I've got a 2002 S8 and was considering customizing the sound system. Anyone know of a great high end company that does professional installations?

I know a few shops down that way.

I'm in Santa Monica...

Here are a few guys that are in the Santa Monica area. They are not going to be cheap, but they do have high quality work. So if you need more help, just let me know.

Traffic Jamz
(818) 501-5267
15721 Ventura Blvd.
Encino, Ca 91436

Haas Auto Stereo
(310) 641-4700
5774 Uplander Way
Culver City, Ca 90230

Automotive Entertainment of Santa Monica
(310) 453-3541
2410 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, Ca 90403

Auto Essentials
(805) 371-9983
595 Thousand Oaks Blvd Suite B
Thousand Oaks, Ca 91360

These all seem great, who would you go with based on customer service and care for the vehicle?

They are all very good shops, with good history. I really hate making decisions like this.

Traffic Jamz has a great reputation, i guess I'd have to go with them.

Curious about what you had done, head unit, speakers, amp, etc.? I noticed some pretty interesting jobs on Auto Essentials website.

here's a link to the install.

I had it done in Wilsonville, OR.<ul><li><a href="http://forums.audiworld.com/audio/msgs/61238.phtml">linky</a></li></ul>

Nice work. Do you have a photo of the front dash?

I've added some accent lighting for the amp rack. I'll snap some better photos

I'm assuming if you kept the factory Bose head unit, you weren't so concerned about a modern navigation system or ipod integration?

Also, did you change the sub?

I'm not familiar with the equipment you used but it looks like it's all high end stuff. Would the car audio guys you suggested know these brands and be able to perform a similar install?

Do your homework. Find the right equipment for yourself. Talk to a few audio shops and see what they recommend.

I'm involved with www.12vinsider.com, and those guys highly recommended the Hertz/Audison gear. I couldn't be happier.

Talk to one of these shops and see what they recommend for you.

I am not impressed with any of the current aftermarket nav systems. Even the OEM Audi unit isn't up to PAR for me. I figured I'd wait until this next CES to see what is being offered.

Also, I don't have an Ipod, so that wasn't really important to me. Yes, I did change the subwoofer out.

Okay thanks. What can I expect to pay (roughly) to have a system similar to yours?

I'm assuming you're driving an S8?

I figured the price of everything (parts/install) was a little shy of $6k.

You could get something similar for less. It's the law of diminishing returns :)

great thanks. And running this system through the stock Bose (assuming in dash CD) player was not a drawback to the performance?

I've done some research on the equipment you've used and you're right, those companies are top notch.
Another concern is theft, would someone know how good this system is even if everything was covered as you've shown in the few photos you've posted?

With the passion you've put into the sound system, did you find yourself equally interested in improving the performance of the car in any way?

only a miltek exhaust. I haven't seen the need to.

I have very dark windows that are hard to see in. Also, it looks just like a normal floor, and with the factory head unit, I would imagine most wouldn't bother to look in the trunk.

Finally, I have a cloth that I put over the install whenever I have anything in the trunk (which is often).

Keeping the factory head unit is the best thing you can do for theft prevention. Don't add anything visible that looks like there is a stereo, and you should be fine.

I really appreciate your insight. I gotta tell you that I'm okay with the factory system in my Audi but all of this discussion has peaked my curiosity to such an extent that I think I'll be meeting with one of the suggested car audio companies.

I'm an audio guy to the extent that I like listening to lots of different types of music but I'm afraid of two things:

1. Someone taking the car apart for the install
2. Not really liking the improved (sounds stupid) equipment set up

Knowing this, what would be your overall advice in trying to consider upgrading a system?