sushi_turbo

Basically I am looking for feedback on the estimates/quotes that I have received regarding the install of my sound system.

Here is my JL Audio System system that I have pieced together for the past few months, along with some notes:

-Head Unit: Brand New Pioneer AVIC-D3
Please note that I have a single din that needs to be modified into a double
din setup. Please note: I have purchased ALL the adaptors/connectors needed
that are listed on this tech article from Audiworld, which will help you
with the install:
https://www.audiworld.com/tech/elec164.shtml

-JL Audio 1000/1 (powering the 13W7)
-JL Audio 13W7 (it's already in a custom box)
-JL Audio 450/4 (powering the Focal components)
-Focal 130KP K2-Power Series 5.25" Front Components
-Focal Polyglass 165 CV1 6.5" 2Way Speakers for the Rear
-Front & Rear Speaker Adaptors
-Stinger 5 Farad Distribution Hybrid Capacitor
-Stinger SP1000 competition Car Audio Battery (I do NOT have a battery holder though)

Furthermore, I was thinking about doing a clear plexiglass install using the space where the spare wheel is located. I also would definitely need to have the car completely dynamated, especially the trunk, since I have a Fiber Images CF trunk. Also would need all wiring and whatnot.

1) First and the highest estimate (from an expensive "high-end" audio shop) that I will copy and paste:

I would say to install all your equipment, dynamat the entire vehicle with a single layer of the appropriate types of Dynamat, custom dash kit, custom amp rack and tuning, we will probably spen between 70-80 hours on your vehicle.

Our shop labor rate is $95 per hour. For a labor total of $6650 - $7600

Cables and wire will be around $500

Dynamat will be around $1000

Materials for custom work will be between $300 and $1200 depending on what options you choose.

So we are looking around a minimum of $8450 depending on options.

We will need the vehicle for approximately 2-3 weeks.

2) Second estimate from a different shop:

Deck Installation $85
Amp Installation $180
Speaker Installation $200
Acc / Wires / RCA $350 (JL Audio RCAs, AMP Kit)
Dynamat $650 (4 full door panels, whole trunk including lid) No need for dynamat on the floor as Audi has sufficient insulation there
Custom Trunk $600 (including Plexi)

Sub Total $2065

3) Third estimate:

$3500-4000.

Feedback/input greatly appreciated.

TwentyValveB5+S4

deck: $45
A/V deck: $85
2-ch amp $55
4-ch amp $65
5-ch amp $75
front spk $65
rear spk $55
components $85

custom labor varied, but was $80/hr IIRC.

Throw a 1-FD cap up to the 1000/1 and a .5FD up to the 450/4. Maybe get an Optima battery, but it's not entirely necessary unless you plan on running it with the car off for an extended period of time. You're better off getting a higher amperage alternator.

Why on earth would you spend more money than the car is worth on a stereo setup + install?

Believe me, I was into car audio big for a while too... but spending the kind of loot you're looking at is a little excessive... just my .02.

If you are serious about following through with the whole thing -- WORK A DEAL. All those caps, wires, connectors, etc. have 50-80% profit margin in them. The speakers are marked up 50-60%. The deck is marked up 35-40%. The amps are 40-50% markup. And labor is PURE profit (minus what they pay the installers, which is usually 40-50%).

With spending that kind of dough, get them to knock at least 10-20% off the deal, or you'll walk. They'll do it.

Josh5442

First shop is way too much. I own what would be considered a high-end audio shop, and those prices are HIGH.

Second estimate seems alittle low, but close.

Third shop seems on par with what we would charge for the total install given it was a complete custom trunk.

Here are some prices of the top of my head:

Install per amp is $95 non-custom amp rack included. Custom plexi/truck work ect would be by the hour, usually comes out to less then $800. Radio installtion is $250 for the screen, custom dash around $200. Cables will be around $350 for all JL audio. Materials is 5% of the labor. Usual custom labor rate is $65/hour. Dynamat would be around $50/hour to install, plus dynamat. Speakers are around $85/pair for components.

Break down:
Amps: $190
Custom Rack w/ plexi, LEDS, ect: $500
Dash: $450
Cables: $350
Materials: $50
Dynamat: $450
Speakers: $170
_______________
Minimum : $2200 part + labor

Really all depends on how custom you want the trunk.

TmS4

I have a full sound system and payed way less than 1000$

sushi_turbo

I was actually leaning towards the second estimate and was thinking the same.

Silver Streakin'

can charge more than normal pricing on average daily drivers. big skip. $8450 to install <$1k worth of parts. please pass what they're smokin' because it must be good.