Audio Exchange — Local services in Raleigh

Joe of Audio Exchange is among the most knowledgeable and professional audio retailers/consultants that I have ever known.

Audio Exchange has been responsible for installing car audio systems/components in multiple vehicles that I have owned for a number of years. Joe’s knowledge of car audio in particular and audio products/audio industry in general is vast. He has been instrumental and patient in explaining to me about how hi-res audio works, what is needed to produce it, and in answering all questions that I had. In my latest vehicle (a Mercedes-Benz E-class – W212), I now have a hi-res car audio system that I have previously only dreamed about.

This system is highlighted by Focal Utopia 165W-XPs in the front stage, driven by Audison Voce amplifiers, and sourced by an Astell and Kern AK380 digital audio player. Volume is a given. There is precision and depth in the bass. There is realism in the vocals/mids & highs. The soundstage is both high and wide (like a concert hall). And so is the grin on my face every time I turn this system on!

If you’re thinking about improving or installing a car audio system, by all means please stop by Audio Exchange and...

Audio Exchange has good products, but I am not impressed with their installation techniques or their support.

Instead of finding a good mounting solution for my vehicle, they did a spit and bailing wire job that did not last. I have since remounted the speakers myself with an aftermarket adapter. There is a permanent crease in the suspension foam of the speakers from where their installation came loose and caused the speaker to be pressed against the inside of the door panel.

Also, I had a crossover stop working. They 'fixed' it. Unfortunately, 'fixing' it seems to have involved soldering bypasses around the failed components rather than replacing it. (The crossover has adjustable slope and db adjustment for tweeter. This do not appear to function after the 'fix'.)

Much later the crossover actually came apart inside the door. The coil was completely undone. I called and was told to just 'push it back in there' or to bring it in and they could do the same. This really wasn't what I imagined as a lifetime warranty. I tried to call back a dozen or more times and get no answer.

Live and learn, I will fix it myself...

40+ years of experience and working through about every conceivable situation builds a vast amount of audio knowledge and expertise. Joe is great about sharing his wisdom and runs a great business. If anyone is in the market for home or vehicle audio, the first place to stop in the Raleigh Area is Audio Exchange.

I bought a couple of vehicle audio systems about 4 years ago from Audio Exchange when they were on Hillsborough St., in downtown Raleigh. I recently had a problem with a bracket that was 100% NOT their fault. I brought it in. They fixed it in about 15 minutes and despite it not being their issue and it being 4 years, Joe did not charge anything. It is customer service such as this that keeps a business going for all those years.

The equipment Joe suggested and installed in my two vehicles was spot on, still functioning flawlessly though tens of thousands of miles, and has brought me 100’s of hours of enjoyment listening to my favorite music while I am driving. I highly recommend Audio Exchange to those looking for a great system, great advice, extensive knowledge, and awesome...