Custom Sounds – S. Lamar

It’s been just about one year since I had the speakers, blue tooth receiver, and back-​up camera installed on my Xterra.
It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Great investment.

Wow I got to get these guys some credit they are awesome I was treated like royalty from the first time I stepped into the store I couldn’t have for better product/​service or installation the manager Aaron was outstanding and very knowledgeable not only did he check in with me during the installation but he also went over all the functions of the stereo I highly recommend if you need any audio to go see Aaron

I purchased a 2014 XV Subaru Crosstrek for my wife last year — awesome vehicle, but the stock system was terrible. For Christmas this year, I wanted to surprise her by doing a full system upgrade.
On 12÷1÷15, I stopped at Custom Sounds to check out their Black Friday deals. They were really busy, but Dustin took the time to check out the Subaru and give some advice on what would sound best. Admittedly, the quote he gave me was a little higher than I was expecting, so I decided to just buy an Alpine double din head unit, 12″ JL sub, sub enclosure and Pioneer 5-​channel amp, as they were heavily discounted. Wanted to do some further research on component/​door speakers in the interim.
This week, I decided to pull the trigger on the system install. I stopped by Mother’s Window Tint & Alarm (across the street) to get a quote for install prices and speakers. 1) Their component/​door speaker selection was pretty basic and 2) the guy I spoke with said he had never done a Subaru install, which didn’t build any confidence.
I went over to Custom Sounds and chatted with Aaron, the store Manager. He checked out the Subaru and what I had purchased thus far, and said he would help me pick the best cabin speakers to pair with the system. I was set on a Hertz model for the component speakers, but he showed me a set of Pioneers on sale, which blew the Hertz out of the water in sound quality (in my opinion). I was prepared to spend a lot for the rear door speakers as well, but Aaron advised me that the difference would be negligible, and directed me towards a set of Alpine 6.5″.
Aaron was extremely knowledgeable about the best place to hide an amp in a Crosstrek/​Impreza, which was a bit of a concern given the size of it. Turns out, the area under the driver’s seat fits it perfectly out of sight.
He then line itemed the install price for me down to wire harnesses, hushmat, etc. For anyone who has had systems installed before, you know that some places are more transparent than others. If there were any «nice to haves», he explained the benefits and removed any I didn’t want (there weren’t many). Ultimately, you get what you pay for.
I left the car with Custom Sounds that day, and they knocked-​out the full installation by 5pm. Here’s what was installed:
1) Head Unit (double din): Alpine IVE — W530. Synced to existing rear camera.
2) Steering wheel control adapter
3) Amp: Pioneer GM-​D9605 5-​Channel D-​class with dash mounted sub controller
4) Sub: JL Audio 12W3 V3. 12″
5) Vented Sub Box
6) Component Speakers (Dash Tweeter + Door with crossover): TS-​D1730C
7) Rear Door Speakers: Alpine SPS610
Brought my wife with me to pick up the car. She LOVED it. This stereo hits HARD if you need it to — the amp is no joke. Crystal clear sound in the cabin with no rattle or distortion.
She stopped by Custom Sounds yesterday because we couldn’t figure out how to unlock the display settings menu (safety feature of the Alpine.) Dustin went out to the car and walked her through it — was back on the road 5 minutes later.
Aaron, Dustin and the install guys at Custom Sounds are legit. They’ll work within your budget and are upfront about the cost/​quality difference.
I’m sure there are other shops who could have installed this stuff, but Custom Sounds gave me the most confidence and had the highest quality gear and install process.
Highly recommend them to anyone and will come back in the future.

Moving to Austin from Cali I didn’t expect to find audio shops out here that are as good as back home. I stumbled across this place and I’m very thankful I did. I met with Aaron regarding an issue with one of my subs and he quickly diagnosed the problem and laid out the solutions. He didn’t try to upsell me on things I didn’t need or push me to buy his product which I respect a lot. I had to send my sub out to get replaced by the manufacturers warranty and he helped get all the paperwork done and sent it off for me. While waiting I couldn’t help but notice the fantastic prices on some of the 12″ subs, and since I was gonna be out of mine for a couple months I couldn’t help but purchase those. They got me installed and up and running and couldn’t have been happier.
NOW HERE IS THE KICKER, a week after getting all set up I lost power to my subs via faulty wiring that was done at a previous location and was NO FAULT of theirs. Called Aaron and he got me in same day and was able to fix the problem without a hassle. While there I decided to dynamite the trunk as well to eliminate any noise. Took care of all my needs and was very helpful and informative along the way.
I don’t write many reviews but I wanted to personally thank Aaron and Dustin for getting me squared away on what I wanted and working with me on everything. And to the fellow tatted Cali guy that actually did all the labor and install I wanted to thank you for doing a hell of a job. I’m sorry that I didn’t get your name. But my car is my baby and you took excellent care of her.
You folks at custom sounds have my business for life.

Thief broke my speakers in a failed attempt to steal them out of my car. Made an appt with Aaron and they put everything back together for me in no time at all. A1

Went last week to get a stereo installed, nothing fancy, just needed blu-​tooth, keep my steering wheel controls and an aux jack, Aaron, helped me out and found just what I was looking for, he gave me a price which I thought was a little pricey, but not too bad. I scheduled an appointment for the following week. I show up for my appointment, but they didn’t have the face plate kit in stock (maybe ordering it when I made the appointment?) anyway, they would get one from another store. So, we agree on the price for everything, I sign the papers for the work and go find something to do. I came back after an hour and a half, only to find, the face plate kit is still not there, but now the harness is messed up and they need to charge me another $ 100 to bypass my factory amp. I let them know I was not happy and they were willing to take $ 20 off. WooHoo! I had them put the the car back to stock and left.
If you agree to a price, you stick with it, you are the professionals, you are suppose to know what you are doing. If something is screwed up after, you eat it, not the customer.

Wait wait wait… No help… These guys are so understaffed, it surprises me they are still in business.

I have had reason to visit Custom Sounds 3 times in 3 months. These guys are awesome! If you want customer service and a job done right go see Aaron at the South Lamar location or John in the Pflugerville location. John sold me my first App Radio which was stolen in a car break in. I bought my second one at the Burnet location but couldn’t figure out how to use it so John sent me to the South Lamar location, being that it was closer to where I live. Aaron took time with me to learn how to use it and we discovered that maybe I needed a different system after all. He worked with me to get the right one. I would most definitely recommend Custom Sounds. They are great to work with.

I had a fuse blown with my subs/​amp and luckily I purchased the warranty. I stopped by around 4 and Aaron took care of me and adjusted the amp to make it sound even better than before. Great customer service, go see aaron!

Nice staff, but disorganzied and unable to meet delivery schedule. Had a 10 AM appointment for remote start installation. Showed up and waited almost an hour to speak to a rep about the starter and discuss adding headrest video players. Finally got to the counter and the rep did not know how to enter the groupon info, and asked us to wait for another clerk who was helping a different customer. Finally got the order in and were told it would be ready by the end of the day… great — almost makes up for the wait. Went home and waited for the call that work was complete. Had not heard anything so we called to check and were told it woulf be ready at 7pm. Arrived at the shop at 7pm to find out it was being tested and would be brought around. I would like to tell you how much longer it took, but it is 8 pm and we are still waiting… will never come back or refer anyone here.

Horrible customer service and overall experience. Will not be back.
I made an appointment a week prior to have a stereo (that I bought elsewhere) installed in my car (double DIN navigation unit, satellite radio, and an adapter for the steering wheel controls — nothing else) and provided all information that was asked of me. I show up for my 11am appointment on time (5 minutes early in fact) and the kid helping me tells me that he wont have time today to do my install. What??? I should have been the first appointment of the day.
Let me back up a second — this same kid is the one who came tearing into the parking lot all Tokyo Drift this morning in his mustang, walked right past me not even acknowledging my presence, and slid in the front door without a «be with you in a moment» or anything.
Just to clarify — I can literally see my appointment written in «the book». Its not like someone forgot to book my appointment. After telling me he cant get my stereo installed today, he proceeds to scold me for not telling whomever I spoke with to book the appointment what all I needed done. «Well — its Sunday and I only have one guy and that will take all day…», saying this to me like its my fault. I’m dumbfounded at this point and explain to him that the burden is not on me but on him to find some way to help me out or I can go elsewhere with my business. After he continues to argue over who’s fault this is, he tells me that he can get it started today and have it done tomorrow for SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS. No offer of a discount, freebie, etc for the inconvenience.
Nope. Not when the big box store will do the same job for half that, not to mention have it done today without an appointment.
Dont waste your money or time here.

Not only did these guys not have my van tinted and ready for pickup when they said they would, but I also got double charged for $ 350!

Aaron is the man to speak to here. Did an blue led job on my car. He made it happen in a crunch time with great customer service. The price was fair and the outcome solid. If you want it done right go here!

They did a great job on my project! Had hertz and jl products installed in my 2014 tundra. It’s LOUD! Labor was a bit pricey but they do it right compared to other stores. 1 star removed for a 60 dollar service charge that I was not alerted to until I was picking up my vehicle. I would recommend to anyone simply because they insure everything, and they have a stable business. Expect to pay a bit more for install but they do such a great job that it’s worth it!

Brought my car in because the dealership had disconnected some wires in my stereo and were going to charge me $ 110 just to diagnose it! Brought it here as the guy on the phone was really friendly and helpful. and they took a quick look and told me they could swap them out for an hours labor charge-​$ 55. They had it finished in less than an hour and it works perfectly! One star removed only because there were some parts added in, under $ 10, but I wish they had communicated that to me. Didn’t notice till I looked at the bill in the car. Regardless, would come back for stereo needs!

Very helpful, got me the wiring harness within a minute of me walking in the store. Told me what I needed and what I didn’t. I called back later to confirm, he immediately told me what I needed to do. Good customer service, good prices. Thank you

I had a custom box and upgraded my sub woofer in my Audi A5. Joe and Wayne went above an beyond to make my car sound and look amazing. As a US Army member they hooked me up and now I will recommend them to all military and Austin Euro Gruppe members.
Also the very next day I had tint put on and my bad for not going through Custom Sounds because SHADE SHOP shorted out the amazing work they did. Use caution if you go to SHADE SHOP because they don’t!!!

So I just Spoke with Aron (not sure on the spelling) on the phone about installing a car alarm and he was very friendly and knowledgeable about his products we spoke briefly but he was very professional and told me what i needed to know.
So I’m adding onto this review because i just got my car alarm installed today by these guys on S. Lamar and the service was incredible. So i came in at 9:55, they open at 10 but the guy opened the doors for me anyways. I walked in told them that I spoke with Aron on the phone and he remembered me. I told him what I wanted and he gave me a price and I disappointingly said that was too expensive for me so he asked what my budget was and when i told him he actually sat down and plugged in some numbers and met it. he also informed me later in the day that the installation required an additional part and he still came in on budget. HOW AWESOME! My car alarm works great and the remote start is amazing especially with how hot our summers are! Aron walked me out made sure every thing on the car was working appropriately and walked me through the basic function before i left.
I’m pleased to find a place that is willing to do quality work and work with you on a budget I would recommend Aron and his guys on S. Lamar to anyone!

hmm I don’t know about the price thing. I got an alpine stereo and 4 speakers. installed with tax and everything for $ 589. My speakers sounds great and I love the stereo. They were all really nice and gave me options on what they could do. I’m happy with my purchase and with working with them. One little thing, the waiting room is not somewhere you want to wait. but walking around S. Lamar on a sunny day is not a bad way to wait if you are solo. :)

After a disappointing visit to the car stereo section of Best Buy, I thought I’d give Custom Sounds a shot to find a new stereo.
When I walked in, there were 3 employees talking to each other behind the counter. Within a minute, two of them disappeared and one was left to deal with me and all of the subsequent customers who walked in. The poor guy was swamped and couldn’t properly handle everybody’s questions.
I was told to check out one Kenwood unit that he swore had bluetooth streaming. I told him I had researched it and it didn’t have streaming. He said he got it to work. Well, after wasting 10 minutes trying to get it to connect and then looking up the specs on Kenwood’s site on my phone, he finally believed me.
I wanted to look at an Alpine similar to the one I had come in for. The control box seemed to be so malfunctioned that it took the poor sales guy 5 minutes just to get audio from out of the speakers. How can I trust this company to install my stereo correctly if they can’t even get the store display to operate properly?
Then he told me the price of the Alpine I was originally interested in. It was marked up by 70% from Crutchfield! And Crutchfield includes mounting hardware, these guys charge even more on mounting hardware.
The bluetooth adapter was marked up considerably, as well as the steering wheel controller, etc.
Grand total: $ 780 with installation! What?!
Grand total if purchased online and ~$ 80 installation: $ 410
Then he gave some shpeel about how they’re pricier but they do a very good job at installing. Oh really? For a 90%, $ 370 markup that install job better give orgasms to everybody I drive past.
Sorry Custom Sounds — you guys were completely disappointing. I can’t blame the sales guy, but your business model is terrible.