Gene's Audio Center

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Caden D.
5 months ago
I recently had the pleasure of visiting several audio shops in New Bern while searching for the perfect subwoofer for my car. Unfortunately, the first few shops I visited seemed more interested in pushing their own agenda rather than understanding my needs. They didn't take the time to ask me what I wanted or provide any demos of their products.Thankfully, my experience took a turn for the better when I discovered Genes Audio, located about 40 minutes away. From the moment I stepped inside, their team greeted me with a genuine desire to help. They immediately asked what they could assist me with, showing a true commitment to customer satisfaction.I explained my specific requirements, and to my delight, they proceeded to educate me about the various subwoofer sizes, their applications, and the best brands available. They also took the time to explain how subwoofers and amplifiers work, and even demonstrated two of their state of the art systems in store. providing me with valuable knowledge to make an informed decision.What impressed me the most was their dedication to ensuring my satisfaction. They never pressured me into making a purchase and instead focused on understanding my budget. They worked within my financial constraints to find a solution that not only met my needs but also kept my wallet happy.With their extensive experience in the industry and the reputation they've built over the years, Genes Audio truly stands out as the best subwoofer shop I've ever encountered. Their commitment to customer service, knowledge, and willingness to work within budgets make them a top choice for any audio enthusiast.The work they did was absolute eye candy. Their wiring is the cleanest I ve seen on the east coast and they make sure BEFORE they install to check all of your electrical components work such as blinker, windows, windshield wipers, audio system, etc the lost goes on. AFTER they also check it with you present during both checks.It has been about 3 weeks and I am in love with the system they installed. Tell them your needs and they will make sure you leave beyond impressed!If you're in the market for a subwoofer, I highly recommend paying a visit to Genes Audio. You won't be disappointed!Thank you to the team who helped me and installed the system! I will be back for my door speakers!!

  Patriot Automotive
3 months ago
I ve been in the automotive industry for better than 50 years as a mechanic and shop owner. We, collectively, over that time frame have repaired in excess of a million vehicles and counting During that time, as you can imagine, I have had an extremely large number of experiences with audio systems and audio system technicians. Over the last 6 or so years, Gene Bell at Gene s Audio and his staff, in Havelock NC have provided these services for us professionally as well as personally. I, without hesitation, can testify that Gene and his staff are second to none in every phase of Repair, Installation, Customer service and System Performance ! Gene literally is a Genius and totally committed to Service, Performance and Customer Satisfaction! The guy is absolutely Incredible! I have no hesitation in recommending Gene s Audio for any needs that you may have. Expect to be treated Kindly, Compassionately and Promptly at every juncture without one concern of apprehension or regret. They Simply WILL NOT Disappoint You !

  HUNTER OVERMAN
3 months ago
This place does great work. Friendly and helpful employees. Came back for tweeters and am more than happy. Will come back for whatever else I decide to gave done.

  Coastal Grubbin
4 months ago
Absolute con artists quoted me for 3 hours at 125 dollars and it was originally 100 an hour but apparently since I bought an amplifier from a different dealer he raised the price. He quoted me for 3 hours and called me at 4.5 hours to tell me there almost finished along with using equipment he didn t quote me for ultimately all I wanted was new wire and 1 amp and it went from a rough quoted 420 dollars to 700 dollars absolutely ridiculous I will never be going back and i do not recommend anyone goes there!!!!!!!

  A O
7 months ago
Visited Genes for the first time and was surprised to say the least. Gene knows and cares about good car audio. Chatted with Gene extensively about various speakers and manufacturers. I never felt pressured to a sale which is awesome and a reason why I'll be back.

  Spencer Best
4 years ago
Went in to the shop a few months ago to get assistance with speakers I brought in with me they introduced me to these JBL speakers and has a wealth of knowledge about them even though they were a new item in their inventory. With much testing of the speakers and workmanship these speakers are awesome and well worth the money spent.All members of Gene s shop are excellent and helpful to ensure you know what you are getting and that it will fit in your budget. Will definitely be doing business with them again in the future.

  Ann Borden
a year ago
I took my Mercedes in to see what could be done about the sound system in my car. I knew my car was in good hands. Gene took the time to listen to me and my system. Everyone on his staff is extremely knowledgeable and personable. I m very happy with the sound and care taken with my car. If you are looking for a sound system go to Gene s Audio. We are very lucky to have such a top-notch business in our area!! Job well done.

  Joanna Brace
a year ago
This guy has probably been working with car audio since before you were born. Jean as well as his partner Mike are the most knowledgeable car audio experts I've ever had the privilege to do business with. Why would I take my business somewhere where some kid will try to get as much money out of me as they can when I can go to Jean? He used to fix woofers and amps in house and still does sometimes so he can take apart and put back together anything he sells you. And besides all that he's a good dude.

  Julia Strange
a year ago
Gene's Audio is the only way to go! The whole staff is courteous, knowledgeable and easy to work with. They go above and beyond to make a happy customer and great experience. As repeat customers, we couldn't be more pleased.

  Jace Dedmon
4 months ago
Really appreciate this crowd right here, they are always nice and informative. Good quality products from good quality people.

  Carson Dalton
a year ago
I bought a set of JL C2 speakers from genes and couldn't be happier. I had to configure a set up for my 87 ranger and they were more helpful than imaginable. They have excellent prices and outstanding service. They make sure that every customer gets the same care and help. Ill be sure to return for any other audio needs!!

  Danny Nikole
4 years ago
I got my system put in at Gene's recently and I just want to say how much I love it! The whole experience was awesome. Both Gene and Mike were very professional and FRIENDLY. Prices are reasonable for sure. I had heard and read so much about them that I gave them a shot and I don't regret it one bit. when I decide to do something else with my car, I'll be going to them. No doubt. Thank you guys so much. I'm loving the new addition to my car

  Marie Cramer
a year ago
The best customer service one could hope for, SERIOUSLY! They did a great job installing my stereo and speakers and found me a good deal. You know when a place has been there for so long, they do things right! Also, I owe them cookies great people

  Joe Hardee
4 years ago
Gene knew all about the products sold in his store and was very helpful as well as pleasant man to do business with. The stereo for truck took longer to install than planned, but it is a new model Chevrolet Colorado and interfacing the stereo with the truck systems took a little longer to work out. My one and only issue was that Gene should finish with one customer before helping another (first come, first served). Other than that, I am very pleased with my new stereo.

  Kendal Hinton
2 years ago
Very professional, knowledgeable, courteous attentive and this business gave me hope that this vehicle can be fixed correctly and I like they have been in business since 1978 and that longevity reflects on the business model he has. Even if I don't use the service to fix the wire harness he still have an excellent quote and thankyou for speaking with me sir. Ewwwww all I saw and experience was and is a good company.

  Geofry Tellez
5 years ago
I went into Genes audio Center to have a head unit installedGene, the owner himself, showed me the selection, and helped me pick out a unit. The installation did not take long and they did a amazing job. Gene is very knowledgeable and his wife is a great helper. Definitely a professional job, I will be coming back in the future for all my car audio needs.

  Cody Williams
3 years ago
Amazing customer service. Very helpful and very knowledgeable. They got me in same day and got my radio installed. Keep in mind they usually cannot get customers in the same day however they had a cancellation in my case. They provided a loaner car for running errands while waiting as well. If I could give them 10 stars I would! . So happy with this establishment!

  Ruben Cardenas
5 years ago
Gene did a great job on my truck and I highly recommend doing business with him. We liked him so much my brother took his truck to him for a full system. Gene is very detailed and honest. Make sense that he's been in business for 30 years.

  DiamondDtha92CCC
4 years ago
Have a 05 Pontiac and I had a new deck put in, it was a crazy hard job but they stayed open an hour late just to finish it for me! Honestly never experience as much customer service and friendliness from any other business. I m definitely going back for my next audio purchase (subwoofer). 5/5! Love Gene and his Wife.

  FFWR- 108
2 years ago
Don t do business with them for your own good. I brought in a 2017 mustang Ecoboost and all I wanted was a upgrade radio wise and before I purchased one I told Gene specifically three times that I wanted one that will still allow everything to work in my car that did on the factory radio and he pointed me to 3 different radios and said that they would work. Unfortunately after it was installed everything factory wise didn t work definitely the phone button on the steering wheel and they said they could try to fix it. Turned out they did fix it but only by installing some kind of interface regarding the steering wheel which cost me a extra $101.00, so otherwise that radio that Gene said was compatible for my car wasn t. And ahead of that I started having issues with the AC controls AFTER the install which was on the part that holds the radio in. They took it apart and looked at it and claimed that they couldn t find anything and pointed at factory but the factory radio is in now and 2 Ford dealerships have already said that radio was not compatible but Gene is saying different just because a little air is blowing out at the top with the factory and BOTH Ford dealerships said that is supposed to happen. What isn t supposed to happen is air isn t supposed to come out while AC is fully off and you have no control over the AC at all. Now again everything is working like it s supposed to since factory is back in and 2 Ford dealerships have said so but Gene s audio refuses to except it s on them and wants to just put the radio back in instead of sending it back and giving me my refund for the radio and dash. I fully 100% except that they did labor by putting it in so I m not asking for that back. But talking about labor, who ever gets them to do anything for them make sure you get them to right it on a piece of paper regarding how much it will cost because when it was said and done with me they charged me double what they said it was going to be above max!! Also they have had to work on my car 3 times regarding this bull and they did a good job by not making a mess in the car but this last time marks were on the passenger door and something is shaking/loose behind the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel and it s driving me crazy since I got to deal with this now. Now As of today I m going to go to visit 2 more Ford dealerships including a few audio shops and get their say so on all this. If anything changes then I will change this review but if they all say the same thing that the 2 I already contacted and visited and Gene s audio still refuses to do anything it s staying this way. It s fully up to them.Update: This went as far as small claims court and unfortunately I lost the case just because I had a second audio shop remove the remaining parts which was the antenna and small speaker when everything else was already removed by Gene s Audio. They claimed it could have harmed the parts since Gene s audio didn t remove it are some bull and those parts weren t even plugged in because there was nothing for them to be plugged into in the first place because like I said over 5 times in there to that judge, Gene s Audio already removed everything and unplugged everything for gods sake. I most likely will be filing a appeal and going back in. All I know now is this is why my brother in law warned me about going there and told me that over half the marines on Cherry point base are warned not to go there as well and told to stay away. But if you read this and don t want to take this seriously then at least get Gene to right down on a sheet of paper theprice before doing anything and make sure you keep up with the recipes and records regarding everything done there.Update 2:Just found out all the parts that came with the radio I purchased from Gene isn t in the box. All the cords and connections are missing. Gene swapped the car back to factory so where are all the parts that came with the non factory at?I don t want to go back there but I m starting to feel like I have know choice because this is just pitiful thievery.

  Monica d
a year ago
So glad we found this hidden gem. Extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff and when we had an issue installing our new radio ourselves and had to come back, they took the time to make sure everything was fixed before leaving. Great selection of anything you could possibly need. Highly recommend to visit Gene's Audio.

  Lloyd Brannen
6 years ago
I have lived in the Havelock area for approaching 50 years and had to admit I had never frequented Gene's Audio even though I had seen it all these years. I stopped on a whim the other day to see what was available to replace my failing factory truck radio, player, and speakers. I was very pleasantly surprised at all the options and the time Gene took to go over them with me. True, at times he gets busy and must try to help each customer, but I enjoyed the whole experience. He loaned me a car in order to keep my truck overnight for the next day's installation. The performance of my new unit is great, and I feel very comfortable in knowing I can bring any issues, questions, or future business to them. Feel stupid now ignoring them for so long. Nice to meet you and your wife and installer, Gene; thank you.

  Bud Neth
3 years ago
My name is William i have been looking for a harness for a long time for a reasonable price. Called Gene's Audio.... Let me tell you not only did they have the harness in stock it was 45 to 50 dollars cheaper to anything i found online (and i do mean anything)the harness is installed and works excellent. Oh did i mention they sent me a card as well for appreciation truly helpful employee all around respectful establishment!

  Karl Belote
5 years ago
Great place to buy audio equipment, for starters they have GREAT products to choose from, but the main thing that sold me is the time and information that was shared to inform me about my purchase. The man runs a great business and gives great customer service. Most places pry you to get the most expensive product they have without information and push you out the door to move on to the next but gene will take the time to inform you on what your looking for and set you up with something that meets your expectations without trying to break you. I would recommend this place over any other audio place I have dealt with.

  Lucas McMartin
5 years ago
So, for the first few purchases with them they were pleasant and overall I d give them a decent rating. However, today I have decided I ll never go back. I purchased a harness for my vehicle. And unfortunately a mistake was made and the wrong part was given to me. Then come to find out my vehicle has 2 different harness types. Gene didn t even take the time to make sure the part was correct. And usually when you go to a place like this you would expect that the person would be thorough. So I go online and find the correct harness for 1/2 of the price of the one I bought from him. Mind you Gene took off $10 from the sticker price for me when I bought the wrong harness. I went back to get a refund. GUESS WHAT NO REFUNDS! Only store credit, and they had the harness I needed however that 5x the amount I purchased the same one online for. Long story short I ate the money won t ever be going back. Do yourselves a favor, have a little patience and buy your desired part for your car online and save your money and time from a fiasco like this.

  Joseph Chaffin
5 years ago
I was looking to replace my low end JVC after market car stereo, I stopped by Gene's Audio today just to see what their selection of car stereos were. I was pleasantly surprised by the selection. Gene started showing me features of the stereos I was interested in. He explained what their procedure was and how detailed they were with everything, needless to say I was impressed and decided I would give them a shot. They not only will install a system for you but will also give you a loaner car while they work on yours, WOW! After my doctor's appt. today I brought my truck back to them and asked if they could install the stereo and he said yes, I took their loaner car to run errands and within 15 minutes of getting back they had it installed within the time frame he said. Everything from initial contact to installation was professional, caring and detailed. I will tell my friends about Gene's. I know this just confirms what everybody else says but just wanted to give you my experience.

  Wata Montgomery
a year ago
I went and bought a stereo system from there. They kept my car for about 3 days but it was still having a little technical problem and I took my car back and they fixed the problem no charge to me. Very Christian folks that work there. Thank you Mr Jean and all that makes us possible.

  Steve Exum
3 years ago
Outstanding audio center. Gene & Mike know their stuff. Brought my boat in with a problematic radio. I was convinced I needed a new amp. This team meticulously trouble shot the system and discovered it was a wiring issue and corrosion. In 24 hours the boat audio system was repaired and I walked out with a very detailed repair log of all the issues. I live in Elon NC and stopped in on my way to the Atlantic Beach because it was on the way. Now, if I had an audio need in my car or boat I would not hesitate to drive 3 hours to THIS audio center to have the work done. Fast, meticulous work and reasonably priced.

  Grant Ray
4 years ago
Gene is a wonderful person to work with and will keep you informed on any changes if need be. He did my truck in a timely matter more than once with no issues. I will be returning in the future.

  Trace Reynolds
2 years ago
I have done business with Gene a few times and he always does his best to make sure the product you buy, is what you need for your application. In my case it has been marine audio components, JL audio in particular. He has an infinite knowledge of mobile audio and is always willing to share tips and tricks to make sure you install it correctly OR they will install it for you..