Seaside Car Stereo — Local services in Santa Barbara

I have known Ian for 6 years as a friend. He has helped me with numerous electrical issues with my car (windshield wiper motor, specialized headlamps, etc.). When I crashed that car this past November, I was able to replace it with an older car, a pre-owned 2008 Audi A-4 Quattro Wagon, in excellent condition. But it needed a big technology upgrade and a good sound system. Here is what Ian came up with and it simply is FILTHY. I've never had this kind of quality and technology and just MAD sound:

-Bose Elite CarPlay with back up camera; -Focal 6.5" components; -4 channel amp; -12" Sub woofer in downfiring custom cabinet enclosure

All of this synchs with my iPhone and I could not be happier. It is THE NICEST SOUND SYSTEM I have ever had at home or in a car and I have owned many sound systems. You know that feeling when you get a new Berringer amp for your electronic drums, or new huge speakers for your home stereo and you dig out ALL your old music and want to see how each and every album will sound on the new speakers and system? Yeah. That is the giddiness I have had since 2 days before Christmas. I am truly stoked and spend more time driving now than ever.

Ian just crushed is, as expected and I will refer everyone I know and everyone I don't know to his shop and his skillz....

I highly recommend Seaside Car Stereo. Ian is very knowledgeable and takes time to understand his clients and their wants. If you have a new or old car and want something more, go here. I can’t stop smiling every time I get in my vehicle.

I have always had a passion for car stereo and it’s something I feel like I’m somewhat savvy on. I had been looking for a shop that would listen to my wants and not just push me down a route on what they have in stock.

In the end, I got a system that you can’t see any after market components, sounds incredible & balanced and was done with care and quality.

It was refreshing going to a shop where they took the time to listen to what I care about and build it for me. I’m so used to getting pushed into options that don’t meet my requirements and settling. This was not the case.

Last point, I’m always scared to walk in a shop because I can’t afford what I want or I’m going to be sold hard on something that’s expensive. With Seaside Car Audio, I walked in and we had a genuine conversation where I learned something new, and learned it doesn’t have to be...

As a local of Santa Barbara for the last 12 years it's apparent that there is an inverse relationship between excellent service and reasonable pricing in this town, especially with anything automotive. With that said, Ian at Seaside Car Stereo restored some of my faith. He is extremely knowledgeable and skilled at his craft, offering far more than just installation. I brought in my 2022 Bronco and he was able to not only replace the stock speakers but also the tweeters, which are notoriously difficult to do in this car. He was very transparent about what needed to be done, and helped me decide on the right speakers and job for what type of sound I wanted out of this vehicle. However complicated or customized the job, there is no doubt Ian can do it and at a very reasonable price. 100% coming back for future work, and would highly recommend if you're looking for a reliable...