Suggestions for a car audio shop in MA?

[Zoso]

Well I had my screen/NAV system/headunit installed at Custom Auto Radio in Saugus.... and while they got it in, they could have done a better job. My glove compartment still isn't right and some of the mouldings still need to be played with.... not to mention the fact that I had to drive there three times (it's a long drive from where I live) because they couldn't figure out where the speed sense wire was... and failed to mention this to me before I made the hour and a half drive. What ever happened to doing your homework first? Did they expect the wire to find them?

Regardless, my headunit stopped getting power a few months ago and driving without music, a NAV system, or TV sucks! Now from what I'm told (by the guy at Custom Auto Radio), all the "talent" has left the shop and he was hesitant to let people work on my car... he says that only one guy left is qualified.

SO.... can anyone recommend an audio install shop that can work on my car in the Massachusetts area? The closer to the Marlborough area the better.

Thanks

[bimmer143]

Well that sucks!! Do you have all the manuals/literature that came with your components? I might be able to help you out, I install all my own audio components. I've never installed nav. and such before but I could definitly help you trace your power problem with a wiring diagram. Just an option if you can't find a reliable shop. Also one of my buddies work at a local audio shop, I'll give him a call today. Pm me if you want to chat about it.

Peace,
Leo

[Zoso]

Leo,

Thanks for the offer... I do have some manuals lying around... but I can't seem to find the one I want. Well ok, I just did a quick search and not a thurough one

The main problem I have so far is the fact that I don't have the tool needed to take the aftermarket headunit out. It is secured in a strange manner.. no screws anywhere. The guy I talked to at the audio shop confirmed that I needed some special tool to get it out of there. What a pain in the ass.

I'm just hoping that there is a in-line fuse in the back of the headunit. I REALLY hope that's it because I think I read in the fine print on Kenwood's page that you need to buy the equipment from an authorized dealer to collect on the warranty.... and I got my headunit from ebay.

[bimmer143]

Hey, I just realized that you have Kenwood components!! A good friend of mine is a Sales Rep. for Kenwood USA, I will give him a call as he also does installs and such on the side. He would be your man, I'll take note of your model numbers and call him tonight. He would be able to get your special tool. Also I have a tool from a Kenwood head unit I bought last year that may work. PM me with your number and I'll hook you two up!

[Baer]

If Leo's hook up does not pan out check out Rich's in Watertown.

http://www.cartunes.com/

They are one of the most well recognized and respected audio shops in the country!

[Baer]

Check out the install pictures. Especially the most recent multimedia installs. They are crazy!!! Rich's may be expensive but they do incredible work.

[Zoso]

Thanks guys...

I'm really trying to decide if I want to attack this myself or if I just want to let a shop handle it....

Right now I'm leaning toward letting a shop handle it because between work at a fast-paced startup company and a pretty tough grad class with projects and finals looming, my free time is pretty short.

[Zoso]

Just called CarTunes... wow they were so professional on the phone... a big change from what I got from Car Auto Radio in Saugus.

I ended up making an appointment for this Saturday to get it fixed. HOPEFULLY it's something minor and not a fried headunit!

Leo, thanks for the offer to help/get me in contact with your Kenwood friend.. I really appreciate it. I'm just too busy to actually get out there and get my hands dirty and I need to get this done before Thanksgiving because I'll need the NAV system then

[bimmer143]

Zoso, I'm sure CarTunes will get your system up and running without a problem. I'm glad to help anytime, I believe that is what this community should be all about!!

Peace,
Leo

[Baer]

Nice!

Drop me a PM when you are in the Watertown area because John G and I are local.

Later,

-B

[DocWyte]

Ugh, Rich's Cartunes. That place BLOWS. Rich is the biggest thief out there. Watch your car like a hawk.

I've had extremely good experiences with Sound and Motion. They're on Brighton Ave right on the corner near Comm Ave in Allston. They've done the installs in two of my previous cars. Top notch, on time and on budget.

[Zoso]

Well Rich was expensive and they did ok for me, so far.

They determined that my Kenwood headunit was fried. They managed to get it powered, but the screen doesn't work. They offered to get it fixed for me, which was really refreshing. I expected them to tell me that it was fried and then tell me "good luck getting Kenwood to fix it". They sent it to their distributor who fixes/replaces headunits under warranty for Alpine, Kenwood, etc.

NOW.. I bought the unit off Ebay. While it was new, evidently Kenwood doesn't warranty headunits that aren't bought from their registered distributors.. so technically I shouldn't have a warranty on the unit. Despite the fact, I registered it online when I got it... and it seemed to go through with no questions.. I just checked and it is still in Kenwood's system... so hopefully they'll find it in their systems and just fix it.

In the meantime, I have the stock headunit back in the car. It is so nice to hear music while driving after having no music for months.

Baer,
Did you and John get a house in the Watertown area, or are you guys renting?

[Baer]

Still renting right now.

I am keeping my fingers crossed for you. Hope everything works out on the Kenwood end of things.