System Pricing

EValentin1

Hows it going all?! So I have been trying to get pricing on a system for the Z through a local custom car audio place. I knew it wasnt going to be cheap going through them but when I saw their quote I almost had a mini heart attack! ahaha. heres a list of everything.

Pioneer Avic120
JL c5 6.5 components (front speakers)
JL c2 5.25 coax (rear speakers)
JL xd 400.4amp
JL xd 600.1 amp
JL 13w5 sub
custom stealth amp rack
tsunami gold power kit
3 tsuanmi gold interconnects
pioneer ipod adapter

Package price including installtion and taxes ($4,318 )

I dont doubt that they would do an amazing job with the installation because i have seen some of their work and its just outstanding. ive asked about buying some of the parts myself and then paying for an install but they say its just better to go through them so they can warranty their work and products through them. (obviously they would prefer this so they can make more money). anyway, just wanted to hear some input on this package and pricing (i have individual pricing for each part if anyone is interested in hearing them).

Also, does anyone know of any car audio install places around eastern ct/providence rhode island area? still going to do some research before i make a decision and drop a few bucks on a system!

Xan

Do you have the online ordering prices of the components?
Also what is the plan? Full stealth with sub in the wheel?
I see a custom amp rack, but where is the sub going?

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90 ST

THat sounds like it will be a nice system. I will suggest 2 things, don't bother with the rears, and because of that you can go with a 2 channel amp instead of the 4 ch. save a few bucks. These cars truly do not need rear speakers.

EValentin1

going to try and go full stealth. planning on getting rid of the spare and building a "new floor" in the back then dropping the sub in.

bigaudiofanat

It sounds like you are getting raped by JL pricing and the shop. I did a full bmw install labor was only 2k and the components and all were much beter than JL for a little more money total. But of course this is a shop but my opinion is you can put the spekars in yourself no rears as why are you going to have large rears right in your face also that wiring kit is not that expensive either. I would start looking for beter pricing or get rid of the rear speakers and install the fronts yourself and run the power wire that will save you some money.

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90 ST

Shops have overhead, and a place to GO if you have a problem, so it's NOT that he is being "raped". Online stores don't always have the support and are sometimes not even authorized to sell what they are selling, which can void warranty. I get why you want to go to a shop, but maybe check with a couple more before picking one. and listen to some other product, JL has nice stuff, but so do some others.

EValentin1

If i knew how to do it myself I would in a heart beat. On top of that just dont really have time with school and all.

Here are the direct quotes from the place.

avic120= $999 after pioneer rebate.
install= $350 (this install does seem pretty pricey)

6.5 components= $420
install= 120

5.25 coax= 125
install= 75

400.4 amp= 325
install= 120

13w5 sub= 399
install= 285

600.1 amp= 325
install= 105

amp rack= 150
gold power kit= 55
gold interconnects= 60
ipod adapter= 60

tax= 244

total= $4217

like you said it would be way cheaper if i did do it myself but inexperience and time is a big factor. are they really overcharging on the install according to these prices? i know its a business and they need to make money but what do you guys think?

90 ST

I would say that looks not bad, depending on the install design. I would however ditch the rears and 4 ch. amp for a 2 ch amp for just the fronts.

EValentin1

They also brought up the option of using one JL 700/5 amp to power the whole system. but then again that really doesnt bring down the cost. amp would then be $699 and installation $325. besides getting the sub more direct power using a single sub for it and another for the speakers, is there really any advantage to sound quality using two amps? sorry for all the questions just really not to enlightened on this whole car stereo deal. I really do appreciate all of the feedback!!

Mike

where are they going to put the rear speakers? You can only fit 3.5" in the stock space, and most of them aren't worth it. Prices aren't bad, but you really need to discuss that part with them.

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90 ST

If they were to go with one amp, it should drop the install price, when i worked in retail install was based on how many amps, not the size/power, or what ever they are doing. Our prices, keeping in mind this was a few years ago and in Canada, were $90 for a basic amp install, and $25 for an additional amp, do to extra wiring, ect...but thats ADDING an amp, they are still only using one amp.
I would maybe look at the XD200/2 and the 600/1 and call it a day. I might also look at other shops if they want to charge you that much to put in one amp...

As for the SQ using 2 vs 1 amp, yes and no, you can get more power out of mulitple amps, as most multi channel amps wont have as much total power to split up. For ex. the company i work for has a 5ch amp that is 38x4 and 250x1, where as if you go with multiple amps you could get up to 1200x1 and 50x2. or in my case i went with a different series that we do and have 800x1 and 160x2.

speedfreak28

I dont really see their logic in charging 100 more to install 1 amp instead of 2. Its a little less wiring. Shop around with local shops and have them compete for your money. The price seems a little high, I dont know what they intend to do installation wise though. sure you can cat the stuff cheaper online but no shop will install grey market product that undercuts their prices.
What most fail to realize is that dealers are under contract to sell certain brands at retail. If they are caught selling for less they can be stripped of their right to sell. Some shops may work around the retail pricing by offering deep discounts on installation so shop around

chops

one thing ill say is that JL components for 400? is that a joke? bahaha. there are much better comps you can get for less than 200.

you should really post on caraudio.com. those guys know the ins and outs of speakers and designs.

speedfreak28

Remember most high end brands resold over the internet have serial numbers removed and the manufacturer will not honor a warranty. OP contact 6spdcoupe on this forum, he owns a very reputable shop in jersey. Its a 3 hr drive but if you give him a budget I guarantee can get your car sounding great for way less.

EValentin1

whoops i misread the quote they gave. i put down the price before they discounted it. should just be $549 for the amp and $225 for the install. but still not the best. like you all have been saying im definetly going to search around for shops and see what they can all put together. im really not one to make a decision on dropping a few grand at the first place i find!

what do you suggest? or what have you had good experience with?