It's difficult enough choosing the right products for your ride, but you can read magazines like CA&E, talk to friends or go online. Put enough time into research and you can create a list of what you want and need. However, finding the right people to execute your design or supply you with a design for your car's system requires a lot more legwork; and even then, there's probably not enough information out there to really confirm that a given person or shop is exactly the right one for you. It's one of the biggest questions we get at the office: Where should I go to get my car worked on? Obviously you could pay top dollar for industry legends such as Dave Rivera, Chris Yato, Bryan Schmitt, or say Troy Sumitomo at FiveAxis, but you'll have to wait in line. Fortunately, there are plenty of other talented, creative installers out there and some terrific and trustworthy shops; they're just not as famous, that's all. Thanks to trade mag Mobile Electronics and MERA, readers have a strong list of options for easy upgrades to complex custom projects. Of course you won't find certain names, like some of the aforementioned, on the top installers' list since you have to submit your name to have the chance at getting ranked, but you'll find more than a few that have graced the pages of our magazine multiple times, such as Brian Mobley and Sound Decision around Chicago and Ernie Onate of Sound Innovations in Northern California and so on. We'll continue to update this list for future reference. For now, if you're looking for someone or a shop to get started on your latest project, begin by contacting people and businesses listed here. If you need some samples of their work you may find it in our back issues or on our website.
Top Shops
AJ's Car AudioTerryville, CT
Audio SourceColumbus, IN
Audio SpecialistsHopkinsville, KY
Audio VisionzMt. Vernon, IL
Auto AudioWesterley, RI
Autosound LabFresno, CA
Car Audio DepotModesto, CA
Crutchfield the StoreCharlottesville, VA
Drive-In AutosoundColorado Springs, CO
Electronic ExpressNashville, TN
Elite Car AudioSandy, OR
Enormis Car AudioErie, PA
Enriched Mobile ElectronicsSanta Rosa, CA
Hi-Tech Car AudioEl Cerrito, CA
La Jolla AudioSan Diego, CA
Osprey WirelessNorwood, MA
Pacific StereoFremont, CA
Precision Auto StereoHayward, CA
Progressive Auto SoundsAiea, HI
Security and Sound SystemsHonolulu, HI
Shockwave CustomsFrankfort, IL
Sound SensationAuburn, MA
SoundeluxChula Vista, CA
Street BeatHayward, CA
Street SoundsNashville, TN
Superior RadioSaugus, MA
Windward AudioKaneohe, HI
Wizard Audio & VideoHilo, HI