out process? I will look at a customer's car and see if there are scratches on the door panels. I just try and be as unobtrusive as possible and observe. If I am approached and asked what I am doing there I answer vaguely that I am looking for a car stereo for my car and would like to know what options they have (all the while my eyes are on the guys working).

A good installer will usually be proud of their work and wil be glad to show you a car or 2.