Audio Crafters — Local services in Sierra Madre

5.0 star rating 3/29/2018 If Google had six stars, I'd give them to Audio Crafters. They are the best.

Based on Yelp and Google reviews, I called Arthur at Audio Crafters to discuss installation of a backup camera in my 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser. (If there was ever a vehicle that needs a backup camera, it's the FJ Cruiser!) He said he'd done such an installation in a lot of FJ's and asked me a number of questions about what audio system I currently had, whether I wanted a CD player or not (not), and what kind of smart phone I have. Based on my answers, he gave me a quote of "about $850 plus tax" for a new head unit for the stereo system, a USB port to replace the existing 3.5mm stereo jack for audio input, a backup camera, and installation.

I told him that I wanted to proceed with the project, so we set a date for installation and he ordered the components. Two days later I was at his shop for the installation.

The total time for project was about 3 hours, and the outcome was flawless. The new backup camera gives me superb view to the rear, including green, yellow and red rectangles to warn as the car comes near to objects (just like new OEM systems). Art installed the camera inside the rear bumper, so that it barely shows, dead center and right in line with other details on the bumper, so that it looks like a "factory" installation.

The new radio head unit with touch screen is just amazing. Since I have an iPhone, it was installed using Apple's Car Play technology. I now not only have a backup camera, but also access to music and audio books on my iPhone and iPad (connected using either USB or Bluetooth), on-screen display of Apple's Map.app, connectivity to Siri, so I can tell her to "call home" or "get me directions to Harry Hanson's house." If I wish, I can also connect the radio system screen to iBooks, Audible, iTunes, other music apps, and more. I can dictate a message to somebody through Messages.app. Arthur was even able to connect the new system to my existing subwoofer in the FJ Cruiser. He also installed a new microphone for audio pickup for the iPhone and Siri, utilizing the only "perfect" location in the FJ Cruiser (on the lower dash area in front of the speedometer, but in a location that doesn't block view to any controls or dials). He even installed a second "bonus" USB port, on a cable inside the glove box. And, he paired my iPhone with the new system while he was giving me a demo of its features. In short, Arthur did everything he promised, everything I expected, and more.

Price: Slightly less than the original estimate, which is always a pleasant surprise in situations like this. (No, "oh we ran into a few problems..." runarounds.) Also, the price includes a full one year warranty on parts and installation labor ("if you have any problems.

Personality: Arthur is a quiet-mannered person, very understated in his demeanor, and extremely courteous. He treated me and other customers who came into his shop like royalty. He is totally professional.

Am I happy with Audio Crafters and Arthur? Yes, and more. I am thrilled!

I've had some good experiences and some bad experiences over the years with various automotive audio dealers in and around Pasadena. I've never before had such an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and comfort with the outcome, as I have with Audio Crafters. Highly, highly...

OMG! I had THE BEST experience I've had in a long time with a local business at Audio Crafters.

Backstory I'd inherited a nice, low-mileage SUV from my mom that was better in almost every way than my newer car. The one hangup was that the infotainment center was dated, and many of the important features didn't work properly. I couldn't engage in hands-free calls because no one could hear me but, worst of all, the position of the screen made it impossible to see anything in the camera when backing up if the sun was out.

Audio Crafters I went in on a whim a few days ago and asked Arthur if he had a system that might work in my car. Right away, he listened to what my chief issues were and suggested a system I'd never considered in my past searches, but it seemed perfect. I ended up deciding to go with his recommendation, and he had it in stock within two days, and installed it in just a few hours on the third. Now my car is the bomb! I love the system Arthur installed, and he did such a great job. He took the time to make sure I could still access buttons behind the screen, and none of the air vents are blocked. The attention to detail is just unsurpassed. He walked me through all the features, made sure I had to user manual and old radio, etc. But the best was when I started to back out of his service bay at 2 p.m. in full sunlight, and I could see EVERYTHING as clear as a bell on the new screen. The steering wheel controls all work as they did before. The car was clean. I cannot say enough great things about Arthur and Audio Crafters. I am so happy with my mom's car now! Thank you! Thank you!...

Before I came to Audio Crafters, I had a place in Glendale install some speakers into my Honda Clarity. But after their installation, I was disappointed to hear that sound quality was lacking. Upon researching car audio specialists in the area, I went to Audio Crafters. Arthur quickly understood my issue and had some great solutions.

I am so appreciative to have hired him and his 27 years of experience to diagnose and upgrade my system. He’s a sound guru who never tries to upsell you (in fact he let me know that I didn’t need a new amplifier & saved me money I had planned on spending). The sound system he created is truly well-crafted and exceeded my expectations... it makes the music come alive.

He put a lot of attention into making sure the speakers are perfectly fitted into the doors with quality sound dampening material around them. He sold me a floor model of some awesome speakers (which would have exceeded my budget) at a very generous discount. Overall, the experience felt like working with family on a project... someone who cares about the quality of their work more than just trying to make income. I couldn’t recommend Arthur highly enough.

In this experience, I've learned that if you’re spending money to upgrade your sound system, it makes sense to hire someone who really knows car audio. I plan to go back here for any future...