I live in Charlotte, NC so if anyone knows any alternative places to get an install done let me know.

I'm trying desperately to replace all of the speakers in my Performance model and also to add an amp and sub (I'm leaving the head unit alone for now). However, I have been going to Freeman's Car Stereo on exit 28 off of I-77 and they will not bargain with me or cut a deal. Their prices seem steep to me and they are also charging a ton for labor. Here's what I got and the respective prices.

JL 300/4 Amp - 499.95
JL VR650 6.5" Components - 299.95
JL TR600 6" Rears - 139.95
200 Watt Power Kit - 29.95
16' Monster RCA Cable - 59.95
JL 10W Sub - 99.95
Install Amp Labor - 55.00
Install Components - 80.00
Install Rears - 30.00
Build Box - 100.00
VIP Cord - 19.95

For a grand total of $1543.

This seems unreasonably pricey to me. If you have any suggestions on where to go or what to do about this let me know. This place apparently has a deal where they will beat any price (not on the internet) of another dealer so if you know a place that sells stuff cheap around here let me know that as well.

Thanks!

 

Tim,

Honestly those prices aren't too bad at all. I mean, they're not hack-job prices, but you don't want a hack-job install do you? Of course, I'm in California, where practically anything in the rest of the country seems to come cheaper than here.

In terms of the products, they seem pretty right on msrp. So you could get a better deal, but usually dealers won't move on JL products (JL really wants to keep their higher-priced allure)... Also JL won't warranty your product if you buy it off the internet, so don't do that either.

But remember, most shops don't want to walk away from a $1543 deal, so make a bunch of phone calls in your area. I'll bet there aren't too many reputable shops that can beat out the quote that you got.

Good luck!

 

I agree with dczoner, I don't think the prices are too bad. That said, if you can find someone that is willing to install "your" equipment (same scenario as bringing your own auto parts to a repair shop - you usually end up paying for it one way or the other) then you could probably do better on the prices of the equipment. There is also a member on this board, Nazar, who does own a couple of stereo shops and may be willing to sell the components that you mentioned. I have bought several pieces of equipment from him and his prices were pretty good (I just checked with him and the price of the JL Audio amp is $359 plus shipping, but no tax). His number is 603-382-1801 (NH).

Now, as cdzonner also mentioned, JL Audio, has a "No Internet Sales" policy however that does not mean that you cannot contact a dealer and ask them if they will sell their products outright. I also will assume, from what I read at JL's website, that since YOU are contacting them, the warranty is still intact, as I don't believe the delear has to install the equipment (sorry if I'm wrong). I'm pretty sure they just don't want their product "cheapened" by overexposure in the form of massive advertisements.

 

The prices seem in line. Find out from the shop if they have done any specialty cars lately and if they have a high end installer that has been doing it for a while. Believe me, experienced installers know what they are doing

 

Does anyone know about any of these speakers or the amp? How are they?

 

Being that I live in Charlotte I have had a little expierence with Freemans car stereo. Heres what I know. When my dad and I looked into puting an LCD screen in our escalade the Cadillac dealer service manager told us to go to freemans. He said they do the best work around here. Upon further inspection on their website they have done a few interesting high end installs. They did all of Dale Earhardt Jr.'s custom audio work. Supposivly they do all the local football/ basketball players audio/visual work too. Anywase we never ended getting the screen installed but they people there were very friendly and knowledge-able. A tad bit pricey maybe but worth it from what I have seen. I believe it was going to be around 1200-1500 to put in a custom drop down 13 inch lcd unit in the caddy. I don't know very many other reputable shops in the Charlotte area though.

 

The hardward prices seem pretty fair to me. I had a labor quote that was much higher than that and needless to say, I walked.

They quoted
$125 for components
$75 for HU
$125 for XM
$40 for rears
MDF box for two eights $550

This was not including any parts or cables. $715 just for install

DD

 

gstdtim,

I have the VR650 fronts and the 10W6 sub in my 350Z. I like their sound very much. The install prices they quoted you for labor and the sub box are very reasonable. I paid alot more for my install. One suggestion, lose the 6" rear speakers altogether because they are a waste. In a car as small as the Z they are pointless because all they do is draw your soundstage to the rear of the car where you don't want it. See if you can get them to come down on the price of the VR650 fronts. I got mine for $200.

-Plucky

 

Plucky duck, if you tell me where you purchased them, I can get the Freeman's "we'll match it guarantee." Thanks!

Also, would you say the JL's up front are MUCH better than the stock fronts. $200 worth?

 

Well, I purchased the VR650's from my installer, but then again he is a good friend of mine so I probably got a better than normal deal. Definitely $200 worth better than the stock speakers. All the Bose speakers are pure dog doodoo. Especially the bose sub, it looks like a frisbee.

-Plucky

 

Regarding purchase of components on line-
I am watching Ebay and their prices are half of what most shops quote you. Look at the feedback of the seller. Most items are new and either warranteed by seller to replace for same or Ebay has a warranty company NEW that charges for a one year warranty and prices are very reasonable. They will warranty anything under 5 years old and if you do get the manufacturers warranty you can add an extra year onto same. The mark-up must be huge in stereo shops. I have gotten quotes from Best Buy and Car Toys and a couple of local dealers and Ebay prices blow them away;even their sale prices. I have done business on Ebay for 4 years and never had a problem with a selling or buying items.

 

I agree 100%. Car audio equipment is cheap on eBay. If I didn't know my installer personally, I would have bought all my stuff on eBay.

-Plucky

 

The only thing with Ebay though, is that often times, the company won't support the product warantee if you purchase it online (JL for example). I would love to buy all my stuff online if I wasn't worried about it one day breaking and being at a loss of several hundred dollars.

 

Everything I bought (except the Alpine HU and the JL subs) was from Ebay!!! I spoke with three installers and they all were willing to install everything.

BUT, they all mentioned their stores wouldn't cover anything "JL" bought on the net.

DD

 

DiverDown, how do you like the JL fronts?

 

I have the VR650's as well and I like them fine. The tweeters are not quite as bright as I would like but overall they are very good.

-Plucky

 

Not as much as you think. Their is alot of competition out their that like to drop their drawers at every situation.