Get a Quote
25+
Years Experience
41+
5-Star Reviews
1,000+
Installs Completed
OEM+
Fitment Standard
R0
Hidden Extras
4.8V Clean RCA output
0.002% Total harmonic distortion
5× Signal vs competitors

Our D7 outputs 4.8V clean signal where competing units struggle to reach 0.9V. Verified with AudioControl SA-3052 RTA. See the data →

Wireless Apple CarPlay Android Auto Built-in GPS Navigation Reverse Camera Input Bluetooth 5.0+ Hands-Free Built-in DSP Tuning Dash Cam Integration 4G LTE + 5G WiFi OTA Firmware Updates Vehicle Warranty Safe Wireless Apple CarPlay Android Auto Built-in GPS Navigation Reverse Camera Input Bluetooth 5.0+ Hands-Free Built-in DSP Tuning Dash Cam Integration 4G LTE + 5G WiFi OTA Firmware Updates Vehicle Warranty Safe

Tested. Proven. Unmatched.

We don't sell boxes. We engineer sound systems.

Albert Nel and APEX Customs are part of a family of veteran car audio specialists, trained by industry legends including Brett Farquharson of Audio Motive Distributors — South Africa's Rockford Fosgate distributor since 1991. That's 25+ years of hands-on expertise behind every installation we do.

Our head unit range is independently bench tested with professional equipment — AudioControl SA-3052 RTA and oscilloscope analysis. The APEX D7 outputs 4.8V clean RCA signal. Competing units struggle to reach 0.9V. That's 5× the signal quality before it even reaches your amplifier. THD measures 0.002% — almost as clean as a dedicated DSP processor.

Your head unit is the ceiling of your entire audio system. Better speakers and amplifiers just expose a bad source. Cheap units start clipping at 65% volume — that distortion gets amplified to 50–60V by your external amp. Ask yourself: why don't our competitors publish their bench test data?

The APEX D7 takes digital output further than anything in its class. USB-C delivers a pristine digital signal directly to external DSPs, while optical and coaxial outputs support up to 192kHz/24-bit hi-res audio — configurable from within DuduOS 3.5+. To put that in perspective: only around 6% of Tidal's 100 million+ track library is available at hi-res quality. The D7's output capability matches or exceeds even Tidal Max's highest tier. The music industry is still catching up to what this hardware can deliver.

4.8V
RCA Output
0.002%
THD
5×
Signal Quality
25+
Years Experience

The Lineup

Three levels of brilliant.

Every unit professionally fitted with OEM+ trim plate, plug & play harness, canbus decoder, and full calibration. Just pick your level.

Great Value
APEX D3 Android Head Unit
Installation Included

APEX D3

Everything you need. Nothing you don't.

R6,999 fitted
  • ✓ 9" IPS Display — 1280×720 resolution
  • ✓ Android 14 · DUDU OS 3.7+
  • ✓ 8-Core UIS8581A processor
  • ✓ 4GB RAM / 64GB storage
  • ✓ Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
  • ✓ Qualcomm 3031 Bluetooth 5.0
  • ✓ YD7388 amp · TM2313 ASP DSP
  • ✓ Triple-mode GPS (L1, B1, E1)
  • ✓ 4G LTE · 5G WiFi · OTA updates
Get APEX D3 Quote →

All-in price: OEM+ trim plate, plug & play harness, canbus decoder, professional fitment included.

★ Most Popular
APEX D5 Android Head Unit
Installation Included

APEX D5

The sweet spot. Seriously capable.

R8,999 fitted
  • ✓ 9.5" In-Cell Display — 1280×720
  • ✓ Android 14 · DUDU OS 3.7+
  • ✓ 8-Core UIS7862 · 6nm · A76 arch
  • ✓ 4GB RAM / 64GB storage
  • ✓ Wired + Wireless CarPlay & AA
  • ✓ Qualcomm 3031 Bluetooth 5.0
  • ✓ TDA7851 amp · AK7604 DSP
  • ✓ Fibre optic + Coaxial + RCA output
  • ✓ 360° camera chip (built-in)
  • ✓ Triple-mode GPS · 4G · 5G WiFi
Get APEX D5 Quote →

All-in price: OEM+ trim plate, plug & play harness, canbus decoder, professional fitment included.

Flagship
APEX D7 2K QLED Android Head Unit
Installation Included

APEX D7

Uncompromised. The best there is.

R13,999 fitted
  • ✓ 9.5" 2K QLED — 2000×1200
  • ✓ Android 14 · DUDU OS 3.7+
  • ✓ 8-Core UIS7870 · 6nm · A76 arch
  • ✓ 6GB RAM / 64GB · UFS 3.1
  • ✓ Wired + Wireless CarPlay & AA
  • ✓ Qualcomm 3031 Bluetooth 5.1 · aptX HD
  • ✓ TDA7808 amp · AKM7739 DSP + 3×5532 OpAmps
  • ✓ USB-C 3.2 Gen1 · 3× USB 2.0
  • ✓ Optical + Coaxial + RCA 5.1ch output
  • ✓ 360° camera chip · Dual-band L1+L5 GPS
  • ✓ Digital noise-cancelling mic · DTS 5.1
Get APEX D7 Quote →

All-in price: OEM+ trim plate, plug & play harness, canbus decoder, professional fitment included.

Limited fitment slots available this month — Book your install date via WhatsApp to secure your spot. Book now →

Compare

Side by side.

See exactly what you get at each level.

Specification APEX D3
R6,999		 APEX D5 ★
R8,999		 APEX D7
R13,999
Display 9" IPS 1280×720 9.5" In-Cell 1280×720 9.5" 2K QLED 2000×1200
Processor 8-Core UIS8581A 8-Core UIS7862 (6nm) 8-Core UIS7870 (6nm)
RAM / Storage 4GB / 64GB 4GB / 64GB 6GB / 64GB UFS 3.1
Operating System Android 14 · DUDU OS 3.7+ Android 14 · DUDU OS 3.7+ Android 14 · DUDU OS 3.7+
Amplifier YD7388 TDA7851 Class AB TDA7808 Digital Class AB
DSP TM2313 ASP AK7604 AKM7739 + 3×5532 OpAmps
CarPlay Wireless Wired + Wireless Wired + Wireless
Bluetooth 5.0 (QCC3031) 5.0 (QCC3031) 5.1 (QCC3031) + aptX HD
Digital Audio Out RCA only Fibre Optic + Coaxial + RCA Optical + Coaxial + RCA 5.1ch
360° Camera Chip — Built-in Built-in
USB Ports 2× USB 2.0 3× USB 2.0 1× USB-C 3.2 + 3× USB 2.0
GPS Triple-mode (L1, B1, E1) Triple-mode (L1, B1, E1) Dual-band L1+L5 (6-mode)
Noise-Cancelling Mic — — Included
DTS 5.1 Surround — — Supported

What's Included

Everything. Sorted.

Every APEX head unit install comes with everything you need. No hidden fees, no surprise extras.

Head Unit

Your chosen APEX D3, D5, or D7 — backed by independent bench test data.

OEM+ Trim Plate

Vehicle-specific bezel for a factory-flush fit. No gaps, no wobble.

Plug & Play Harness

Dedicated wiring harness for your make and model. Zero cut factory wires. 100% reversible.

Canbus Decoder

Retains steering wheel controls, factory camera, parking sensors — everything stays working.

ACCESSORIES

Complete Your Setup

Add the finishing touches to your head unit install. Professionally fitted alongside your unit for a seamless, integrated result.

2K DVR Dash Camera — front view
2K DVR Dash Camera — angle view
2K DVR Dash Camera — detail view
Installation Included

2K DVR Dash Camera

R1,499 fitted

Crystal-clear 2K recording with wide-angle lens. Professional installation included — integrates seamlessly with your head unit.

Wireless Steering Wheel Controller
Wireless Steering Wheel Controller — packaging
Wireless Steering Wheel Controller — detail
Installation Included

Wireless Steering Wheel Controller

R999 fitted

Full wireless control of your head unit from the steering wheel. Volume, track skip, voice assistant — without taking your hands off the wheel.

TPMS Tyre Pressure Monitoring System — sensor kit
TPMS Tyre Pressure Monitoring System — display view
TPMS Tyre Pressure Monitoring System — sensors
TPMS Tyre Pressure Monitoring System — packaging
TPMS Tyre Pressure Monitoring System — detail
TPMS Tyre Pressure Monitoring System — installed
Installation Included

TPMS Tyre Pressure Monitoring

R1,999 fitted

Real-time tyre pressure and temperature monitoring directly on your head unit display. Internal and external sensor options available. Never risk a blowout again.

Reverse Camera — Sony 662 sensor
Reverse Camera — Audi style
Reverse Camera — white background view
Reverse Camera — detail view
Installation Included

Reverse Camera

R1,499 fitted

Professional-grade reverse camera with seamless head unit integration. Automatic activation when you shift into reverse. Crystal-clear image for safe parking every time.

OBD Vehicle Scanner — Bluetooth OBD2 reader

OBD Vehicle Scanner

R999

Plug-in OBD2 scanner connects directly to your head unit via Bluetooth. Read fault codes, monitor engine data, check live diagnostics — all from your dashboard display.

★ Best Seller
360° Camera System — bird's-eye surround view
360° Camera System — four-camera array
360° Camera System — installation detail
Installation Included

360° Camera System

From R5,995 fitted

Complete 360-degree surround view directly on your head unit. Four cameras provide a seamless bird's-eye view for parking and tight spaces. Professional calibration included — fitment ranges from R5,995 to R8,995 depending on vehicle complexity (1-2 day installation).

The APEX Difference

Why cheap installs cost more.

Every shortcut a fitment centre takes is a problem you'll pay for later. Here's what we do differently.

Cheap flea market units vs.
APEX head units.

South Africa is flooded with sub-R3,000 head units from Takealot, flea markets, and Facebook sellers. They look the same in photos. They are not the same in reality.

Generic R2,000 units
  • ✗ Resistive touchscreen — not capacitive
  • ✗ 1GB RAM — freezes on Google Maps
  • ✗ No canbus — steering controls lost
  • ✗ Wireless CarPlay drops constantly
  • ✗ Cheap amp with audible hiss
  • ✗ No local warranty or support
  • ✗ No firmware updates — ever
  • ✗ Dead within 12–18 months
APEX head units
  • ✓ Capacitive In-Cell or 2K QLED screens
  • ✓ 4–6GB RAM — smooth multitasking
  • ✓ Qualcomm BT chip — rock-solid wireless
  • ✓ Proper amplifier + dedicated DSP stage
  • ✓ OTA firmware updates for life
  • ✓ Professional calibration at install
  • ✓ Direct WhatsApp support from Albert
  • ✓ Independent bench test data published

A note on spec sheets. After installing hundreds of head units professionally, we've learned that processor speed and RAM are only part of the story. Wireless CarPlay connectivity, correct vehicle-specific wiring harness compatibility, and accessible after-sales support matter just as much in daily use — and these are areas where even well-marketed mid-market units can fall short. A unit that looks impressive on paper can still require extensive troubleshooting after installation. Always ask whether real-world experience backs up what the spec sheet promises.

01

We never cut factory wiring.

Every APEX install uses vehicle-specific plug & play harnesses and canbus decoders. Your factory wiring stays untouched. Your vehicle warranty stays intact. The entire install is reversible to stock in under an hour.

02

Proper OEM+ fitment.

We source vehicle-specific trim plates and bezels so your new head unit sits flush in the dash — like it came from the factory. No gaps around the edges. No wobbling screen. No cable-tie engineering.

03

25+ years of experience.

APEX Customs has been engineering car audio and electronics for over 25 years with 41+ verified five-star reviews on Google. Competition sound quality systems, custom enclosures, hundreds of DSP setups. A head unit install is second nature.

04

Every function verified after fitment.

After installation, we test every function — CarPlay, Bluetooth, GPS, reverse camera, steering wheel controls, audio output — before you get your keys back. Our head unit range is also backed by independent bench test data verifying the published specifications.

05

Real support after the sale.

If you have a question next week, next month, or next year — you WhatsApp us and get an answer from the person who fitted your unit. We provide ongoing firmware update support, troubleshooting, and system advice for as long as you own the vehicle.

06

DSP-ready for future upgrades.

The APEX D5 and D7 have fibre optic and coaxial digital outputs — perfect for adding a dedicated DSP processor like the Helix DSP Mini or DSP PRO. Your head unit becomes the source for a full audiophile-grade sound system.

GOOGLE REVIEWS

41+ five-star reviews.

Don't take our word for it. Here's what real customers say on Google.

5.0
41+ reviews on Google
★★★★★

"Excellent Head Unit — I'm absolutely delighted! Great service and communication. I highly recommend APEX and Albert for their great service and brilliant products."

Michael Calvert-Smith

Mar 2026

★★★★★

"The installation was done to perfection. Professional service by friendly helpful personnel. Sound quality is amazing!! If you want the best, this is the place!!"

Peet Haefele

Mar 2026

★★★★★

"Albert was very helpful from the start, and highly skilled. I'm very happy with the system he installed in my vehicle. Excellent quality. I definitely recommend APEX Customs."

Lizl Croucamp

Mar 2026

★★★★★

"Amazing, professional experience with Albert. He transformed my vehicles' sound to something I did not expect. It's great. Can highly recommend his services."

Wicus Wessels

Sep 2025

★★★★★

"APEX Customs is hands down the best car audio expert in Mossel Bay! Albert and his team delivers exceptional service..."

Jurgens Prinsloo

Jan 2025

★★★★★

"I had a fantastic experience with Apex Customs and with Albert (owner). I wanted to upgrade my old unit and Albert made it happen perfectly."

Dawid Van der Merwe

Mar 2026

★★★★★

"Albert is a very passionate and knowledgeable person in his art. I asked for a Sound Quality system in my car and I got exactly that."

cjovaras5566

Aug 2025

★★★★★

"Awesome service, from start to finish. We discussed what I wanted and he recommended what he considered the best way. The result exceeded my expectations."

Andrew Els

Mar 2024

★★★★★

"During the busy holiday season, Albert went above and beyond to support us. He consistently demonstrated patience and delivered a top-quality product."

Thinus Mouton

Feb 2024

★★★★★

"What an experience — best service for all car needs. As the supplier of Rockford they did an outstanding job on the sound install."

Deane Henard Hattingh

Feb 2025

★★★★★

"Die werk was uitstekend en super netjies gedoen. Die eienaar en sy werkers kan trots wees op die gehalte werk wat hulle lewer. Ons is meer as tevrede."

Johan Smit

Jan 2024

★★★★★

"Thank you Albert for the great work and detail you put into my car, also the extra mile to get the job done in a short time."

Rudy vd Merwe

Apr 2024

★★★★★

"Best of the best. The service 100% you won't regret it. Apex deserves 7 stars."

Ewan Alexander

Sept 2023

★★★★★

"Professional service with a smile. Delivered a top quality product."

Braam Swanepoel

Jan 2023

★★★★★

"Amazing job done with extra attention to detail. Thanks!"

Dawie De Jager

Feb 2026

★★★★★

"The installation was done to perfection. Professional service by friendly helpful personnel. Sound quality is amazing!! If you want the best, this is the place!!"

Peet Haefele

Mar 2026

★★★★★

"Albert was very helpful from the start, and highly skilled. I'm very happy with the system he installed in my vehicle. Excellent quality. I definitely recommend APEX Customs."

Lizl Croucamp

Mar 2026

★★★★★

"Amazing, professional experience with Albert. He transformed my vehicles' sound to something I did not expect. It's great. Can highly recommend his services."

Wicus Wessels

Sep 2025

★★★★★

"APEX Customs is hands down the best car audio expert in Mossel Bay! Albert and his team delivers exceptional service..."

Jurgens Prinsloo

Jan 2025

★★★★★

"I had a fantastic experience with Apex Customs and with Albert (owner). I wanted to upgrade my old unit and Albert made it happen perfectly."

Dawid Van der Merwe

Mar 2026

★★★★★

"Albert is a very passionate and knowledgeable person in his art. I asked for a Sound Quality system in my car and I got exactly that."

cjovaras5566

Aug 2025

★★★★★

"Awesome service, from start to finish. We discussed what I wanted and he recommended what he considered the best way. The result exceeded my expectations."

Andrew Els

Mar 2024

★★★★★

"During the busy holiday season, Albert went above and beyond to support us. He consistently demonstrated patience and delivered a top-quality product."

Thinus Mouton

Feb 2024

★★★★★

"What an experience — best service for all car needs. As the supplier of Rockford they did an outstanding job on the sound install."

Deane Henard Hattingh

Feb 2025

★★★★★

"Die werk was uitstekend en super netjies gedoen. Die eienaar en sy werkers kan trots wees op die gehalte werk wat hulle lewer. Ons is meer as tevrede."

Johan Smit

Jan 2024

★★★★★

"Thank you Albert for the great work and detail you put into my car, also the extra mile to get the job done in a short time."

Rudy vd Merwe

Apr 2024

★★★★★

"Best of the best. The service 100% you won't regret it. Apex deserves 7 stars."

Ewan Alexander

Sept 2023

★★★★★

"Professional service with a smile. Delivered a top quality product."

Braam Swanepoel

Jan 2023

★★★★★

"Amazing job done with extra attention to detail. Thanks!"

Dawie De Jager

Feb 2026

FAQ

Questions answered.

Everything you need to know before upgrading.

No. Every APEX install uses plug & play harnesses and canbus decoders — we never cut or modify your factory wiring. The installation is 100% reversible to stock, which means your vehicle warranty is not affected. This is one of the key reasons to choose a professional installer over a cheap fitment centre.

Most head unit installations are completed same-day. Drop off your vehicle in the morning and collect it in the afternoon. More complex installations (360 camera systems, DSP integration, amplifier installs) may require a full day. We'll confirm the timeline when we quote.

The APEX D3 is our great-value entry level — a capable 9" IPS unit with wireless CarPlay and 4GB RAM. The APEX D5 is our most popular choice — it adds a 6nm processor, digital audio outputs for future DSP upgrades, and a built-in 360 camera chip. The APEX D7 is the flagship — a 2K QLED display, 6GB RAM, USB-C, DTS 5.1 surround, and the best amplifier and DSP chipset available. Check the comparison table for full details.

Yes — all APEX units use a Qualcomm QCC3031 Bluetooth chip, which is the industry standard for reliable wireless connectivity. The D5 and D7 also support wired CarPlay/Android Auto via USB as a backup. Once paired, your phone connects automatically every time you start the vehicle.

Not all head units achieve this in practice. Based on professional installation experience, wireless CarPlay reliability varies significantly between brands — units without a dedicated Qualcomm BT chip frequently produce connection failures that require extensive troubleshooting. The Bluetooth chip specification is worth checking before you buy.

Yes. The included canbus decoder retains your factory steering wheel controls, door open/close signals, reverse camera trigger, and parking sensor display. We configure everything during installation so it works exactly as it did before — with added functionality through the new head unit.

Yes — the vehicles listed on our site are just the most popular models we work with. We can source trim plates, harnesses, and canbus decoders for most vehicles on the South African market. WhatsApp us your vehicle make, model, and year with a photo of your current dashboard, and we'll confirm compatibility and pricing.

In most cases, yes. The canbus decoder retains the factory camera signal and routes it to the new head unit. If your vehicle doesn't have a factory camera, we can add an aftermarket reverse camera as part of the installation at an additional cost.

Yes. All APEX units receive OTA (over-the-air) firmware updates directly from the manufacturer. These updates improve performance, add features, and fix bugs. You can update via WiFi or 4G LTE directly from the head unit — no laptop needed. APEX also provides ongoing update support if you need help.

We have vehicle-specific fitment solutions for 10+ of the most popular models on South African roads — including the Toyota Hilux, Fortuner, Land Cruiser 76 and 79, Ford Ranger T6 and T7, Ford Everest T6 and T7, and more. Each fitment uses a dedicated OEM+ trim plate, plug & play harness, and canbus decoder sourced specifically for your make and model. WhatsApp us your vehicle make, model, year, and a photo of your current dashboard — we'll confirm compatibility and quote you accurately.

All APEX head units come with a manufacturer's warranty. Because we use plug & play harnesses and never cut factory wiring, your vehicle manufacturer's warranty is also unaffected. Our head unit range is backed by independent bench test data, and every installation is fully function-tested after fitment. Post-sale, you have direct WhatsApp support with the person who installed your unit — not a call centre. OTA firmware updates are available for the lifetime of the unit.

Our workshop is based in Mossel Bay, and we serve customers from across the Garden Route — including George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Oudtshoorn, Wilderness, Sedgefield, and Hartenbos. Many customers drive to us from across the region for a same-day install. We can also arrange shipping of the head unit only (without fitting) to anywhere in South Africa — WhatsApp us to discuss options.

Before you shop around…

You probably can — and you're welcome to. But have you calculated what that actually costs you?

A cheaper box from Takealot or a Facebook seller doesn't include 26 years of professional fitment experience. It doesn't include someone who knows how to remove your dashboard trim without cracking it, route the wiring without damaging factory looms, or configure the canbus decoder so your steering wheel controls and parking sensors still work perfectly.

It also doesn't include OEM+ trim plates sourced for your specific vehicle, professional DSP calibration, post-install function testing, or direct WhatsApp support from the person who fitted it.

We've seen what happens when cheap installs go wrong — cracked dash trims, cut factory wiring, units that freeze, cameras that never trigger, and warranty claims that go nowhere because there's no local support. Fixing someone else's mistakes costs more than doing it right the first time.

Our price is all-in. The unit, the trim plate, the harness, the canbus decoder, the professional installation, the calibration, and the ongoing support. When you add fitting, parts, and a proper warranty to that cheaper unit, the gap closes fast — and the experience doesn't compare.

Did you really factor all of that into your price comparison?

No — we only install units supplied by APEX Customs. There's a good reason for this.

When we supply the unit, we guarantee the full chain: the hardware, the harness compatibility, the canbus decoder configuration, the installation quality, and the after-sales support. If anything goes wrong — firmware, hardware, connectivity — we handle it directly. One point of contact, one warranty, no finger-pointing.

When a customer brings a unit purchased from somewhere else, we inherit someone else's supply chain. We can't verify the firmware version, we can't guarantee harness compatibility, and if the unit has a defect, the customer is stuck between us and a distant seller who won't take responsibility. We've been through this enough times to know it never ends well for the customer.

This isn't about margin — it's about accountability. We stand behind every install we do, and we can only do that when we control the full process from start to finish.

Because there's a real difference between a professional installation and a cheap one — and you'll notice it every single day you drive your vehicle.

A cheaper installer might get the screen to turn on. But do they test the CAN-bus integration across every function? Do they verify wireless CarPlay stability? Do they calibrate the DSP output? Do they know how to remove your specific dashboard trim without marking or cracking the plastics? Do they carry vehicle-specific trim plates, or are they shimming a generic bezel with foam tape?

We are a specialist automotive workshop — not a side hustle, not a garage operation, not someone selling boxes from their living room. We've built over 1,000 custom vehicles in 26 years. Head units, competition sound systems, DSP setups, custom fabrication. This is what we do, every day, and every install gets the same attention to detail.

The R1,500 you think you're saving on a cheaper install is the difference between a proper OEM+ result and something you'll be embarrassed to look at in six months. Our 41+ five-star Google reviews aren't an accident — they're the result of doing this properly, every time.

How It Works

Four steps to a new dashboard.

Send us your details

Fill in our quick form or WhatsApp us your vehicle details and a dash photo. No sales call. No pressure.

Get an accurate quote

We confirm the exact trim plate, harness, and canbus decoder for your specific vehicle. One price. Everything included.

Book your install date

Choose a day that works for you. Drop off in the morning, collect in the afternoon. Most installs done same-day.

Drive away upgraded

Every function tested. CarPlay connected. Camera calibrated. Your old car feels brand new — and you've got direct support for life.

Ready to upgrade?

Fill in our quick form — tell us your vehicle, pick your unit and accessories, and upload a dash photo. We'll get back to you with an accurate, no-obligation quote — usually within the hour.

Get Your Quote Call 073 501 6226

Service Area

Garden Route & surrounds.

Based in Mossel Bay, we serve customers across the full length of the Garden Route — and beyond.

Garden Route, South Africa
N2 corridor — Mossel Bay to Storms River

We serve the whole Garden Route.

Our fitment workshop is based in Mossel Bay. Customers drive to us from across the Garden Route for a professional same-day install. Here's where we regularly see customers from:

Mossel Bay George Knysna Plettenberg Bay Oudtshoorn Wilderness Sedgefield Hartenbos Great Brak River Albertinia Riversdale Stilbaai

Outside the Garden Route? We can ship the head unit to you anywhere in South Africa. WhatsApp us your details and we'll work out the best option.