OEM Audio Plus Questions

[4xColt]

Hey guys,

I have a few questions about OEM Audio Plus. I am exclusively looking for plug and play kits that are made for the 4runner.

Currently I have Focal components up front but I am still in the need of a subwoofer. In a 2 minute conversation with my wife where I mentioned that I had two choices that I was considering. Alpine under the seat or a subwoofer "built in" to the back. She basically said "I don't want to have a subwoofer "thumping" under my seat." So OEM Audio it is.

I am considering either the full kit or just the sub and keep my Focal and eventually pick up some Focal 6.5 for the rear doors and maybe... the rear hatch. Either way I will be getting the $299 dedicated subwoofer amp with gain control.

So here are my questions:

1. Do you think or even know based on experience that the Focal would sound better than the EOM audio components?
2. Since the system comes with a DSP dialed in for their solution, would my Focals throw it out of balance?
3. Would it even make a difference on which speakers I use as long as I am adding an amp and a subwoofer with a dedicated amp?
4. Does anyone out there have the full OEM Audio setup live in San Diego?
5. Are the cables and amp they provide and standard connection? In other words, if one of the amps dies can I replace it with any other unit?

Thanks
Colt

 

[4powells]

Following.

Sent from my HD1907 using Tapatalk

 

[85GT-79FJ40]

I used a harness from tacotunes to add a small powered sub in mine. That and infinity speakers in all the stock locations and I'm quite happy. Worlds different than stock.

 

[Whippersnapper02]

Hey guys,

I have a few questions about OEM Audio Plus. I am exclusively looking for plug and play kits that are made for the 4runner.

Currently I have Focal components up front but I am still in the need of a subwoofer. In a 2 minute conversation with my wife where I mentioned that I had two choices that I was considering. Alpine under the seat or a subwoofer "built in" to the back. She basically said "I don't want to have a subwoofer "thumping" under my seat." So OEM Audio it is.

I am considering either the full kit or just the sub and keep my Focal and eventually pick up some Focal 6.5 for the rear doors and maybe... the rear hatch. Either way I will be getting the $299 dedicated subwoofer amp with gain control.

So here are my questions:

1. Do you think or even know based on experience that the Focal would sound better than the EOM audio components?
   
   Honestly don't know but have been thinking about using different dash speakers
   
2. Since the system comes with a DSP dialed in for their solution, would my Focals throw it out of balance?
   
   The DSP is definitely optimized for their drivers. They use about 6 microphones and noise to calibrate. I'd ask them about it but I'm thinking they will tell you to use their drivers.
   
3. Would it even make a difference on which speakers I use as long as I am adding an amp and a subwoofer with a dedicated amp?
   
   I think it would just matter on the DSP side. I'm not sure what their amps out out for power.
   
4. Does anyone out there have the full OEM Audio setup live in San Diego?
   
   I'm in Yorba Linda pretty close to OEM Audio but if I'm ever in SD I'll let you listen.
   
5. Is the cable and amp they provide and standard connection? In other words, if one of the amps dies can I replace it with any other unit?
   
   Their wiring is proprietary but it would be easy to splice. They are using speaker level signal not line level.
   

Thanks
Colt

Answers are in bold.

 

[4xColt]

Answers are in bold.

Thanks for the reply.

How's the bass from the sub and do you have the dedicated sub amp?

 

[gakattack]

Thanks for the reply.

How's the bass from the sub and do you have the dedicated sub amp?

To add to this question, are you running the single or double sub option?

 

[4xColt]

Another question.

Does OEM Audio Plus ever offer discounts? If so, how much have you seen?

 

[Whippersnapper02]

Thanks for the reply.

How's the bass from the sub and do you have the dedicated sub amp?

Yes I have the dedicated sub amp. It's good 90% of the time but I wish it had more. I purchased because I heard the dual system in person and it sounded damn good. I'm waiting for the 2nd sub to become available for current owners but in June it will be a year since I purchased and I haven't heard anything. All you get is "we're working on an upgrade path for current owners."

 

[4xColt]

Here's an odd question for those of you with the OEM Audio Plus sub.

Can you still use a cargo net that goes across the back?

 

[Whippersnapper02]

Here's an odd question for those of you with the OEM Audio Plus sub.

Can you still use a cargo net that goes across the back?

I have the net and never used it. You do lose the corner tie down points. Does the net use those?

 

[FoRunnuh]

Based on the photos on OEM Audio + website, you do lose the driver side D-ring for the single subwoofer system. Also based on their pics/videos if you get the second sub, that D-ring is gone too. This is kind of a shame. Although more complicated to work around, they could have taken that into consideration.

 

[DryHeatAZ]

Not bashing on OEM Audio at all. But was curious if you considered having a local stereo shop quote you on a complete sound system with a custom sub enclosure? I went that direction after reading about the bass not living up to expectations for some and them wanting to add a second sub on the OEM audio setup. Seems that if you had a good 5 channel amp/components/sub enclosure and DSP you could exceed what the plug and play package gives you without needing to consider upgrading the bass. My sub enclosure is small and out of the way and honestly it's overkill for what I had in mind but sounds amazing.



Considering mounting a D-ring on it so I can use the cargo net.

 

[keyser_soze]

Alpine under the seat or a subwoofer "built in" to the back. She basically said "I don't want to have a subwoofer "thumping" under my seat." So OEM Audio it is.

I have not heard the alpine specifically, but i have heard other under seat subs. They really aren't that powerful, so they aren't going to be giving her a massage just because it is under her seat (I believe this would fit under the driver seat as well FYI). I don't recommend an under the seat sub for the simple fact that most of them don't sound that great. You also wont be getting the added amp power and DSP tuning of the OEM Audio for your Focals which will make them sound much better as well.

I am considering either the full kit or just the sub and keep my Focal and eventually pick up some Focal 6.5 for the rear doors and maybe... the rear hatch.

Honestly unless you frequently have rear passengers I would skip upgrading the rear and hatch speakers, you will not notice anything from the drivers seat. Ideally you would fade the sound forward a bit and just use the rear speakers for "fill". And if you want music while camping, tailgating, at the beach... get a portable speaker.

Do you think or even know based on experience that the Focal would sound better than the OEM audio components?

Focal is a large and established company that makes high quality drivers. Im not sure where their "toyota" speakers fall in their lineup quality wise but I would guess they are on par with OEM Audio

Since the system comes with a DSP dialed in for their solution, would my Focals throw it out of balance?

Quick answer: No. I believe their DSP is tuned more to fix the crappy EQ of the OEM Toyota signal (it tapers down the lower freq to save the OEM speakers). They even sell their "System 500" kit without their speakers so you can use it with the OEM Toyota speakers (or aftermarket) and I believe it would be fine.

Would it even make a difference on which speakers I use as long as I am adding an amp and a subwoofer with a dedicated amp?

Not really, as long as they are typical car audio speakers in the 2-4ohm range you should be fine. The OEM audio speakers are 2ohm (4ohm tweeters) all rated at 50w RMS. Their amp just says 360w RMS @ 2ohms, bu that also powers the 100w sub, so I would guess it is around 60-70w RMS x4. That would be fine to power most aftermarket speakers (and MUCH better than the factory Toyota amp)


So after all that rambling.... You said you want a plug and play solution. I think OEM Audio is the way to go. I think it boils down to two options.

1. You could keep your Focals and get the "System 500 kit" for $1600.

2. Get the full "Refrence 500 kit" for $2100 and sell your Focals to offset the price.

 

[4xColt]

Not bashing on OEM Audio at all. But was curious if you considered having a local stereo shop quote you on a complete sound system with a custom sub enclosure? I went that direction after reading about the bass not living up to expectations for some and them wanting to add a second sub on the OEM audio setup. Seems that if you had a good 5 channel amp/components/sub enclosure and DSP you could exceed what the plug and play package gives you without needing to consider upgrading the bass. My sub enclosure is small and out of the way and honestly it's overkill for what I had in mind but sounds amazing.



Considering mounting a D-ring on it so I can use the cargo net.

Good idea. I will probably drop by a local shop just to see what they can do.

I just ordered the rear Focals so all I will eventually need is a sub and amplification.

Thanks for the idea.

 

[4xColt]

I have not heard the alpine specifically, but i have heard other under seat subs. They really aren't that powerful, so they aren't going to be giving her a massage just because it is under her seat (I believe this would fit under the driver seat as well FYI). I don't recommend an under the seat sub for the simple fact that most of them don't sound that great. You also wont be getting the added amp power and DSP tuning of the OEM Audio for your Focals which will make them sound much better as well.



Honestly unless you frequently have rear passengers I would skip upgrading the rear and hatch speakers, you will not notice anything from the drivers seat. Ideally you would fade the sound forward a bit and just use the rear speakers for "fill". And if you want music while camping, tailgating, at the beach... get a portable speaker.


Focal is a large and established company that makes high quality drivers. Im not sure where their "toyota" speakers fall in their lineup quality wise but I would guess they are on par with OEM Audio


Quick answer: No. I believe their DSP is tuned more to fix the crappy EQ of the OEM Toyota signal (it tapers down the lower freq to save the OEM speakers). They even sell their "System 500" kit without their speakers so you can use it with the OEM Toyota speakers (or aftermarket) and I believe it would be fine.


Not really, as long as they are typical car audio speakers in the 2-4ohm range you should be fine. The OEM audio speakers are 2ohm (4ohm tweeters) all rated at 50w RMS. Their amp just says 360w RMS @ 2ohms, bu that also powers the 100w sub, so I would guess it is around 60-70w RMS x4. That would be fine to power most aftermarket speakers (and MUCH better than the factory Toyota amp)


So after all that rambling.... You said you want a plug and play solution. I think OEM Audio is the way to go. I think it boils down to two options.

1. You could keep your Focals and get the "System 500 kit" for $1600.

2. Get the full "Refrence 500 kit" for $2100 and sell your Focals to offset the price.

Thanks for the reply. I just ordered Focals for the rear doors so if I go EOM+ it would be the System 500 kit.

I just ran into a possible issue with the Alpine PSU-300FRN. I believe it may not work with "Premium Audio" that comes with the ORP.

Bummer

 

[tackindy]

I have one of those Taco Tunes plug and play wire kits for the 2019 4runner if anyone is interested. New never used.

 

[shdw03]

Thanks for the reply. I just ordered Focals for the rear doors so if I go EOM+ it would be the System 500 kit.

I just ran into a possible issue with the Alpine PSU-300FRN. I believe it may not work with "Premium Audio" that comes with the ORP.

Bummer

may want to double check that the 2020 radios have the same pin outs as the 14-19.... if not there may not even be a viable solution for you.

depending on what you are looking for, you focals should sound great.

For amps, if I had to do everything all over I would get the AudioControl LC-6.1200. I already had a lc7i and a rf prime 300.4 so i just bought a rf prime 500.1d. For ease of installation, a LC-6.1200 would have eliminated the need for all 3 and much smaller footprint (dimensions: 12"W x 2-1/8"H x 8-1/16"D). I had to run power, ground, distro blocks, 3 rca, signal wires from radio, speaker wires to new speakers, amps under 2 front seats.

for subwoofer, you can always use the stock enclosure and an upgraded 8" woofer (Alpline or JL). Wont be super boomy, but fills the void nicely. $180 for enclosure and 150-$200 for a sub. Only issue I am having right now is the panel cover I will have to make to fill in the pocket voids.

 

[rob_dixon]

Someone asked if they ever have discounts, the answer is yes, as I got mine at a discount ($200 off) but it was for Black friday.

 

[niadh0]

Hey guys,

I have a few questions about OEM Audio Plus. I am exclusively looking for plug and play kits that are made for the 4runner.

Currently I have Focal components up front but I am still in the need of a subwoofer. In a 2 minute conversation with my wife where I mentioned that I had two choices that I was considering. Alpine under the seat or a subwoofer "built in" to the back. She basically said "I don't want to have a subwoofer "thumping" under my seat." So OEM Audio it is.

I am considering either the full kit or just the sub and keep my Focal and eventually pick up some Focal 6.5 for the rear doors and maybe... the rear hatch. Either way I will be getting the $299 dedicated subwoofer amp with gain control.

So here are my questions:

1. Do you think or even know based on experience that the Focal would sound better than the EOM audio components?
2. Since the system comes with a DSP dialed in for their solution, would my Focals throw it out of balance?
3. Would it even make a difference on which speakers I use as long as I am adding an amp and a subwoofer with a dedicated amp?
4. Does anyone out there have the full OEM Audio setup live in San Diego?
5. Are the cables and amp they provide and standard connection? In other words, if one of the amps dies can I replace it with any other unit?

Thanks
Colt

Colt,

i have been using the OEMAudioPlus 500Q Reference system with full speaker package. I receommend giving a call to Daniel De Blanc @ OEMAudio plus. He will give you the right advice based on what you already have. The Focals you already have are a great set and well praised. so (A) I recommend that you also put Focals in the middle row and the trunk gate - that is if you decide to go with OEMPlus middle package (DSP/AMP, Harness, Sub) that is listed on their site for $1299. or (B) you sell the Focals you have and get a complete package from OEMAudio for $1699 and replace all speakers. going back to your question about plug and play.... yes OEM if full plug and play regardless of the option you go with. I'm not sure if I answered all your questions but one thin i can say is it is great setup. I use it with Hi-Res player with external DAC fed to the main using via AUX,,, and the results are simply the best.

and BTW the OEMAudioPlus sub will only work with their setup, so if you go with any alternative setup (replace the rest of the speakers) then you would have look for under the seat sub option or build a dedicated sub box in the trunk and find a way to feed an ampler line single to it.

it all depends on your budget after all. if money is no issue then stay with OEM+

 

[JeffB]

Looks awesome

Not bashing on OEM Audio at all. But was curious if you considered having a local stereo shop quote you on a complete sound system with a custom sub enclosure? I went that direction after reading about the bass not living up to expectations for some and them wanting to add a second sub on the OEM audio setup. Seems that if you had a good 5 channel amp/components/sub enclosure and DSP you could exceed what the plug and play package gives you without needing to consider upgrading the bass. My sub enclosure is small and out of the way and honestly it's overkill for what I had in mind but sounds amazing.



Considering mounting a D-ring on it so I can use the cargo net.

Is that a 10 inch sub? All wood no fiberglass? Love it!