Sound Auto — Local services in Hamilton Township

I wanted to wait a bit after the installation to really get familiarized with my audio system so I could provide some useful feedback. First off, my car is a Focus ST with the really crappy integrated MyFordTouch system that doesn't supply pre-outs for easy integration of aftermarket systems. The sound was pretty atrocious, since whoever did the EQ'ing was either drunk or should have picked a different profession to work in. Anyway, I gave Sound Auto a call based on the positive reviews I saw online and spoke with Dan. He took time to answer all my questions and provide suggestions on what new equipment (including DSP which my system desperately needed) to pair with speakers and amp I already owned without pressuring me to buy everything new from them. Based on the call with Dan who seemed both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about his work, I arranged an install appointment which included equipment install and sound dampening of the front door panels.

After I dropped off my car for the install, I got regular updates from Dan and also calls from him before doing anything that would require additional labor charges. In order to get more room out of the trunk and hiding everything below the trunk cover, Dan had performed some "surgical" work removing the supporting styrofoam and spare tire. He had also created some beautifully designed spacers for the front speakers even though he could have spent 1/3 of the time making ones that were just adequate since you wouldn't see after the door panels were put back on. In addition, Dan called me to say that the Stealthbox instructions for the ST were incorrect and that he had spent a number of hours with JBL telling them how to update their instructions for other installers. How many people do you know who would do this?

3 days later, I returned to pick up the car, and both Dan and Rob were both working on tweaking the audio system which included Mosconi 6to8 DSP, Stealthbox + Mosconi amp to power it, and Morel speakers powered by my Zapco amp with the 6to8 performing active crossover duty. Rob noted that Dan had worked past midnight on my car the night before and had started work early in order to have the install completed on time which was impressive customer service. It was great chatting with them and getting to know how to use the new system even though it was 8 pm on a Friday night. Once Dan was happy with the sound, he had me sit in the car to hear for myself. And IT...WAS...ABSOLUTELY...MIND-BLOWING... The treble was no longer shrill, mids were no longer muddy, and bass was tight and accurate. The imaging was phenomenal since time aligned by the DSP for my seat position in the car. On the way home, I was smiling from ear-to-ear.

4 months later, I am loving the sound as much as on Day 1, though I have to be mindful of what I'm playing, because if it's a crappy recording (e.g. low bitrate or highly compressed recording), it's gonna sound really crappy. On the stock system, pretty much everything sounded like crap.

All in all, stellar communication, customer service, and installation. The install price was higher than other installers, but the care, attention to detail, enthusiasm, and extra hours that Dan/Rob didn't even charge for (painful Stealthbox install) more than made up for it. I would highly recommend Sound...

I'm an X jar-head and picky by nature I guess that's partly why I became an electrical engineer after the "suck". I also like new and shiny and I usually end up doing things myself because...well let's be honest it's hard today to find anyone who cares as much as you do about your "stuff".

I have this really nice 2017 Red RAM w/ Ram Boxes, tonneau cover, Bed Rug, beautiful tan leather interior, and pretty much every feature I could add on when I ordered it.

But, it didn't have CarPlay and I had this idea of wanting to stream movie content, etc. for my passenger wife to watch on our long road trips. Obviously, when we safely pull over at a rest stop...sure.

I did a lot of research like I always do when I'm going to get "stuff" to determine the components I thought I might like. Coincidentally, my engineer daughter (also stupidly picky) was also looking to upgrade her car to have CarPlay as well. Her opinion is pretty much the only one I trust to take at face value and not double check. Well she identified Sound Auto. I admittedly did a quick look at some of the other reviews of a couple of places, but almost immediately agreed that Sound Auto would be the place we would try based on their reviews.

Well like I inferred, I'm completely cable of installing any kind of car audio system and have done so many times in the past in a variety of vehicles...when I actually had time to do so. That's something I don't have now running a small engineering and integration firm not to mention a couple of hobbies and three adult kids I love spending time with. It took some convincing from daughter and then my wife that it would be better to let someone else do the installation because my schedule was full and they knew better than me that it would be hard for me to carve out even the few hours it would take to order the gear let alone do the install.

In the end I decided to see how they would do with the install on my daughters Subaru and then decide. In short, they did great. Exactly what we asked for. Exactly what they said they would do and not a scratch or mark or dirt on anything. Mike then took the time necessary to go over the features with her and I enjoyed watching the interaction...she is totally satisfied.

Next, my install. Not only did Mike (the installer/owner) listen to what I told him I thought I was looking for, he helped me further develop my "taste" beyond to what was awesome.

I don't typically do reviews, but this consult, installation quality, and after service (because initially the streaming required working through some bleeding edge issues) absolutely requires it.

Mike did a perfect job on the physical install. I didn't even have a finger print to wipe off. Not a scratch not a mark nothing. There is no way I could have done any better myself. More than that, with the couple of issues after the initial install with the streamer, Mike stuck with it until I was 100% satisfied...and I am!

Sound Auto is great and unless you're one of the guys or gals that would rather be doing an install instead of spending time biking, snowboarding, shooting, fishing, watching a ball game or a movie, or just spending time with you family, let Mike get it done for you. I've never spent less time or better money...you won't be...

I'm the kind of person who is constantly making mental value judgments (e.g. "that was a great meal at a fair price but I was irritated that the check came 5 minutes later than I thought it should have, so I feel a little sligjted") even for a low cost fast food meal. This is important background because my experiemce at Sound Auto, despite my spending several hundred dollars, was such that I didn't think for an instant about the cost, or even the fact that there was a cost! Rather, the feeling from Steve and Mike is that what I wanted and inagined became what they did too - seemingly as much as I. And seemingly with no limit to their patience and effort to understand my needs. My entire experience - from being completely uninitiated in the world of vehicle modifications one day, to me driving out feeling like a million bucks a few days later - was what I wish all service experiences could be. I met Steve first, handcuffing him at closing time but you'd never know he even had a watch on. He explained my options and the associated general pricing in a way I could easily understand. Trust me I am not naive. But I became excited to commit and my instincts were correct. The day I picked up my vehicle I met Mike. Mike walked me through the setup of my new radio/bluetooth/backup camera and how to navigate my new system. He also gave me something to think about in case I want to one day upgrade. Very helpful. These guys are really good at what they do, the ratings and reviews out there do not surprise me one bit. I am super happy with the service and the product and did not think for second about the cost. Because it was so obviously worth it.

I cant wait to bring my wife's car...