OEM Audio + vs Crutchfield cart build

All my past Toyota cars and trucks have went the Crutchfield route over OEM. Crutchfield does a great job providing free wiring harnesses and free speaker/head unit adapter brackets to move aftermarket components over to OEM mounts. They provide incredible step-by-step instructions on how to do it all. If you get stumped they will talk you through it over the phone. They are really good people. Prices might by a little higher, but the support and free harnesses/adapters/instructions are totally worth it.

If took me 13 hours to install my system. I wanted to retain all my factory steering wheel and OEM controls so I had to install all the Maestro wiring adapters and Sirius XM adapters to get me there. I did get my sub box from Audio Enhancers. Its the TAC140C12 model to fit my Pioneer 12" Slims. I did have to remove all the backpanel and rear seat backs for it to fit.

I guess it helps that I'm an EE. They will definitely pull my degree if I don't have a souped up stereo in my rides.

 

OEM + is the topic. As in - https://oemaudioplus.com/

 

Got it. Then +1 for Crutchfield Build.

I bought all the components from Crutchfield (except the sub box) and did it myself. Their instructions are incredible for anyone that can do step-by-step

 

yoooo, so i backed out on the OEM +. felt like i can get more quality for around the same price. ive got a buddy that can help with the install. What do you think about this set up?

AMP: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113XR9015/Kenwood-Excelon-XR901-5.html

SUB: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_136110TGW3/JL-Audio-CS110TG-TW3.html

TUNER: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_161LC7IB/AudioControl-LC7i-Black.html

FRONT COMPONENT:

Hertz Energy ESK165 6.5" 200W 2 Way Component Set 4 Ohm

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004943QIQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A14XGV9H8EDOQA&psc=1

REAR DOOR:

$130 Hertz Dieci Series DCX-1653 6.5" Two-Way Coaxial Speakers - Pair

https://www.amazon.com/Hertz-DCX-16...hertz+dsk&qid=1563990084&s=electronics&sr=1-2

AMP KIT: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_007CK4/Crutchfield-CK4.html

+ all the Gage wiring, RCA's needed.

coming out to about the same price. Local guys recommended this set up and is giving me a good deal.

thoughts? coming out to $1,636 with tax included.

 

Hertz Energy, if anything like the Hertz HiEnergy line really only comes alive once you hit a decent power level. I'm not sure 60W RMS is enough.

 

so the amp im getting only pumps out 60 watt RMS. And that is not enough for the energy series? is the speaker set to high end for what i'm getting? or can that audio control LC7i help with countering that.

 

I havent listen to Hertz for their quality, I can attest to their loudness though. A buddy has some of the lower level Hertz comps and they're loud.

My only advice is something I learned along the way. First, get a head unit, if you're dead set on keeping the stock one, ignore that. Second, I wish I had gone 100W per channel for the doors. I ran a 50W and then a 100W, go 100W.

If you get a head unit you wont need the LC7i. It will also simplify wiring to the amp, and require less power wiring. Also check around for amps, Pioneer has a comparable amp at much less cost: https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_168999_Pioneer-GM-D9705.html

 

yeah im gonna keep the head, for all the controls, camera, and stock look. but its safe to say this set up blows the OEM out of the water? same price if not less expensive.

 

I'm not saying it won't work, and I have no first hand experience with Energy, I got HiEnergy when those were available. All I'm saying is there's a point at which mine go from sounding okay, to sounding good and you might need more power to get there with Energy comps. They are rated for 100W RMS, so I'd try to feed them that. The HiEnergy speakers are 125W RMS and I use 100W per channel. The amplifier clips out before the speakers do. It's incredible how much power they can handle without sounding like shit. They're just sitting there saying FEED ME BITCH, FEED ME.

Are they the most subtle speakers on the planet? Far from it, but they do have authority, and they really want to be loud. If you're trying to put together something more delicate, Hertz isn't the way to go IMO. They are built for brute force, mine are anyway. Maybe the other Hertz product lines act differently, I don't know.

 

i see, i understand now. thanks for your input man. im glad i held off on the OEM and got a better set up.


FEED ME BITCH, FEEEEED ME

 

Yes, especially the sub output. Quality will most likely be less until you add a DSP or head unit at the least. Depending on your listening style you may not notice though. If you're critical or happen to hear a tuned set up, then youll notice.

Either way, your list will be louder and have considerably more bass.