Audiophiles. Help me out. Got a quote on system. Rape or Deal?

[Jergens]

Being that I know absolutely NOTHING about audio stuff, I bet I am getting raped. I went in today, and basically say "I want a really crisp, clear sound system with some descent power. What can you do for me?" And they went into their whole sell. Basically I guess I'll just be listing the parts invoice they gave me and hope that some of you audio guru's can tell me if I am getting hooked up or ripped off hard-core. Most of this is gibberish to me. So in my virgin attempt at audio modification, please help me out here guys.

Alpine CDA-7995 Radio - $500.00
Labor - $50.00
Dash Kit - $18.00
Wire Harness - $16.00
JL 300/4 Amp (Mids) - $500.00
Labor - $90.00
JL 500/1 Amp (Subs) - $550.00
Labor - $60.00
JL XR525CSI (Front) - $380.00
Labor - $60.00
JL XR525CX (Rear) - $280.00
Labor - $40.00
Alpine CHA5-634 (Changer) - $320.00
Labor - $40.00
2 JL Audio 10w3 D4 (Subs) - $400.00
Labor - $40.00

Custom Box Ported. Paint/Neons/Plexi - $750.00
Amp Rack Vertical Mount. - $250.00

Wiring - $200.00

K I think this is how the box was explained. Basically the subs would be in a box behind my rear seats in the trunk. They would cut "ports" into the "roof" of the trunk, so the subs will fire directly up into the glass of my rear window. Neat neon lighting, some sort of custom JL audio blue light up thing up where the roadside assistance toolkit is now. Thw whole set up will be nice and clean, flashy looking, custom. My questions are 1) how are the prices for the components and labor etc etc? 2) how will this system sound? Are we talking like oh my god awesome sound or just sort of ehh not worth the $4,500.00 give or take over my stock speakers. Lemme know guys. Thanks.

~Josh

[jaytee0401]

hey bro, that sounds like an awful lot of money. Installing your own system is actually not that hard. If you can build your own computer and have some time on your hands, you can install your own system. The only part that might be hard since you have no experience in it is building the box. That one part is probably the only part that's worth paying someone else to do it. But like i said the other parts, like running wires, installing speakers, deck, dash kit, wiring haress, those are a piece of cake. I'm sure most of your fellow e46fanatics will help ya out with any questions you might have about stereo. Oh, and if you do it yourself, it just takes time that's all and patience. So, bottom line, anything that's in the trunk like sub box, amp mounts, and whatever is in there should be worth paying someone else to do it. But all the other stuff should be a piece of cake and you can do it yourself. I personally think that people who build their own system should get more props since they put their own hard work and sweat into it. No offense intend for all the guys and girls out there who pay professionals to build theirs together. I give you guys props too for have so much bling bling. :pimpin: I'm building my own system for my baby, so if you have any questions, i'll try to help you any way i can bro. haha..but all i have to say mines is not gonna be that hardcore like the other guys here in this site. Good luck to ya.

P.S. I'm not sure exact what the prices go for...for those items but to me it sounds kinda high. Especially the labor. But that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. :dunno:

JT

[ssabripo]

Originally posted by Jergens


There are many opinions on what are the best products, and what are "good" install prices. I used to do installs as a hobbie and a sidejob, so here is my scoop:

[B]Components:
They are recommending Alpine, which IMO, is the best for the Money....I use nothing but Alpine, and the 7995 is the latest and greatest in their single din. The subs are also very good; JL Audio are excellent and proven subs, and the W3's are very nice...I had them myself. As for the Mids/Highs, I would go with MB quartz instead of the JL's. For the price of the JL's you can get the MB quart Q series, and it is no comparison hands down. The cleanest, crispest sounds!:thumbup: Thus, I would prolly go with the recommended components, but with MB Quartz instead of JL for mids/highs (don't let him give you the BS about "JL's are just as good, etc"...If he carries MB quartz, he will know)

price:
The prices are definitely high as compared to, say, internet prices!
:thumbdwn: for example, the Alpine 7995 can be bought for $415 or less at https://www.onlinecarstereo.com/caraudio/product.asp?sku=12093 as en example. Chek out this website for all your audio needs:**** http://www.audionmore.com/ (http://www.audionmore.com/) *** They have the BEST prices on the net, and a lot cheaper than your contact. you can get awesome prices on JL audio, and MB quartz.:yikes: :yikes: Thus, you see, you can save a considerable amount of money from shopping for the parts.

Install:
Install prices are some of the toughest to get a good feel for. You should talk to the guy and ask him to give you a "install" discount, because right now he is charging you for EVERYTHING...that's a bad sign because it looks like he is raping you. Call around different audio places in your area before deciding. Some will give you huge discounts if you buy the parts from them.

Thus, the answer is :rolleyes: .....Prolly can do better. If you buy the parts online, and find an installer to do the box, wiring, harnesses, kits, etc, you can do a lot better.

[Ack]

I agree with both ssabrio and jaytee0401. If you want the best deal, the internet is the place. I bought most of my equipment from US Car Audio (http://www.uscaraudio.com). The Alpine unit is $400, JL Subs are $155 each, JL 500/1 is $410, JL 300/4 is $375 . . . you get the point. They have the lowest prices I could find on the net. They also carry the MB Quart components.

As for the install, you could probably do all of it yourself. I opted to have it done at the shop b/c I wanted a professional looking system. It was worth the extra $$ to me, but its def. not for everyone. You could easily save a few hundred bucks doing it yourself.

If you do get everything online and choose to have it installed, most shops will charge you an extra $10/hr or so b/c you didn't get ripped off at their shop. You will save way more going this route. I would never buy my audio equip. thru a shop.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[jaytee0401]

damn ackster, you got one sick lookin' system. :pimpin: But have you thought about where you gonna your stuff since you have no trunk? hahah. I had a full out system sorta like that. I can't put anything in there...my back seat was my trunk..I told myself no more full out systems like that, i love my trunk space too much...just my .02!!! :thumbup:

[Tominizer]

RAAAAPED............


The only thing I can comment on as well, installation is one of the most important, if not THEE most important aspects. It can make bad equipment sound awesome and awesome equipment sound like crap. And don't get hooched by a shop that shows you work that the head installer does and then they get the rookie working on your car while you're not there. There's so many reason to learn how to do it yourself...................

[guest1016]

draw back. if you buy ANY JL or Alpine product online, it will have NO warranty. both companies strictly prohibit the sale of there products over the internet. i have the signed dealer contracts to prove it. Alpine has 1 exception, crutchfield :flipoff: which is all MAP pricing anyway, JL does not. I sell both & they do trace these things seriously. JL actually spends thousands of $$ every month buying eqipment online and tracing the serial numbers back to the original dealer. not worth it my friend. then again, as if your going to have problems with either:thumbup:

[s4play]

The prices do seem a bit high but if it's a reputable shop that does good work, I would rather pay the higher prices and have piece of mind than letting them rip my car apart.

Remeber car stereo is like computers, the outside components will only perform as good as the install so doesn't matter if you buy the best radios/subs/amps but if you do a crappy install, it will sound like crap.

Our shop does installs for people especially on M3's and S4's since those cars are our specialty and people pay for what they perceive in value.

Don't forget installers have quite an investment in their tools/knowledge/experience so paying them too little is actually an insult to them.

rk

[Jergens]

So should I stick with letting these guys do the job... or should I buy the parts over the internet, and then ask them to install it. Think they'd take it offensively .. I mean so what... I found a better deal. I still want them to do the customized stuff for me. Also, think I should Email craig and ask him what'd he'd recommend and charge? anyone have a number for StreetEffectz? I'd like to give them a call.

~Josh

[bigtime007]

You got some big arms in that pic in front of your car. You work out a little?

[Ron@Streeteffectz]

You can call us at 732-388-7000. I can tell you we can give you better prices than you got.

Also, keep in mine, shops usually can't, and usually won't, compete with internet pricing.

You can also email us at info@streeteffectz.com

[eg6turbo]

You can call us at 732-388-7000. I can tell you we can give you better prices than you got.

Also, keep in mine, shops usually can't, and usually won't, compete with internet pricing.

You can also email us at info@streeteffectz.com

damn 4500 bucks thats alot of money....lucky i can get all that stuff for about 1800 installed....i dont wanna sound like a @sshole but its good to have connections i guess....but try to learn how to do some of it yourself...alot of good DIY tips on here

[ca1242]

Pricing is ok if you have a good shop do the work. Can you get it for less? Sure you can, but it is up to you. They also itemized the cost of installation for each component. Ask them to give you a reduced install cost, since you are doing the whole thing at the same time. Maybe they will cut cost a bit.

On the system design, sounds like you are a bit underpowered in the bass department, I would go with a JL 1000.1. Also, if you are looking for audiophile sound, ask how much extra will be for custom kick panels. They really make a difference in sound quality (this might not be an option if you car is stick or you have long legs). As far as speakers, make sure you listen to them with reference material and you like how they sound before you make a decision.

[xxbenzc230kxx]

The prices do seem a bit high but if it's a reputable shop that does good work, I would rather pay the higher prices and have piece of mind than letting them rip my car apart.

Remeber car stereo is like computers, the outside components will only perform as good as the install so doesn't matter if you buy the best radios/subs/amps but if you do a crappy install, it will sound like crap.

Our shop does installs for people especially on M3's and S4's since those cars are our specialty and people pay for what they perceive in value.

Don't forget installers have quite an investment in their tools/knowledge/experience so paying them too little is actually an insult to them.

rk what shop do you go to? kartoyz?

[learthworml]

Alpine 7998 ebay = 450
JL 500/1 ebay = 400
JL 300/4 ebay = 400
Focal Polykevlars front ebay = 360
Focal Polyglass rear ebay = 200
Sub Jl 12w6v2 ebay = 350 = way better than two 10w3's
Install with box and wiring = 1500
and you will have a way better system
if you don't like ebay try purecaraudio.com

[Emo]

If you ebay quite a few sellers carry a in-store warranty. Just make sure you buy from one of them and not any seller. Also I agree with doing some yourself if possible will save you some $$$. But if I could afford that price for an install I would without a doubt head to Jersey and have ron do it. Since I don't I've had to learn on previous cars (geo and 2 fords) what I can and cannot do. Trunk and headunits I can handle Kickpanels and doors with electric windows I can not. Just my $.02

[xxbenzc230kxx]

will the 300/4 be good enough to power a set of MBQ components and coaxials, or should i just get 450/4 to power the components and coaxials? how much are each amp?

[eg6turbo]

will the 300/4 be good enough to power a set of MBQ components and coaxials, or should i just get 450/4 to power the components and coaxials? how much are each amp?


most of the mbq are way too harsh!!!...you should go to a good stereo shop and listen to them....then go to the meet at the end of the month and listen to my car...its a nice cheaper setup that sounds great....a nice smooth sound i get compliments all the time :thumbup: ...hope my new cf trunk doesnt rattle tho...