Berkshire Mobile Electronics Will Wire Your Vehicle For Sound, GPS, Even Video

By John Voket

It is kind of difficult to convey the quality of sound and vision in print, but just step inside the door of Berkshire Mobile Electronics and you will see, hear, and even feel the excitement. Brightly-colored satellite navigation units compete with animated electronic readouts on car stereo systems and radar detectors, while the thump of bass tones emanate from a wall of speakers and sound systems.

And if you are looking to install a small theater DVD system, an electronic car starter, or the hottest new iPod accessory in your minivan or Mini Cooper, Berkshire Mobile Electronics proprietor Jim Marcucilli can make it happen — usually in just a few hours.

Local residents, many of whom are greeted by name, already have experienced the quality of customer service Mr Marcucilli lavishes on his clients at Berkshire Motors, located adjacent to the main entrance of Newtown High School at the intersection of Wasserman Way and Berkshire Road. He has been selling and servicing a broad array of local vehicles at that high profile location for nearly eight years.

But earlier this year, Mr Marcucilli was looking to expand the range of services he could offer. And he decided that instead of doing more mechanical repairs, which are often necessary but nothing to brag about unless it’s a really good oil change, the local businessman canvassed the local marketplace and determined there was a need for a good local mobile electronics center.

“I was actually thinking of opening last fall, but as I was researching the line of products I was going to sell, I decided to wait until the suppliers were ready to release the hottest new car audio and electronic equipment for 2006,” he said. “So I opened in March with all the best new equipment in stock and ready to install.”

One of the advantages Mr Marcucilli offers his clients is the “one-stop” aspect of getting the mechanical services done under the hood while upgraded or new electronics are being put in under the dash or in the trunk by his professional installation technician Mike Skiba.

“I wanted to make things really convenient for customers,” Mr Marcucilli said. “If they’re getting a quick service job on their car, they can come in and shop for new speakers, an amplifier, or maybe even a car alarm, automatic starter, or satellite radio system.”

On the other hand, he said a growing number of his clients roll in exclusively for audio gear.

“On that first nice weekend we had a couple of weeks ago, a guy drove in and had us install a complete new sound system — stereo, bass cabinets — the works, into his Suburban,” Mr Marcucilli recalled. “Our location and personalized service is really appealing compared to the big box stores where the person who sells to you isn’t connected to the person doing the installation.”

The fact that he has been on the block for eight years means Mr Marcucilli has already built a rapport and a certain level of trust among members of the local communities who have been coming to him for service. That means few of his clients have any doubt as to the quality of work and the integrity with which Mr Marcucilli and Mr Skiba handle any installation process.

“We do it right, with no cut-rate accessories,” Mr Marcucilli said. “Everything from our fully tested and soldered connectors and harnesses to the special brand of car audio electrical tape we use is the best you’ll find anywhere.”

With summer just around the corner, and many local graduates looking for that special accessory for their car or truck, Mr Marcucilli wants to be sure they are getting the best value they can, and saving a few bucks for college in the process. He is currently running a program of graduation specials, all including expert installation, for less than $200.

You don’t have to be a student to take advantage of his end-of-the-school-year promotions on remote car starters or a 17-watt removable face-plate JVC CD/FM in-dash stereo for $179. He’s also offering to install an XM Roady XT satellite radio system (XM radio service sold separately) for just $149.

If somebody is looking to upgrade to a real professional car audio package, ask for the JVC in-dash unit with a 200 watt amp and a 12-inch subwoofer and sub box for only $470, installed. And all speakers in stock are 10 percent off during the promotion.

Mr Marcucilli added that he would love the opportunity to meet or beat any competitors’ regular prices.

“This time of year our biggest sellers are car stereo and speaker upgrades,” he said. “A lot of young people get their cars and they want a better set of speakers, or maybe a little more power, so we can really juice things up with a new amplifier.”

Drivers can get all the juice they need with amplifiers starting at $149 for a 300 watt JBL mono unit, while supplies last.

His remote starter systems can save drivers from freezing during the winter, or can cool down the A/C before a driver hits the seats during the summer. Clients can enjoy insurance discounts by installing car alarms or ignition kill switches, and possibly avoid any trouble on those long trips with the installation of a Beltronics radar or laser detector.

Anyone looking to find themselves, or guide themselves through the most complicated maze of freeways or city streets would do well wit one of Mr Marcucilli’s Tom-Tom or Lowrance global satellite navigation systems. Customers will never get lost again with a Lowrance iWay GPS unit that also features a MP3 player and FM modulator installed for just $499.

And for the full entertainment effect, drivers can equip their rides with a fully integrated DVD video theater and surround sound, or compliment their Apple iPods with the Harmon/Kardon Drive + Play. This unique system puts one’s iPod song selection menu right up above the steering wheel, so drivers can keep their eyes on the road while selecting their iPod tunes via a shift-mounted joystick.

When it comes to the full range of audio, video, or electronic components installed, drivers and music lovers need to look no further than the intersection of Route 34 and Wasserman Way for the reputable services of Mr Marcucilli and Berkshire Mobile Electronics. Call 426-4111 for information or the latest promotions. Hours are 10 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday and 11 am to 5 pm Sunday.