Subwoofer & Amplifier Install...

bigaudiofanat · 09-18-2009, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lordsii

I agree with bigaudiofanat. Most of the shops try to rip you off especially when you buy high end products and when you bring your sport car in... Not only that, I'd prefer installing it myself so I can get familiar with my car and learning car audio systems is the most important thing to me. Speaking of this, I'm sure there will be tons of questions from me when installation comes like how to bypass Kenwood DNX9140, how to wire subwoofer/amp, etc? I'm going to receive stuff next week so I'm kinda excited now.

Bigaudiofanat, so IDQ12V3.D4 - Image Dynamics 12" IDQ Version 3 Dual 4 Ohm Subwoofer and PDX-1.600 - Alpine 1 Ch 600 Watt Digital Power Amplifier are a good match?

Thanks again.

Correct with all your statements and questions. I look forward to the questions and all. I think you are going to enjoy that sub if you want to get a but nice amp go with the phoneix gold. All and all your going to be happy. Yes shops like to over charge you or make you think you are getting a good deal. I never go to a shop for an install nor to buy products much cheaper online and much better selection. Also Almost all my local and some that are farther shops I do not trust at all. That is one reason AK came to me for the install and many others. They do not want to get screwed and they want a quality install.

bigaudiofanat · 09-18-2009, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carfr3ak

It's another thing if you want to do everything yourself. I still don't see how they will try to rip you off if you call them and ask them for price of a specific sub or amp you are looking at. What you're basically telling me is that once they see you roll up in your 370Z, they will "forget" about the quote they gave you over the phone. IMHO, doesn't make any sense. But since you are going to do the install yourself, you don't have to worry about such things.

GL with the installation! Let us know how it goes and post pics

Correct they can give you one quote and you can even give them what car it is over the phone if you want. Than you get there and they will be like oh well you have this model so we have to get this to make the ignition system interface with the head unit or some BS like that. I do not like how they try to get more money out of you. I have seen it to many times.

speedfreak28 · 09-18-2009, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

I always buy online. Most shops do not carry the higher quality names that you can find online. Nor are they willing to get the product or honor the warranty it comes with. Yes some shops carry JL but there is so much better out there than JL. Like audison, Rainbow, Focal just to name a few.

This is the farthest thing form the truth. ALL of the brands you listed above must be bought from an authorized shop to get a factory warranty. Online companies will offer inhouse warranty which can be nothing but headaches. Whenever possible it is best to buy froma local shop, Its what keeps this industry thriving. You can get close to the same prices as you can online if you go about it the right way

speedfreak28 · 09-18-2009, 04:05 PM

There are plenty of reputable shops out there. Most of the highend brands are very particular about the people they let sell their product. It seems that buying online to save money is a great idea but most people don't realize the effect it has on the Industry they love.
Say I own a shop and you decide to buy it online instead of paying the 100 extra it costs at retail. The sale that is taken from a local business leads to them shutting their doors and leads too less product sold for that particular manufacturer. This is called the race to zero.
Its the reason why alot of the brands that used to be quality are now junk. Decreased volume leads to outsourcing to save money. Fosgate and kicker are just a couple examples of product no longer made in the US. Most people dont realize the effect of buying unauthorized equipment online. Find a reputable shop tha carries the high end brands you want and most will meet you half way on pricing.

bigaudiofanat · 09-18-2009, 08:08 PM

I have to disagree, I think people buy online is to take out the middle man. Also to make sure that they are getting what they wanted and the way I look at it is more of a trustworthy way to buy online. Also yes some companies are picky on who they let sell there product. But on the same note not all shops even sell the normal brands. I know of 2 particulars shops that use to sell alpine, jl, kicker, and focal. Now they only sell kenwood, polk, clarion, and bull dog for security. Do not ask me why that happened to them as I do not know. All I know is when I want to buy something I want to buy it not hear aw well we can get it but you will have to wait or well we don't carry it but for a few extra bucks we can get it for you. When I want it I want it. I think that is most people as well.

carfr3ak · 09-19-2009, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

I have to disagree, I think people buy online is to take out the middle man. Also to make sure that they are getting what they wanted and the way I look at it is more of a trustworthy way to buy online.

Lets say you buy it online, sure you may be cutting out the middle man, not only that but most likely you are cutting out the warranty also. Most online retailers are not authorized retailers(except crutchfield, etc, but it's not any cheaper @ crutch), so when your sub blows or amp gets fried for some odd reason, instead of paying the extra bit of money, now you have to shell out for a whole brand new one. And honestly, there are easy ways to find out if a shop is trustworthy or not.

You get what you pay for, and that doesn't apply to just the quality of items, but also the benefits of Where you get it from.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

Also yes some companies are picky on who they let sell there product. But on the same note not all shops even sell the normal brands. I know of 2 particulars shops that use to sell alpine, jl, kicker, and focal. Now they only sell kenwood, polk, clarion, and bull dog for security.

I guess you should call the other audio shops besides those.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

All I know is when I want to buy something I want to buy it not hear aw well we can get it but you will have to wait or well we don't carry it but for a few extra bucks we can get it for you.

This is why you call up shops and you shop around. Use yelp or some other review website to find out if the shop you are calling is good or not. Hit up your local forums, there's countless other ways to figure this stuff out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

When I want it I want it. I think that is most people as well.

The only time you are getting what you want, when you want it, is if you go to a store and they have it in stock. Otherwise, whether the audio shop orders it for you, or you order it yourself, you are going to wait. Unless you are going to order it online and overnight, which in that case, defeats the purpose of getting it cheap online, And losing warranty.

IMO: If you are going to do something, do it right. Just like how I wouldn't leave the store without an extended warranty(which has already paid for itself many times over, even though I buy great quality brands). But in this case, instead of getting an extended warranty, you completely cut out the warranty because you want to save a few bucks.

Graybullet · 09-19-2009, 09:33 PM

Buying online is not always cheaper ( new items).

Some audio shops here purchase their equipment from the manufacturers just like online stores such as Crutchfield. Also, while its true that majority of the time the online stores carries way more than the old brick n mortar, the latter might provide a cheaper discount (on the two or three brands they do push)than the former because they have a contract to push those specific items. An example..my JL stuff ( i know i know, its overprice overrated

)that I purchase from the brick n mortar was much cheaper than Crutchfield...that's with tax. The manager told me they have a contract with JL to push ALL their items and have them readily available..and in return, provides them with discounted already whole sale prices (this store is also on JL's signature retailer list)

Just my business commentary

speedfreak28 · 09-19-2009, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

I have to disagree, I think people buy online is to take out the middle man. Also to make sure that they are getting what they wanted and the way I look at it is more of a trustworthy way to buy online. Also yes some companies are picky on who they let sell there product. But on the same note not all shops even sell the normal brands. I know of 2 particulars shops that use to sell alpine, jl, kicker, and focal. Now they only sell kenwood, polk, clarion, and bull dog for security. Do not ask me why that happened to them as I do not know. All I know is when I want to buy something I want to buy it not hear aw well we can get it but you will have to wait or well we don't carry it but for a few extra bucks we can get it for you. When I want it I want it. I think that is most people as well.

Im only 30 miles form you and theres plenty of reputable shops near me. Buying online is not taking otu the middle man lol. Your buying an unauthorized product ( serial numbers scratched off on woofersetc.) that has been obtained illegally in most cases. Usually its bought from an authorized dealer or distributor reselling bulk to make a quick profit. Trustworthy? not so much. The other issue with an in house online warranty is products like amps arent replaced, theyre repaired.

M.J. · 09-20-2009, 04:14 AM

I was able to pick up most of my stereo components here in Hawaii for about the same price as the stuff on ebay. I wasn't able to get everything from one store but I looked at the items I wanted, asked what they were asking for an item and just made a cash offer of what it would cost me to order from ebay. In every case the stores said yes. My Alpine head unit, the Alpine components, my rear speakers, yup rear speakers (: both amps and my JL subs.
Okay sorry. I didn't mean to get this thread off topic.

bigaudiofanat · 09-20-2009, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carfr3ak

Lets say you buy it online, sure you may be cutting out the middle man, not only that but most likely you are cutting out the warranty also. Most online retailers are not authorized retailers(except crutchfield, etc, but it's not any cheaper @ crutch), so when your sub blows or amp gets fried for some odd reason, instead of paying the extra bit of money, now you have to shell out for a whole brand new one. And honestly, there are easy ways to find out if a shop is trustworthy or not.

You get what you pay for, and that doesn't apply to just the quality of items, but also the benefits of Where you get it from.

I guess you should call the other audio shops besides those.

This is why you call up shops and you shop around. Use yelp or some other review website to find out if the shop you are calling is good or not. Hit up your local forums, there's countless other ways to figure this stuff out.

The only time you are getting what you want, when you want it, is if you go to a store and they have it in stock. Otherwise, whether the audio shop orders it for you, or you order it yourself, you are going to wait. Unless you are going to order it online and overnight, which in that case, defeats the purpose of getting it cheap online, And losing warranty.

IMO: If you are going to do something, do it right. Just like how I wouldn't leave the store without an extended warranty(which has already paid for itself many times over, even though I buy great quality brands). But in this case, instead of getting an extended warranty, you completely cut out the warranty because you want to save a few bucks.

1. not true most online places have warranties and service for the things you buy. You should not have any problems with speakers or subs even amps if it is all setup and tuned right.

2. I hate going to shops never will go to them. If they do not want to get what you want than you are going to hear a speech saying how you should buy this one and not that one.

3. As I said before and it applies for everything in CA and cars as well. Everyone has an opinions about the right way to buy things or do things. Dose not mean they are ALL right but most of them will get you the same or close to the same results.

speedfreak28 · 09-20-2009, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

1. not true most online places have warranties and service for the things you buy. You should not have any problems with speakers or subs even amps if it is all setup and tuned right.
2. I hate going to shops never will go to them. If they do not want to get what you want than you are going to hear a speech saying how you should buy this one and not that one.
3. As I said before and it applies for everything in CA and cars as well. Everyone has an opinions about the right way to buy things or do things. Dose not mean they are ALL right but most of them will get you the same or close to the same results.

1.As i stated earlier, besides crutchfield, most warranty work is in house and is usually repairs

2.Not true at all, dunno what shops you go to but authorized retailers use local distributors and can have almost anything in a day or two

3.Sure there are different ways to achieve similar results but failing to recognize the effects of Internet sales on those industries has lasting negative effects

ConchZ2 · 09-21-2009, 10:09 AM

One of the biggest problems with buying on line is the potential for “grey markets” products. They recycle the same refurbished defective units over and over again to innocent unsuspecting people.

bigaudiofanat · 09-21-2009, 10:57 AM

Not true on crutchfield or woofersetc. If they do sell refurbished stuff they let you know they are.

speedfreak28 · 09-21-2009, 11:28 AM

You are not very educated about woofersetc practices to obtain product. All of the higer end brands are obtained through unauthorized sources and have the serial numbers removed.( jl focal, zapco, morel, audison, boston acoustics, JBL, memphis and plenty more) None of those products are authorized, the companies wont honor any implied warranty either.

bigaudiofanat · 09-21-2009, 11:40 AM

The refurbished stuff they might not but I just emailed them they confirmed that most of there products the manufacture will honor the warranties. Kicker, alpine, sony, clarion, kenwood, polk, and others they will. I sent them a reply asking about audison and such I have not received a reply email yet. But most people just buy on ebay anyway so weather you buy from ebay amazon or woofersetc most will not have warranties.

09-18-2009, 04:05 PM	#19 (permalink)
speedfreak28 Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: south jersey Posts: 247 Drives: 05 ram, 79 z28 Rep Power: 16	There are plenty of reputable shops out there. Most of the highend brands are very particular about the people they let sell their product. It seems that buying online to save money is a great idea but most people don't realize the effect it has on the Industry they love. Say I own a shop and you decide to buy it online instead of paying the 100 extra it costs at retail. The sale that is taken from a local business leads to them shutting their doors and leads too less product sold for that particular manufacturer. This is called the race to zero. Its the reason why alot of the brands that used to be quality are now junk. Decreased volume leads to outsourcing to save money. Fosgate and kicker are just a couple examples of product no longer made in the US. Most people dont realize the effect of buying unauthorized equipment online. Find a reputable shop tha carries the high end brands you want and most will meet you half way on pricing. Last edited by speedfreak28; 09-18-2009 at 04:17 PM.

09-18-2009, 08:08 PM	#20 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	I have to disagree, I think people buy online is to take out the middle man. Also to make sure that they are getting what they wanted and the way I look at it is more of a trustworthy way to buy online. Also yes some companies are picky on who they let sell there product. But on the same note not all shops even sell the normal brands. I know of 2 particulars shops that use to sell alpine, jl, kicker, and focal. Now they only sell kenwood, polk, clarion, and bull dog for security. Do not ask me why that happened to them as I do not know. All I know is when I want to buy something I want to buy it not hear aw well we can get it but you will have to wait or well we don't carry it but for a few extra bucks we can get it for you. When I want it I want it. I think that is most people as well. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

09-20-2009, 04:14 AM	#24 (permalink)
M.J. Base Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Posts: 68 Drives: '09 370 White, 6spd. Rep Power: 16	I was able to pick up most of my stereo components here in Hawaii for about the same price as the stuff on ebay. I wasn't able to get everything from one store but I looked at the items I wanted, asked what they were asking for an item and just made a cash offer of what it would cost me to order from ebay. In every case the stores said yes. My Alpine head unit, the Alpine components, my rear speakers, yup rear speakers (: both amps and my JL subs. Okay sorry. I didn't mean to get this thread off topic. __________________ Aloha! Honolulu, Hawaii. '09 370Z White, 6spd Stillen Gen-III Intake/CBE, Alpine Entertainment Volk G2's 19x9.5F 19x10.5R, Nitto Invo 285x30F & 305x30R

09-21-2009, 10:57 AM	#28 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	Not true on crutchfield or woofersetc. If they do sell refurbished stuff they let you know they are. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

09-21-2009, 11:40 AM	#30 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	The refurbished stuff they might not but I just emailed them they confirmed that most of there products the manufacture will honor the warranties. Kicker, alpine, sony, clarion, kenwood, polk, and others they will. I sent them a reply asking about audison and such I have not received a reply email yet. But most people just buy on ebay anyway so weather you buy from ebay amazon or woofersetc most will not have warranties. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

09-19-2009, 09:33 PM	#22 (permalink)
Graybullet Base Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Hawaii Posts: 82 Drives: 370Z Base/Sports Rep Power: 16	Buying online is not always cheaper ( new items). Some audio shops here purchase their equipment from the manufacturers just like online stores such as Crutchfield. Also, while its true that majority of the time the online stores carries way more than the old brick n mortar, the latter might provide a cheaper discount (on the two or three brands they do push)than the former because they have a contract to push those specific items. An example..my JL stuff ( i know i know, its overprice overrated )that I purchase from the brick n mortar was much cheaper than Crutchfield...that's with tax. The manager told me they have a contract with JL to push ALL their items and have them readily available..and in return, provides them with discounted already whole sale prices (this store is also on JL's signature retailer list) Just my business commentary

09-21-2009, 10:09 AM	#27 (permalink)
ConchZ2 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: connecticut Posts: 329 Drives: 09 370Z red 6sp sprt Rep Power: 16	One of the biggest problems with buying on line is the potential for “grey markets” products. They recycle the same refurbished defective units over and over again to innocent unsuspecting people.

09-21-2009, 11:28 AM	#29 (permalink)
speedfreak28 Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: south jersey Posts: 247 Drives: 05 ram, 79 z28 Rep Power: 16	You are not very educated about woofersetc practices to obtain product. All of the higer end brands are obtained through unauthorized sources and have the serial numbers removed.( jl focal, zapco, morel, audison, boston acoustics, JBL, memphis and plenty more) None of those products are authorized, the companies wont honor any implied warranty either.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Upgrading Bose Subwoofer In Spare Tire Well	7sudden	Audio & Video	3	02-23-2010 08:51 PM
8" Subwoofer box WITH spare tire	JerryK	Audio & Video	25	12-04-2009 05:44 PM
Subwoofer locations without losing the spare tire	huff442	Audio & Video	51	10-09-2009 01:03 AM
zenclosure subwoofer question	Graybullet	Audio & Video	4	08-31-2009 12:29 PM
Elemental Designs Amplifier Sale!!!	DIGItonium	Audio & Video	4	02-25-2009 09:03 AM