Just wondering because I am convinced that since I don't know how to install the stuff myself that I am gonna get screwed by the local installers. I know I can get all the speakers and amps ALOT cheaper online than I could locally, but to get them installed is another problem. How much do you guys estimate it would cost to get speakers replaced including sub and a new amp installed? Car stereo dealers don't really like installing someone else's hardware do they?

 

You're going to have a hard time convincing most stereo shops to install self-purchased hardware for a variety of reasons.

For one thing, they are usually certified by the manufacturers that they carry (Alpine etc) so the equipment warranty won't be voided.

More importantly, a portion of the profit they make comes from the hardware they sell you.

Lastly, they may have better recommendations on the hardware than the stuff you would pick out yourself! I had a stereo installed professionally in a former vehicle that was 100% shop-recommended equipment. I went in there wanting Boston Acoustics in my Boxster and they instead sold me a/d/s/ subs in the doors with a/d/s/ 4.5" speakers/tweets in the dash. I was skeptical, but they told me the Bostons (while great speakers) were too harsh for that particular vehicle. I trusted them, and was glad I did...that system sounded spectacular.

I went "cheap" on the system for the Z car - I'm not single any more and can't afford to drop 2k on stereo installs - but if you have the means it is worth it. Find a good shop that wins a lot of competitions and trust their judgement. Or, go 180 degrees and get the stuff online and install yourself.

 

As car stereo dealer, I do routinely install other people's equipment, though at this point you should know that we would not warranty that work. VERY few onlne dealerships are authorized to sell the product they are selling to you. You really should call a manufacturer and be 100% sure that they are authorized before you spend a dime. If you don't, then anything you do to that speaker/sub/amp is totally unauthorized and is almost never covered under warranty. Now, heres the way to get around it:

Get the product installed by someone who is authorized by that dealership. if you buy a Rockford amp online, get it installed by a rockford dealer! Why? Read the warranty. It usually states that to get a full warranty, is has to be installed by an authorized dealership. it says NOTHING about where you bought it - just where you get it put in. So if something cooks - you are covered usually.

Will you pay more overall for online purchases? Yes. We always charge a good bit more for equipment you don't buy from us. Usually as much as you saved online and then some. Sometimes, if you have friends that know what theyre doing, I can understand it - but usually, it isnt worth it. If the experts sell it to you - then you know youre almost always doing the right thing.

 

What part of SC are you from? Would it be worth your wild to travel to Albemarle NC to have it installed my another Z owner? Im the manager/salesman/installer at Encore Car Stereo. We have done severaul other Z's also. I dont care if you buy your stuff from the devil himself Ill install it, and give a lifetime warranty on our work. You should check our prices first because I might be able to beat the internet, or atleast get close. We also offer in house finacing. If that would be any help.

 

Wow encore, cool stuff, I am in Charleston, but my family is from Spartanburg. Where is Albemarle located again?

-DT

 

i know that alot of places will install products they did not sell you, however they will not warranty them. The only problem i would see is a pissed off installer who fries your stuff purposefully and then claims to not be responsible. its like bringing your car in to get an oil change and giving them the filter and oil. i would just rather spend the extra money and know that if anything goes wrong, it is under warranty.
andy

 

Funny you mention that, I plan to bring in the oil on my first change. I want Mobil 1 and they don't offer it.

-DTF

 

The great town of Albemarle is 30-40min north of Charollete. I PM you. We might can work something out were you can crash at my house. I live on Lake Tillery so we could play on the lake when we finish. My girlfriend went to folly beach this weekend w/ my mom, and sister, and it took them 5 hrs to get back if that helps at all.

 

Go to Crutchfields website. Just look at their list of certified installers in your area. Don't buy from Crutchfield though, they overprice everything. Just call some of those stores and ask how much they cost.