FlightMedic303
New member
Thanks man, just 6 more weeks... I'm with West Metro Fire Rescue.
OEM Audio + 5th Gen 4Runner audio system
- Thread starter headpaneer
- Start date
Thanks man, just 6 more weeks... I'm with West Metro Fire Rescue.
Last weekend I installed my OEM Audio Plus 500Q system. I started the install by finishing up my sound deadening project from last fall.
I completed the rear cargo area up to the rear passenger door well. I covered all the bare metal surfaces I could get to easily and covered the floor area with a layer of Ensolite. All my deadening materials were purchased from Raam Audio. It is a putty based covering with the standard foil facing we’ve all come to expect. The Ensolite is like a yoga mat that is self adhesive. Last fall I used the products in all the doors and the rear hatch. Behind each speaker I used 2 layers of Raam Mat and one layer of Ensolite as described in their install guide. Each door took about 1.5 hours to complete. I covered as much bare metal as I could reach.
On with the install. I am always fighting time, so Wednesday morning I installed the rear hatch speakers, rear doors and tweeters. I was taking my time, being careful and it took about 1.5 hours. The front driver and passenger doors took about 1.5 hours total. The speaker wire hook up location is on the side, as these speakers are from OEM Audio’s Tacoma system. Trying to separate the wires from their original bundle was a bit painful as the wires are all very small gauge, so going after the tape with a knife could have easily caused a nick or two. After those were finished, I was out of time for the day.
I listened to the new speakers with the stock head unit for 2 solid days. If I didn’t have the amp and sub sitting in a box already, it would have been pretty easy to say the upgrade was complete. The difference was night and day versus the stock speakers. There were actual clear vocals, real bass and a clear midrange. It lacked a bit of punch with no amp or sub, but it was still much better than the stock system.
This wasn’t the end of my journey, so Friday morning I started the rear sound deadening. I installed the rear sub wires as I was buttoning up the rear panels. It was pretty easy as everything was out of the way. I then proceeded to tackle the amp and DSP (digital signal processor) install. They are one unit that mounts under the passenger seat on the provided bracket. This is where I hit my first snag. It had one large gate style connector, not the two separate ones shown in the install video. The amp was oriented so that the plug was on the inboard side, not outboard as shown in the video. After figuring out the bracket needed to mount on the left side springs, not the right ones, I got it mounted. There are 2 holes in the seat frame. I ended up using the left hole that was elongated. The video shows using the hole on the right that is round. The amp wasn’t straight using the round hole, using the left hole made it all straight and correct looking.
I routed the wires that were to go to the head unit along the factory wire chase under the sills. I realized the umbilical was going to be short after doing a quick run to the head unit outside of the dash. Luckily I read a few comments on the install video, so that gave me some ideas. The next morning, I removed the amp and bracket and flipped the amp around, so that the plug was on the outboard side. The bracket had to be redrilled to accomplish the flip. I only gained about 3 inches of wire because the gate connector had to be flipped, causing the wire connections to be terminating to the rear, instead of the front as it was before. I found a lower route to run the wires, right in front of the glove box hinge area, not the prescribed path above the glove box. I had to loosen the one bolt on the passenger seat foot well heater cup to get all four connectors up to the head unit. I had just enough wire to get everything connected. The good news is OEM Audio has already made the change to supply a longer wiring loom. No one else should have to deal with that issue!
I finished up by fishing the wire out the rubber grommet on the passenger side and connecting the power wire to the battery. To my delight, everything powered up and I didn’t have any strange dash lights!!
Now on to the good part. What does it sound like? Was it worth the price and install effort? We'll get to that in a minute. Backstory, I’m a home audio guy and have been for the last 20ish years. I have a dedicated listening room filled with audio gear that makes me smile and my friend’s jaws drop. I feel like I know good audio sound. I understand that environment is everything and good components are only as good as the time and effort you spend to make them work in that environment. You can throw great components together in a “system”, but it rarely translates immediately into great sound. I’ve tried that, it doesn’t work!!
OEM Audio Plus has done a terrific job of taking a harsh listening environment, a vehicle, and have made it a much more enjoyable. Does it compare to my home audio set up, no it doesn’t. My home system is worth more than my 4Runner was brand new. I could not expect it to sound the same, and I didn’t expect it to. I'm not after perfect sound in my truck. I have better things to spend my money on that will get me out in the wild. The radio is something I listen to every time I use the truck. I have never upgraded a stereo in any car before. This system was beyond miserable and I did not enjoy in listening to it, even for talk radio. So, what’s the final verdict? I absolutely love the sound quality of the new system. I’m not 20 years old, so I don’t need to bump down the road. All aspects of the music are clean and controlled, undistorted and a pleasure to listen to. There is an actual soundstage now, and it’s difficult to identify individual speaker locations in the vehicle. These are all qualities of a well put together audio system. This is an upgrade I get to enjoy every time I drive somewhere. I now sit and finish songs even though I’ve reached my destination. I never did that in the past with the 4Runner. I would do this upgrade again without hesitation.
What are the negatives? I feel like the system could use a little more low volume punch. Around volume level of 20, the system really starts to cook and around 30 it really comes alive. OEM Audio suggests you set the factory EQ to flat, neither plus nor minus in any categories. I have listened for a solid week and cannot get to that setting. It may be my sound deadening. They used a stock 4Runner with no additional sound help to develop the system. My sound deadening had some effect on the sound because the stock speakers sounded better after I installed it. The good news is that the amp and DSP can be adjusted for my preferences and conditions. I may do that in the future, but not now.
I’ve learned audio isn’t a sprint, but a slow walk up to your desired result. It may take a few months for things to burn in properly. Making changes before really learning what is happening is just wasting time in my opinion. I’d install this system again in a heartbeat. It’s worth every penny as it’s developed specifically for the 4Runner by a well regarded audio company. I could have rolled the dice on a local install, but who knows what I would have gotten. A sliced up wiring loom, bad sound, shorts, no warranty, etc. If you’re hesitant to spend the money, reach out to OEM AUDIO to see if someone has the system close to you. I expect 9 times out of 10, it will take you 5 minutes or less to decide that it’s the right path.
I’ll post a few pictures from the steps that I have. As I got into the install I was fighting time, so there are details I didn’t capture with pictures. Sorry, but you can reach out with any additional questions you may have.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
I completed the rear cargo area up to the rear passenger door well. I covered all the bare metal surfaces I could get to easily and covered the floor area with a layer of Ensolite. All my deadening materials were purchased from Raam Audio. It is a putty based covering with the standard foil facing we’ve all come to expect. The Ensolite is like a yoga mat that is self adhesive. Last fall I used the products in all the doors and the rear hatch. Behind each speaker I used 2 layers of Raam Mat and one layer of Ensolite as described in their install guide. Each door took about 1.5 hours to complete. I covered as much bare metal as I could reach.
On with the install. I am always fighting time, so Wednesday morning I installed the rear hatch speakers, rear doors and tweeters. I was taking my time, being careful and it took about 1.5 hours. The front driver and passenger doors took about 1.5 hours total. The speaker wire hook up location is on the side, as these speakers are from OEM Audio’s Tacoma system. Trying to separate the wires from their original bundle was a bit painful as the wires are all very small gauge, so going after the tape with a knife could have easily caused a nick or two. After those were finished, I was out of time for the day.
I listened to the new speakers with the stock head unit for 2 solid days. If I didn’t have the amp and sub sitting in a box already, it would have been pretty easy to say the upgrade was complete. The difference was night and day versus the stock speakers. There were actual clear vocals, real bass and a clear midrange. It lacked a bit of punch with no amp or sub, but it was still much better than the stock system.
This wasn’t the end of my journey, so Friday morning I started the rear sound deadening. I installed the rear sub wires as I was buttoning up the rear panels. It was pretty easy as everything was out of the way. I then proceeded to tackle the amp and DSP (digital signal processor) install. They are one unit that mounts under the passenger seat on the provided bracket. This is where I hit my first snag. It had one large gate style connector, not the two separate ones shown in the install video. The amp was oriented so that the plug was on the inboard side, not outboard as shown in the video. After figuring out the bracket needed to mount on the left side springs, not the right ones, I got it mounted. There are 2 holes in the seat frame. I ended up using the left hole that was elongated. The video shows using the hole on the right that is round. The amp wasn’t straight using the round hole, using the left hole made it all straight and correct looking.
I routed the wires that were to go to the head unit along the factory wire chase under the sills. I realized the umbilical was going to be short after doing a quick run to the head unit outside of the dash. Luckily I read a few comments on the install video, so that gave me some ideas. The next morning, I removed the amp and bracket and flipped the amp around, so that the plug was on the outboard side. The bracket had to be redrilled to accomplish the flip. I only gained about 3 inches of wire because the gate connector had to be flipped, causing the wire connections to be terminating to the rear, instead of the front as it was before. I found a lower route to run the wires, right in front of the glove box hinge area, not the prescribed path above the glove box. I had to loosen the one bolt on the passenger seat foot well heater cup to get all four connectors up to the head unit. I had just enough wire to get everything connected. The good news is OEM Audio has already made the change to supply a longer wiring loom. No one else should have to deal with that issue!
I finished up by fishing the wire out the rubber grommet on the passenger side and connecting the power wire to the battery. To my delight, everything powered up and I didn’t have any strange dash lights!!
Now on to the good part. What does it sound like? Was it worth the price and install effort? We'll get to that in a minute. Backstory, I’m a home audio guy and have been for the last 20ish years. I have a dedicated listening room filled with audio gear that makes me smile and my friend’s jaws drop. I feel like I know good audio sound. I understand that environment is everything and good components are only as good as the time and effort you spend to make them work in that environment. You can throw great components together in a “system”, but it rarely translates immediately into great sound. I’ve tried that, it doesn’t work!!
OEM Audio Plus has done a terrific job of taking a harsh listening environment, a vehicle, and have made it a much more enjoyable. Does it compare to my home audio set up, no it doesn’t. My home system is worth more than my 4Runner was brand new. I could not expect it to sound the same, and I didn’t expect it to. I'm not after perfect sound in my truck. I have better things to spend my money on that will get me out in the wild. The radio is something I listen to every time I use the truck. I have never upgraded a stereo in any car before. This system was beyond miserable and I did not enjoy in listening to it, even for talk radio. So, what’s the final verdict? I absolutely love the sound quality of the new system. I’m not 20 years old, so I don’t need to bump down the road. All aspects of the music are clean and controlled, undistorted and a pleasure to listen to. There is an actual soundstage now, and it’s difficult to identify individual speaker locations in the vehicle. These are all qualities of a well put together audio system. This is an upgrade I get to enjoy every time I drive somewhere. I now sit and finish songs even though I’ve reached my destination. I never did that in the past with the 4Runner. I would do this upgrade again without hesitation.
What are the negatives? I feel like the system could use a little more low volume punch. Around volume level of 20, the system really starts to cook and around 30 it really comes alive. OEM Audio suggests you set the factory EQ to flat, neither plus nor minus in any categories. I have listened for a solid week and cannot get to that setting. It may be my sound deadening. They used a stock 4Runner with no additional sound help to develop the system. My sound deadening had some effect on the sound because the stock speakers sounded better after I installed it. The good news is that the amp and DSP can be adjusted for my preferences and conditions. I may do that in the future, but not now.
I’ve learned audio isn’t a sprint, but a slow walk up to your desired result. It may take a few months for things to burn in properly. Making changes before really learning what is happening is just wasting time in my opinion. I’d install this system again in a heartbeat. It’s worth every penny as it’s developed specifically for the 4Runner by a well regarded audio company. I could have rolled the dice on a local install, but who knows what I would have gotten. A sliced up wiring loom, bad sound, shorts, no warranty, etc. If you’re hesitant to spend the money, reach out to OEM AUDIO to see if someone has the system close to you. I expect 9 times out of 10, it will take you 5 minutes or less to decide that it’s the right path.
I’ll post a few pictures from the steps that I have. As I got into the install I was fighting time, so there are details I didn’t capture with pictures. Sorry, but you can reach out with any additional questions you may have.
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
Last edited:
Greenhorne
Registered User
Finished putting in (TYT-4RN2-REF50Q-0900 | Toyota 4Runner | Reference 500Q) which is the "whole" system for the 2 row... and I couldn't be any more happy.
I had one hang up as the video's all show one kind of connectors going to the amp and I (you would too with the 500Q) received a different connector type... and it kicked my butt. I just couldn't get the connector to go on to the amp. Then with a bit of force (i.e. mistake) it snapped on. I fired it up and everything was a go except the subwoofer. All other speakers were good as gold, but no signal at all to the subwoofer.
So I texted the customer support guy (Daniel La Blanc with OEM Audio +). Mind you it was at 9:24 pm Sunday night. I was only trying to get first in line on Monday to explain my ongoing saga... and unbelievable he texted my back at 9:34 pm! Now, I know that some say this system is overpriced, maybe - maybe not... what I am here to say is the customer support I received during the install is second to none. Every f'ing time I needed my hand held they were there... they even made me my very own youtube video (Monday morning) explaining what I needed to do to "fix" what I had done to the plug... and for that my money was very well spent... and the damn system rocks too!
The internal part of connector (outer cover removed) pushed upwards after I put it on...
https://youtu.be/92o9PY2FiY0
What was wrong with the connector to begin with... and the fix.
I had one hang up as the video's all show one kind of connectors going to the amp and I (you would too with the 500Q) received a different connector type... and it kicked my butt. I just couldn't get the connector to go on to the amp. Then with a bit of force (i.e. mistake) it snapped on. I fired it up and everything was a go except the subwoofer. All other speakers were good as gold, but no signal at all to the subwoofer.
So I texted the customer support guy (Daniel La Blanc with OEM Audio +). Mind you it was at 9:24 pm Sunday night. I was only trying to get first in line on Monday to explain my ongoing saga... and unbelievable he texted my back at 9:34 pm! Now, I know that some say this system is overpriced, maybe - maybe not... what I am here to say is the customer support I received during the install is second to none. Every f'ing time I needed my hand held they were there... they even made me my very own youtube video (Monday morning) explaining what I needed to do to "fix" what I had done to the plug... and for that my money was very well spent... and the damn system rocks too!
The internal part of connector (outer cover removed) pushed upwards after I put it on...
https://youtu.be/92o9PY2FiY0
What was wrong with the connector to begin with... and the fix.
Attachments
I agree. Their customer support is second to none that I have ever experienced. Ill be so unhappy when I have to ride in my buddy's 4Runners now!
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
FlightMedic303
New member
Hellllpp!
So I finally got my OEM Audio system installed after it sitting in my garage for several months.. I got everything connected and as soon as I start up my 4Runner there is absolutely no sound!.... WTF did I do??? I went back and checked all connections and fitments.
Any ideas?
So I finally got my OEM Audio system installed after it sitting in my garage for several months.. I got everything connected and as soon as I start up my 4Runner there is absolutely no sound!.... WTF did I do??? I went back and checked all connections and fitments.
Any ideas?
Not a lot of detail here. LOL. Blown fuse?
FlightMedic303
New member
Just replaced the fuse... Didn't fix it... Edit: So I just connected the original 6pin and 10 pin connections at the head unit and now have sound... (these were initially plugged into the amp/sub wiring harness). Is it safe to assume that the wiring harness for the amp/sub is bad....?
You might have a wire in either one of those plugs that is in the wrong spot. Call them tomorrow, I'm sure they can get you sorted out. They all are technically adept at their products. Good luck, keep us updated!
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
A good question for OEM Audio. I don't have any first hand experience with the product.
Just completed an install of the OEM system in my 4Runner this past weekend. Total install took me and my wife around 6 hours, but that was at a leisurely pace with plenty of beer drinking going on. I had non-JBL version in my SR5 and HOLY CRAP it sounds amazing. Taking the stock speakers out and looking at how much of a joke they are compared to the OEM + setup was my first indicator that it'd be a good upgrade, but I was still cautiously optimistic. The sound is incredible for all types of music and extremely well balanced. My music tastes run across the board and I found it fantastic for all types of music, including heavy bass stuff.
Given that I have absolutely zero stereo installation background and limited mechanical knowledge in general, my wife initially thought we should take it somewhere to have it professionally installed. In the end I'm glad we didn't as the two of us were fully capable of doing it ourselves even with no background in this stuff. Only tools needed were some screwdrivers, prying tools, socket wrenches, and beer. Anyone can do it!
Given that I have absolutely zero stereo installation background and limited mechanical knowledge in general, my wife initially thought we should take it somewhere to have it professionally installed. In the end I'm glad we didn't as the two of us were fully capable of doing it ourselves even with no background in this stuff. Only tools needed were some screwdrivers, prying tools, socket wrenches, and beer. Anyone can do it!
Contact OEM Audio, they can search their records. It might prove more fruitful for you. It's an awesome upgrade!!
Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
stickcharmer
New member
Anyone know how compatible the 3rd gen Tacoma double cab system (reference 450q) would be with the 4runner? Just sold the Tacoma.
stickcharmer
New member
I contacted OEM Audio Plus and they are very compatible with some slight alterations. This is great news for those dumping their Taco for the T4R. Even better, if the sub for the taco is in good condition they'll swap it out for the T4R no charge. Great company, great customer service.
Lionel_Hutz
New member
I've been running this system for a few weeks and everything is now fully broken in. It is AWESOME. Much better than any OE system I've had (which includes a Lexus/Mark Levinson system and a $$$$ Audi/B&O system) and also better than the couple of custom systems I've had in the past. The sub enclosure is perfect and is exactly what I was looking for.
Midrange and vocals are clear and bright and there is no shortage of bass. The system is very focused on the front speaker soundstage, so I suspect that you could get much of the benefit of the system by just getting the fronts and the sub rather than the full package.
I will say that the high clarity exposes poor source quality. There is now a significant difference between using Bluetooth and USB-in, and poor quality recordings sound like trash (whereas the stock system would cover up a lot of flaws in recordings). But with a good source, this setup absolutely rocks.
Finally, I've never had such good customer service from a vendor. The guys over at OEM Audio are great.
Midrange and vocals are clear and bright and there is no shortage of bass. The system is very focused on the front speaker soundstage, so I suspect that you could get much of the benefit of the system by just getting the fronts and the sub rather than the full package.
I will say that the high clarity exposes poor source quality. There is now a significant difference between using Bluetooth and USB-in, and poor quality recordings sound like trash (whereas the stock system would cover up a lot of flaws in recordings). But with a good source, this setup absolutely rocks.
Finally, I've never had such good customer service from a vendor. The guys over at OEM Audio are great.
jcage89
New member
I ordered and am now awaiting shipment on their new dual AMP SP setup with the dedicated bass amp to increase headroom and overall field. I am very excited to get mine reading your post I am curious how XM sounds on yours. I never had XM before but am falling in love with it during my all access trial. 34 Lithium is playing me tunes I haven't heard in 20 years (paranoid android on the way to work this AM) and it is so great but too bad the sound is so crappy in the OE setup.
Also curious whether anyone on the site has installed the new SP setup which I understand from them has only been shipping since April.
Cheers - JC:tinfoil3:
jcage89
New member
Hi, It looks like I will benefit from your experience with situating the DSP and the loom length. I have ordered and am awaiting shipment on their new 500Q-SP with dedicated 2nd sub amp and wonder if this will increase headroom and help with the lacking low volume punch you speak of. DId you know of the 2nd amp option (sounds like they started shipping it after you bought your setup) and if so are you considering adding it to yours? Also trying to see how XM sounds on the new system. Another poster above says lesser sources sound worse than on the OE system which I find hard to imagine. I do most listening on high bitrate MP3 source via usb key but I am getting to love the randomness and selection of XM.
I am impressed by your dedication but I can't see myself going to all the effort of the sound deadening materials you installed and hope the system will still do great without rattles such. Last Q for now before I install, was anything lost by disconnecting the battery during your install? Head unit setting are the most obvious but I've heard of funky things like auto windows not working right after ,etc.
Thank for the time spent on the awesome wirte-up. Your place in the audiophile world sound much like me except I don't have a high end room worth more than a car as my accountant (AKA wife) wouldn't allow that!
Cheers - JC
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The wiring loom length issue has been addressed and fixed. You won't have any issues with that!
The sound deadening was my project. The 4Runner that the system was designed around did not have any additional sound deadening. Whatever the factory placed there, is how it was designed to work. You won't have rattles or strange noises! I have had several people comment on the sound system, only to then say it's so quiet in the cabin compared to their 4Runner. I did it in stages, so it was hard for me to hear the small steps that happened.
Yes, I did know about the dual amp setup when I ordered my system. Daniel told me it was in the works, along with the dual sub option. As I stated in my previous post, audio is a slow journey for me. I wanted to hear the system in it's "original" state before deciding if I needed it to be "more" down the road. The beauty of this system is it's fairly modular. Adding an amp, or another sub later should only add a bit more work than doing it from the start. Besides, you can see I'm not shy about taking things apart!
I lost absolutely nothing from the head unit after disconnecting my battery. I did lose my avg mpg. I hadn't reset that in the 17k since I had the vehicle. Oh well, starting over on that isn't the end of the world!
I don't listen to XM so I can't speak to how it sounds. I listen to cd's mostly. If you are listening to anything other than a direct source, you will likely find that the sound isn't as good. Your mp3 setup may work, but may not. I despise compression in my music, so I don't listen to mp3's. If I could have my Linn turntable in my truck, I would! I'm prissy that way.
I hope that answers your questions. My accountant wouldn't have approved my audio purchases either. Squirrling money away for 12 years before we had kids was the way that happened!
Let me know if I missed anything. Enjoy your system when you receive it!!
Mike
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Last edited:
