What does a replacement stereo cost
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 24
Likes: 16
What does a replacement stereo cost
What up Forum? My C6 came with the Bose system originally, now it has some Kenwood head unit and I don't know what else. Sounds like crap. I want to preface this with the fact that I have not bought an aftermarket stereo for a car in 20+ years. I thought I might stop by my local car audio shop and chat the owner up about a new system. I truly expected an estimate of $2500 or so. For 6 speakers, a 10 in sub, head unit and an amp installed his ball park estimate was $5000-$5500. Is this realistic? Its a premium shop, good rep, been in business 25 years under one owner. I'm not looking for any exact info but do those numbers sound realistic? $1200 for labor? Thanks
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 24
Likes: 16
Sadly, I did not get the brands. The head unit was a Kenwood, The amp and speakers were a brand I was not familiar with, which is no real surprise to me considering how long I have been out of this. Comparing his hardware prices to Crutchfield is a good idea. I was floored by the quote.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 58,505
Likes: 1,830
From: Oklahoma City OK
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Pro
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 523
Likes: 253
From: Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Labor rates are through the roof, especially in a specialty trade. The technicians at my dealership are getting close to $50/hr, shop rates are $200/hr during normal business hours, $300/hr after hours or weekends and $400/hr on holidays. The cost of shipping freight has skyrocketed as well THEN they still add all sorts of "fees". $5000 does seem a little steep though. I also haven't messed with after market stereos in decades but when I did, $89 was about average for the head unit. I would encourage you to get more quotes.
With that being said, these cars are not the average cars we messed around with in our teens. Back then I didn't care about seeing exposed wires and cables here and there. A bunch of accessories attached to your battery running the wires so they were exposed in door jambs, etc. I would certainly pay a premium for a professional installation. But I drive my car 700 miles a year, $5000-5500 can go a long way on other necessities. I would prefer silence if the sound was that bad.
With that being said, these cars are not the average cars we messed around with in our teens. Back then I didn't care about seeing exposed wires and cables here and there. A bunch of accessories attached to your battery running the wires so they were exposed in door jambs, etc. I would certainly pay a premium for a professional installation. But I drive my car 700 miles a year, $5000-5500 can go a long way on other necessities. I would prefer silence if the sound was that bad.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,820
Likes: 1,728
From: Summerville SC
Sounds like he doesn’t want to do it. But if you insist he wants to make sure there is enough money left over to cover any scratches or broken plastic tabs he might encounter. You really need to breakdown parts and labor. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,338
Likes: 5,115
From: Charles Town WV
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I don't think I have but $800 in my entire setup (2 Focal tweeters, 4 Focal mids, and an off-brand sub). Granted I did the work myself. I can't see 5 grand. $2500 seems reasonable factoring in overhead and labor. I guess it really depends on what brand/model speakers he quoted you for. I know it can rack up quick when you get into competition grade stuff.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,507
Likes: 723
From: Sausalito CA
Many variables to answer.
Hourly labor rate?
Speakers costs?
Amplifies?
Subwoofer box?
As to labor, I'll offer center console removal 1.0 hour, door panel removals 1.0 each, trim removal, speaker install, wiring, and setup 8.0 (a full day).
A JL Audio sub box and speaker is nearly $1000.
At a mid price level, large door woofers are $400 each, mids $250 each, and tweeters $100 each.
Then there may be a need for multiple amplifiers, at what cost? $600 each?
Lastly, "Monster" brand wiring and fuses are also not inexpensive.
So I'd know.
The stereo/ electronics section of this forum may offer insights.
FWIW in year 2005, my "quality" brand speakers and amps (3) upgrade was $5K.
Good luck with your upgrade.
Hourly labor rate?
Speakers costs?
Amplifies?
Subwoofer box?
As to labor, I'll offer center console removal 1.0 hour, door panel removals 1.0 each, trim removal, speaker install, wiring, and setup 8.0 (a full day).
A JL Audio sub box and speaker is nearly $1000.
At a mid price level, large door woofers are $400 each, mids $250 each, and tweeters $100 each.
Then there may be a need for multiple amplifiers, at what cost? $600 each?
Lastly, "Monster" brand wiring and fuses are also not inexpensive.
So I'd know.
The stereo/ electronics section of this forum may offer insights.
FWIW in year 2005, my "quality" brand speakers and amps (3) upgrade was $5K.
Good luck with your upgrade.
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