I've been in a few car stereo stores and I notice that some say they have certified installers. What does this mean and how does it benefit the customer?
Anyone can call himself an installer. The Mobile Electronics Certification Program assures that you are dealing with a professional. Installers with this certification have passed a national exam. At Duke's we proudly display our MECP certificates.

I just installed a new system in my car complete with an amp and subs. My headlights dim when I turn it up. What is causing this and how can I fix it?
Large amps and subs tend draw lots of power from your car's electrical system. You need to purchase a one-farad cap. This will help store up the power you need for that hard-hitting bass.

I want to buy an amp and subs, but I want to run it with my factory stereo, which has no RCA pre-outs. Is this possible?
Yes, some amps are compatible with speaker level inputs. Although, your best bet is to purchase a line out converter for around $30. This converts speaker wires into RCA pre-outs. Duke's sells a lot of them.

I own a newer vehicle that has a factory security system. Can Duke's install a remote car starter on my car?
Absolutely, Duke's installs thousands every year. We have all the necessary interface modules needed to work with any factory installed security system.

I found an alarm in a factory direct catalog, but I would have to install it myself. Is it hard to install an alarm and will it still be effective in deterring criminals?
An alarm is only as good as the install. In other words you can purchase the most expensive alarm parts on the market, but if not installed properly it will not be effective in deterring criminals. It is possible to install your own alarm, but it is a complicated procedure and it is best to have a certified professional install it.

What is the price range on alarms sold at Duke's? What are some of their features?
As the #1 alarm installer in Mid-Michigan, Duke's has something for every budget, with alarms starting at $99 to $599 installed. Our best seller is around $200. Popular features include starter kill, keyless entry, trunk and hood sensors, and impact/vibration sensors to protect your valuables inside of the car.

In the summer I spend a lot of time on my boat. I would really like to have a system in my boat. Do I have to buy special marine equipment?
Boats have the same electrical system as cars and therefore use the same car stereo equipment. For a more nautical look, Duke's carries the white "marine style" stereos and speakers. It is also a good idea to install a retractable marine cover to protect your in-dash unit from the elements.

Is it necessary to purchase an amp if I buy a woofer box?
Yes, in order to get the optimum performance out of your new subs you need to also purchase an amplifier. Your in-dash stereo, even if it is considered to be high power, is not enough to run subwoofers. Feed 'em!

I just replaced my rear speakers and now I am not getting any bass from them. Did I possibly install them wrong?
Bet you wonder why your old ones sounded better! This is an easy fix. You just got the positive and negative wires reversed on one of the speakers. They are out of phase. Just switch it back and you'll feel the bass!

My amp is constantly blowing fuses. I tried a bigger fuse, but that didn't help. What is the problem?
What gauge power and ground wire are you running to your amplifier? If the gauge is too small for the power of your amplifier, you will blow fuses or even worse melt the wire or fry your amp. An amp up to 100-watts can run off of 10-gauge wire. If the amp is over 300 watts you should have at least 4-gauge wire. Anything in between, use 8-gauge.

There is a lot of engine noise coming through my speakers since I added an amplifier? The buzzing sound goes up and down with the engine RPM. What is causing this and how can I fix it?
Check to see that your amplifier is getting a good ground connection to CLEAN bare metal as near to the amp as possible. A poorly grounded amp can whine more than a three-year-old kid!

I need a speaker box. Does Duke's sell them and how much do they cost?
Duke's sells enclosures for all types of subwoofers and vehicles. We keep several pre-made boxes in stock, which cost around $50. We can also custom make a box for your vehicle if you choose.