When I bought a new Challenger, I was less than thrilled with the audio system. I didn't know much about car audio, but I knew what I was listening to was horrible, and with as much as I paid for the car, I expected better. I went to Ash and explained what I wanted to be hearing. He showed me the equipment that I would need and explained the differences between low-cost and higher-cost speakers and subwoofers. He also showed me why Radio-Active has five star reviews on yelp and other sites - the wiring is properly done, and they don't take shortcuts. At that point, I gave him my budget, and we built a system around that. He ordered it, and we were ready to begin. After I got to thinking about how much I was spending on the audio, I decided to add a security system as well, and they were able to accommodate that in a timely fashion as well. I am a true believer that quality work takes time; I deal with it every day in my line of work. While I had to drop off my car a couple times to get things finished up, it was well worth it. The system sounds great and it exceeded my expectations. I feel like I'm driving around in surround sound. I would recommend Radio-Active to anyone. Let them do their job, and I guarantee you will benefit from it! read more

Professional, Professional, Professional: I've been a "yelper" for years and I believe this is my third review. That's how impressed I am with Radio-Active. There are a multitude of car audio shops between my house in Cameron and Radio-Active. Reviews of this business alone convinced me to drive the hour and twenty minutes just for a diagnostic assessment. The result was time and money very well spent. Ash patiently explained his initial thoughts on the issue with my wife's sound system and gave an estimate on costs to repair the issue. I want to say the best part was that the repairs were done the same afternoon but for me the best part of making the drive was that I wasn't pressured to spend more than I needed to. I have zero knowledge of car audio systems and I drove away very happy that I paid a fair price for professional work and wasn't taken advantage of. Radio-Active saved me at least $500, and gave me a military discount. The shop is in a nice area, the facilities were clean and surprisingly quiet. I connected to their wifi and watched Hulu from my phone while I waited. Four thumbs up! I absolutely recommend this business. read more

Great service, very knowledgeable employees. I feel quite comfortable getting any car stereo work performed here because they do it right. Pricing is not walmart prices but then again, this isn't Walmart. The components I had installed in my vehicle were a perfect fit, the wiring job was outstanding and the sound quality is unbelievable. Probably should not the web address is different than listed here though but it seems to redirect you http://www.radioactivecaraudio.com but I guess either is fine. I intend to always do my business here and recommend you stop by and check out the store. Always packed but they take time and give you undivided attention to ensure you are completely comfortable with your experience. You can appreciate the quality components, extra warranty options and the job will be done right. If you want a great sound system, want your vehicle audio checked to see what you really need then this is the place to go. I completely disagreed with the suggested sub woofer and amp at first but after trying it I realized I was wrong. The sound is amazing so listen to the experts - they know what they are doing. read more

I came to these guys not knowing what to expect. A lot of businesses degrade in service because of bad management, or the lack thereof. At Radio-Active, the owner seems to run the store on a daily basis. This guy really cares about his store, his customers, and the work they do ant the products they sell. I was waiting for my installation and I observed several customers come in needing something. Often times, somebody in the business of sales will try to get as much money out of a customer as they can. Well I watched the owner help each customer by trying to figure out the right solution for their car audio, not the most profitable solution. Personally, my experiences have been great. Car audio is expensive, and as a student, getting a good system in my car seemed out-of-reach. I received 10% off a $500 amp and other discounts to help me keep the upgrades in my price range. They guarantee any work they do, and as long as they installed it, they will move your system from one car to another for free. I like these guys a lot, and I'm glad I went to them first and not one of the Capital Boulevard car audio stores. read more

Radioactive has been one of the best shops to deal with period. Ash and the tech have always performed as agreed or over performed. These guys aren't the cheapest place but their craftsmanship is totally worth it. This is how things went , I came to ash with all my own equipment and asked him to install it. He said he could but discussed the pros and cons. After that I returned half of the stuff I bought and went with Ash's suggestions while using some of the things I brought. His one concern was that I would be left wanting more, which is why he suggested using the stuff he sells. I didn't do that at first and within a week I called them back and told them I wanted more just like he said. Now I am having them do the complete system that ash suggested on day one...... wish I would've listened! These guys are a great shop I would tell anyone around or anyone that might have to make a trip to come to Radioactive for anything auto electronics! Thanks a lot RadioActive! read more

Ash, owner of Radio-Active Car Audio in Garner NC, Is the best audio specialist I have ever worked with. My experience is with other companies and installations over a couple of decades in 3 different states with half a dozen cars. Ash at Radio-Active has worked on audio systems for my last three BMWs for my family, and my daughter's Honda is next in line. I will continue to come to see Ash and refer others to him. He spent more time than any other employee over the years educating me, sharing his expertise, going over options, and recommending the best audio system I could own given my budget. He was patient and professional and courteous, even with my many questions and wanting to understand every detail. I think the difference is that he is the owner and greatly values his customers' satisfaction, strives to have a great reputation, and this is very important, since referrals from customers help him have a successful business. read more

I have a 2007 Mini Cooper with an auxiliary cord that was for 25-pin ipods/iphones. I hadn't been able to find an adapter that worked--I'd tried multiple ones. So I called Radio-Active and brought my car in. The associate was fabulous. He came out to my car with an Apple Brand adapter and, sure enough, it is the one that worked--it has to be an Apple product (thanks Mini!). After that he was very patient with me and explained all sorts of different audio things I could do to my car--touch screens, bluetooth, etc. He was upfront about costs, too. He spent quite a while talking to me and working with me--at least a half and hour, if not more! But here's the kicker: he doesn't sell Apple products. So he told me how to fix my problem, spent time answering all my questions, and did not charge me a dime. I cannot recommend Radio-Active highly enough. I know when I'm ready to do some customization for my Mini, I will absolute go here. read more

I don't have a lot of experience with car tracking devices, but I do have a lot of experience as a customer. Ash far exceeded my expectations as a customer. He is very professional and provides a personal touch. After listening to my concerns, he understood exactly what I needed and guided me through the selection process. He recommended a system that fit my needs perfectly. The installation was professional. We set up the basic information and tested before I left the shop. He also suggested another test to do remotely to insure every feature worked, and I understood how to use it. I highly recommend Ash and RadioActive. I would recommend my wife or Mother to go there - they make it that easy.. read more

The team at Radio-Active was very professional from start to finish. Unfortunately, I had already been to another shop in Durham where they had done a poor job attempting to install a speaker/amplifier/subwoofer set in my car. The guys at Radio-Active fixed (and basically redid) my entire installation in a fraction of the time that the people at the other shop took. They were knowledgeable and took the time to explain what they would be doing in lay terms. My system was neatly installed and works like a charm. They were tidy with their work and made sure that I was satisfied with the final product. Their prices were fair and competitive. You won't go wrong with this shop. read more

I am a stickler for attention to detail and professionalism. Ash very wisely and professionally worked a process to diagnose the issue with my radio. He was certain to maintain me as a priority because I had an appointment; he started the appointment on time. He dealt calmly and graciously with me and the walk-ins that occurred while I was waiting on my vehicle. The work was done quickly (which tells me these folks know what they're doing and not having to spend much time guessing and researching) and Ash was not content until I operated the radio myself so that it behaved as I expected it would. I wholeheartedly endorse Radio Active. Smart, professional, quality work! read more

This place stands by there products 100%. I bought a new stereo from them earlier this year and they installed it professionally and as promised. A few months later I was having trouble with the steering wheels controls after a mechanic replaced the battery terminals in my truck. I went back to Radio-Active to see if they could help me out and they put everything back to the way it was when they installed it. Free of charge. They even updated the firmware in the stereo for free just to help improve the performance of the stereo. Bottom line, these guys know what they are doing and they will have all my future business. read more

Made an appointment for straight upgrade on 2005 Honda Element EX from OEM to modern, nothing exotic. They were ready for us, no waiting. The six speaker system was already good for us so we just needed a radio upgrade. The Sony system Ash recommended was just the ticket. He explained everything needed and exactly how and where the new equipment was to be installed. The job was done in one hour 30 minutes and I was out of there. Good car audio is not cheap, but I received very good value in product and service for my money I believe. The end result was a system that looked and sounded BETTER than OEM! Thanks Ash! read more

When my pre-owned BMW's sound system went out, I took it to the dealer and they said it was messed up beyond belief. The previous owner did a terrible job of installing his own system apparently, and the dealer didn't want to touch it. I found Radio-Active, took my car there, and they completely integrated my custom system into BMW's idrive user interface in a matter of days. Customer service is A+ and they stand behind their work like no other small business I have been to. If your car (or motorcycle, boat, etc.) needs any audio work done and you are in the Raleigh-Durham area, take it here. read more

If you want to feel special, this is where you need to get your car's audio fixed. I got my amp replaced over a year ago at Radio Active Car and couldn't have been happier with the money spent. About 2 weeks ago, the sound stopped working so I took it in. Turns out, the bad cigarette phone charger had blown the fuse that the amp was attached to. They diagnosed the problem, replaced the fuse.. all FOR FREE! Not only that, but it was done in a matter of hours. Great customer services ALWAYS wins! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this place to a friend.. in fact, I did the following day. read more

Ash worked on my wife's car almost a year ago. The battery in the honda got replaced and wiped out all the preset radio stations that bluetooth that Ash installed used. We didn't know what the problem was and called Ash for some help. First, he remembered us, which by itself is impressive. Second, he had me stop by so he could look at it. He was able to fix the problem, (which was caused by us not taking the time the first time around to write down some basic info) and send us on our way. Very friendly and professional. Would highly recommend! read more

I had the sound go out on my system with the head unit working properly. Dropped my truck off at Radio- Active and was very pleased with their service and the results. It took them a few hours and they kept me up to speed on what was found, the recommended approach and cost. The cost was very reasonable, and I got more than I asked for. They hooked up my steering wheel controls for me, and added a small mount for the hands-free mike which now works well where it never worked well before. I'll be back here for any car stereo needs going forward. read more

I came in and they helped me right away. The guy was one the nicest guy I have ever meet. Was never trying to push me to buy anything just wanted to help me with whatever was wrong with my car and get it done the right way. He showed me some nice radios and didn't push the highest priced one but help me pick the one that would fit my car perfect. When I came back to get my car I found nothing wrong with what he did and everything was perfect and in a timely manner. I would choose this place over any where. read more

My husband and I have known Ash for years, he has done work on several of our cars, and they are PERFECT. His professionalism, knowledge, attention to detail, care and concern for his customers is above and beyond ANY car audio store I've ever been to. He put 4K front and rear cameras in one of our cars today, that has a parking module, and they are awesome. If your vehicle is only worth a $20 install, then have some hack do it. If you want it done correctly, let Ash do it. It's worth every penny!!! read more

When I called, Ash said they could work me in that afternoon, and they did! When I got there, he took the time to assess the problem I was having with a speaker, and explained what they would have to do to find the problem. When his technician checked it out, it was a simple fix, and I was out in a little over an hour, for $50. (The dealership had quoted a labor charge of $125 just to look at it!) I am very happy with their service! read more