The story/review.

The plan was never set when I went to the store. What can I say, the sales guy was pushy and like a kid at the candy store, I wanted it all. Even at my max dream system, the guy push for more. I end up with everything just a step MORE than I really wanted. The parts are HU, 4 3 way speakers, EQ Amp, and Sub.

He gave me an out the door price, and I quickly do the math against other dealers (Goodguys, Crutchfield, CircuitCity, BestBuy), it sounded too good to be true. He gave it to me in writing. In his word "I don't BS you." I had a bad feeling that somthing was going to go wrong, or they was going to pop me for more. Right off the bat, that was $80 less total compare to others, and included installtion and CA 8.5% sales tax.

When came time to pay, the second guy said, plus tax, and shop charges, mounting stuff, etc. I said, no way! First guy said OUT THE DOOR! That's it. So I may have got on his bad side.

Then came time to install. The third guy said, bad news, they are out of my HU. And said how about another step up for $40? I say, how about if I take a step down to the HU that I really wanted) and you give me a $20 discount? He said sure!

The installation took 5 hours, and I did not have lunch. Third guy said, bad news, the HU I choosen (to replace the orginal) is defective. The face plate does not stay on.???? The intallation guy also said so. (don't know if it was a plan). And that was the last one??? So I began to feel the BS coming.

Third guy said, why don't you take the one that is a step up (two step from that one) and I'll give it to you for $20? Doing my math, I know that this new unit should be $70 more. So I took it. Way too many features, with remote, CD chager controller, etc. Stuff I don't need or care for. I just wanted my system done and go home at that time.

So it was done. The point I want to make is be very careful about people trying to rip you off. I still don't know how they are able to give me those prices. But they will ALWAYS try to bump it up. Because I was there for 5 hours, I heard their sales stories. Many people will not bargin and try to get better prices. When dealing with shop like that, be prepared, and stay alert and watch your wallet. I'm very happy about the prices, but I really don't want to go back to them again.

Review:

Man.....This is great. The Xplod system is my first, and I love it already. My amp is weak so it does not shake the ground, but that's how I wanted it. All I wanted was "meat" in my system. I'm very happy with it, and the 3 way speakers really bring all the notes out. I never dream my car would sound this good.

The fit and built is good, and the plastic use feel better than some. But I do agree, there are some that seem a bit more durable than Sony Xplod. I guess that what the remote control is for. The colors are in bright red and does attract attention if you were to open the trunk, etc.

The display is a light show that will keep passengers entertained. I think you can change that too. That was a bit too fancy for me, but now I think it adds to the system, and show that it's not just a "regular" Sony Xplod. The display show is growing on me.

I was surprise that you can program to call letters of radio stations into your pre-set, and I also read that it can display the text of the song title on some of the newer CDs. What a cool feature.

The down side is that I need to spend some time reading over everything it does. I had a hard time even just turning it on. There are a lot of small buttons, and the same button does many things in different mode. So far I just got some pre-set in. I'm not even going to bother setting the EQ for now. Default is fine, thank you.

Well, it's time to do homework and read about the HU. After that, it's time to read the EQ amp manual so I can figure out how to adjust that too.

I'm sure there may be systems that are better, louder, etc. But base on my experience with Sony Xplod, I highly recommend it.

 

Sorry dude but the only time that I would buy Sony would be a TV for my house... The car audio Sony is probably just as crapy as Jensen and JVC IMOP.
But more power to you if you're happy with what you bought.

 

One month later..... Follow up on review.

Well, this is the system that I wanted for so long. What would have been the "perfect" system 10 years ago when I cruise with a honey on the side, and the boyz in the back, now seem like an overkill? Did I spend too much and got too much stuff?

Good: I'm still impress with the sound clearity of the overall system. I can hear every little instruments on songs that I never knew it was there. What is strange is that I find myself listening to classical music at times, because I can actually hear the the different tones. I now use my car stereo more for audio entertainment compare to home system. Maybe it's time to upgrade the home system too. Overall, I find that I now listen to music a step louder. And with the windows down on a hot summer day, it does changes the mood, and serve as a good pick-me-upper.

Not-So-Good: I find most of my storage space to be gone with the sub in trunk. Even if I was to take it out, there is still the amp. I find that I no longer able to put my mountain bike back there with the seat folded down. Plus, I sometimes worry that people will see the big red sub when I open the trunk. Theif factor have become a concern to me, as the HU just don't blend in well with the overall dash. I just don't feel comforting to leave it in plain view even for a short while. It must be the red color, and dazzling display, that just shout "Steal Me." And the hand held remote control? I find it useless, as it require more attention to use. It's easier to feel my way on the unit to press the buttons, like the stock unit. Also, I'm now one of the strange people that have a sun shade on the rear of the car. I just don't want the sun to dry and bleach out the rear 3 way 6X9, like it did on the stock speakers. Overall, it just take a bit more time to get out of the car as I take everything off, put it away, etc.

Bad: None, so far, and are happy with the system.

In conclusion. Add one more factor in planning your system. Ask, do you really need all of it? Today, tommorow, and in the future. Yes, I got it out of my system with the something I always wanted then. Now, I'm not so sure today as an older guy.

In comparison, I lowered my car, add wheels, tires, etc. I would do it again on my next car. But I'm not sure I would do an "all-out" audio upgrade like I did. I'm sure I would feel different about this 10 years ago and given a different follow up review.

P.S. I still have not figure out all the features/adjustments of the HU and amp. Just never got around to it. If it works, and sounds good, why mess with it.

 

How much did they charge you, because just yesterday i went to buy a Sony Xplod system and the price the salesman told me was totally different then the actual price when he rang it up on the cash register? i am tryin to find a place where i can get it for cheaper then he said, so if you know where i would appreciate it if u tell me, thanx!

 

CA750X - HU
XM404EQX - amp
12" sub
6 1/2: 3 way front
6X9: 3 way rear
box for the sub
installation & shop parts
tax CA 8.5%

Total = $720

The overall prices was less than Crutchfield/Circuit City, Best Buys, etc before installation. That's why I went for it, the deal was good. I don't know how they do it, short of hijacking the Sony boat. Everything was boxed, packaged, in very new condition.. And I actually watch them pick up from the showroom stock floor, and to the installation area. So I'm 100% certain it was brand new. And No, I did not qualify for the $75 rebate because my amp does not qualify. Prior to finding this shop, I figure Crutchfield/Circuit City, Best Buys, etc were the best cause they all sell it in the same range.

 

They can do it because the car audio market is very profitable. I ran a shop for over 3 years after working at circuit city(and before my current job). Car audio makes money and lots of it. Just be happy you got a deal and are happy with the system. dont worry bout the shop, i am sure taht even at your deal they made atleast 25 points.

 

sweet. thanks for the review. did you get the xplod that has a black screen and then when you turn it on it has graphics on it? its a flip face right?

 

what do you mean they made points?

 

No, I got this one.



At that time, I was thinking "man...I'm already spending more $$$ then I should, even if I got a killer deal."

Now in looking back, maybe I could have swing a deal with the dude. Yeah that HU cost more, but knowing how they do business, I would not be paying the "MSRP" so it wouldn't really be that much. I now REALLY like the black face for security reasons. I would feel better leaving the face plate on if I was to step away for a short while (with the alarm on of course). And at night, it would not be visible unless they are waving a flash light. The faceplate can always come off if I want to. I just like that option a bit better now.

 

A little early for the two month review. But here goes cause this would be the final.

I have learned a lot more about the system, and most of all the adjustments. Thanks to all who answered my questions to educate me. The adjustments DOES make a difference. So my advise is learn how to use it and understand what it does. I'm more satisfy with the sound and overall performance now, and set to the way I like it. Of course, the more you learn, the more you also see it's draw back, and would do a few thing different here and there.

The newness have worn out, and it's "just a stereo." My ears have also adjusted, where it's begining to sound normal and less impressive. In fact, I have become over critical to many sound of many system (home and auto) when in fact they are just fine. Maybe I'm going deaf, and the ears are loosing sensitivity. Every time I drive, it's a must to have the stereo on, when before I used to have it off with the stock unit.

I still visit the stores to check out their car audio section, thinking about the next mod, and etc. But I know that will not happen.

 

thats a phat head unit!

 

Two year review.

I have since sold my 12" sub and replaced it with an 8" Xplod sub in a truck style box. I had to do it to get back some trunk space. The 8" sub just does not put enough lows to make anyone excited. I think I maybe should have gone 10" or perhaps just replace the box. I really do miss the big 12". The bass was simply better.

Overall, the entire system have held up well after two years of daily use. Sound quality is still there, just like when it was brand new. The only complaint I have is the plastic face seem to scratch easy. Then again, maybe it's my fault, since I hardly use the protective face plate case. I never own any other aftermarket stereo, so I can't really compare.

Also, it's difficult to view the display (for clock) on sunny days. There always seem to be a glare or the display is not as bright as it should. Turning up the dimmer, makes it too bright at night. I think that may be Honda's part in the position of the radio. If it's lower, there never will be a glare problem.

 

 

uhhh sounds good
...but i hate Sony

as long as you like it then