$200 amp installation?

[chasinSKURT 10+ year member]

So i called up the local Custom Sounds shop and they quoted me $200 to install an amp that required 8 gauge wiring and $240 for an amp that required 4 gauge wiring.

I'm starting to do my research before i put any money down on my system, but **** this sounds steep. What do you guys think?

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[Ridintwo6s 10+ year member]

WAYYYY overpriced.

$60 at most IMO without wires.

 

[jeeper07 5,000+ posts]

haha dude do it yourself. it will cost you about 60 dollars //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

 

[kr15 5,000+ posts]

way too high. especially when they likely include a cheap amp kit also. The shops down here charge 60$hr for labor. Im not sure if thats the going rate, but it doesnt take any longer than that to run 3 wires (power, remote, rca) to amp, and ground from amp to ground. About 5 minutes to strip wires and add ring terminals, about 60 seconds to screw amp down. About 60 seconds to run speaker wire.

When motivated and with all my tools handy, i have done amps in 45 minutes. 10 minutes to run the power, remote and rcas, and the remaining 15 for stripping, terminals, etc...

 

[DarkScorpion 10+ year member]

You live in Austin? Don't pay custom sounds to do jack shit - they're over priced and love to take your money. Hell, I could help you out over the phone if you wanted. Otherwise, just do it yourself - this forum will be able to help you, and there is TONS of information that'll help you pick the right wiring and how to install everything nicely.

 

[kr15 5,000+ posts]

this forum will be able to help you, and there is TONS of information that'll help you pick the right wiring and how to install everything nicely.

honestly, to me, installing an amp is easier than a H/U...the only part that sucks is getting through the firewall, other than that is very easy and great to learn..think about it, your not only saving install fees this time, but every time you ever install another one

 

[kr15 5,000+ posts]

this forum will be able to help you, and there is TONS of information that'll help you pick the right wiring and how to install everything nicely.

honestly, to me, installing an amp is easier than a H/U...the only part that sucks is getting through the firewall, other than that is very easy and great to learn..think about it, your not only saving install fees this time, but every time you ever install another one

 

[Grinder1989 5,000+ posts]

All of you are missing the fact that OP may not be good with installing car audio. You are all assuming he knows how to do it and you shouldn't. This is why people come on this forum and ask why their amps are in protect or not working.

Chasin, I would shop around for a better price. If you feel confident that you can correctly install everything without rigging anything, then I'm sure myself and many of these guys that posted in your thread could help you. If not then I suggest you take your vehicle to a good shop and have them install it. If they know what they are doing, you won't have to pay that much and get a quality installation. And it will save you possible frustration. After they install it, look how they did it and then you should have no problem doing it the next time. Hope this helps you make a decision.

 

[Grinder1989 5,000+ posts]

Double post.

 

[chasinSKURT 10+ year member]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I would be open to learning how to wire everything myself. It would save me a bunch of money that I could put towards my amp. I'm doing some research on a good amp that would put good power to the 2 SA-8 I have on pre-order. If anyone has any suggestions, I would appreciate them.

Also, could someone point me to a few good links on wiring an amp and subs? I might crack down tonight and blaze through some tutorials.

 

[inkfx 10+ year member]

Where in Texas do you live? If you're in San Antonio I would be more than willing to meet up and help you with the install.

 

[mclerico83 5,000+ posts]

Cadence A7 HC 1200w 1 ohm amp - eBay (item 170450172270 end time Mar-01-10 16:46:57 PST)

us made zed audio 95 percent efficient, amazing amp. dont make amps like this anymore

Audioque: Amps: AQ1200D

MB QUART DSC1000.1 MONO 2000W Car Amplifier DSC-1000.1 - eBay (item 390162641163 end time Mar-04-10 11:37:37 PST)

Refurbished SAE-1200D : dB-r Electronics, Online Store

all reasonably priced amps

 

[chasinSKURT 10+ year member]

Double post

 

[chasinSKURT 10+ year member]

I'm in north Austin, so I would appreciate any shop recommendations. I heard some

some people say good things about the custom sounds on S I-35, but with everyone putting down custom sounds on numerous forums, I'm hesitant.

To be honest, I actually would prefer a shop to do my installation if the price is reasonable. The only problem I have now is I don't know any good shops. That's why I'm considering doing it myself

To anyone interested, The custom sounds on burnet was the one who quoted me the installation. Just for shits and giggles I asked the guy what he'd recommend for a $500 budget. He came

up with a list of $250 worth of equiptment and $250+ of labor.//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/eek.gif.771b7a90cf45cabdc554ff1121c21c4a.gif

 

[chasinSKURT 10+ year member]

I forgot to mention that im driving a 2009 Toyota Camry XLE.

would it be more difficult to install the amp/sub since im keeping my stock speakers and because it has a navigation system?