Kurtz Car Stereo
1620 W South Airport Rd, Traverse City, Michigan 49686
- Praised: Honest
- Praised: Knowledgeable staff
- Praised: Great service
- Praised: Quality work
- Complaint: High prices
No photos of this shop yet.
About
Kurtz Car Stereo is a car stereo store in Traverse City, Michigan. It sells and installs radios with CarPlay and Android Auto, speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers, backup cameras, dash cams and remote starts, and also fits stereos and speakers in boats and RVs. Reviewers often name John and Jensen, and some say they have been customers since the 1980s.
Services
- Stereo & CarPlay
- Subs, speakers & amps
- Remote start & alarms
- Dash & backup cams
- Car audio repair
- Marine & powersports
Listed on Google as: Car stereo installation, Car stereo sales, Apple CarPlay installation, Speaker installation, Subwoofer installation, Amplifier installation, Backup camera installation, Dash cam installation, Remote start installation, Car alarm installation, Marine audio installation, Car stereo repair.
Call to ask about anything else.
Business Hours
- Monday9 AM to 6 PM
- Tuesday9 AM to 6 PM
- Wednesday9 AM to 6 PM
- Thursday9 AM to 6 PM
- Friday9 AM to 6 PM
- SaturdayClosed
- SundayClosed
Shown in Traverse City local time (Eastern time).
Contact
- Phone
- (231) 947-1124
- Website
- kurtzcarstereo.com
- Address
- 1620 W South Airport Rd, Traverse City, Michigan 49686
Reviews
4.9
180 reviews
- 5165
- 410
- 32
- 20
- 13
Summary
AI Generated from Google reviewsThe business receives overwhelmingly positive reviews. Customers frequently praise knowledgeable, friendly staff, often naming John and Jensen, who ask about goals and steer buyers away from gear they do not need. Reviewers highlight clean stereo, speaker and remote start installs, quick fixes when something goes wrong, and work on classic cars, boats and RVs. Several mention a lifetime warranty on installs and many are repeat customers. Some negative reviews mention high prices, including a $5,200 subwoofer quote, and one older review describes a dash that smoked after an install.
- Anonymous Customer
I rarely leave negative reviews, but after two separate customer-service experiences with Kurtz Audio over the past eight months, I feel compelled to share my concerns. First Experience: Approximately eight months ago, I contacted Kurtz Audio about purchasing and installing two 12-inch subwoofers and an amplifier in my truck. I hadn’t purchased any equipment yet and was simply exploring my options. I was quoted an astonishing $5,200, which immediately raised concerns about their pricing. Second Experience: Months later, I decided to give them another chance. This time, I had already purchased my own equipment: Skar Audio Dual 12" Loaded Subwoofer Enclosure, a Skar Audio RP-1200.1D amplifier, 4 gauge wiring kit and an AudioControl LC2i Pro processor. I was calling strictly for an installation labor quote, not to purchase equipment. During our conversation, the gentleman, who sounded noticeably hesitant in his response, suggested that Best Buy and ABC Warehouse most likely wouldn’t even touch my Skar Audio equipment. His tone and the way he presented this information made me question whether he was genuinely trying to help or simply discourage me from going elsewhere. What makes this particularly frustrating is that ABC Warehouse in Traverse City quoted me just $300 to install my entire setup, including the LC2i Pro processor! That directly contradicted the impression I was given. My biggest concern isn’t just the pricing. It’s the overall customer-service experience, the dismissive attitude, and what felt like an attempt to steer me away from equipment I had independently researched and purchased. After two separate interactions, I was left questioning their transparency, professionalism, and commitment to helping customers. My advice: Do your research, compare quotes, and don’t let questionable sales tactics influence your decisions.
- Anonymous Customer
I have some major issues with this shop. I went in to buy a specific amp for my car. It would’ve needed to be ordered. I was talked into a different item. Maaaaan….this started it all!!! Love this shop!!! I’ve used them a couple times now since moving here, but mostly for install bits. This time they took the time to ask me about my setup and then suggested a different amp in my price range that was a better choice/option for my needs. With a discussion explaining why it’s a better option. They could’ve sold me on something more expensive but stayed around the price point of what I was looking to spend! I liked that. It was a Rockford amp. When I was a kid Rockfords were great amps, but over the years in my opinion had fallen off. I had discounted them. I engaged in conversation about Rockfords history and how they are back to delivering a great product. I decided to buy it. They took the time to educate me on tuning it myself (as I was doing the install). The amp has tech that I hadn’t used before. We discussed speaker options for my specific car as well. Again, they asked my budget, and came up with some great options when I am ready to upgrade. No pressure to go higher in price. Well, I finally got to the install and tune. Damn. The amp is great. My stock speakers are clean and sound great at around 1/2 gain on both F & R channels. Honestly I can’t wait until these are toast and I can investigate speaker options with them! :D I wasn’t looking to build a huge system. I didn’t want to spend a lot. They set me up to get some great sound from my car on a budget. Great shop that tailors to needs. Have some mobile audio or car upgrade needs? Check this shop out. Good guys and the interaction feels personal.
- Anonymous Customer
Great to work with! Used them multiple times, and always been impressed.
- Anonymous Customer
EXCELLENT customer service! They were all so nice and got me in and out super fast for my radio replacement. Thanks guys!!!
- Anonymous Customer
Got a great new Bluetooth JVC and Rockford Fosgate speakers in a SeaRay jet boat. 1000% improvement over the stock installation. Friendly, professional service and honest prices. Highly recommend!
- Anonymous Customer
Great friendly, service. Super helpful addressing my speaker issue. Highly recommend.
- Anonymous Customer
Upgraded my older car stereo to have Google maps and Android audio. Great purchase. Thanks
- Anonymous Customer
I've worked with the Kurtz folks several times over the years and have always been very happy. Pricing is very fair, service is friendly and exceptional, and they've never struggled to figure things out the right way the first time. Most recently, I brought in a vintage right-hand drive Toyota Land Cruiser. They replaced the speakers, put in a new Sony Bluetooth/Android Audio system, remote unlocker/car starter, and all the bells and whistles (complete with a backup camera). Everything has been great. Locally owned, too, which is big in my book. Definitely would recommend!
- Anonymous Customer
Had Kurtz upgrade my 2016 F150 stereo/camera system. FAST, PROFESSIONAL, and knowledgeable! HIGHLY recommended!
- Anonymous Customer
Came in to have remote start installed on our new Toyota Sienna. Other than a hiccup with the server for programming the new remotes,I couldn't ask for better. Everyone was friendly and the remote start works with a lifetime warranty!! I'm not sure what similar services would cost from other places but compared to going up a trim level in the van, the price was great!!
Features & Amenities
Amenities
- Small business
- Onsite services
- Assembly service
- Installation services
- Repair services
- Quick visit
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Payment Methods
- Credit cards
- Debit cards