I've been to crutchfield.com and sounddomain.com
These sites offer amazing equipment for very good prices. However alot of their products cannot be shipped to Canada.

Does nayone know of any good sites that Canadian based. Or does anyone know of any great dealerships in or around Toronto, Ontario?

I'm looking for infinity amps, Jl amps, and alpine decks.

 

That's what sucks about living in Canada; all the good car audio deals are in the US. All the dealerships I've been to are quite pricey, and I've yet to see a cheap online store.

 

Fat Wacker is dead right. Everyone seems to want more shows, more prizes, less travel, more competitors, etc, etc.
But... think about this. Most people are happy to buy thier gear from Cash Convertors, XS Cargo, EBay, Pawn Shops, Bargain finder, Police Auction, whatever it takes. Unfortunatly, not one of these outlest will ever provide any more shows, prizes, competitors, and alike.
I know that buying the gear as cheap as possible allows some of you to compete, but what if none of these outlets existed? Would the sport exist? The answer is yes. The other thing I see, is that when a retailer puts on a show, most of the cars at the event could care less to wander inside, strike up a conversation with a salesperson and maybe build a relationship where they could get better deals from the people putting on these shows. Maybe instead of waiting for the dealers to support the "sport", we should make an effort for the "sport" to support the dealers. Remember the good old IASCA days... why do you think that is gone?... cost to the dealers was a major factor.
Anyhow, food for thought, I have been lurking around this board long enough and thought I should post something. Dont take this a 'bash' from myself, only a professional observation. I am not a retailer, but was at one time. In the end nothing will change anyhow !

Regards,

 

Fat Wacker is dead right. Everyone seems to want more shows, more prizes, less travel, more competitors, etc, etc.
But... think about this. Most people are happy to buy thier gear from Cash Convertors, XS Cargo, EBay, Pawn Shops, Bargain finder, Police Auction, whatever it takes. Unfortunatly, not one of these outlest will ever provide any more shows, prizes, competitors, and alike.
I know that buying the gear as cheap as possible allows some of you to compete, but what if none of these outlets existed? Would the sport exist? The answer is yes. The other thing I see, is that when a retailer puts on a show, most of the cars at the event could care less to wander inside, strike up a conversation with a salesperson and maybe build a relationship where they could get better deals from the people putting on these shows. Maybe instead of waiting for the dealers to support the "sport", we should make an effort for the "sport" to support the dealers. Remember the good old IASCA days... why do you think that is gone?... cost to the dealers was a major factor.
Anyhow, food for thought, I have been lurking around this board long enough and thought I should post something. Dont take this a 'bash' from myself, only a professional observation. I am not a retailer, but was at one time. In the end nothing will change anyhow !

Regards,

 

And how many of us retailers take the time to help you with your problems that occur when you buy your gear somewhere else? Support the local shops, they support you.

 

When the alternative is to live in the states, I'd say it's all good. Things would have to be twenty times more expensive here before I move to another country....... actually, Nigeria would be a better place than Bush country. Nuff said.

I don't have anything against Americans - just their foreign policy and their, not that idiot again, leader.

The following is not addressing the above quote......

Prices at the retail side do seem to be on the high side here in Canada. However, once you get to know the local dealers, they will go out on a limb for you and get you the best deal possible. Like some of the others on this forum, I used to get equipment for cheap in order to compete - whether it be B-stock, the wreckers, some pawn shop, etc. What you end up getting is a bunch of headaches. Buying new at a decent price from an authorized dealer is much better. Go with last year's model when the new ones arrive or wait for Boxing Day sales.

If you analyze the situation further, you will realize that the retailers are the ones that always take the hit. The distributor decides how much equipment should be and even they are at the mercy of other factors they have no control over. Everyone has to make a living. That's the bottom line. Retailers have overheads to deal with (insurance, theft, stock, employees, etc.). Our friend (OK, maybe not everyone's), Tim, is opening up a new shop. He's five minutes away from me. I am going to support him for sure. I just wish he'd hurry up and get the place opened up.

As far as events are concerned, it's a great way of advertising for the industry - exposing car audio to the masses. The individual shop hosting these events get exposure for sure - where they are and what they have to offer.

Events raises the bar for competitors and gets the spectators excited about car audio - what the latest and greatest looks and sounds like. Combine that with a show and shine (tuners, hot rods, etc.), and some media attention and it's win win for ALL retailers. It's too bad more local dealers don't band together and hold events at a neutral site.

Does it have to be a sanctioned event to get competitors out? Without the hard core competitors, there's no point in hosting a show?

Question for you long time dealers. Is car audio becoming popular again? Baby boomers close to retirement with more money on their hands....... like, like me!

Just some random thoughts from a guy who's on vacation with nothing better to do - could be working on the car, but (see below).

Damn freaking dudes over a Alpine! The F#1's aren't coming out until June now.

 

Personally, I don't care so much about the industry, as far as events and competitions go. I just want products for personal use at a decent price. You have to have a lot of money to get a good system at most local stores where I live.

 

Ask the store owner/workers if they have any old stock stuff, too, or anything 'kicking around' that might be obscure or old or the last one of something.

I find that at one particular shop I have been known to go broke at, the owner has a TON of old stuff collecting dust in his storage room.


He also gets in a ton of high end (relatively) b-stock, which can also save you some coin, if you dont mind the refurbished 'stigma'.

Or just check out the for sale forums here and on other car-audio related sites.
If you're careful you'll be OK with most sellers.

I find if you make the decision to sacrifice 'style' points for substance (IE a three year old amp vs. the newest indiglo LED case styles) you can save a ton, and only miss out on the 'bling bling'.....which is SO 1998 anyhow!

Besides, I 'd rather be able to say 'check out my old school RF PUNCH amp I got crazy cheap' than 'Hey check out my flashy plastic coated fake chrome amp that I got off ebay' any day.