My review and story will be kinda long, Sorry. I met Don through a few auto/audio related forums when I was looking for an alarm for my ride. I have heard horror stories with my type of vehicle and setting up an alarm. Everyone said he was the one to go to. I contacted him and we set-up an appointment . Only thing to say is best alarm set-up I ever had, never an issue, all the while the folks from the forums I am on had major issues using other installers. It's been over 4 years now and still no issues. One of the best investments I have made. A great investment because as I would come to find out Don is a great person to know and trust as well (in car audio that is hard to find). On to the audio set-up. I finally decided to upgrade my system because I was tired of it sounding like crap. Now, I have decent equipment, JL Slash series, 12W7, Hertz MLKs, etc. I had this system previously installed in Texas, where I lived briefly. I had numerous shops touch the car because I never could get the car to sound right and had constant issues with the sound. Now I am not an installer but I do consider myself a fairly knowledgeable person when it comes to installs and what not. Well fairly knowledgeable was sooo wrong . I contacted Don about the possibility of re-doing it and going active. Again, one of the best investments ever made. As Don began to dissemble the previous system, he took many pictures and even video's to show the shotty work that was performed on the car. He cleaned up potential fire hazards, YES FIRE was possible in the under hood connections. I was appalled because I had spent quite a bit of money on trying to fix the sound and the set-up. Money I wish to keep quite as I am embarrassed at how I was taken. Not only did Don provided excellent customer service, but he consulted me on how far I should go and what the cost implications would be, never did he sell me on the higher priced options, he provided a GREAT common ground within my budget, while still providing the best possible outcome. The equipment I have bought through Don has been fantastically priced and I have bumped up to the mid-upper end equipment. Again, he will work with-in your budget. I am soo happy at the outcome, that I have decided to invest a bit more into my car and there's only one place I am going, Unexpected Creations. Do yourself a favor, you want quality work and equipment (don't believe me, ask him for pics of the blue max), Call/email Don. As I said, bumping up the sound and will be headed back next month. read more

Let me start off by saying I'm not one who typically write reviews, but in this case I was so satisfied with the workmanship and overall experience I felt the need to write one to give credit to them and to help out with others who are also looking for quality work done at fair price in local area. Originally I had found the shop on the car forum from other satisfied customer and came highly recommended then after having the work done by the shop I'm in agreement and exceeded expectations. First I had to explain to Don, the owner, what I was looking to have it done and desired outcome. Many time I couldn't convey my thoughts clearly, but Don had the knowledge and patience to find out clearly what my goal was. After speaking to him for a while, you'll see how he's passionate about his work and his knowledge of audio in general was immense as he also helped answer questions or tips to other people on the forum. He would then provide me with his recommendations and suggestions at the same time listens to my concerns and answered my questions. He provided me with options so I can make my own informed decision. It was good to be able to find out about not only the products he carried, but also products he didn't carry to achieve the objective I was looking for. As for their work, it's immaculate and impeccable as if he was babying his own car. During the install if there is any issue or major decision to be made he would contact me to keep me in the loop. In some cases where a shortcut can be done to have the same outcome, but they would insure the work is done right for the long term so no shortcuts were taken. While the install was being done, I wasn't always readily available to check on the status so they had accommodated me by sending me pictures of what's being done so I know even the cabling that were going to be hidden behind the panels were neat and tidy I would've been fine without covering them up. At the end, I was surprised by the total cost, but in a good way. I had expected to be more for the quality of work and the products I had chosen, but it was more reasonable compared to going to another shop. I wanted to share my experience in a way to thank them for the great work they've done, but mainly to help others like me in the beginning trying to find a dependable and fair priced installer locally as I know how hard it can be. I wouldn't had been able to find this place without others on forums who had shared their experience. read more

I rarely write reviews - Amazon, Yelp, whatever. It takes a truly exceptional experience/product for me to say something. In the car audio world. Don at Unexpected Creations is truly exceptional. I'm very picky and stubborn when it comes to audio. I have questions, theories, crazy ideas. Don worked with me through it all. He's a very fair, honest, responsive and wise professional. Take a moment to read those four qualities again. It's hard to find even one of them in a car audio shop, and believe me, I've been acquainted with a few. Some have been wise, some responsive, few are fair or honest. And that's where Unexpected Creations is a large cut above the rest. With Don, I never felt pressured or swayed. He never makes a strong recommendation, even though I wish he would sometimes, given his vast experience and knowledge. He simply states what would probably work well, and the difficulties you might encounter with other set-ups. He is never dogmatic, only pragmatic. Sure, he has products that are more his favorites, but who doesn't? If you really liked something, thought it was great, better than other things, wouldn't you want to tell your friends about it? Another nice thing is that Don is a 'big picture' kind of guy. He takes everything into consideration for any project: cost, time, space, effort, difficulty, limitations, etc. Sure, he can do the most exotic, custom installation ever, but if there is a much easier install that will give you 90% of the sound quality you're after, he will present that option; but the choice is yours. Now, to add a dose of realism into my review, I will say something that may be considered a negative. My first time talking with Don on the phone, he was not the most personable guy in the world. I realize now it's because he's just a straight shooter. And he shot down my idea, albeit in a very polite way. I said, "I want to do this". He said, "Well how will you account for XX, YY?, instead of saying, "that's a dumb idea". Keep this in mind when you first meet him. In retrospect, I should have said, "I WANT this (the goal)", but like I said, I'm rather picky. I don't remember exactly how I chanced upon Unexpected Creations, but I wish I had found Don a whole lot earlier. Highly recommended. The Yelp 5 star rating is "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" I'd say that's very accurate. Take your car to him; he'll take care of it, and you. read more

i cant tell you how much these guys know there stuff! lets start with my experience from start to finish.......... my girlfriend ordered me a camera system for my BMW i contacted the manufacture of the camera system (BIMMER-TECH) for a local installer they immediately without hesitation told me to go a company called Unexpected Creations in Edison New Jersey. I gave them a call to set an appointment (which was easy and accommodating) so fast forward to install day... i show up to the address and i was greeted by Steve, who i might say is one of the friendliest people i ever met in my life. He immediately took my keys parked my car and gave me a tour of the place. Words cant explain how blow away i was by the waiting room from the full reclining sofa, the huge flat screen tv,the state of the art surround sound system (thats functional), to finally the TIVO (they have tivo with every available channel!!!). While i was waiting for my car Steve checked on me offered me beverages throughout the install. The waiting room was so comfortable i had to fight to stay awake. So now the car is finished and i meet Don who also is just as friendly and knowledgeable as Steve. They both schooled me on audio history and i have to tell you it was extremely insightful and interesting. Don made me aware of so many new and different products in our conversation my head was going to spin. One of the best experiences ive ever had dealing with an installer. My almost 2 hour commute to get to them was totally worth it, and i will come back everytime in the future. These guys are the example of professionalism. And here is a side note to let you know these guys care and i didn't notice what they did until i got home.... my license plate frame was missing screws that i did not have a chance to replace, now mind you this has no impact on my camera install, its simply cosmetic. These guys without me asking or announcing replaced the screws for me. this may sound trivial to some but the fact that they took the time to fix a small annoyance like that speaks volumes to the quality and care they have for your vehicle and the customer (THINK ABOUT IT) read more

Don is really a great person, which for me is very important when it comes to doing business with someone. Also with over 20 years of experience in car audio and dealing with all the big global brand names in the market, absolutely makes him my go to person, when it comes to car audio. I'm lucky as he's not that far from my place. I'm a novice when it comes to car audio, so went to him with a budget in mind. From then on we exchanged over 100+ emails in a couple weeks going through various options before we together came to a consensus that, yes this is it, and most importantly "Within Budget". I did not have to worry about any extra small parts like Wiring\RCA's etc. that went into the install. He took care of it all. He also took the pains to explain (sometimes at 1-2 am after he's done with other installs) why something that I picked wouldn't fit well into the system and even if it does, why on the long run it would turn out to be a bad choice, where I end up spending extra $. One of the many things that I really appreciated was that he'll give you only what you really need and just not push something because it's lying around and wouldn't last. I had him change all the OEM components in my accord and boy - "It Rocks". Music sounds amazing to me when I can actually hear every beat loud and clear. Moreover had him install my amp in locations "where he went WHY" and said he'll try his best. When I went to pick up the car, I had this huge smile on my face and couldn't thank him enough. His work is neat, flawless and very reasonably priced. If you're in the market for car audio upgrades\installs give him a call. Thanks for all the help Don!!! Best Wishes!!! read more

I have known Don since 2006, when started following his postings and recommendations on the maxima.org forum. I was always impressed by his thorough and unparalleled knowledge about audio and security systems. Of course, his yearly offers for discounts on car alarm systems were always anticipated. Two years later, I took the plunge and had him install the the security system on my 2002 Nissan Maxima. We had a couple of email and phone communications in which he clearly explained the various options to me, prices, and possible savings. He and his team were very professional, installed the system within the time they quoted, cleaned my car thoroughly and off I went. He stocks many of the top notch and reliable car audio systems, speakers, amps, and does custom work as well, and his prices are always competitive. I like how he goes out of his way to research car audio systems, and customize the install according to the user's needs. I had him install a ESX-Quantum amplifiers in my car - though these are vintage amps, he was able to research it, and made the necessary accommodations and customizations for my vehicle. Since then I have had them install audio upgrades in my Nissan Maxima (speaker upgrades, Infinite Baffle subwoofers) , another security system in my Wife's 2014 Nissan Pathfinder, and recently a Thinkware F770 camera system in that same SUV. Don is an honest guy, who is very straight-up and clear. I will trust him and his guys for all my car audio needs. Note: he now does custom home audio systems too, and judging by comments from some of his clients, you can rely on his experience and expertise. Trust him !! Don, kudos to you . !!!! read more

I set up my appointment for December 20, 2016. I arrived there a few minutes late because I got lost and called them for directions while I was nearby. I was surprised that the work is done at someone's house, but then again, I don't know a ton of people in my circle who are dying for car electronics installations, so I can see this to be a money saver for them. Good for them. The tech who worked on my car was Steve, who was a great guy who handled himself in a positive and professional manner. I opted to wait on location for the work to be done, and I was led to a really nice basement TV room with a great sound system and some of their products on the walls, I guess for marketing purposes. I sat on a really comfortable couch, given the TV remote, and wi-fi access. Because of the age of my car and old alarm system, the work took a little longer than expected, but I didn't care at all, since I did my homework on the top-notch quality of work to expect from this company. At least it was time away from the wife and kids. When the work was done, I could not be happier with the work that was done and the service that I have received. I had the Cheshire cat smile for a while after leaving their place due to doing business with Unexpected Creations. After reading previous reviews, and experiencing them for myself, I wish that I had a car dealership that I could repeatedly give them business. I am really happy that I got to deal with Steve and Unexpected Creations. This is a no-brainer for a choice for your car electronics needs...call them ! read more

Ive known Don for years now. We met on an audio forum, providing me advice on my audio needs. I thought my car sounded amazing until I actually took the drive down to meet the man. I sat in his car and was blown away. I never heard of time alignment, going active, tuning etc. The plaques on his wall, top 100 installer, top 100 installer in the country immediately sold me. He never tries to upsell you. He shows you different setups, different sounds which is more important to him than the bottom dollar. I went from JL audios amps, speakers, my backyard install to a 3 way Dynaudio setup up front and eventually a dyn esotar paired with tru tech amps and zapco processing. He was quick to answer any questions through email and a phone call and was unbiased in regards to equipment. His installs are flawless and completely backed up by his policies and a handshake. You can take your chances on the internet for cheaper pricing to save a few bucks if you would like. Or you can trust a family man with a private business with an impeccable reputation on many forums including the one I frequent diymobileaudio.com. I guarantee you his installs are cleaner and will sound better than your neighborhood big chain retailers. DId I mention we have become good friends? There arent many retailers installers you can say that about. I have seen many of his installs that I could only dream of affording and he treats me with the same respect as customer with the beamer M series with a full fledged IASCA sounding setup. read more

I was in the market looking for an upgrade for my factory audio system in my car. I met Don (who runs the show @ Unexpected Creations) on the Maxima forums and got in touch with him. I got a quote from him and decided to install a headunit, DSP, two amplifiers, a subwoofer and the front and rear speakers upgraded. Also did sound deadening in the front doors. The installation was flawless. The best thing I liked was, he allowed me to actually see the installation done by his team. I was very comfortable and happy with his service. He and his team were very organized and took care of each and every small detail (For e.g organizing the wiring behind the head unit, taping the RCAs every inch, taking care when dismantling the car interior etc). Don offered me the best price for all components. He is authorized dealer for all audiophile grade brands like Focal, DynAudio, Helix, Brax, Morel, Straightwire, Kenwood, Clifford, STP, etc (The list goes on). I have even got a few home theater products from him. He offers great brands like Cambridge audio, Anthem, Paradigm, etc. If I am in the market again for car audio or home audio, I am definitely going back to Don. He is a gentleman and its a pleasure to deal with him. I am very happy to see people who are motivated and take pride in their work! (Which is very rare nowadays.) read more

A little history 1st. I've been dealing with Unexpected Creations Since Nov. 2005. So in 9 years I have had the pleasure of purchasing and getting installed: 2003 Maxima: Clifford 2way Alarm with remote start 2 different full stereo systems with many stages inbetween 2006 G35: Navigation/DVD headunit with OEM Nav integration (dual screen output) Clifford 2way Alarm with remote start 2008 GTI: Kenwood Navigation Headunit 2002 WRX: Kenwood Headunit 2013 WRX: Kenwood Headunit Full Helix stereo system ...And that's just my own cars in the past. Everytime since the 1st day that I met him, he has been nothing but a professional and never sells me something I do not need. On the 1st car that he worked on, he worked all the way up until his wife went into labor. Now that's dedication! One important quality in this industry is that Unexpected Creations actually does try a lot of the stuff they sell. They are really trying to find the right solution for the customer based on their needs/budget. No audio shop has the knowledge that they have in the world of Car Audio. The countless awards every year show that it's a general consensus. I look forward to the next purchase. Support your local business and have Don @ Unexpected Creations find the right solution for you. read more

Just to start this review off correctly, I am not a personal friend of Don's or anyone who works with him. I am simply a guy who was in the position to get a new car audio system, and had Don recommended to me by one of my friends. Initially I called Don to discuss my vehicle and what could be done. I simply told him I wanted a "clean sound that had good bass". Not very descriptive. Over the next few days Don and I traded emails with him letting me know what specific equipment he wanted to use and gave me a very reasonable quote to have all speakers replaced, a new deck, and install a bass tube. The day of the installation, he had it done in what I felt was record time, and I simply can't state enough how happy I was with his quality of work and the absolutely amazing sound from what he installed. It was spot on perfect for what I was looking for. It actually exceeded my expectations. I really consider Don to be a true professional, as well as the guys who work with him installing. They are all top rate, and really know what they are doing. I will definitely be going back to Don for any work I need moving forward, and recommending him to anyone I can. If you want the job done right, reach out to Don. It will definitely be worth your time. read more

Unexpected Creations has an extremely knowledgeable staff and they cater to their customer's needs. Don runs a residential shop and unlike all other shops out there he establishes a one on one relationship with his clients and gives the client exactly what they are looking for. Unexpected Creations qualifies each client based on their needs and wants versus other companies that just want to "move boxes". I met Don about 6 years ago and since he has always helped me make the proper decisions about outfitting my vehicle, he has actually talked me out of certain things and due to his knowledge i have one of the best sound systems i have ever had in the past 20 years. I wouldn't recommend anybody other than Unexpected Creations to friends and family for your vehicle enhancements. Unexpected Creations is basically a "do it all" shop. They do everything from audio to remote starters to detailing and home audio as well. Also I must say that thet have one of the best waiting rooms of any shop I have ever been to. It's as comfortable as sitting in your own living room. These guys know their stuff and they treat every clients car like it is their own. So 5 stars all the way!!! read more

My Lexus navigation screen was no longer responsive with some features, but we are in a pandemic last year and naturally, my driving decreased. I finally got around to search online for services to take out the unit so I could get it fixed. Not only did Unexpected Creations had great feedback, but when I finally scheduled and arrived it "Exceeded my expectations!" Ron and Steve were attentive, reasonable, honest, and did a great job from start to finish to get things resolved. Not only was the process seamless, but the environment was clean, the lounge area was entertaining and cozy that time flew by the first, second, and third time I was serviced there. I am so glad to have them in my "Service Arsenal" for my car's electronic needs. Based on their recommendations, I plan to get more products added to my car from a new starter, headlights, and camera. I encourage anyone who is looking for quality at a reasonable price to give Unexpected Creations a chance. Your car will "Thank You" too. Again, check them out and I genuinely and personally offer my own "10-Star" rating. Finally, great value, service, and a team you can rely on. read more

Can't say enough positive things about these guys. I've been going to them for about 2 years, always walking in with a problem & leaving with a solution. Every job I've gone to them with has ALWAYS had something wrong. First it was a set of speakers and an amp I had installed at Strickly Windows in Bloomfield(NEVER GET ANY AUDIO/ELECTRICAL WORK DONE THERE,THAT GUY IS HORRIBLE!!)(The window tint guys are top notch tho) which unbeknownst to me was a nightmare. Dom & the guys told me it was the worst job they'd ever seen done! You should've seen they're faces smh. Nonetheless they fixed everything up & sent me a home a happy camper. I've gotten numerous speakers installed, an amp, sound deadening, HIDS and most recently fog lights. All running just as smooth as the day they were put in. The quality of work theses guys put in is unmatched. But more important than that is their integrity. They value you as a person. Dom won't sell you something you don't need, he won't charge you outrageous prices for difficult projects. He's more of a trusted advisor than a business man. Trust me when I say you're in good hands with these guys! read more

Since high school, I have been a car audio enthusiast. My first few systems were done at various car audio shops and always had something that was lacking. Years later, I finally owned a car wroth of high end audio system. I found Don and Unexpected Creations off a google search for best installers in the United States. After trading emails, we established my audio goals, equipment in my budget and arranged a time. Don was pleasant, very personable and extremely knowledgeable. His goal was to make you happy and he found ways to make my budget work. The install was flawless and the sound amazing. Don even took the time to dial in the cross-overs to my music taste. A few years later, I brought my car back for detailing - installing a new navigation and beefing up my amplification. We encountered some BMW gremlins with the changes, but Don and Steve worked effortlessly to make everything perfect. I cannot say enough good thing about this company and these men. If you are looking for above and beyond service, excellent quality and competitive pricing - go and see them. You will not be disappointed. read more

I recently purchased a 2020 Chevy Colorado. Last week I went out in the morning and it was caked with ice. I started it and went inside while it defrosted. I thought, I wish I had a remote starter in it. I went on line to check them out. Then I asked my girlfriends son in law where he gets all of his remote starters, stereos and other electronic accessories installed. He told me about Don at Unexpected Creations. He contacted him for me and Don got back to me right a way. I told him what I needed and he said he happened to have a rare opening the next day. He quoted me a great price so I went to his shop on Saturday. It is super clean and very nicely laid out. He has a great waiting room with a big screen TV and wifi. The work was completed in about 1 1/2 hours. The final price was exactly as quoted. I could not be happier. Don is a really great professional guy. He has all of the equipment to do a quality professional job. Check him out for your electronic needs, you will be glad you did. My girlfriend's son in law and daughter have had their cars worked on by Don since 2005. read more

As the representative and distributor of Sinfoni amplifiers & speakers and Atoll Electronics and the former 12 volt and home audio manager for Dynaudio. I look for ONLY quality dealers to properly represent products! Unexpected fits the criteria for one of the top dealers in the country. Dealers must fit the following criteria to represent our products: Excellence in product knowledge, experience on a high level, superior customer service with a focus of complete customer satisfaction, qualifying the customer correctly, and excellence in mobile audio knowledge and quality installation. He fits my high standards and criteria as a dealer and I am proud to have him as a dealer for home and mobile products. The products I represent are high-end and considered the best in their respective categories; I accept only professional and responsible dealers for my brands and Unexpected Creations IS one of those dealers. Whenever I have recommended a customer work with Mr. Don Amann i always have received a thank you call for the recommendation. read more

Professional, knowledgeable, experienced, and most importantly, passionate about car audio. I have been a DIY'er for over 30 years and have been immersed in high end car audio equipment, techniques, tools, etc. I always look to improve my next system upgrade. When I spoke to Don and his colleagues at Unexpected Creations I immediately knew I was dealing with people who know what they are doing. I doubt anyone will find a shop that is so committed to car audio as Don's, I spoke with him for a good 4 hours, and all his knowledge and guidance is exceptional, He helped me create the greatest system I have ever heard in a car, It is beyond my expectations. It doesn't end there, his prices are very reasonable considering how good the work is, and Don answers emails in a very timely fashion. He still gives me advice over a year later on tuning my system. I will always buy equipment and have work done at Unexpected Creations, I am truly delighted I found this shop. read more

Love the fact that the shop is a house with garage,looks very unsuspecting and nice.I pulled into the garage which looked fantastic.Spoke to Don which i had previously corresponded with about ten times.Very nice guy that Don. Don had asked if i was dropping off the car or staying.i asked how long the install of my head unit would take,he said about two hours i said i could wait, Don told me to follow him we went from the garage to this nice lounge that he has set up big screen 4K TV huge audio set up and of course all the parts like subs crossovers amps all kinds of stuff all around can't forget free WiFi and a place to charge your phone if it needs it.Don will go out of his way to make you feel comfortable.Watched one and a half episodes of law and order and the install was done.nice and clean.Price was fair. Support small bushiness like Don and Unexpected Creations because it's people like Don that make America a great place. read more