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Navigation & Audio Integral Audio System Review

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Old Aug 28, 2012 | 07:19 AM
  #1  
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Integral Audio System Review

This is posted in the review section but I added here as I did not see some of this info when I was first looking and newer to the site. Sorry for any confusion that this repost might create but I feel it is good info...

A unique review of the Integral Audio Soundstage + Sub audio upgrade. I installed the system for a vacation trip and then was in a position to sell the car two weeks later. That drove me to then pull the system from the car as the dealership did not consider the improvement in the price. The customer support was phenominal throughout both the install and removal. This was my first experience in installing this type of system and it was both straight forward and fun. There is nothing like working through a system, getting to see some of the inner aspects of your vehicle, and then reaping the rewards of that effort. Everything about the process was enjoyable and anyone who has a notion to do this upgrade should not hesitate, it is absolutely worth the cost, time, and effort. Again this was my first ever install of this nature so here is some detail that might be of interest; 1) Buy the specialty tools (torx bits for the seat belts and interior trim panel pry bars) as they will make those jobs easy. 2) Take your time, read, re-read, and read again. The instructions are good but being familiar with them makes each step that much easier. 3) When in doubt call Kevin. He is the expert and is absolutely comitted to customer service, you will not find better support anywhere else. and 4) Have fun and enjoy the experience. I was very anxious to get the system installed and hear the difference and it is a BIG difference, but looking back I can say the installation was also a big part of the overall experience and made it that much more enjoyable. And the last point I want to cover is the time frame. I spent about and hour and a half the first night getting all the interior parts disassembled and ready to start the install. Frome there it took almost six hours to complete the installation and get the interior buttoned up and vacation ready (threw in a complete interior detail while the access was there). On the flip side, it took less than four hours to uninstall the system and return the system to the factory original. This was mainly due to the fact that I was familiar with everything at that point so I was able to work faster. I can say without a doubt that I would do this again and would work with Integral Audio and Kevin if the opportunity presents itself. If this is something that you are considering I will tell you to not hesitate, the results & experience are fantastic, and the customer support is better.
 
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Old Sep 1, 2012 | 12:56 AM
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Am I right in saying that this system does NOT replace the rear speakers? just the two in the front door? and add tweeters? if so then you just leave the rears in? seems not right to me if that is the case.
 
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Old Sep 3, 2012 | 09:45 AM
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That is indeed the way you want to do it. See my response to your question in your other post: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post3583086
 
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Old Sep 3, 2012 | 10:16 AM
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So does that mean the OP has a complete used system for sale, cheaper than a new one ?
 
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Old Sep 3, 2012 | 10:39 AM
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He did, but it sold fast from what I understand.

You're not the first to inquire with me about Andy's discounted system. Just curious, how much interest in a Group Buy? We generally don't do that sort of thing, but with enough interest I'd be willing to give it a go.
 
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Old Sep 3, 2012 | 11:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Integral Audio
He did, but it sold fast from what I understand.

You're not the first to inquire with me about Andy's discounted system. Just curious, how much interest in a Group Buy? We generally don't do that sort of thing, but with enough interest I'd be willing to give it a go.
thread
that i would be interested in......
 
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Old Sep 3, 2012 | 02:53 PM
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Count me in
 
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Old Sep 3, 2012 | 03:28 PM
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I'm in as well if the price is right on just the soundstage setup.

--Matt
 
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Old Sep 3, 2012 | 06:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Integral Audio
... Just curious, how much interest in a Group Buy? We generally don't do that sort of thing, but with enough interest I'd be willing to give it a go.
Interested here. Whether I'd bite would depend on the price; I have a lot of personal electronics to replace/buy in the next 12 months and an audio upgrade for my car would have to come out of that budget.
 
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Old Sep 3, 2012 | 07:51 PM
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i'm interested too depending on the price & timing.
 
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Old Sep 4, 2012 | 08:01 AM
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I'm very interested.
 
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Old Sep 4, 2012 | 09:16 AM
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I'm interested as well.
 
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Old Sep 5, 2012 | 08:46 AM
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Didn't see anyone mentioned this in other post. But the total weight of this system is 45lbs. (sound stage and sub). If you take out the shipping materials & the current weight of the speakers in the car now, Then this should only add 35lbs of extra weight to the car.
This isn't some heavy/large sub box that is being fitted in the back. The box is actually alot smaller in person than I thought (10lbs.? give or take).
Anyways I just got the system I will be installing this weekend!
 
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Old Sep 10, 2012 | 01:35 PM
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same here, i would be willing depending on the price.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2012 | 06:20 PM
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me too, depending on price.
 
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Old Sep 11, 2012 | 03:31 PM
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Ok folks, Group Buy posted: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post3588278

All pertinent details are on that page, and repeated on the Deposit page.

Like I said, we don't normally do this, but the timing is right for us, and hopefully, for you too.
 
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Old Mar 3, 2014 | 11:44 AM
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Integral Audio Soundstage + Sub install on R56 S Hatchback

I purchased a new R56 S in January 2013 and the Integral Audio Gen2 Soundstage + Sub Kit. I brought the car home from the dealer and immediately went to work, comprehensive instructions made the installation enjoyable. A year later, I am still so pleased with this system that wanted to post a thank you to Kevin Bennett for providing a quality product and dedicated customer service. Purchasing the Integral Audio Gen2 Soundstage + Sub Kit included the engineering research that created an excellent soundstage and along with the value of the kit components was well worth the cost. The result is a tested, balanced, OEM compatible stealth system that is easy to live with and enjoyable to listen to. I am completely satisfied with the purchase and still smile every time it plays.
 
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Old Mar 3, 2014 | 09:34 PM
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Another interested party

Been on the fence about this, a group buy at the right price would most likely push me to finally go for it.
 
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Old Mar 4, 2014 | 04:18 AM
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Originally Posted by dpac
Been on the fence about this, a group buy at the right price would most likely push me to finally go for it.
I agree. It's a little pricey for me right now but depending on what the group but price is I just might do it.
 
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Old Mar 4, 2014 | 06:14 AM
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Originally Posted by dpac
Been on the fence about this, a group buy at the right price would most likely push me to finally go for it.
You do know this thread is one and a half years old?
Not sure the group buy your looking for is still in effect!
 
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Old Mar 4, 2014 | 10:40 AM
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BubbaJCW is correct, this Group Buy was a once-and-done thing and has long since closed. As a general rule, we aren't doing group buys or other discounts anymore.

Why? Because our pricing model doesn't support it. In order to be able to offer large discounts, product has to be marked up enough to support it in the first place. That isn't true for us. This previous group buy was basically a marketing expense - get more systems into the hands of people who will love them and talk about them. That part worked well. The negative part is that it created an expectation in the minds of a lot of folks that if they just wait long enough there will be another sale. Unfortunately the opposite is true: we continue to improve the system, which adds cost, and our costs continue to go up. I've held off for months now on a $100 price increase to account for the new wiring harness.

One of the reasons that folks are so universally happy with our Soundstage + Subwoofer products is that you are getting something that would cost you 2-3 times as much somewhere else (if it even existed somewhere else) to get the same level of component quality. That doesn't even consider the real value - the vehicle-specific engineering - which we can achieve due to scale, spreading those costs over hundreds of vehicles rather than just one.

This is an expensive product. I know that, and am sensitive to it. Even though it is expensive, I believe it is still hands-down the best value for the money to be found in all of car audio right now.
 
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Old Mar 5, 2014 | 08:44 AM
  #22  
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This is an expensive product. I know that, and am sensitive to it. Even though it is expensive, I believe it is still hands-down the best value for the money to be found in all of car audio right now.
I hate to add more to an old thread...

Price a Burmester system in a high end German car which might be somewhat comparable to the output and clarity of the IA system. Those systems are $5,000 or more on the options list. The IA system seems like the better deal to me...
 
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