Your factory stereo was designed to be inoffensive. It passes sound from point A to point B without doing anything particularly well. Whether you want wireless Apple CarPlay, a real bass system, or a full head unit replacement — here's how we think about audio upgrades at Saint Nordic Custom Autoworks in Spring Lake Park, MN.
Start Here — What Kind of Upgrade Do You Want?
Car audio upgrades aren't one-size-fits-all. The right path depends entirely on what's frustrating you about your current setup. Here's how we break it down:
You already have a compatible head unit but you're tired of plugging in your phone every time. A wireless adapter is the fastest, cleanest fix — no new head unit required.
Your factory radio doesn't have CarPlay at all, or you want a larger touchscreen, better sound processing, and a clean upgrade. A new head unit is the right move.
Your head unit is fine but your speakers and bass are weak. A subwoofer and amplifier package transforms the listening experience without touching your factory radio.
Yes — in many cases. Certain vehicles can have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added directly to the factory OEM screen through a plug-and-play integration module. Your factory screen stays, your factory look stays, and CarPlay just appears as a new input source. No aftermarket head unit, no dash trim modifications.
New head unit, wireless CarPlay, subwoofer, amplifier — a full build. We do these regularly and they're always worth it. Call us and we'll put together a complete package for your vehicle.
Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
This is one of the most popular upgrades we do right now — and it's one of the fastest to install. If your vehicle already has wired Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, a wireless adapter converts it to completely wireless. You walk to your car, your phone connects automatically, and CarPlay or Android Auto is on your screen before you've even buckled your seatbelt.
Wired vs. Wireless — Is It Worth Upgrading?
We carry and install wireless CarPlay and Android Auto adapters for vehicles that currently have wired CarPlay or Android Auto. The adapter plugs into your factory USB port and handles the wireless conversion — your existing head unit doesn't change, your factory look stays intact, and your phone connects automatically every time you get in.
Head Unit Replacement — When You Need More Than a Dongle
If your factory radio doesn't have CarPlay at all — or if you want a larger touchscreen, better audio processing, backup camera integration, or just a more modern interface — a head unit replacement is the right move. A properly installed aftermarket head unit transforms the look and functionality of your dash without looking like an afterthought.
We don't just bolt in a head unit and hand you your keys. Every installation includes proper wiring, steering wheel control integration, backup camera compatibility where applicable, and a clean finish that looks factory. If it looks aftermarket from across the parking lot, we didn't do it right.
Kenwood DMX1038S — Starting at $1,499.99 Installed
Our flagship head unit — a 10.1" capacitive touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto built in. The large display, fast processor, and clean interface make this the best head unit we install for drivers who want a premium daily experience.
Kenwood DMX9708S — Starting at $799.99 Installed
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at a more accessible price point. A 6.95" HD display with a fast, clean interface — great for drivers who want wireless connectivity without the flagship price tag.
Kenwood DMX8710S — Starting at $499.99 Installed
Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with a clean 6.95" display. A great entry point for drivers who want a reliable CarPlay head unit at a straightforward price.
Bass Packages — Real Sound, Professionally Built
This is where most factory audio systems fall completely flat. Your factory speakers were designed to reproduce sound at moderate volumes without distorting. They were not designed to move air, reproduce low frequencies accurately, or sound good when you actually turn it up.
A properly installed subwoofer and amplifier package changes that entirely. You don't need to go loud — even at moderate volume, a quality bass system adds depth, warmth, and presence that factory audio simply cannot produce.
What's Included in a Bass Package
- Subwoofer — dedicated driver for low-frequency reproduction, typically 10" or 12"
- Amplifier — dedicated power for the subwoofer, separate from your head unit's built-in amp
- Enclosure — the box the subwoofer mounts in, tuned for your specific driver
- Wiring — proper gauge power, ground, and signal cables run cleanly through the vehicle
- Professional installation — everything mounted, wired, and tuned before you leave
We build bass packages tailored to your vehicle, your music, and your budget. Whether you want a compact, discreet setup that fits neatly in your trunk or a full build that takes over the cargo area — we'll spec it out, source the right components, and install everything cleanly. Every bass package includes professional installation.
Why Professional Installation Matters for Audio
A bad audio install is immediately obvious. Rattles at certain frequencies. Distortion when you turn it up. Wiring that drains your battery. Speakers that aren't properly mounted and leak bass. A head unit that loses steering wheel control or doesn't integrate with your backup camera.
At Saint Nordic, every audio installation is done properly — correct gauge wiring, proper signal isolation, steering wheel control programming, and a final tune before you drive away. We've seen what bad installs look like, and we don't do them.
Audio upgrades can go in a lot of directions. Call us at 763-260-1491 or stop by the shop at 7703 Central Ave NE, Spring Lake Park. Tell us what you're driving, what's bothering you about your current setup, and what you're trying to achieve — and we'll put together the right plan.
YOUR CAR SHOULD
SOUND BETTER.
Wireless CarPlay, head unit replacement, bass packages, and full custom audio builds — all professionally installed at Saint Nordic Custom Autoworks in Spring Lake Park, MN.