Okay, so after the first few months and almost 3000 miles (yes it’s a daily driver), I figure it’s time to upgrade the stereo. The problem is this: I never realized how much I did NOT know about this stuff until I spent some time reading this forum. So needless to say, I’m not looking to do this myself. Rather, I’d like to find a good, reputable dealer/installer who can not only help me pick out the right components and perform the install, but also doesn’t mind teaching a newbie while they’re at it. I don’t mean I want to learn the ins-and-outs of the whole process, but I want someone who truly doesn’t mind the stupid questions, someone who can back up their recommendations with some logical explanations. (BTW: I’ve been a s/w developer for 10 years so I can handle the technical concepts, I just haven’t had this particular exposure yet.)

So my questions to the experts here are:

- Are there any particular things to look for or questions to ask when looking for an installer like this?
- Is there a size/scale of shop that is better for this? I kind of assume that non-specialized large chains like Circuit City, Good Guys and Best Buy are NOT what I’m looking for here. It just doesn’t seem like they’re really going to be that patient with me. But how much smaller do you go?
- I’m in Southern California, so any specific recommendations would be appreciated as well.
- Am I crazy? Is this too hard to find?

Thanks in advance.

 

Best shop in Souther California IMO is:
Audio Options, located in Torrance, CA

Give them a call, you won't be dissapointed. They do major manufaturers show cars, and are one of the most innovative shops around.

 

You can always ship your car to us

 

Ya..i was looking for a dealer/installer in So Cal.. although all i was looking for was a MP3 head unit and aftermarket alarm..nothing too fancy.

Any other good installer/dealer in So Cal ?

 

I got a Clifford Arrow 3 alarm, Focal speakers, and an Alpine 7894 installed at Beach Auto Sound in Huntington Beach for around $270 labor+wires. They did a pretty good job, although I should have had my amp installed behind the driver's seat instead of in the glove compartment. That was my bad, I requested the glove box because that's where people were installing amps early on. They had to drill holes on the left and right glove box walls to run the amp wires through.

http://www.beachautosound.com/

If you want to go further south, of course Street Noyz in San Diego is a good place. They've done a lot of 350Z's.