Man Says He Wants Top-Of-The-Line Sound System In His Car. Then The Tech Says It’ll Be 40 Hours Of Work—And Gives A Dollar Amount

'That’s actually not bad for that much music.'

Customer says he wants a top-of-the-line sound system

Photo by: Unsplash.com

Madeleine Wagner

By: Madeleine Wagner

Feb 28, at 4:00pm ET

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“Booming.”

That’s how one potential client of the Connecticut-based Sound Shift Audio shop (@soundshiftaudio) said he wanted his car stereo to sound. Money was purportedly “no object.” So Stefan, the technician, in a bid to be totally transparent, lays it out in detail.

It is niche content, but if you’ve ever been curious about what a top-tier car sound system entails, Stefan comprehensively explains it.

“Obviously, building car audio is complicated, and it’s hard to give people the proper quote,” the technician said. “However, I at least like to break it down. Even though I know I’m kind of long-winded, I like customers to have as much information. That way, there’s no gaps and no guessing on their part.”

In fact, he’s so focused on being diligent that he’s created a document with all the details: from the non-negotiable labor to parts at different levels. So, theoretically, there’s some room to save.

But the client was clear: he wanted his vehicle’s build to mimic Sound Shift Audio’s demo system.

Top-Of-The-Line Sound System: The Total Cost

The shop estimates it will need 40 hours for the build: essentially an entire workweek.

The cost? $21,179.92. This includes labor, $5,000, and then the various high-end components—like the amp, which alone runs $4,222.99. It’s a steep price, but Stefan is clear: If you want the best, he’s going to give you the best.

“I will not put [expletive] in people’s cars because I do not sell [expletive],” he says.

Car Audio Upgrades: Small Budget, Big Improvements

Since not everyone can afford a five-figure system, in an email to Motor1, Stefan says that the most budget-friendly things you can do for upgraded sound include adding clean amplification to the factory speakers.

Additionally, when the vehicle allows for it, consider “upgrading the factory radio to a quality aftermarket head unit.” He says this measurably improves the listening experience and acts as a solid foundation for future upgrades.

Specialized Work Equals Specialized Comments

Users in the comments section are almost as specialized as Sound Shift Audio. One user, AJ (@mantisfinger48), exclaims, “Focal ain’t for the cheap.”

While another questions his use of Utopia door woofers, asking, “People still use utopia?”

It’s definitely a conversation for special interests only, but it does beg the question: do high-end audio components make a difference?

Are Pricey Car Stereos Worth It?

First, “worth it” should be defined. Is the question tackling sound quality and listening enjoyment or resale value? As it turns out, those are two different conversations.

Most of the information is anecdotal, but the consensus seems to be that while custom audio systems are always better than OEM, at a certain price point, it becomes a case of diminishing returns. However, the dollar amount where some say they can hear the difference is right about $5,000. That money purchases better components, and better sound follows.

One Reddit user (u/Inevitable-Toe6272) even quoted his girlfriend as changing her opinion on expensive car stereos. “For the first time in my life, I hear clean [distinct] musical notes in my favorite songs that I have never heard before, It sounds so much better,” he recalled her saying.

But Stefan has a different take: “That $5,000 number gets mentioned a lot online, but in my experience the difference between factory audio and properly installed aftermarket audio can be heard well before that point. It’s less about hitting a specific dollar amount and more about how correctly the system is designed and installed.”

What do you think?

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Comments

As for the resale value of a vehicle, unfortunately, unless you can find that one special buyer, chances are it’s not going to impact the resale or trade-in price by much.

This is just one of those things in life that is for personal enjoyment. The biggest ROI you’re going to see isn’t in dollars; it’s in decibels.

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