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View Full Version : Best place for great price ICE??


Seb
06-11-03, 01:15
Hi all, been looking online for somewhere that has good deals on all forms of ICE, but was wondering if anyone had any personal favourites for the best prices/service? Thanks!

Seb

JohnK
06-11-03, 08:29
Get in touch with Matt Harwood.

CJ
06-11-03, 09:23
Yep - I agree with JohnK. Matt is a really good guy.

sinbad
06-11-03, 09:36
If you know what you want and just need good prices it will be hard to beat the on-line shops.

http://www.mcs-direct.co.uk/
http://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/
http://www.caraudiodirect.com/

SkyJawa
06-11-03, 11:16
Matt crucified the online shop's prices when I bought a full set of Focal Speakers off him, he was about 50 quid cheaper..............

Supragal
06-11-03, 11:53
Originally posted by HISUPE
Matt crucified the online shop's prices when I bought a full set of Focal Speakers off him, he was about 50 quid cheaper..............
How much did he do them for and are they the spanky "no-one could possibly need this quality in a car" ones?

SkyJawa
06-11-03, 13:40
It was about 180 quid I think for 2 way in the rear and components up front. The were the Focal "access" which I think is entry level but for my crap ear more than good enough. End result - they are fecking awesome, can't believe what a difference they have made!

Online prices were 100 rears and 130 front component.

The really good stuff was about 400 on the net (for 2 speakers) so I'm sure matt could do them much cheaper too!

Matt Harwood
06-11-03, 20:11
Originally posted by Supragal
How much did he do them for and are they the spanky "no-one could possibly need this quality in a car" ones?

Ahh, you mean the Utopias... RRP £550!

They sound lovely in the front of my car :D:thumbs:
http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/engel/angel-smiley-008.gif

Seb
06-11-03, 22:55
Thanks everyone! Yo Matt, heads up, I'll be in touch...

Soonto"HAS"soop
06-11-03, 23:40
He He:D :D :D

That's if he answers the phone!!:p :p

Ben..

SkyJawa
07-11-03, 00:05
LOL @ Ben :D

Matt Harwood
07-11-03, 10:17
:twak: :twak: :twak: :innocent:

SkyJawa
07-11-03, 11:42
Matt,

On another note, is there a list anywhere with the services you guys offer? Eg what you sell, what you fit etc?

Matt Harwood
08-11-03, 21:39
Errr.. OK, off the top of my head...

Most things car audio, AV, Navigation, related from:-

Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony, Panasonic, Blaupunkt, JVC, VDO, Focal, JL audio, Phoenix Gold, Kicker, Caliber, MTX, Polk, Oxygen, Ground Zero, Directed Electronics, Magnat, Autoleads, Necvox, Dynamat, Mmats... I'm sure there's more. :conf:

Car security related:-

Clifford, Toad, Sigma, Laserline, (have an account with Laserline but don't do their alarms), Tracker, RAC Trackstar, (use Trackstar for Smart Nav only), microscan, Techtronics...

Others:-
Reversing aids, Speed camera detectors, Hands free car phone kits, Window tinting and security film, Public address systems, (Hire/set-up only), Alloy Wheels, Garmin hand held navigation, Aura Bass shakers,


Services:-

Installation of above, Tow sockets, Central locking, Electric windows, Light conversions, (for SVA on US vehicles), Remote door opening systems, Basic electrical fault finding, Installation of most supplied car electrical bits, Lots of Supra bits, inc RLTC, speed converters, blow-off valves, most electrical add-ons and fudge boxes, fog light conversions, Ettc, (Basically, anything I've already done on my own car!)

I think I've covered most things now :looney:

Supra Pilot
08-11-03, 23:32
Originally posted by Matt Harwood
Errr.. OK, off the top of my head...

Most things car audio, AV, Navigation, related from:-

Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony, Panasonic, Blaupunkt, JVC, VDO, Focal, JL audio, Phoenix Gold, Kicker, Caliber, MTX, Polk, Oxygen, Ground Zero, Directed Electronics, Magnat, Autoleads, Necvox, Dynamat, Mmats... I'm sure there's more. :conf:

Car security related:-

Clifford, Toad, Sigma, Laserline, (have an account with Laserline but don't do their alarms), Tracker, RAC Trackstar, (use Trackstar for Smart Nav only), microscan, Techtronics...

Others:-
Reversing aids, Speed camera detectors, Hands free car phone kits, Window tinting and security film, Public address systems, (Hire/set-up only), Alloy Wheels, Garmin hand held navigation, Aura Bass shakers,


Services:-

Installation of above, Tow sockets, Central locking, Electric windows, Light conversions, (for SVA on US vehicles), Remote door opening systems, Basic electrical fault finding, Installation of most supplied car electrical bits, Lots of Supra bits, inc RLTC, speed converters, blow-off valves, most electrical add-ons and fudge boxes, fog light conversions, Ettc, (Basically, anything I've already done on my own car!)

I think I've covered most things now :looney:


Is that it?:baa:

Soonto"HAS"soop
09-11-03, 14:16
And anthing else that Roy can throw at ya!!:)

Ben..

SkyJawa
09-11-03, 14:56
Nice one matey - just good to see a list of the bits you offer :D

I'll prob be popping down for a few bits early next year now ;)

Supragal
09-11-03, 14:56
Originally posted by Matt Harwood
(Basically, anything I've already done on my own car!)

I think I've covered most things now :looney:

Oh GOD!!! He's gonna paint everyones car yellow!!!!!!!!! :p

Matt Harwood
09-11-03, 23:18
Originally posted by Supragal
Oh GOD!!! He's gonna paint everyones car yellow!!!!!!!!! :p

Strictly speaking, I didn't paint my car yellow :p ;)

SkyJawa
10-11-03, 01:41
no need to be pedantic :p

:D

Supragal
10-11-03, 12:22
Originally posted by Matt Harwood
Strictly speaking, I didn't paint my car yellow :p ;)

Yeah...I was tempted to put "Oh God he's gonna take everyones car to Dude and have him paint it yellow" but figured it didnt have the same ring to it... ;)

Roy
10-11-03, 23:00
it is a rather stunning array of services ain't it ? :D

Soonto"HAS"soop
10-11-03, 23:32
Seconded!!

Just need the money to put it into action!!

You gonna be round maidstone on Saturday Roy??

Ben..

m5 killer
13-11-03, 01:20
any body whos interested in serious ice and can make it in to london phone me on 07956593227 i will beat anybodys price on alpine,pioneer,kenwood,directed,kicker,hifonics.and infinity anything from these makes ill beat them all online the lot. ask for rojer and i can deal with your installs as well ive already got the supra sussed for quality where to put everything and have wicked bass if you need a sample come listen to my car...

Gaz Walker
13-11-03, 01:32
No one has ever touched Matt for his Focal prices, he's special :D

Matt, you installed many of the aura shakers?

Gaz.

Matt Harwood
13-11-03, 11:44
Ooops, forgot some...

Supply and installation of Cruise controls, Coach music/PA systems, Positive earth conversions and bomb detection devices!


Gaz, we've done a few shakers, but they seemed to be big news for about 6 months, then just died a quick death... I've still got a set in stock, but we haven't sold any for about 2 years now. :conf:

Trig
13-11-03, 19:46
Matt H i need to talk to you about a boot build mate. Would it be best to email you??? :thumbs:

_____________________________
Trig

96 SZ J-Spec N/A
HKS super dragger
Full Veilside kit
18" Modena 760 split rims
Alpine IVX-C806 (in english a T.V.)
PS2
Audiobahn speakers all round

Vauxhall Combo
1.7 TDi
So much power!!!

Matt Harwood
13-11-03, 19:51
In honesty, it would be better for you to pop down to the shop sometime and speak to Mark.
We prefer to actually discuss what's going where and what kind of finish you want. In my experience, this can't really be done verbally...

Trig
13-11-03, 20:02
ok mate. got any directions or an address??

Matt Harwood
13-11-03, 20:15
This is on the assumption of approaching via the M20

The easiest way is come off at J8, (M20), and follow the signs back towards Maidstone via the A20.
After about 3 miles, you'll come to a set of traffic lights. Turn left into Willington Street. Follow this road to the end.
At the end of Willington Street, turn left again into Sutton road. (Signposted towards Sutton Valence)
Follow this road and you'll come to a load of car dealerships. Turn right after the Vauxhall dealer into Bircholt Road
Go about 1/2 way up Bircholt Road and you'll find a small 'sub estate' called Spectrum Business Estate on the right. Turn right into here and you cant miss us.

Phone number 01622 683044

Address:

Sextons Car Audio & Security
Unit 3 Spectrum Business Estate
Bircholt Road
Parkwood
Maidstone
Kent
ME15 9YP

Hope that helps :)

Trig
13-11-03, 20:26
:thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:

_____________________________
Trig

96 SZ J-Spec N/A
HKS super dragger
Full Veilside kit
18" Modena 760 split rims
Alpine IVX-C806 (in english a T.V.)
PS2
Audiobahn speakers all round

Vauxhall Combo
1.7 TDi
So much power!!!

Soonto"HAS"soop
13-11-03, 23:36
Trig,

Try saturday at around 2:30pm as apparently a few will be around!!

Ben..

Steve M
14-11-03, 16:53
Originally posted by Matt Harwood
This is on the assumption of approaching via the M20

The easiest way is come off at J8, (M20), and follow the signs back towards Maidstone via the A20.
After about 3 miles, you'll come to a set of traffic lights. Turn left into Willington Street. Follow this road to the end.
At the end of Willington Street, turn left again into Sutton road. (Signposted towards Sutton Valence)
Follow this road and you'll come to a load of car dealerships. Turn right after the Vauxhall dealer into Bircholt Road
Go about 1/2 way up Bircholt Road and you'll find a small 'sub estate' called Spectrum Business Estate on the right. Turn right into here and you cant miss us.

Phone number 01622 683044

Address:

Sextons Car Audio & Security
Unit 3 Spectrum Business Estate
Bircholt Road
Parkwood
Maidstone
Kent
ME15 9YP

Hope that helps :)





:D thx for those directions matt, i can get home now:innocent:

Roy
14-11-03, 20:12
and you cant miss us.

Hope that helps


yeah .... right!! :p :innocent: :D

Matt Harwood
14-11-03, 23:00
Ahh, the man that struggles to find his front door... "I'm sure it was a right at that last doorway..." :p

Roy
19-11-03, 22:18
ha ha ha - just saw this .............biaaaaatch !! :p

Matt Harwood
19-11-03, 23:28
:D

Jake
19-11-03, 23:54
Neil (HISUPE),
Do you reckon those component speakers (FO 165A) are better than the cheaper coaxial ones (165CA) in the front? I tried to order 2x 165A & 2x 165CA from Matt's place but they didn't have the 165As
Trying to find some in stock, I rang a couple of local places and Sextons in Sothampton said I should just put 165CA in all round. He said fitting the tweeters for the 165As would be a pain and that it would be cheaper as well. You think the 165As are worth the extra money and hassle ?

Matt, Care to comment on this? Also, when could you get these speakers for me, if I ordered tomorrow?

Thanks guys.

SkyJawa
20-11-03, 00:02
Hello mate,

To be honest, with the front components I didn't use the tweaters and kept the factory ones in the dash which still work, if a bit under powered compared to the focal mids in the doors.
To be honest I think there would be too much high frequency in the front if you used 2 ways in the front doors, as it is my rears are audible over the fronts so I've moved the bias forward a little and its near sweet for my liking.
I guess it also depends what you'll have powering them, my Sony is 4x52w........
Not saying you couldn't do it, or wouldn't like it though, its certainly an option, and the 2 ways are cheaper as you say and considering I never used the tweater anyway...........

Depends if you wanna wait a little while, your welcome to have a listen to my car next time I see you?

Dunno if thats any use or I've just rambled on? LOL!!

Jake
20-11-03, 00:11
Yes that's helpful, thanks. It's interesting that you didn't use the tweeters 'cos that's what the guy at Sexton's in Southampton guessed you had done when I was telling him what I wanted.

He was trying to sell me some Alpine SPS170A for the front :
http://www.1st-car-audio.co.uk/assets/product_images/pix1B2.jpg
but I went down Halfords and had a play with their speakers and I liked the Focal sound better.

Thanks for the offer of checking your's out but I just want to get on with it now. I only need to decide whether to have 165A or 165CA in the front.

MAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTT ?

SkyJawa
20-11-03, 00:22
:D

TBH mate - I reckon you'd be happy with either! They are wicked speakers!

Matt Harwood
20-11-03, 00:46
Personally, I'd go for the components in the front. I would/have mounted the tweeters in the kickwells as thats a far better place, from an audio point of view as well as ease of installation.

If you do this, you need to either disconnect the tweeters in the dash, or run new speaker wires to the new crossover boxes and disconnect the wires going to the stock front speakers.

Trying to replace the stock tweeters is a PITA.

I've got them in stock now.

SkyJawa
20-11-03, 01:39
Problem sorted :D

I'll mount the tweaters eventually - next year when the weather warms up a bit that I don't mind working on the car all day ;)

Jake
20-11-03, 08:03
Originally posted by Matt Harwood
Personally, I'd go for the components in the front. I would/have mounted the tweeters in the kickwells as thats a far better place, from an audio point of view as well as ease of installation. In the kickwells? I don't know where you mean.

SkyJawa
20-11-03, 11:11
Down by your feet mate! :D

Matt Harwood
20-11-03, 16:51
I'll post up a picture later this evening...

It's about a 1/2 hour job to put the tweeters in the kickwells.

Jake
20-11-03, 16:54
Neil,
Won't they get kicked about and filled with crap though?

Anyway I've ordered them now, 165ca in back and 165a for the front. Same as yours
:thumbs:

The only minus point was that by the time Matt rang me back it was too late to get them delivered tomorrow and it's £25 for a Saturday delivery :eek:

Oh well at least I've got them ordered now.

Thanks for your help.

Jake
20-11-03, 16:56
Originally posted by Matt Harwood
I'll post up a picture later this evening...

It's about a 1/2 hour job to put the tweeters in the kickwells.

That would help a lot, thanks

SkyJawa
20-11-03, 19:27
LOL - bugger re the delivery! You should be well happy with the result mate - really do sound good :D

No idea whether they get kicked about as I haven't done that - yet - so be interested to see matts piccy :)

Matt Harwood
20-11-03, 22:20
I took a few pics, but the camera didn't want to focus in th dark, so this was the only one that came out properly.
I'm sure it's enough to see what I mean. If you look at your kickpanels, you'll see that the bit I've fitted my tweeter to, faces almost directly towards you.

My Tweeters are trained to kick back if they get kicked! - I've never had anyone tread on them yet.... I shouldn't have said that :innocent:

Roy
20-11-03, 22:25
i can kick 'em for you if you like ? :p

Matt Harwood
20-11-03, 22:44
Only if I can have your rear wing, cams, pullies, (what's left of 'em :p), Wi pump, Defi's.... Have I forgotten anything! :D

SkyJawa
21-11-03, 00:42
Nice job there matt - looks good - might have to mark this up as a job for summer ;) :D

How easy is it to run wires through the doors?

Jake
21-11-03, 00:48
Originally posted by Matt Harwood
I took a few pics, but the camera didn't want to focus in th dark, so this was the only one that came out properly.
I'm sure it's enough to see what I mean. If you look at your kickpanels, you'll see that the bit I've fitted my tweeter to, faces almost directly towards you.

Oh thats where you meant! Makes more sense now. Thanks a lot Matt

Matt Harwood
21-11-03, 09:42
Originally posted by HISUPE

How easy is it to run wires through the doors?

That's the hard part.

The easiest way is to get a fairly rigid piece of wire and tape your speaker cable to the end of it.
I've found it's easier running it from the door to the car.

Or, you could mount the crossover in the car, and cut the OE speaker wire going into the door, and connect it directly to the in/out of the crossover. (Will require a little bit of extending). Not the nicest way to do it though...

SkyJawa
21-11-03, 11:26
Originally posted by Matt Harwood
That's the hard part.

The easiest way is to get a fairly rigid piece of wire and tape your speaker cable to the end of it.
I've found it's easier running it from the door to the car.

Or, you could mount the crossover in the car, and cut the OE speaker wire going into the door, and connect it directly to the in/out of the crossover. (Will require a little bit of extending). Not the nicest way to do it though...

Why did I know you were gonna say that!!!! ;)

Crossover is already in the door so I guess I run wires from there, just have to have patience!!!

One thing I did notice when replace the speakers in the Supe - the speaker wire was much thicker/better quality than any other car I've owned!! :D