Tell us what you’re trying to build. These are the questions that usually matter next.

Can I just buy products from SMS?

Can I buy without installation?

Yes. Eligible products can be purchased online, over the counter or by direct quote without booking installation. Brand policies still apply. ARC Audio is handled in store, and some KICKER products require quote or in-store handling.

Can SMS help me pick the equipment?

Yes. Tell us the vehicle and what you want the system to do. We can help match speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers, DSP, radios, cameras, batteries, wiring, lighting and fabrication parts. Detailed system design and fitment research are reserved for products purchased through SMS, booked projects or paid design work.

Should I buy everything before talking to the shop?

If SMS is installing, tuning, wiring or fabricating around it, talk to us first. The best result comes from matching the vehicle, factory signal, equipment, wiring, enclosure, electrical support and tuning before the parts list is locked.

Why not just buy the cheapest listing online?

A marketplace listing does not know your factory audio package, signal path, usable enclosure space, charging system, fitment, warranty source or tuning goal. The component is only one part of the finished system.

How does the shop work?

Where are you?

SMS Car Audio is at 5919 4th St, Marrero, LA 70072. Regular hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Saturday by appointment; Sunday closed.

How do I contact SMS?

Call or text 504-289-8127 or email al@smscaraudio.com.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes for installation, DSP tuning, fabrication, lighting, custom enclosures, vehicle inspections, system planning and larger quote sessions. Quick product questions can usually be handled by phone, text or email.

Does SMS install customer-supplied equipment?

No. SMS installs equipment supplied through SMS Car Audio. That keeps fitment, warranty support, installation responsibility and tuning under one project.

Is a deposit required?

Installation appointments generally require a 50% deposit. Custom and one-of-a-kind orders must be paid in full before production or ordering. Special-order products may also require advance payment.

What if I miss the appointment?

A missed appointment or late cancellation can result in forfeiture of the appointment deposit. Contact SMS as early as possible if something changes.

What don’t you do?

SMS does not offer automotive window tint, alarm installation or remote-start installation. Boat or vessel projects must be approved before equipment is ordered or an appointment is booked.

How do I figure out what kind of system I need?

What should I tell you first?

The result. Better-than-factory sound, stronger staging, loud daily output, huge bass, a pro-audio system, a top-off Jeep, a motorcycle system built for riding, a factory-looking upgrade, cameras, lighting or a full custom project all lead to different equipment choices.

How do I choose speakers?

Start with the job the speaker needs to do and where it has to live. Mounting depth, impedance, sensitivity, amplifier power, adapters, exposure and crossover requirements matter. A speaker that fits the hole is not automatically the right speaker.

Speakers or amplifier first?

Usually neither should be treated in isolation. Speakers, amplification, mounting, factory signal and tuning work best when they are planned together.

What subwoofer size is best?

Start with how much space you will give up and what kind of bass you want. Driver size, enclosure design, mounting depth, amplifier power, final impedance and the vehicle all affect the result.

Sealed or ported?

Neither is automatically better. Sealed is usually more compact. Ported can deliver more output around the tuning range but needs more usable airspace, adequate port area, correct port length and proper filtering below tuning.

Do I need DSP?

What does a DSP actually do?

A DSP gives us control over routing, crossovers, level, EQ, time alignment, polarity/phase relationships, presets and subwoofer integration. In plain terms: it gives us more control over what each speaker does and how the system works together.

Does every system need one?

No. DSP becomes useful when the factory signal needs integration or correction, multiple speaker sections need independent control, locations are difficult, or the goal calls for better staging, crossover control and more precise tuning.

Can DSP fix a bad install?

No. It cannot repair a leaking mount, reversed wiring, clipped signal, weak electrical system, unsafe crossover, wrong enclosure or damaged equipment. The physical system has to be right first.

How big can the system be?

Do I need a battery or alternator upgrade?

Maybe. More amplifier power is fine as long as the electrical system can support it. If sustained current demand exceeds what the charging system can replace, voltage can fall and the battery can discharge. Cable size, fuse protection, grounds, battery reserve and alternator output all matter.

Can I choose a battery from an advertised wattage number?

No. Chemistry, operating voltage, charging limits, alternator output, amplifier efficiency, cable loss, mounting space, accessory load and expected play time all matter.

What does RMS mean?

RMS is commonly used for continuous amplifier output or speaker power handling, but the test standard, voltage, impedance, distortion limit and manufacturer terminology matter. RMS, AES, program, dynamic and maximum ratings are not interchangeable.

Do you fabricate custom parts?

Yes. SMS uses 3D scanning, CAD, 3D printing, CNC machining, laser cutting/engraving, acrylic, speaker rings and adapters, enclosure construction, amplifier racks, vehicle-specific parts and Lit FX.

Are custom parts returnable?

No. Personalized, built-to-order, vehicle-specific, laser-cut, CNC-cut, engraved, acrylic, lighting, enclosure and one-of-a-kind fabrication work is non-refundable and non-cancelable once ordered or approved.

How long does a custom Lit FX order take?

The standard production target is seven calendar days after the customer approves the production render unless the exact product page or quote states otherwise. Shipping time is additional.

Can handmade acrylic have minor cosmetic variation?

Yes. Individually fabricated acrylic can have minor non-structural cosmetic variation or a small blemish. Damage, electrical problems or material issues that affect normal use should be reported promptly with clear photos or video.

Radios and cameras.

Do you install CarPlay and Android Auto radios?

Yes, when a compatible source unit and vehicle interface are available. Before choosing the radio, we check the factory amplifier, cameras, steering-wheel controls, chimes, USB connections, vehicle settings and other functions that need to remain.

Do you install dash and backup cameras?

Yes. The installation depends on the vehicle, display compatibility, trigger wiring, retained factory cameras, power management, mounting location, cable routing and final testing.

Shipping and pickup.

Can I pick up locally?

Yes. Eligible orders can be picked up locally. Special-order, vendor-direct, custom and project-specific products can take longer, so wait until SMS confirms the order is physically received, checked and ready.

How do you ship?

Available shipping methods, rates and delivery estimates depend on the order and destination. The options available for an eligible online order are shown at checkout.

Do you ship internationally?

No. The current Shopify shipping configuration is limited to United States destinations.

Do you offer general free shipping?

No general sitewide free-shipping method is currently configured.

Are there active discount codes?

Promotions change. Use only discounts or promotions currently shown on the site or provided directly by SMS.

Bulk or wholesale?

Quantity inquiries are reviewed case by case. Send the exact brand, model/SKU, quantity, application and shipping or pickup needs.

What should I send before booking?

• Vehicle year, make, model, trim and factory audio package.
• Current equipment already installed.
• Photos of the radio, doors, dash, trunk/cargo area, battery area, saddlebags or existing wiring when useful.
• What you want the system to do.
• Budget range.
• Seat, cargo, roof, door, storage or service-access requirements that must remain.

Book an Appointment Contact SMS