Audio Video shop in Chicago

Ucan · 12-17-2009, 12:39 AM

Hi All,

I'm planning to upgrade my wife's E60 530xi's stereo system. Is there any audio shop you could recommend?

Thanks,

Ucan

UdubBadger · 12-17-2009, 12:54 AM

Abt

Ucan · 12-17-2009, 01:02 AM

I had no idea that they were making the installation as well. One question though: Why would I get the job done at ABT vs. a dedicated car audio shop? My hypothesis is ABT's focus is selling electronics and their car audio installation is not as sophisticated as dedicated custom car electronics shops. Any ideas?

UdubBadger · 12-17-2009, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ucan

I had no idea that they were making the installation as well. One question though: Why would I get the job done at ABT vs. a dedicated car audio shop? My hypothesis is ABT's focus is selling electronics and their car audio installation is not as sophisticated as dedicated custom car electronics shops. Any ideas?

What exactly are you having installed?

I worked car audio at Best Buy back in HS, I'm from Glenview too. I know for a fact that Abt gets all the best installers in the state. They do some REALLY high end custom installs on high end cars, sometimes for celebrities. If you want guys who can basically do anything they want with a car , stuff that you see on shows like Overhaulin' and West Coast Customs (even if you're just doing simple things to the car and want knowledgeable installers)... then go to Abt.

dgliango · 12-17-2009, 03:39 PM

+1 abt. They do some excellent work

///M3NACE · 12-17-2009, 05:00 PM

+1 ABT

CubanJJ09 · 12-17-2009, 05:59 PM

Really I didn't know abt did that stuff

UdubBadger · 12-17-2009, 07:48 PM

their walls are full of custom installs done on pro athletes cars like Urlacher, Tommy Harris, D Rose, Ben Gordon (that bitch), Ron Harper, Rodman, Scottie Pippen and the weather man from Channel 2.

mkPOTO · 12-17-2009, 07:58 PM

if you want abt let me know i still am an employee there

UdubBadger · 12-17-2009, 11:18 PM

holding out on us huh?

Ucan · 12-18-2009, 11:11 PM

I will definitely take my wife's car to Abt then. It has the basic sound system (not L7) and it sounds really crappy. Although she does not care about sound quality that much, it even bothered her. I'm planning to get the speakers replaced (including SWs) and a new amplifier installed.

Also, her car does not have PDC or rear view camera. I could get a rear view camera installed as well if possible.

What do you think a decent speaker & amplifier system would cost approximately? Also, is there an aftermarket rear view camera option?

Thanks so much for your help. It helps a lot.

Ucan

mkPOTO · 12-18-2009, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ucan

I will definitely take my wife's car to Abt then. It has the basic sound system (not L7) and it sounds really crappy. Although she does not care about sound quality that much, it even bothered her. I'm planning to get the speakers replaced (including SWs) and a new amplifier installed.

Also, her car does not have PDC or rear view camera. I could get a rear view camera installed as well if possible.

What do you think a decent speaker & amplifier system would cost approximately? Also, is there an aftermarket rear view camera option?

Thanks so much for your help. It helps a lot.

Ucan

is the car equiped with navi?

Ucan · 12-19-2009, 12:12 AM

Yes it has Navigation.

UdubBadger · 12-19-2009, 12:16 AM

I was quoted (not by Abt) about $2000 for a full system plus labor which did not include the SWS upgraded subs.

ultimate · 12-20-2009, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ucan

Also, her car does not have PDC or rear view camera. I could get a rear view camera installed as well if possible.

Ucan

WSTO, our local vendor, is working on getting this. they will test on mkpoto's car so you can also contact them about it.

Ucan · 12-21-2009, 07:40 PM

Hi guys,

Today I visited Abt and a local shop Showtime Audio.

- Abt thinks the problem is with the subwoofers. They suggested to unplug OEM subwoofers under the seats and install a subwoofer inside the trunk. They picked JL 12W3V34 SW, Alpine pdx1600 AMPLIFIER and AAMP PCH8 line converter for my setup. They will leave the current interior speakers. They were really professional.

- Showtime Audio thinks I need to upgrade the OEM amplifier along with front components. Although the owner said he would research my specific car tonight, he suggested to use Alpine or Hertz components along with Alpine amplifier. He said, we should think about a separate SW in trunk if upgrading front components is not sufficient.

Both of their quotes are around $1,500 range. For $1,500 Abt is only adding a new subwoofer in the trunk whereas Showtime Audio is replacing all front components and "maybe" adding a subwoofer in the trunk.

What do you think? Totally separate approaches.

Thanks.

ntpcrew13 · 12-21-2009, 08:50 PM

i think you should just do the install yourself if you are just going to be adding a sub and amp in the trunk. if you plan on installing interior speakers, then i suggest just going to who ever you feel more comfortable with your car.

Ucan · 12-21-2009, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ntpcrew13

i think you should just do the install yourself if you are just going to be adding a sub and amp in the trunk. if you plan on installing interior speakers, then i suggest just going to who ever you feel more comfortable with your car.

I don't feel comfortable cutting wires and adding a new amplifier and line converter. Although I'm pretty handy and comfortable with electronics, I have no experience in car electronics. I know I could easily save $700-$800 if I can do this myself.

Technically, which of the above options sound like a logical solution for your guys? Just adding a trunk SW or replacing OEM components and amplifier?

ntpcrew13 · 12-21-2009, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ucan

I don't feel comfortable cutting wires and adding a new amplifier and line converter. Although I'm pretty handy and comfortable with electronics, I have no experience in car electronics. I know I could easily save $700-$800 if I can do this myself.

Technically, which of the above options sound like a logical solution for your guys? Just adding a trunk SW or replacing OEM components and amplifier?

i think adding a sub and amp will do just fine. if you need help, i could help you out. ive installed a few subs and amps in some e90s, an e53, and an e61. i just wouldnt want you spending more money if you dont have to. also, i dont cut any wires in any of the mods i have done electronically in my car any other cars i have worked on.

///M3NACE · 12-21-2009, 10:10 PM

^ hey Ed rmr me :-)

Ucan · 12-21-2009, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ntpcrew13

i think adding a sub and amp will do just fine. if you need help, i could help you out. ive installed a few subs and amps in some e90s, an e53, and an e61. i just wouldnt want you spending more money if you dont have to. also, i dont cut any wires in any of the mods i have done electronically in my car any other cars i have worked on.

PM'd you.

ntpcrew13 · 12-21-2009, 10:54 PM

mike(ultimate) - i can install your radar on the 30th if you want. let me know.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ihsanshaik

^ hey Ed rmr me :-)

whats going on man

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ucan

PM'd you.

i never received it. please pm me again. thanks

12-17-2009, 12:39 AM	#1
Ucan Private First Class 9 Rep 126 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Downtown Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	Audio Video shop in Chicago Hi All, I'm planning to upgrade my wife's E60 530xi's stereo system. Is there any audio shop you could recommend? Thanks, Ucan
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12-17-2009, 12:54 AM	#2
UdubBadger Banned 633 Rep 24,685 Posts Drives: '04 330i ZHP Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (22) Garage List 2004 BMW 330i ZHP [9.50] 2011 135i [7.46] 2008 328xi [8.76]	Abt
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12-17-2009, 01:02 AM	#3
Ucan Private First Class 9 Rep 126 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Downtown Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	I had no idea that they were making the installation as well. One question though: Why would I get the job done at ABT vs. a dedicated car audio shop? My hypothesis is ABT's focus is selling electronics and their car audio installation is not as sophisticated as dedicated custom car electronics shops. Any ideas?
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12-17-2009, 03:39 PM	#5
dgliango Private First Class 19 Rep 110 Posts Drives: 2007 335i E90 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Chicago iTrader: (2)	+1 abt. They do some excellent work
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12-17-2009, 05:00 PM	#6
///M3NACE Banned 168 Rep 3,900 Posts Drives: E36 M3, E36 Vert , E90 N52 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Downers Grove, IL iTrader: (5)	+1 ABT
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12-17-2009, 05:59 PM	#7
CubanJJ09 Banned 169 Rep 12,680 Posts Drives: like an asshole Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (2) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [6.18]	Really I didn't know abt did that stuff
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12-17-2009, 07:48 PM	#8
UdubBadger Banned 633 Rep 24,685 Posts Drives: '04 330i ZHP Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (22) Garage List 2004 BMW 330i ZHP [9.50] 2011 135i [7.46] 2008 328xi [8.76]	their walls are full of custom installs done on pro athletes cars like Urlacher, Tommy Harris, D Rose, Ben Gordon (that bitch), Ron Harper, Rodman, Scottie Pippen and the weather man from Channel 2.
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12-17-2009, 07:58 PM	#9
mkPOTO Mr. Nice Says Hello 636 Rep 16,662 Posts Drives: BMW M3 \| X5 xdrive 35i MSport Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (25) Garage List 2002 Lexus GS300 [0.00] 2008 BMW E92 M3 [5.58]	if you want abt let me know i still am an employee there
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12-17-2009, 11:18 PM	#10
UdubBadger Banned 633 Rep 24,685 Posts Drives: '04 330i ZHP Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (22) Garage List 2004 BMW 330i ZHP [9.50] 2011 135i [7.46] 2008 328xi [8.76]	holding out on us huh?
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12-18-2009, 11:11 PM	#11
Ucan Private First Class 9 Rep 126 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Downtown Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	I will definitely take my wife's car to Abt then. It has the basic sound system (not L7) and it sounds really crappy. Although she does not care about sound quality that much, it even bothered her. I'm planning to get the speakers replaced (including SWs) and a new amplifier installed. Also, her car does not have PDC or rear view camera. I could get a rear view camera installed as well if possible. What do you think a decent speaker & amplifier system would cost approximately? Also, is there an aftermarket rear view camera option? Thanks so much for your help. It helps a lot. Ucan
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12-19-2009, 12:12 AM	#13
Ucan Private First Class 9 Rep 126 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Downtown Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	Yes it has Navigation.
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12-19-2009, 12:16 AM	#14
UdubBadger Banned 633 Rep 24,685 Posts Drives: '04 330i ZHP Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (22) Garage List 2004 BMW 330i ZHP [9.50] 2011 135i [7.46] 2008 328xi [8.76]	I was quoted (not by Abt) about $2000 for a full system plus labor which did not include the SWS upgraded subs.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-21-2009, 07:40 PM	#16
Ucan Private First Class 9 Rep 126 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Downtown Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	Hi guys, Today I visited Abt and a local shop Showtime Audio. - Abt thinks the problem is with the subwoofers. They suggested to unplug OEM subwoofers under the seats and install a subwoofer inside the trunk. They picked JL 12W3V34 SW, Alpine pdx1600 AMPLIFIER and AAMP PCH8 line converter for my setup. They will leave the current interior speakers. They were really professional. - Showtime Audio thinks I need to upgrade the OEM amplifier along with front components. Although the owner said he would research my specific car tonight, he suggested to use Alpine or Hertz components along with Alpine amplifier. He said, we should think about a separate SW in trunk if upgrading front components is not sufficient. Both of their quotes are around $1,500 range. For $1,500 Abt is only adding a new subwoofer in the trunk whereas Showtime Audio is replacing all front components and "maybe" adding a subwoofer in the trunk. What do you think? Totally separate approaches. Thanks.
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12-21-2009, 08:50 PM	#17
ntpcrew13 Lieutenant Colonel 110 Rep 1,599 Posts Drives: Arctic e90 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: chicago,il (mokena) iTrader: (29) Garage List 06 pre sept model e ... [10.00] 2007 e61 [0.00] 2003 e53 [0.00] my winter ride [0.00] e90post chicago sub ... [0.00] e90post chicago mee ... [0.00]	i think you should just do the install yourself if you are just going to be adding a sub and amp in the trunk. if you plan on installing interior speakers, then i suggest just going to who ever you feel more comfortable with your car. __________________ ......support your local vendors. view my garage for a list of mods.
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12-21-2009, 10:10 PM	#20
///M3NACE Banned 168 Rep 3,900 Posts Drives: E36 M3, E36 Vert , E90 N52 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Downers Grove, IL iTrader: (5)	^ hey Ed rmr me :-)
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