I've been to a couple of shops nearby and the one that a couple of forum members have gone to is Serenity Sounds. But every time I call, it's always busy. They recently moved and changed numbers and the shop is 70 mile away from home. Now there are a couple of audio shops near my house but am too skeptic.

Shop 1: I've had my Civic system done by them. It was a nice system but the mount on the amps in the trunk came off while doing sharp turns. I still gave them the benefit of the doubt and went back. While there, the customer service sucked. No one helped me and when someone finally did, they found out what car it was and they told me to come back on a weekday and wouldn't talk to me any further. Once I got all my stuff, again I came back on a Saturday. Still waited a long time for service. Once I got help, they quoted me $650 for installing Dom's converter, PIE X3, iPod DVD player and DVD player install. I told them that all my local fellow forum members go to a shop in Fountain Valley and was only getting charged $500 tops. So they brought it down to $550. Then another installer came in and said "ummm, the Scion caught on fire, what should we do?" I left after that

Shop 2: I showed the the converter and the guy was like, $60 but I'll be honest, we haven't worked on that car before. Well that's another shop to stay away from

Shop 3: They also haven't worked on a TL before but was willing to charge me $800 for the install. Mentioned the other shop so they brought it down to $500.

I finally gave up and went to Al & Ed's. Here's the break down:

Dom's Navi2DVD convertor: $140 (AZ groupbuy)
PIE X3 Aux Input: $97 (thanks for the links Jatt )

------- Al & Ed's prices -------------
Myron & Davis AD212 player (fits diagnally center console): $150
iPod cable: $30
Installation costs: $543

Total: $960

I've already scheduled the install for next Sunday. Only thing is they have to connect the wire to the e-brake for the DVD. The guy said he can show me how to ground it somewhere else but they can't do it for me.

I know I can get the cost lower but I can't find that DVD player or iPod cable cheaper anywhere else. Also, it's the closest shop I know of that has worked on 3rd Gen TL. Matter of fact, they were working on an SSM like mine when I went in on Saturday. Now what to use the 3rd input plug for

 

Backup camera!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh you mean audio, then do Sirius!!!!!!!!

 

the back up camera can be added onto Dom's convertor and i already have XM and really don't mind it. only reason i'd want sirius is howard stern. hmm, could be a nice add-on, having both xm and sirius haha. we'll see

 

Do you live in 909 area code now? Or did you move from there? If you are in Inland Empire, PM me. I have a friend that runs a stereo shop in Riverside. He did my PIE, my Dom, and my camera for a great price. Did an excellent job.

Let me know.


Steve

 

WOW that expansive Mobile Electronics charged 800 for evrything with the blitzsafe adapter.

 

In my truck, I do have both. I do enjoy the music and sports on Sirius and the comedy is better on XM.

 

$500+ to install it
i got my kicker sub and planet audio amp in my car for > 500$ (not from ebay). now i am getting a pc in my car for 1000 (DIY)
PC = xxx, mp3, video, navi, internet, engine management, and +++++

 

thanks to streese i'm getting it done at another shop for $500 with DVD and iPod capability. i'm actually waiting right now at a starbucks for it (leeching off some other wifi connection ) i'll post pics and results also found a company that has the headrest made specifically for our TLs

the company is called Savv. i checked out their website but it only shows MDX. the shop did have the latest catalog. here are the model numbers

LCD 7": 7R-165D-29A
Ebony Headrest: 3B001

only wrote down the ebony and 7" coz that's what i was looking at. the shop offered to do a pair installed for $850 but i've already spent alot on this project. if anyone is intrested i'll grab the other LCD model #s and color head rest. better yet i'll try and get a catalog or get a copy of it so i can scan and post it up

update: here's the pdf of the catalog page and the TL model #s http://www.savv.com/homeimages/10.pdf

 

I came by, but you weren't around. It was about 11:30. I like the taillight and rear marker light tint, did you do it yourself? If so, was it easy?

You'll like the work that Joe's guys do.

I was going to do the headrest monitors from Savv, but I opted for the Alpine dropdown screen instead. They did a clean job.


I hope you enjoy.

Steve

 

ya walked to tyler mall and barnes and noble. one of the sales guy said you came by with your AM TL. the tail lights are from Rockblocker. he's one the forum vendors. pretty easy. too bad i missed ya, wanted to check out your set up and alarm. well there's always another time and the meets - one coming up this month

 

Yeah. I'm going to be in Hawaii during the next meet, but we'll hook up. I'm going to have the alarm done on Friday, my CAN Bus processor didn't come in until this afternoon.

I'm now on the hunt for a painter that can do a RonJon kit and match it to my WDP...... Someday I'll find one that doesn't want to gouge me.

Steve

 

ok the shop took nearly 7 hours. here's the final break down on parts and labor

Dom's Navi2DVD convertor: $140 shipped (AZ groupbuy)
PIE X3 Aux Input: $97 shipped
Alpine DVE-5207, iPod cable, installation: $490

Total: $727

here are some pics:







the PIE is mounted on the compartment right below the CD player and the cable for the iPod runs out of that same hole. i haven't found a place to mount the iPod. might not need too since i'm comfortable using it w/o a mount. the sound is slightly lower than how it was using the tape adaptor but more consistent and no cracks and hisses. the DVD's eye for the remote is installed above the glove. the switch between navi and dvd is right underneath the steering wheel column. here are the discs that i've tested so far

retail DVDs - works (obviously)
DVD-R movie - works

MP3 DVDs from iTunes (DVD-RW) - doesn't work

need to try:
MP3 on DVD-R/CD-R/CD-RW using iTunes and regular burning software
movie on DVD-RW
VCD
custom videos made on Final Cut Express/DVD Studio Pro/iMovie/iDVD
DVD-A
LacViet's compilation of pics from So Cali meets

the shop that did every thing is Pacific Stereo in Riverside. look for Joe, he'll hook you up. he's already done mine and streese's TL.

i'll follow up after i've done more format testing

thanks again streese for the heads up

 

I always look at it this way.

You can only choose two of the following: Good, Fast, inexpensive

I always prefer good and inexpensive. Fast is typically not a requirement for me. Pacific Stereo is definitely good and inexpensive.

If anyone wants to go to Pacific Stereo, tell Joe that Steve with the Acura sent you. That's the secret squirrel handshake for "give me a smokin deal!"

Glad it went well. I took a little different approach. I'll post pics soon.


Steve

 

Did you use the PIE X3 audio input instead of using the FM modulator for the DVD player? If so, which site did you get it at? Also, will the wires always be sticking out?

 

streese: ya, definite secret handshake

Jumpman45: yes, i used the PIE X3. i told them to just put the wire for the iPod there coz i haven't found a place to mount it yet. plus i was already comfortable with the iPod lying on top of the cup holder. you will need the iPod at arm's reach since you still do the controlling via iPod. here are the links for the PIE X3, you need both

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piex3auxconv.html
http://www.logjamelectronics.com/piex3hon03.html

joe says he has some in stock if you need them

 

So Joe also gets the PIE stuff about $20 - $30 cheaper than the sites including shipping. If you are in So Cal, talk with him and see what he can do.

Steve

 

Damn, I already ordered the FM modulator. Can you tell a big difference in sound between the PIE adaptor and FM modulator? I wont be connecting the ipod adaptor, just the dvd player.

 

well if it works the same way as the iTrip, then IMO i hate it. my iTrip only worked best going to vegas since there's no radio station around. also, it worked great in Philippines. but around here, i can hardly find a good station to get it to work to my satisfaction, which is why i went for the tape adaptor, to now, aux

 

So with the PIE adaptor, it just plugs into the unit or whatever, and you flip back and forth between the dvd and nav or any other source? No need to have the radio tuned into a certain station like the FM adaptor right?

 

Cancel the FM modulator. There is such a concentration of radio stations in So Cal, you will hate the quality of the audio. The PIE in my car is FLAWLESS from the audio perspective. I even get stereo surround sound from the DVD player (wish someone made an optical audio input, but oh well).

Anyway, if you can't cancel the FM modulator, try and EBay it and get most if not all of your moolah back.

Good luck!

Steve

 

Cool man thanks! Do you have the number for the shop? I'm going to call them and pick up that adaptor if possible. Do they usually have the adaptors in stock?

 

wow looks good, these audio shops charge a ton of money, i should get into the business, i would do that work for a lot less.

 

Pacific Stereo
Ask for Joe
951-352-1784

Don't forget the secret squirrel handshake........ "Steve with the Acura sent me"


Good luck.

Steve

If he doesn't have in stock, it takes him a day to get them.

 

the PIE is strictly audio not video. it switches between 4 sources. the original XM and 3 other inputs (DVD, iPod, extra for future use). Dom's convertor has the switch between navi and dvd and was installed underneath the steering column.

i agree with streese and not use the FM mod

tell joe steve or sherwin with the acura TLs