Which Audio Company Do You Use Most?
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
From what I've bought, and would buy again...
In order, first to last in preference.
Speakers: Focal, CDT
Subs: Image Dynamics
Amps: ARC Audio
Head Unit: Alpine, Clarion, Pioneer
I would consider a lot of other companies, but I don't have enough cars to put it all in.
In order, first to last in preference.
Speakers: Focal, CDT
Subs: Image Dynamics
Amps: ARC Audio
Head Unit: Alpine, Clarion, Pioneer
I would consider a lot of other companies, but I don't have enough cars to put it all in.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,417
Likes: 0
Thanks. I am trying to figure out what new products I am going to carry at my Car Audio store. Currently I only carry companies such as Audiobahn, Pioneer, Alpine, Digital Audio, Fusion, JL Audio, and Audiopipe for wiring and installations.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
Pioneer, Alpine, and JL Audio are the only products you would sell that I would consider. Audiobahn is gerat for the people who want blingin' gear and don't know a good deal about audio.
I NEVER buy wire at a car audio shop unless Im desperate. Always wal-mart for me. I hate wasting cash on expensive wire. So have the cheap stuff available too, but don't forget the expensive wiring stuff. Some fool will buy it.
I NEVER buy wire at a car audio shop unless Im desperate. Always wal-mart for me. I hate wasting cash on expensive wire. So have the cheap stuff available too, but don't forget the expensive wiring stuff. Some fool will buy it.
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 29,017
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From: Clemson University SC
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Speakers: CDT, Boston Acoustics, Focal, Vifa/JBL, Peerless
Subs: JBL, Adire Audio, Image Dynamics, Cerwin Vega
H/U: Alpine, Eclipse
Amps: JBL, JL, Cerwin Vega
I also never buy wire from audio stores (I buy everything online anyway, but if I shopped for it, I wouldn't buy it from an audio shop) as I can run over to Lowes and get 2 gauge wire for <50 cents a foot. It's stiff as hell, but it works just as well as the expensive wire found in shops. However, most people who actually go to car audio shops don't know a whole lot about audio, so you might have good luck selling kits (if you could carry the Scosche kits from Wal-Mart you'd sell a ton of them).
Subs: JBL, Adire Audio, Image Dynamics, Cerwin Vega
H/U: Alpine, Eclipse
Amps: JBL, JL, Cerwin Vega
I also never buy wire from audio stores (I buy everything online anyway, but if I shopped for it, I wouldn't buy it from an audio shop) as I can run over to Lowes and get 2 gauge wire for <50 cents a foot. It's stiff as hell, but it works just as well as the expensive wire found in shops. However, most people who actually go to car audio shops don't know a whole lot about audio, so you might have good luck selling kits (if you could carry the Scosche kits from Wal-Mart you'd sell a ton of them).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 2
From: Wesley Chapel Fl
Originally Posted by TheWacoKid
However, most people who actually go to car audio shops don't know a whole lot about audio, so you might have good luck selling kits (if you could carry the Scosche kits from Wal-Mart you'd sell a ton of them).
Traffic Jams...I do not know how long you have been in the business but you did ask for advice. My advice to you is to look into more video products and factory interface products. During SEMA there was alot of buzz going on about factory IPod interface and factory Nav to video interface. Anything that has to with video right now is the ticket. Security systems are always a good profit center but seem to be on the decline. Looks like you already carry some good products. You should not spread yourself thin by supporting alot of lines. Unless you have a HUGE bankroll it will be alot of money out of pocket and sitting in your stock room.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,682
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
I agree with Eatrice. Mobile video is where its at. And the market is all the ricer crowd with their parents money to spend. Take a look at the Car Domain audio forum, you'll see what I'm talking about.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 29,017
Likes: 0
From: Clemson University SC
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Originally Posted by EatRice
Where do you come up with that idea?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 2
From: Wesley Chapel Fl
Originally Posted by TheWacoKid
Based on the fact that DIY'ers with a budget do not go to car audio stores to buy stuff. I guess I meant that DIY people like me and others who do their own work will almost never go into a store to buy the overpriced stuff, but they might go to buy the cheap or bulk packs.
Last edited by EatRice; Nov 13, 2004 at 03:37 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 6,493
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From: Bloomington MN
Cruise-In II Veteran
Speakers - Boston Acoustics Pro Series only, until I hear some better ones....I really like these.
Subs - Elemental Designs A series sub - best sub for the money I have ever heard...maybe the best sub I have heard period at an 8 inch size.
Head units - Alpine...just the best combo of features, sound, and value...they are good bang for the buck.
Amps - I like my PPI, but I could try a few others.
BTW - A lot of DIYers buy quality equipment even if it costs a few bucks more. I did.
Subs - Elemental Designs A series sub - best sub for the money I have ever heard...maybe the best sub I have heard period at an 8 inch size.
Head units - Alpine...just the best combo of features, sound, and value...they are good bang for the buck.
Amps - I like my PPI, but I could try a few others.
BTW - A lot of DIYers buy quality equipment even if it costs a few bucks more. I did.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 29,017
Likes: 0
From: Clemson University SC
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Cruise-In III Veteran
Originally Posted by EatRice
Point being your statements are a matter of our opion not based on facts.
You really don't like anything I say do you?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 2
From: Wesley Chapel Fl
Originally Posted by TheWacoKid
You really don't like anything I say do you?
Here some facts..you are a smart kid that has a good grasp on the technical aspects of car audio. When it comes to technical you know more than alot of guys I know that do the job everyday. But you have no idea about the inner workings of a car audio shop or real world experience of working in the field.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 14,136
Likes: 2,983
From: Iowa
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
HU: Pioneer, Alpine
Processors: Audio Control, Pioneer, Rane
Amps: PPI, and for the bang for the buck... JBL
Speakers: MB Quart, Focal, Infinity and I hear good things about CDT
Subs: JL Audio, Image Dynamics, for the very limited budget...PYLE
Eat and Waco. Play nice, everyone has an opinion. Personally, I buy most small gadgets from my installer but the cost of power accessories and wire are outragous there. I buy my own elsewhere, mostly from KnuKonceptz.
I'm like A C above, I'm willing to pay a little more for a better product and even though I know a lot, my installer knows more install products that are availible than I do.
Processors: Audio Control, Pioneer, Rane
Amps: PPI, and for the bang for the buck... JBL
Speakers: MB Quart, Focal, Infinity and I hear good things about CDT
Subs: JL Audio, Image Dynamics, for the very limited budget...PYLE
Eat and Waco. Play nice, everyone has an opinion. Personally, I buy most small gadgets from my installer but the cost of power accessories and wire are outragous there. I buy my own elsewhere, mostly from KnuKonceptz.
I'm like A C above, I'm willing to pay a little more for a better product and even though I know a lot, my installer knows more install products that are availible than I do.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 877
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City
Heads Units, I'll stick my neck out and say I like JVC. Mine has been good to me. I love alpine. I had some bad luck with clarion but from everyone else I know they love them.
Subs, I personally love Image Dynamics. They make some badass subs. JL is pretty impressive too. When I was in high school I really wanted to buy some of those Chronic subs too. Ya know the ones with the pot leaf on the dust cover?
Amps I love Arc. I also like MTX for a cheap amp with lots of juice.
Speakers I like just about anything.
I agree with the other guys that video is where it's at. I want a screen in my car so bad I can taste it. Just because that's what gets the ladies right ?
I have a couple of friends that have spent ooodles of $$ on stock parts. I bet if you could get dealer pricing and then sell that junk on ebay your life would be pretty good. Just think, you could work 9-5 or work after happy hour on ebay.
BTW I hope you're not affiliated with the Traffic Jams shop in Bristol, TN. If so I can't promise I'll be very nice to you
Subs, I personally love Image Dynamics. They make some badass subs. JL is pretty impressive too. When I was in high school I really wanted to buy some of those Chronic subs too. Ya know the ones with the pot leaf on the dust cover?
Amps I love Arc. I also like MTX for a cheap amp with lots of juice.
Speakers I like just about anything.
I agree with the other guys that video is where it's at. I want a screen in my car so bad I can taste it. Just because that's what gets the ladies right ?
I have a couple of friends that have spent ooodles of $$ on stock parts. I bet if you could get dealer pricing and then sell that junk on ebay your life would be pretty good. Just think, you could work 9-5 or work after happy hour on ebay.BTW I hope you're not affiliated with the Traffic Jams shop in Bristol, TN. If so I can't promise I'll be very nice to you