ec_nyx

Hi All,

I have a question in regards to the cost of audio installation. While many people on this forum are confident and capable of installing their own custom audio system, I unfortunately am not one of them, so I am looking to have someone else install it for me. How much will it cost to do a good install? I had a price quote of about $300 including labor and materials to install a component speaker set and an amplifier from a highly qualified installer, so I am told (*EDIT*: Does not include the actual speaker equipment or amplifier, just labor and wires needed). Is that too much? I have also seen pairs of speakers (coax) installed for $50 or so at standard big car audio stores, which is an option I am NOT going for, but then how much is too much?
Also, I am in the Socal area, and I go to LA quite often, so if anyone can recommend a good installer there, I'm all ears.

Thanks!

PS I searched audio installers and not much has come up for the California area.

custom built

check out simplicity in sound. they are great

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

An amp wiring kit from a store can be between $40-$80 without RCAs. RCAs can be expensive or very cheap. So the price varies greatly. $100-$120 for wiring with RCAs is reasonable from a shop. $60 to install a set of components and another $80 for the amp. So $300 is a little high.

FYI, not all Circuit City's or Best Buy's suck a$$ for car audio installation. It varies greatly by location. To give you a ballpark of what you *could* pay from them..... buy all your wiring online for $60 with RCAs. Circuit City charges $50 for components I think and $75 for a 4-channel amp install. $200 bucks after tax.

So anywhere between the $200-$300 mark would be a ballpark. You're not totally getting RIPPED OFF if you're between that mark.

nuke0907

iTrader: (2)

Tweeter is a pretty good shop. i had them do my entire audio system in my 4-Runner i used to have.

ec_nyx

Thanks for all the replies.
I checked out Simplicity in Sound, and it definitely looks great except it's in San Jose I think (unless there's another one somewhere else). I do go to the bay area sometimes so it's on my maybe list.
And unfortunately, the Tweeter group seems to be on the east coast.
I might just stick to the installer I found here, not sure yet, but please keep the suggestions coming!!

Thanks again!

nuke0907

iTrader: (2)

Tweeter is in San Diego too, thats where i had mine done when i lived there.

ec_nyx

So after obsessing about car audio for awhile, I finally narrowed it down to one shop. They are charging me $1000 for:
CDT component speakers
EFX 10 inch sub
EFX 4ch Amplifier
Installation, materials, bass enclosure

Is that a good deal? From what they were saying I'm getting almost 25% off. Just wanted to make sure I'm not getting jacked here.
Thanks again!!

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

Depends on what CDT components really....also what kind of sub box they are giving you. If they're making you something totally custom and one-of-a-kind, then $1000 could easily be gobbled up. If it's the lowest end CDTs and a dime-a-dozen sub box, then $1000 sounds high.

EDIT: Surely there is a sub amp as well? Maybe $1000 isint too bad...

ec_nyx

I'm getting the HD-62 CDT components; they are quite nice, although I'm debating if I should go with entry-level CDT components, but I really think I'm getting a good deal from them for the HD series (good salesmenship I presume). The sub box will be custom to fit that awkward side area of the trunk. The sub will be powered by bridging 2ch of the amp.

I also decided to go with this shop, because I'm just tired of shopping around at this point. I think the deal is not too bad (can't just milk the installers for all their worth right?), and I heard that they are pretty good. On one hand, I'm quite excited of getting such a system, but on the other hand, I'm worried that the result might just be "eh, it's just okay....", than that $1000 is gonna hurt.....

Jefe514

Im kind of in the same boat. I've got a set of focal components, 6x9s and a jl 300/4 amp I need installed to go along with me pioneer D3. Mainly what's scaring me is the wierd 9" opening on the doors...how do you get a 6.5" speaker in there nicely? Also running the speaker wire seems like a daunting task for the 8. I was quoted $480 in labor from a local tweeter (IL). Seem decent? I don't know how I feel about people I don't know messing with my car.

nuke0907

iTrader: (2)

i'm sure you won't be disappointed with Tweeter's work.

ec_nyx

Hi All,

So, just wanted to ask if there are any reliable installers in the Santa Monica area? I was going to get it done at this one place, but it's soo far, and I'm sure I should be able to find some place in Los Angeles. Has anyone heard of Al & Ed's Auto sound? How about Santa Monica Car Sound? I've read reviews online, but I just want some first hand stories to ease my mind.

Thanks!

WikkedOne

Hey guys I'm in Placentia - (northern tip of orange county) and I can help you do your installs. I isntalled everything you see in my sig myself.. I can help you with yours too. Just PM me.

DoctorRX8

If anyone needs any installing done and lives in MN i can do about everything use to install as a profession!