OEM Sirius Unit vs. Off the shelf type

[chipazzo]

We just got a 2010 Mazda5 from a local dealer.

We want to get an integrated to our stock radio (CD/MP3) a Sirius Unit. Is there a big difference btw the OEM Siris add on unit ($190 US+) and the Off the Shelf Sirius kit ($70).

Also, anyone have much experience with big box retailers (Best Buy) doing installs?

TIA,
Chip
2010 Mazda5 Sport - Liquid Silver Metallic

 

[chuyler1]

Sorry for the late reply. I imagine you already made a decision but i'll give you some input.

When you go with the OEM unit, you can control everything from the factory controls. When you go with an off the shelf kit, you often times have to change channels with a separate device and you may have to use a FM transmitter to pipe sound into your factory radio. $190 is pretty expensive so shop around for aftermarket combo deals where you can get a radio and sirrus together. I haven't researched prices but I think you should be able to match or beat the price of the OEM unit, and you'll get some more features to go with it.

As for Best Buy, they pay close to minimum wage to their installers. There installers don't need to be licensed or even take classes in automotive installation. I can guarantee that you will be more careful removing panels and putting things back together again than someone making minimum wage, even if you have no idea how to do it. If you want your audio equipment installed properly and don't want to spend the time yourself, I suggest seeking out a reputable local shop that specializes in car audio and electronics.

 

[canadian357]

I have to agree and disagree with you, chuyler. I work at Future Ship (Canadian big box Best Buy competition, bought out by BB) and I have to say its hit and miss with the big box stores. Our installers actually make around 17.50 an hour (minimum here is 9.40 i think) and I trust them more than I trust myself, which says a lot (I don't even park next to cars in the parking lot). The level of custom work we've done on the one guy's car is, I think, pretty good. For example, our most recent project was a built in SNES on a motorized rack with backlighting and all that. It looks fantastic, we were careful, and it paid off. Each one of those guys however, has between 5 and 10 years of install experience. The benefit to this is lower prices.

That said, my brother took his car to BB last month to do a basic amp/sub install because we were booked full, and I swear they were drunk when they did it. It took me hours to fix. Dedicated local audio shops are almost always going to give you excellent quality work, but you will DEFINITELY pay for it ($550 quote for an unpainted, uncarpeted sidewall box in my P5, I wound up just doing what you did lol)

I would agree that doing it yourself is the best option. Installs are actually a lot of fun. Just take your time.

 

[chuyler1]

I think finding a place that has installers with 5-10 years experience that isn't a mom & pop place is indeed a rarity. You occasionally find someone that knows their stuff, but they don't usually stick around to receive Best Buy wages for their efforts. Usually you can tell the quality of a shop by the types of cars parked out front and in the install bays. It only takes a split second for an installer get distracted and drop your dash bezel and scratch the paint. Choose wisely.

But anyway, when it comes to making recommendations, I have always been a fan of Crutchfield. Anyone that is smart enough to find their way to this forum is smart enough to read the detailed instructions Crutchfield provides when you purchase from them. If you've never installed audio equipment before, its the first place you should buy from. Forget big box stores, Crutchfield has been doing car audio for decades and they have a sales staff that can answer any question you have over the phone.

 

[Rockin03mp5]

maybe canada is different, but i dont think the installers at best buy here get paid a lot. maybe the manager for the area does, but i doubt he gets his hands dirty often. that being said, they have installed some things for me and they have turned out ok. i havent asked them to do more than a head unit though.

oh, and to the original poster... the 2010 mazda5's can play mp3s? didnt know that.

 

[goldenboy88]

The one thing I liked the aftermarket Sirius radio over the OEM one is that you can save more favorite channels, on mine I had 3 sets of 6 I believe. On the Ford Edge's Sync it only had the option for 6. Other then that if you have a good stock deck with built in Sirius it will look cleaner when all is said and done and you don't have to worry about mounting anything extra. As far as Big Box stores for audio installs, I'm not a fan, things may be better in your store canadian but here I'd much rather install myself and whatever I don't know I research. I agree with the installs being tons of fun though plus you get to have pride in a job well done.

 

[canadian357]

Nah our lead installs make decent money. A lot of the reason why people hang around is discounts and shop supplies, not wages. I do agree that 9 times out of 10 big box sucks. I just think I lucked out at our store.

Anyhow, Crutchfield is awesome. Great selection, reasonably good prices (mostly due to the fact that they throw in the $30 dash kit and $20 harness along with antenna adapters for free w/ HUs). I stand by the fact that pretty much all car audio from major names is GROSSLY overpriced. Your best bet is to go to a good local shop and work package deals. They have huge profit margins on things, especially install products (wires, kits, sub boxes) and even most speakers and HUs have around a 30%-50% markup.

 

[goldenboy88]

What province are you in anyway?