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The Best Place to Buy and Install Car Audio? Think Again.
I am writing to express my profound dissatisfaction with the services provided by Short Circuit Electronics over the past four years. Despite my investment in a comprehensive sound system upgrade--from the alternator to the subwoofers--I ended up spending three times what was necessary, only to be met with a series of unresolved issues.
Initially, I upgraded my door and rear deck speakers twice, trying various brands including Alpine Type S, Alpine Type R, and JL C2. Later, I installed DS18 speakers (purchased elsewhere) with separate tweeters, and the improvement was remarkable--they sounded noticeably clearer, crisper, and louder, exactly as I had requested. Despite my inquiries about alternative brands, the installer repeatedly dismissed them by stating, "No, no, they're junk, and you won't be happy with them." Clearly, I made the right choice with DS18 speakers.
Why insist on doing things your way when I am the one paying?
The four-channel amplifier was replaced after the initial installation. However, when I sought to upgrade the equipment I had purchased, my request was refused with the remark, "You were jamming too hard." Is that not the very purpose of a sound system? Similarly, the subwoofer amplifier was replaced once after installation, and I upgraded my subwoofers and enclosure twice within a year--yet he refused to accept any of my previous purchases for trade-in or buyback. From the outset, he encouraged me to go all out with high-powered equipment, yet I found myself returning to his shop nearly every week with persistent problems.
The issues extended even to the alternator. I was not advised that an upgrade would eventually be necessary until problems began to occur. After finally ordering a larger alternator and having it installed, it quickly became damaged. Although it was returned for repairs and reinstalled, I started noticing strange noises. When I returned for assistance, he assured me, "Everything is installed correctly. Your alternator looks fine, and you don't need a second battery." However, the alternator continued to deteriorate; my interior lights dimmed, and even testing the battery revealed inconsistent power. On my next visit, he immediately stated, "You need a new battery," prompting me to replace it--but the issues persisted.
Additionally, the head unit (an Alpine) he installed began malfunctioning after a few months. The unit would freeze and emit a buzzing noise, forcing me to turn off the car and restart it. When I showed him a video of the problem, his response was, "I don't know why this is happening." This was particularly disappointing, as he was the only professional working on my car after the dealership.
Ultimately, after further evaluation, he then declared, "You need a second battery." I had already raised this concern before, yet by that point my alternator was completely compromised. After installing the second battery, he had the audacity to remark, "Your sub hits deeper and better now." This is simply unacceptable.
At that point, I refused to let him work on my car any further. I replaced the alternator elsewhere, and all subsequent issues were resolved.
What kind of professional with 25 years of experience treats a customer this way? I will never return to Short Circuit Electronics.
Sincerely,
Mohammad
