I bought some Alpine speakers the other day and had them Installed. I was really dissapointed in the sound, because they sounded almost the same as stock. So I took it back (to Sound Track) and they said I would need an amp to make it sound awesome. So I bought one today and it is being installed right now.

I am using my factory headunit (non-Bose) and I just got a call from them. They said they needed two of some connector thing... I only had bought one. The connector is like $70. They said if I didn't want to buy another one, I could get a new headunit for $150 that would be better than my stock headunit. I said that I wanted to keep my stock headunit because I didn't want a space below the headunit - I like the double-din stock headunit.

Did I make a mistake? Is there really going to be a HUGE improvement in sound with an aftermarket headunit over the stock one? The installer said there would be. I've just already spent so much on this project ($900 now) that I didn't want to spend any more on a headunit.

Do you think I would be a lot happier with an aftermarket headunit? Or is the stock headunit good as long as you get an amp?

 

It sounds like they are ripping you off for the speaker level to line level adapters. Some amps have speaker level inputs. Beside all of this though an aftermarket head will normally sound better because you eliminate the need for line level converters and all the additional connections. Also, many just sound and perform better than the stock systems. A second shelf can be put in the empty space.

 

You are getting ripped. Even if yuo lost fader control, at least temporarily they could run 2 sets of speakers (4 channels) off of 1 line-output converter. If I were you, i would call them and tell them to put it back while you think it over- and don't pay them for anything "extra" that they did...like taking it apart, then calling you, THEN wanting to sell you MORE stuff...

 

dood if u spent 900 bux i would have advised u from the beginning to first buy a headunit...

 

Werd..what ran you $900? For $900, I would have a killer basic system, including amps, HU, components, and sub(s).

 

What brand of amp did this guy sell you? Most 4 channel amps have the hi-level plug either built inside the amp or the plug is inside the box. No adapters are needed what so ever.

 

i got speakers amps & subs running with stock hu.....didn't need no $70.00 adaptor....not even one

 

Well, the speakers (front speakers plus tweeters for up top in the door) and the back speakers (I guess all of that is called components) cost about $500. Then the amp cost $200. Then installation for the speakers was $70, but I also am having to pay installation again because of the amp, so another $70. Then there's $140 for the adapters. They gave me $50 off of the amp because I was ****ed off (big deal, $50). They didn't even bother trying to sell me an amp. I've never really known much about speakers so I figured the guy knew what he was talking about.

It might not be $140 for the adapters though. Because today when I went up there to complain that the speakers sounded no different than stock, the guy who sold me the amp was a manager. I called him a minute ago and he said he'd see what he could do about the 2nd adapter. So I'll have to see what the deal is with that when I get up there to pick up the car. Because he told me I only needed one.

 

What is the brand and model of the amp he sold you?

 

not to blaze on u but if i was to get into something that i am not knowledgable about...i would do a lil more research and ask a lil more question...$900 is not cheap...and i am willing to bet i can set up a better system w/ $500...

 

Alpine MRP-F200

 

They said that the headunit didn't have the right plug or something to plug into the amp... I am going to call them and find out exactly why they say I need the plug, then I'll call Alpine and ask them.

 

What they are trying to sell you is a "high level adaptor. Even some of the better quality ones should run you the most of $35. BUT with the amp they sold you they would not need to use ANY of these the amp has high level inputs already, not to say they cannot be used, but they are definately NOT needed.

What speakers did they sell you that ran you $500???

--Don

 

I think the $500 was for all four speakers. At retail that's not too bad. And we both know that I spend that on a single channel, well below retail.

 

True if both sets were components. But for coaxs all around, or even one set of comps its still a little high. Or maybe I just need to raise my prices....


BTW James your amp prices just went up $300 J/K

--Don

 

LOL, jeez, you know that's why it takes me years to finnish a modest system. It takes me that long to save up the dough. Then another couple of months to get the 5 days of good weather for the install.

 

 

did that $900 include amps and speakers installation? was this done at a tweeter or circuit city?

 

So... the high level adaptor is what they are trying to sell me so that I can use my factory deck, correct?

Because they said that the factory headunit does not have the right connectors to plug into the amp.

Anyways, in the end they only charged me for one of them.

I have a question regarding the amp though... when I drive with it and accelerate, it sounds like I have some sort of explosive device getting ready to go off under me seat... there is this high pitched noise that gets higher with the engine, and if you let off the gas it gets lower.

Also when I turn on the speakers there is constantly this background sound... no matter how loud or soft the music is, the sound is always there. It's just this empty 'sssshhhhhhhhhhhhh' sound.

As far as the speaker price goes, I am not too concerned about it anymore... I bought them at SoundTrack (called Ultimate Electronics in some states), and I went to Car Toys today and priced out the same speakers (Alpine) and they were $20 more at Car Toys. Must be the going rate. Plus at Car Toys the installation is $25 more.

OpTi - yes, the $900 was for speakers, amp, and installation.

 

There should be no spark plug whine, Period. Let me say that again. There should be no spark plug whine, Period.

In case you did not understand what I mean. You paid for an install. A 6 year old kid could have done a better job. Go get your money back. Or call your creit card company and ask them to refuse the transaction. Untill your system is clean and sounds the way you expect, you should have it for free.


They don't need an adapter because they can tap in to the speaker wires. You already said you don't have the bose. There are speaker wire's in the rear deck that are super easy to use to install into an amp with speaker level inputs. The others plug into the back of the headunit, then travel over into the front doors.

 

I will go point by point here:

YES- get back to the shop and make them fix it. I have NEVER been a professional installer, but in almost 100 systems, I have never had alternator whine (or spark plug whine) that I could not fix w/in an hour or so, if I even got it at all.

Again, you paid for an install, just like jmax said. They did not do it correctly. Go back and make them do it right, or get your money back.

Lastly, once they only charged hime for one adapter, it may not have been too bad. IF they mounted it behind the dash and went ahead and ran an RCA cable to the trunk, I would let that slide. WHy? Because some people go ahead and run that to lay the groundwork for future upgrades, such as adding an aftermarket HU down th eroad. I did this in my wife's car and she still has the LOC and RCAs 2 years later, but that is not the point. The point is that I could swap HUs and only have to plug in the RCAs to make the switch. I am not trying to defend shoddy workmanship and/or an attempt to rip him off, but there is a chance that they were legitimately looking ahead.

Just my perspective.

BUT I totally agree w/ jmax- get in there and make them do it RIGHT!

 

I would do it with the RCA's in my own vehicles as well. But this person as a consumer seems very apprehensive about overall cost. For that reason the salesman, manager, installer all should have known the proper route to that goal. The installer was responsible for listening to the system once he/she was finnished.

 

I agree, get back there and get the problem fixed. Like one org. member stated previosly, you have to do your research so you don't get hosed. I have no prior install experience, but i did my research and was able to install my system. I installed a HU, component system, two amps and a sub. The system sounds clean, with no hiss or aceleration noises. I did all this for less than the $900 you paid these so called "professionals".

 

pjalast..what kind of "research" did you do? i am planning on installing my system too but i have no knowledge of the electric system or anything about speakers and amps.

 

E mail me and I'll send you some info with some sites.

 

fell bad for you ,bro I have been slowly building mine (only things left is the A/V and possible NAV system); three amps, Crossover, Capacitor, Infinity Speakers, Headunit, Full Din EQ, XM Radio (all Pioneer), and a Sony Sub and all together set me back $750 or $850 dollars!


Get your money back, quickly. I wish I lived near you, bro. I'd do it for free!
I enjoy installing , but people don't want to buy systems, they want NOS!