OEM Audio + 5th Gen 4Runner audio system

Thanks guys - Amazon spoils me, so I always expect within-a-week service now... :)
Secret Squirrel, Im interested in your screen name..... Any relation to the "secret squirrel" missions the B-52 did back in the day?
I was with a C-130 command and control unit that did a ton of "secretsquirrel shit", so I adopted the screen name when the internet found its feet...
Did some work with the buffs though :)
 
Thanks guys

I was with a C-130 command and control unit that did a ton of "secretsquirrel shit", so I adopted the screen name when the internet found its feet...
Did some work with the buffs though :)

Very Cool!

I worked on the AGM-86C (Where the term Secret squirrel was based on), AGM-86B, and AGM-129 (Since retired) when I was in the Air Force years ago.
 
Overall very impressed with my OEM Audio + setup, ordered 6/30/17 received 7/12/17 and also received the email screenshot above with the update on the 6x9 shipping. Took me about 6 hours to install the amp and other speakers as this was my first time disassembling most of these sections of the vehicle. The Youtube installation video is quite comprehensive and easy to follow.

I'm a big fan of this "plug and play" type install, as others have mentioned for $1600 its certainly possible to get better components but it would require a certain level of audio installation background and wire cutting / splicing / running to get it operational. For how clean this install looks with not needing to cut a single stock wire, this solution is definitely the way to go for the average 4Runner owner looking to improve their audio.

As far as the audio quality, I'm no audiophile but I'd consider it night and day. I'll start off by saying my stock 2017 TRD OR-P Entune system never really sounded that bad to me, I'd had it for several months and really did find it adequate for anything I wanted to listen to, but I did feel that the highs could be clearer and bass didn't feel 'full'. Since I had already considered the stock system "pretty good" I wasn't really sure what kind of improvement I'd get from this upgrade and wasn't really expecting too much. Even without the 6x9's installed yet the audio quality blows me away, I'd compare the audio experience to what you get from high end headphones or a quality home theater system. The highs are crystal clear and sharp across the whole range of notes and the bass is deep and fills the vehicle nicely. Where on my stock system I'd turn the volume up to 40-45 to really get some sound going (albeit distorted to an extent), on the new OEM Audio a volume of 30 is certainly more clear and more loud. Riding around bumping some some heavy music such as Future or Space Jesus can really produce some insane BASS that will impress almost anyone.

Long story short, if you're on the fence I recommend going for it, this has definitely been an upgrade I've been very happy with so far (and there's still 2 speakers yet to arrive!)
Great update. Did you do any sound proofing on door skins?
Thx
 
Great update. Did you do any sound proofing on door skins?
Thx

Based on the things I had read across various threads, I figured I might as well tackle sound deadening to an extent while I had the doors apart. You can certainly go from minimum (deadening mats / CLD) to all-out (CLD + CCF + MLV) as far materials and applications, but I chose to go for the bare minimum as I wasn't sure exactly how much this would improve my sound nor was I interested in spending too much down this line past the $1600 for the system. So to answer your question I did no "sound proofing" (which would require the all out approach) but I did do some "sound deadening". Search around some threads if you'd like more information on the difference.

I got this and a roller to help with application:
https://www.amazon.com/Noico-deaden...id=1500313346&sr=8-3&keywords=sound+deadening

While it may not perform at the level of much more pricey top of the line deadening mats, I found the product to be great and perfectly serve its purpose. It's very heavy. While the door skins were off, I carefully peeled up the blueish plastic sheet that covers the big hole in the door. This can be a ***** as the thick black tar that holds it on isn't the easiest thing to separate but as long as you make sure the tar remains either on the plastic sheet or the door you should have no problem sticking it back when you're done. Once the hole was accessible, I cut the deadening material into rectangles as big as would fit and just pasted them around the inside, I probably ended up with around 50% coverage on the doors and used the "Knock" test around the door and found a substantial change in tone from when I started. The blue plastic sheet can then be re-attached using the original tar.

While I can't comment on what difference it made since I did it at the same time as the speaker installs, it certainly couldn't have hurt for only $60 in mats. The extra mass on the doors has to help reduce any unwanted vibration. I had a TON of deadening material left over after doing the two rear doors and decided to save any further deadening for a rainy day since it's quite labor intensive. It's not a particularly fun task so that's why I stopped after 2 doors and skipped the rear hatch for now, its easy to cut up your hands when reaching into the doors and such and peeling up the factory plastic sheet is pretty awful. Once my 6x9's arrive I'll do the same for the front doors and probably go back and hit the rear tailgate at that time too. I've seen some threads about doing the floor / roof / hood but I'm not sure I'd want to go that far so I'll probably end up just sticking the material wherever I think vibration reduction could be used. I found this useful for the money at least since once you start going into the CCF and MLV for "sound-proofing" you are easily headed into hundreds of $$$ of materials.
 
Speaking of overpriced, you didn't seem to mind buying an overpriced 4runner (TRD Pro). Show me another completely plug and play system that is the same price.

You mad bro? Not everyone here needs a plug and play system to install a speaker. God forbid you might actually have to cut a wire or two!
 
Last edited:
You mad bro? Not everyone here needs a plug and play system to install a speaker. God forbid you might actually have to cut a wire or two!

Not at all. not everyone here needs a plug and play overpriced 4runner either :becky:

Sounds like you're the one that's mad. If I had to spend $10,000 extra for some 6112/5160 shocks, and some black badges id be mad too.

Im an Electrical Engineer by trade, so its nice not to have to come home and "cut wires" too
 
Last edited:
What do u recommend for an amateur diy person?

I’ve had great experiences with Mosconi amps and DSP’s. I know they have a line of very compact amps with built in DSP’s that I’ll eventually be putting into my ride. I wouldn’t say you need to be an expert to install your own system, half of the process is identical to a plug and play system like this - access the back of the head unit, run power to an amp from the battery to your mounting location, take door panels off, change speakers out, etc. only real difference is running new speaker wire which you can imagine isn’t very hard. At this price point, you can have a high end tunable DSP and a nice set of component speakers getting around 80-100w per piece. For the sub, I do like the enclosure they sell with this system but they won’t selll it separately, so you’d be looking at making your own with fiberglass or getting a shop with a 3D printer to print one for you.
 
Not at all. not everyone here needs a plug and play overpriced 4runner either :becky:

Sounds like you're the one that's mad. If I had to spend $10,000 extra for some 6112/5160 shocks, and some black badges id be mad too.

Im an Electrical Engineer by trade, so its nice not to have to come home and cut wires too

wouldn’t expect you to be driving one
 
wouldn’t expect you to be driving one

robert-downey-jr-rolls-eyes.jpg



Anyways......


6x9s should be here next week. Im looking forward to getting mine.
 
Bringing us back on topic .... :)

Had the kit installed yesterday, sound improvement is outstanding. Quality work for sure. I would suggest picking up this kit, I can't wait for the 6x9s!

Semper Fi
Sgt Klotzy
 
So tempted to order this, but still can't get myself to pull the trigger without hearing it in person. Does anyone in the St. Louis area have this system installed by chance?

Matt
 

Members online

No members online now.

Forum statistics

Threads
278,312
Messages
3,554,089
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top