Car audio Direct purchases question

Question is:
Has anyone here made car audio gear purchases direct from manufacturers and if so, did you get a better deal and any better or equal support vs. C-field, BB, etc. ?
Any horror stories, etc ?

If you've been shopping or recently purchased, you no doubt have noticed prices. C-field and BB almost identical, but I think better support w/the Big C. I presume direct manufac. purchase wont be as great support, but in my case its a simple system. New HU, oem amp by-pass, no SWC, no Ext Amp or Sub [yet].
The only issue I see for this install is the equipment learning curve: 'how do I get it to do this'; sometimes the owners manual sucks, but Ive read this HU manual and it appears well written and organized. Fr/my experience w/ Big C Online support, they try very hard to help, but given the number of vehicles and HUs, Amps, Speaks, etc...they cant know it all and I see on occasion my knowledgebase is ahead of them, while theyre looking it up in the OM.

I've been trying to fine tune [pun intended] this future headunit purchase for my 1st-Gen ACab. Since this truck isnt a daily driver and Im trying to keep cost down, Im comparing prices from a few Online sellers.
For my current 'flavor of the week', I may go with a Pioneer 2DIN [2660NEX].

I know C-field is big here at Tundras.com and I have purchased speakers from them. Their service, support and database is very good, however there are Manufacturers w/online stores and, in my case, Im considering direct fr/ Pioneer.
Im seeing the above HU priced about $120 less than C-field [no accessory hardware other than manufacturer]; its not a reconditioned HU, so exact 1yr warranty Id get from another authorized purchase. Big difference vs BigC, is only a 30 day return/exchange period.
In this case, $120 less is hard to beat for entry level HU. So, Im not seeing much advantage of purchase from big Etailers over a direct purchase from Pioneer.

Opinions/Comments welcomed.
Thanks for goi g thru the wordy read!

 

I wouldn't hesitate to buy from Pioneer or Alpine or Kenwood directly.

 

Thx @KNABORES ....
been on the fence a while over Brand/model, etc. Narrowed down to a unit I actually walked into BB and tried out. Actually was ready to go on Alpine, but the ilx507 weighs in at $700 min...cant justify for my non-DD. So found what I think is close, but lacks Hi-D screen of the Alpine 50. All else *looks* close in this Pioneer. Even better by lower price direct Pioneer.
Now I gotta talk myself into overlooking the reliability reviews for Pioneer overall. Given that all of the 'Big5' get there share of failures/returns, but for whatever reason it feels like Ive read a lot more for Pioneer going bellyup [Repeated Sys crashes, Completely Dead] ironically, just past the 1st year after installs. Just wondering if this is more likely with the entry level models ?
Oh well, 'sometimes the bear eats you'...

 

I’ve got an entry level model from 6-8 years ago. Double din non CarPlay. Paid $168 for it. Works like a champ still.

 

I’ve got another similar unit sitting in my closet that came out of my son’s old mustang.

 

Which Pioneer are you looking at?

 

@Tundra234 : DMH 2660NEX; considered entry level ?

 

DMH 2660 NEX.
Know any issues about this model ?

 

It's fine...it's about the same as any other Pioneer.

 

Its a 2020 release, so hopefully the last of these got their problems 'firmwared' out.
Wired AA/CP only and doesnt 'Mirror' cell phones. I dont need that, but apparently its a big thing. I actually prefer to keep my phone as isolated as possible. The 2660NEX is definitely not one of their bottomline models, but its close enough.
Was also looking at Sony just bcuz they put out 20watts RMS [CTA2006] and Im hoping to skip an external amp; hoping for better SQ than the Toyoyta OEM at least.
I still like the Alpine and especially the 507, but close to $800 once it ships. If I wanted to spend that much, it would make more sense to go 9" display of another make [excluding Alpine]...which isnt out of the question just yet either.

 

Going back to Original question, of the 'Big4' [Sny ,Pinr, Alp, Kw] anyone have extra bad or good experiences w/the manufacturer warranty repair/exchange ?
Or, Excellent to totally lacking post purchase support ?