Paying for Car Audio System to be installed? DON'T DO THIS!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ธ.ค. 2022
- So maybe you have decided that you want to hire a shop to help you install your custom car audio system. There are definitely some Do's and Don'ts that will make this process go smoothly for both parties, both you and the shop. This way you can obtain an amazing audio system that will be reliable and sound great for years to come, and the shop can make a profit that allows them to reinvest in their business and be available for you next time you need to have gear installed.
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As a tech, and this is a big one, DO CLEAN YOUR CAR OUT BEFORE YOU TAKE IT TO THE SHOP!!! There is nothing worse than having to get in someone's car that the interior is covered in trash or cigarette ash. And, if you're getting anything installed in the trunk, clean and empty it out. Sometimes we have to crawl in them too.
Dang! I wish I would have mentioned this one. Spot on. Maybe the boys can like your comment a bunch so it stays at the top.
@CarAudioFabrication that would be cool, but yeah it's a common occurrence and drives me nuts. They know we gotta work on the car, and we gotta remove half their wardrobe and sports lockers out the cars. 🙄
Oh or you can pin it I think.
As a auto tech, I can't like this comment enough!!!! I've actually gone out to vehicles, opened the door, and just said nope, and walked back in. Tell advisor's to politely say, clean/ clean out your car and then come back, thanks.
I get not every vehicle is gonna be "spotless". But when it looks biohazardy, no thanks.
@@lee28.78 No, you just seem like an ass that goes to shitty shops. Customers have left firearms, money, and valuables in their cars at our shop. We move them to the glovebox or console to get them out of the way after taking a picture of items in both locations to show we didnt take any items out.
Don't- Don't get angry with an installer if he recommends you have your installation done elsewhere (a specific shop). As an installer, I can admit when there is a job I'm not comfortable with or I know of a shop that specializes in what you're looking to have done.
As a client, I can definitely say that every installation studio should take photos in the process of work, and share them with the client!
Totally agree!
Depends. I am often on a tight schedule, and stopping to take pictures all the way through is time consuming. I generally only take pictures of about 20% of my work. If a client wants process pictures I will accommodate them, but it's not a given on every install.
I would love this. I wouldn't pay anyone at my current income level, as I have more time than money. Furthermore, I've watched CAF and 5Star way too much to settle for what I can afford.
Depending on the volume of the shop. If I have 8 cars on the board waiting to get done, pictures for a remote start are the last thing on my mind. If you ask I will do my best to accommodate but it isn’t a given. Big custom builds are the exception because those should be a given.
I try to remember the "Cheap, Good, Fast" mantra. You can only pick 2.
From a shop owner, this was spot on. GREAT job!!
Skills of the installers is very important no matter the cost. In my country (Kenya) if you want anything done right then do it yourself. I upgraded my car audio system 7 years ago. Took it to a shop for installation since back then I wasn’t familiar with audio stuff. Apparently the guy who did the install tapped the subwoofer signal from fronts channel and yet the head unit has a subwoofer channel. Head unit nice features like sub level and crossovers become useless. 5 years later I discovered it when I familiarized myself with audio stuff. After rewiring, setting listening position distances and shifting crossover duty from amp to head unit, my car audio improved dramatically. Got introduced to soundstage and imaging. For two years it was my best music listening system until I spent tons of cash on my home audio. All this I could have started enjoying five years ago if I had my install done by professionals.
Excellent points! Thanks for sharing.
Earning the client's trust would be the most important thing any shop should achieve. This comes by being honest and transparent with the client and keeping in mind that most clients need to be educated about the options the shop can offer.
All very solid suggestions.
Some emphasis..
DO Educate yourself as a customer about quality equipment and the best set up options for your specific vehicle.
Audition speakers for the music you play most. I actually saved a bit just buying the brand that sounded best to me (Focal Access).
DON'T Cut corners on the install. Quality integration parts and sound treatments make a big difference.
Something that divides the opinion of most shops is coming in with a point by point print out of what you want. Some installers/shops don't seem to like this, but I love it. It gives clear direction on what is to be done so no one can be surprised in the end. Of course things might change during the design phase, but then it should be documented. Things like what types of materials (carpet, vinyl) colours (red and burgundy are very different etc).
I have a 2006 Corvette c6 that I am taking to a shop in about a month. The car is immaculate, it doesnt even get driven in rain. So, needless to say, I want what I want and I want it how I want it. I have already installed the new head unit, mids and tweets in doors, ran speaker wire, power and ground to the back. I want the shop to make my box and install the sub (I already have) amps, dsp and tune everything. It should not be too complicate for a shop to do. So is this going to be a problem with me doing most of the job already and wanting the shop to finish it off?
Those were some excellent points. Well described and easy to understand.
Keep up the great work.
Being upfront with a shop about not knowing anything is bad news in NYC lol.. I did the same thing and I was over charged like crazy for what I got.. Now that I know alot more than what I knew then, I learned that I received about 1500$ of equipment and was charged over 3k.. DONT GIVE THEM TOO MUCH INFO.. 😂😂
I'm in hawaii. Since new cars are equipped with these electronics. They charge separately install of amps, front doors, rear doors, if amps wanted in the trunk, wiring will cost more since it's charge by feet. I didn't want amp under my seat but it's was easier to set up my gains from there than under the seat also it's out if the way.. My install with buying their Fix86 went was around $1500. It was a clean job & everything looks factory. Also I had issues with my speakers in rear going out. My shop told me to bring back anytime to troubleshoot for free. They replaced the whole JL's RCA cords for free & they showed me the work they had been done before putting back on all the panels..... Yes, it's expensive but the work & wiring they did is awesome. My system never sounded so good. Also they don't use the cheap stuff too so I figured it'll cost me some money. 😆
I'm about to do a job, my first one! I'm watching this to see if I can offer anything extra to my client that they may not have realized they wanted. The note about packaging was fantastic! I wish I would have done this with my gear!
Before leaving the shop with your new system, tug test all the wire connections. You would be surprised how many poor connections I have seen.
As a shop owner and installer of 30 + years, I've even been guilty of this. Get a phone call or asked to help out on another vehicle about the time you are going to make a crimp and come back thanking it's already done. Do enough installs and its going to happen to even the best of us.
Hello and thank you for all of the unbelievably clean and superior work. Also thank you for all the advice on different vendors for quality gear. I live in Anaheim Ca and am planning my classic car audio insall. Please (if possible)could you consider doing a video on a classic car(1950’s-60’s) audio install/ recommendation.
Rear deck, sound denting, amp rack,ect. Thanks again for all of the great content.
Speaking from my personal experience, I'll share this:
If you're paying for an installation, buy the equipment you're having installed from them as well. The first aftermarket head unit I ever bought was purchased from a strip-mall electronics store and brought to a major car audio chain for installation. The head unit was faulty. The electronics store refunded my money for the head unit but refused to reimburse me for the installation cost and I ate $100. If you're sourcing your components yourself, learn to install them yourself.
What if someone gave you new amps and subs for your birthday or something?
@R M That's a good question. If you're in that situation and are not comfortable installing the gear yourself and your bringing it to a shop, ask them for some examples of their work. A good shop will take pride in their work and take photos of their installations.
I can’t believe how expensive some these places are for installs and a lot of times it’s messy behind the panels and carpet. I learned how to install at a young age luckily. Never had to pay for installation also a lot don’t know how or offer custom box build and tunes. Learned enclosures over time as well it’s the best way to do things. To learn it yourself the right way
Nice vid! Hi Mark, do you have a 4 sub box build plan for the Chevy 3500 like you have for the F150 build you did?
Nic3 vid man. Way to stay on top of the important topics.
man that lc2i pro is badass!!! i had the lc2i at first but noticed that my bass wasnt that deep after reading the info it cuts off at 33hz most ppl wont notice but i did. lc2i pro goes down to 20hz which is my sweet spot hell yea
Thanks for sharing! It's definitely a solid LOC
I skipped the ad, because i dont like..... sike because of u i bought an LC2i pro in 6/2021, replacing the passive LOC device i was using, and the bass sounds so much cleaner
Awesome! Enjoy the LC2i-PRO!
Really like this vid....a super detailed like 30-45 ted or marktalk would be awesome
Thanks for coming to my MarkTalk :)
Great video! 🤙
The technician should absolutely be involved in the ENTIRE sales process. They are more equipped to set the expectation based on budget, time, etc. The technician should also be present during delivery of the vehicle to go over everything that was installed. Being on both sides of this industry (sales and installation) it is crucial to give a proper in vehicle demonstration of what the client actually purchased. Pair their phone, show how multiple cameras work, how to switch between different tunes on an amp with built in DSP, etc. Definitely builds a loyal client base.
Could you recommend us a few shops?
Looking at the AudioControl D-5.1300 (2022 Bronco). What other AudioControl components are needed to power my Morel speakers?
I’m planning an install in my BMW… trying to decide between myself doing it, which I do believe I am capable (been years since I’ve done anything more than a head unit)… but I’m looking at doing a DSP and all… front components, rear coax, 8” mid-bass in the factory location under the seats, and then a 12 in the trunk.
I’ve been watching your videos and feel I may do it myself. (Running a power wire is easy as the battery is in the trunk)…. It’s just weighing my time vs the cost of having it done
Depending on the year of your BMW, as a professional shop owner I would strongly recommend that you have a shop at least give you a quote. There’s a lot involved.
Do it yourself. Great learning experience and you will know how to maintain the system or work on it. Make sure you have the big 3 and enough supply from your alternator to not stress your car. Also plan on doing a head unit for a clean signal. Also... make sure the jump from your a and b pillar to the door is doable so you don't have to use factory wire to your new speakers.
Unless you are familiar with an RTA and own one you really are not going to get the most out of the DSP, coming from someone who use to install professionally for 8 years and was MECP advanced certified. i'd take it to a professional
I totally agree and understand why you dont want to stand there and watch the installer, but I want to learn how they do things. Especially how they remove all the panels in the car for the install. How can you learn something like this without watching them do it. I am already pretty comfortable building and configuring a system but it always baffles me how to remove panels without accidentally breaking them. Any thoughts?
Awesome Video!
Glad you enjoyed it
Always remember this rule:
Budget components and a good installation > Expensive components and a poor installation
That's completely true! I've seen people installing good speakers so poorly in the doors that they sounded way worse than stock installation
True you can get budget equipment to sound close to JL SQ if you really know your shyt
What place in Orlando would you recommend going to..???
Good vid!
Alpine type X components. Thoughts? Any recommendations instead of this
Is it cool to. Bring my own wire (2/0 to 0 gauge converter for my amps i like to beef up the power) or does the quote include wire costs and the like
I've been using only Rockford Fosgate for speakers, subs and amps for 20 years and my local high end shop doesn't carry RF and won't install anything you didn't buy from them. So i had to use best buy for my last install 😅
How was the Best Buy install experience? That’s probably where I would go
Id say watch channels like this, and learn to do it yourself...it will save you literally thousands of dollars.
My biggest advice is just to understand this isn't the 90s anymore where you can do your entire Honda Civic for $500 and have it sound amazing. 2-3k or you're going to have a bad time.
I don't know what 90's you grew up in, but you couldn't get a decent 300 watt amp ( Kenwood, pioneer) hell, for a 35watt 4 channel Sony, would coat $400, on my wall I have a ppi a600.2 that I paid $749(after taxes) I brought a taramp 3k for $189, so please explain to me how you could get amazing sound for 5 hundred in the 90's. A Jensen 100watt amp was around $125. You must've had a sparkomatic 1000watt EQ booster in the 90's🤪 5 hundred in the 90's got you amazing sound, please elaborate
That's so bullshit who says you need to spend 2k for an upgrade. You can spend wayy less and still be content with the sound
$500 and sound amazing in the 90s? You could stay under $500 if you scored everything from a flea market but "sound amazing"? lol, no. To sound amazing and justify the labor and installation on anything in the 90s you needed to start with something in the realm of an ADS PQ20 amp... or other amps in that quality spector -$799 off the bat.... a simple x-over Nakamichi ec200 - $200 and you're already over $1k before you even get to head unit, speakers, subs, labor etc.... the only way around this was if you were able to find one of those Pyramid 10,000 watt amps for $25 on sale.
do u know any shop in the fresno CA area that you will recommend?
Hello brother
I am watching you from Saudi Arabia and I wish you would make me the sound system I want..
I want an episode from you on how to calculate the power of the speakers in the entire car in order to bring with it the appropriate amb??
Make sure that you tell the installer to not cut any behind the dash structure that will not allow you to go back to original.
I did my own installs on my car an truck, but this new truck to me I had it professionally done, as I do not like messing with new stuff an would prefer it done by someone else this time!~
Can anyone recommend a good install place maybe even known or used in the west palm beach Florida area ?
As far as shops go, is it better to go with chains or an independent shop?
IMO...Independent shop will give you the one on one attention over a chain shop. Not always the case but I'd same more times then not.
Question should I the client get harnesses and some components and give them to the shop for head unit installs so I can be sure it’s connected the way that I want?
You can offer to them what you want, but in many cases, they can get what you want as well. Already having it can save time in some cases, but check with the service provider to see if they might already have it on site, or the time frame necessary to get it.
Breaking things and hiding it or not owning up to it.
I work in a separate, but somewhat related industry.
Consumers are always somewhat skeptical of the professional; thinking that the professional is trying to just get the most money for their work by taking shortcuts. Most professionals do not operate this way because if they did, then they would not be in business for very long.
Professionals should be more up-front about the value they can provide to the consumer, both in fit, finish, simplicity, and time savings. Too often the professional gets into the habit of just "selling" the job that they forget that each new client is starting from zero. I know it's exhausting having to do the same questions for every single customer, but at the end of the day the professional is the one selling their services.
We have Stereo Pad in Tucson Home of the $1 install
I am mecp certified I installed my system 2 years had no problems now when I turn on the radio it blows the fuse I drive a Dodge Magnum I upgraded the alternator at the same time I installed it could it be but it's sending a higher voltage?
I sound proof 4 doors, updated 2 speaker, purchased a woofer planing to install on the left back door.. Will it work?? Or should i install two woofer on both back door?? Front two are co-axial speakers
Updated mp3 player earlier..
Ask how the gains are set
Are shops willing to do partial installs like power wires only?
A mechanic could probably do that.
Only if you expect no warranty. Many shops don't like doing this because when another area of the install is done incorrectly they know who inevitably gets blamed.
No, when I installed professionally, we did not allow partial installs. You run power for them then you get a call later "my amp isn't turning on I wired everything up" LOL NO THANKS
Auto Audio is my choice here in Little Rock AR
They still in business? TCA, Todd’s Car Audio, in Benton AR is still top in the audio industry.
How do you get around the vehicle noise cancellation mics that cause a buzz in the system when active?
Disconnect the ANC usually behind the glove box . No way around it just unplug it
@CarAudioFabrication what should I expect for a shop to install second skins sound proofing vehicle kit, 4 door speaker, 2 tweaters, 2 10s with premade box, amp, big 3 kist and and DSP.
My shop would probably charge $2500+ depending on speakers and Amps
It's going to cost you a pretty penny, as sound proofing isn't cheap, and neither is adding the big 3. The rest of the install is also dependant on many factors as well. Plan for at least $1,500+
Does adding a amp and subwoofer void the factor warranty?
I'm not 100% sure but if i remember correctly when I bought my car I asked about adding speakers and if it will effect the warranty and they said it would only void the parts that the speaker could effect (battery/alternator etc.).
Mark can you please Help me diagnose my problem?.
New install, 2016 f150, used LC2i, the mid/high 4 channel Amp sounds good, problem is my mono amp (CT Sounds 2000.1D) does not like Both rcas connected! (Sound like 40% lower in volume) but if i. Disconnect One rca it sounds great. Already tried diferent rcas, diferent, LC2i, diferent Amp, even using the lc2i high output signal to my mono amp and still, "when Amp has both rcas connected it like cancells itself/ plays at lower volume. Amp is hooked to 2 10 subs wired at 2 ohms.
Any suggestions??
I don't mind paying for a installation as long as they are doing a good job, I don't have the shop to do the work especially in the colder weather,
Yeah I’ve hired a lot of professionals in the passed to do the work. I din’t know but it seems like they just throw it together. Looks like shot for what I paid for it. I even asked one time what is the process you are going to do to install it. They then replied they are not discussing it with me. I’m done with amateurs working on my shit. I can do a much better job.
If the installer doesn't know ohms law, RUN, because they are going to try to sell you shyt you don't need like a 4 channel amp to run your interior's, I haven't used a 4 channel amp since I had svc subs. I'm from the era when we ran 12 interior speakers of off a punch 150hd
How do you deal with Hamming
I need someone to do my 2door Bronco lol
I would be interested to hear your opinion on: would there be any value in doing some of the labor yourself prior to handing the vehicle over? If so what would be best tackled by the DIYer that wouldn't cause issues for the shop?
That's a great question.
Please don't do this. No installer wants to work on something that someone else worked on first. If you started the job, I'm not going to take the job unless you agree that I will be paid to redo everything that you did. I'm not trying to be an asshole, but I can't guarantee the quality of my work if it partially depends on work that you did yourself.
@Daniel Abrams I can fully respect that, I wouldn't expect somebody to warranty my work.
I was thinking for folks that wanted to do along the sound treatments, swap drop-in speakers, that type of thing.
@@danielabrams555 I had the same question but about taking door panels off , taking door trim off / trunk carpet etc … not electronics or wiring so it arrives ready to be worked on and save that time and money . I would naturally be responsible for putting it back together and for everything but the installed components … that’s a no-no ?
@@nickskolsky2560 yeah don't do that. Seriously most of that stuff doesn't take a lot of time and it's pretty easy to crack a panel or something if you aren't used to the force needed for it. Also us techs like to have a car leave the shop looking complete and nice for the customer, hard to do if we don't have panels or everything to put it back together.
i got a estimate they told me 1500 or 1900 which sounds crazy to me this was to change 4 speakers and a sub with 1 amp for the 4 speakers and 1 amp for the sub nothing with crazy watt like 600 watts
If you're system is not on display, I would see no reason why you should have it all nice and neat, as long as they don't compromise the system sound performance, and actually wiring just hanging all out there,! You get the idea 😉
Personally I wouldn't perform an install for someone without ensuring the finished result was nice and neat. I wouldn't want my name attached to a subpar install, bad for business.
I do installs for the next person who takes it apart. Last thing I would ever want is for someone to talk negatively about an install I did. When the next tech who works on it takes it apart I want them thinking about how well it was done and not “look at this rats nest.”.
I put coaxials in my front doors and for my rear doors I put in 2 way component woofers BUT I put the component tweeters in the front sail panels then I ran the front and rear channels in parallel (two channels L and R not mono) because my amp only has 4 channels and I needed 2 for my sub.
If I take it into the shop to get soundproofed am I going to get bullied?
I would hope not. Maybe educated on a different way of doing it (what I would do anyway). Shops have a tendency to assume everyone knows as much as they do and come across very arrogant. If they try to “bully” you I suggest you find a different shop.
I mean you did it kind of backwards but if ir sounds good to you then why not
DO be very clear about the level of quality and attention to detail you expect and what you are willing to pay for.
For me specifically I was unhappy in the past because I thought ,throwing a lot of money at a build meant getting the highest level of installation.But I felt like corners were cut because I never expressed that I wanted certain things done
Can you help me by suggesting someone to install my car audio around Philadelphia , New Jersey or PA
I took a shot in the dark when I paid to do an install. They only did basic installs from the pictures. Nothing custom wise.
Thankfully they got creative and used the stock midrange bracket and some metal pieces erection pieces and
Hardware for the tweeters.
Probably the highest priced component install they have done 👍
Is there a Facebook group for folks that were taken advantage of to show off the "not so good work"?
If your paying to install equipment and take it out just sell it in the car and take the hit. The cost of pulling it out and putting it back to stock out weighs the cost of the equipment. unless you are buying the best stuff like focal and jl it’s never gonna be cost affective.
Well yeah, if you are putting in super cheap product it doesn't make sense. But most cars I've built in I can return to stock in just a few hours because I've planned ahead for it. Figure $300 for labor to keep all my gear... most all systems are going to have a gear value over that...
In most aftermarket car audio systems, the value of the gear greatly exceeds the cost of putting it back to factory. If you bought the cheapest crap available, it might not be worth it, but even mid grade audio equipment is worth retrieval effort.
@@danielabrams555 No it’s not. A 3yr old screen is out dated. Tech moves way too fast to bother moving these units to a new vehicle or selling them on. Same with speakers and amps unless you buy quality gear. Once you have been rinsing them for how long you might as well go again. A $1000 of gear is not worth the headache after three years. If you spent like 5k then I can understand pulling it.
Nice! Hate these new cars. Want a CD player. I want to put in a stand alone sound system that does not touch the factory system! These 60 year old ears can't hear like they use to so just something simple A single din Kenwood with 5v preouts 6channel to a nice six or 5 channel amp? some separates in the front but can't decide on 2-8"s or a single 10" for classic rock in a 23 Toyota Tacoma. Probablt mount head unit like a cb.??
I spent a bit over 10K on my audio upgrade in Maxima Platinum, Focal 3 way upfront, Focal Coaxial in rear, Two focal 10in, 3 amps, DSP, and Epic center. Custom cuts for the tweeters from 1/2 to 1in. Fiberglass subwoofer enclosures. Plus sound treatment and radio adapter. All said, I am pleased but it was super expensive.
does it sound like a 10k sound system? Like if someone sat in your car would they be able to tell minus the subs in the trunk?
@@airuzair2424 it is super clean, Loud and Precise. The Focal Flax 3 way and flax coaxial are a beast compared to the Bose standard system. The subs with a JLAudio amp hit hard and cleaned too.
Was this equipment + installation? I'm trying to get 4 speakers on each door and tweeters on A pillar fiberglass maybe and 5 amps including subwoofer amp any idea how much it'll cost just labor I have the equipment already minus cables etc.
Forgot to mention sound deadening this on a 2012 scion xb
@@juliorodriguez3306 it was all installation, I brought my products from crutchfield to cut some cost
Unless you have some very high-end speakers, etc, paying a shop to return the system to stock isn't very cost effective. I would rather just put that money towards new gear.
Lol. I have never put in a system expensive enough to warrant the work to yank it.
only thing I'd be wary of, is the particularly shady shops when giving them a certain max budget number.... I could just see it now a younger person who clearly doesn't know what they are talking about. gets ripped off because they simply didn't know and got told "well that's the best equipment for the money you have" or whatever. idk I haven't finished the video yet, (maybe you cover that right after you talk about coming up with a number).... and I know they aren't used car salesmen so they shouldn't be trying to just milk every dollar from you. but idk.. I'd be wary talking finances to a shop I wasn't comfortable with is all.. go to a shop you're comfortable with! ig is my point lol
Don't park in front of the install bay!!
Don't: DO NOT have a vehicle you value worked on by a "shop" lol.
Shops are not charities. They need to make a profit AFTER paying for the parts, employees, equipment etc or they go out of business
Also folks, don't expect your installer friend to do an install for you for free or "for beers". If they offer, great, but don't expect it.
Yes, both sides need to win for the relationship to make sense.
I got a twk installed and the shop didn't even tune it , don't always trust the Google reviews and demand a demo.
Installation is not the same as tuning. Tuning is very subjective and means different things to different people. A basic install should include setting gains and crossovers so that your system sounds decent and your gear doesn't destroy itself. If you want more than that, you will need to pay for it and make sure that time is reserved in advance. If you expect a system to be tuned, you should have a conversation about expectations and cost before booking the job.
Don't walk into the garage!!!
This annoys the shit out of me. Especially when there's a door that says, "customer entrance" right next to my bay doors.
tommy lee I've broken a few things in the 5 years I've been doing this. If ANYONE ever said they haven't broken a thing, they're lying or haven't done enough installs. The first thing I do is let the sales side know. We discuss if it is something we can fix or if we need to go elsewhere. No matter what we decide, the very next thing we do is tell the customer and give them options. What you described does happen, unfortunately. Installers are humans, and mistakes happen.
@tommy lee gotta get while the gettins good.
You definitely sound a little nasally there... Hope you're not sick and if you are, I hope you get better soon...
its in the air bruh
Good things aren't cheap and cheap things aren't good.
Cartoys (Portland) sells items as installed price then charges $200 more for misc door pins & diodes lol..scam
Not really. The price includes installation labor, not the parts that a build may or may not need depending on the vehicle.
A lot of installers are crooks. I go to my local best buy, and ask them about doing a install for me (just didn't feel like doing it myself) I tell them what I have and wanted to do, I say, I would like to hook up 6 6x9 to my old punch 400, he begins to tell me that the punch is only 2ohm stable and prosed to show me a 4 channel amp. I ask for a piece of paper and showed him r1xr2-r1+r2 (ohms law, simplified) I say I bring 2 up to 8ohm, leve one at 4ohm 8x4=32 8+4=12 12 goes into 32 2 times with a remainder of 8, so I'll be giving the amp 2.8ohm(2.7 says JL audio for my triple stack ) after I show the 20 something year old kid, he says, o, I thought you wanted to fade front to back.
Did you recommend saying to the shop..."i dont know much about car audio,but..."NEVER..EVER admit to not knowing what your talking about,every question you told us to ask about the level of professionalism,checking over the work and making sure everything is how its supposed to be..if you "dont know much about car audio"dont say that..when a sales rep hears those words all they see is $ signs. If you don't know much about car audio but are going to buy a stereo system, you might want to do your research first so you don't show up not knowing what you're talking about and still expect a good deal, or even a decent thing for the buck.
I just can't trust them to do good work or set my components. Seem too many bad builds coming out of an audio shop.
Don't ask a shop to research products they don't sell. Do ask them if a product you are interested in would compliment the install you want done. Be willing/able to provide them facts that caused you to be interested in said product. Don't just say "because Mark recommended it on TH-cam" (JK).
Why not? Any good shop would be willing to work with the client, and may decide to add products to their own inventory!
Here's an idea, if a customer seems to want to be more involved, has some skill and wants to learn some more advanced hands on skills offer them the opportunity to help with the fabrication and install. You get free labor possibly at the cost of just a bit more time but you also get a customer that will always repeat and recommend you. As a bonus your customer will also feel better as they have put some blood, sweat and tears into their system.
Umm NO terrible idea, shop insurance will not allow that. Most people will just get in the way anyway
Just avoid Clearwater Best Buy.