OEM Audio review, 2017 ac

I wanted to wait to post my review of the OEM audio reference 500q (with dual amps) until we get all the kinks worked out, but I figureded this should be helpful if you are interested in these systems.

The install took 2 weekends. On the first weekend, i gutted the cabin of me brand new 2017 trd access cab. I was terrified of doing this to a new truck. I installed Noico stick on dampener on the rear wall and floors. Next was yoga mats as my decoupling layer. Next was 1/4" MLV. I reinsralled the factory felt and carpet. I added yoga mat tubes over the rear cab vents to allow the flapper to move (in the decoupling layer). I finished the weekend installing the seats and trim. I spent the next 5 workdays driving without the radio as i wanted to enjoy the lack of road/Tacoma/passing trucks noise that used to come from the noisy back wall and floor. Its aPITA, but worth the hassle.

The next weekend, i installed 40 yards of noico on the doors, and installed the OEM Audio 500q system with added amp and (1 for the speakers and 1 for the sub, $300 adder) and the 6 speakers with the sub and bass knob. All in, it was just under $2,100 with deadening material and just 2 weekends. I am working with the oem audio guys on replacing the speaker amp, but this system is stunning so far and i cant wait till i get the new amp.

You should sound deaden your floors, wall, and doors if you are considering it. I will certainly do the roof when i get time. It sounds like it is parked when i am driving 70mph. It was scary ona new car but i figured it would be better to do it sooner and get full enjoyment for many years. I read many posts about the topic, ordered everything from Amazon ahead of time, and did it right.

I think most guys on these forums, like myself, have an idea of what a perfect ststem sounds like, but have never really experienced it in real life. I am 36 and and i have had a system in every car since i was 16. My last xterra had HAT compononents run active from alpine amps, a JL10W7 with JL 500 amp, and a JBLms8 processor. I spent 3-4k with nav unit, tons of install and tuning time, and never really got it right. It rocked, but it took alot of time. So much time that i never bothered with sound deadening. I have owned Focal, MB Quart Qs, Diamond Audio Hex, HATspeakers and JL, Diamond D7/esoreric, Alpine, and Xtant amps. I debated buying new speakers and new sub and enclosure, while reusing the old amps and processor in this Tacoma. My estimated cost was close to the OEM audio plus 500q system, and i am tired of chasing the dream of audio perfection, without garaunteed results. I was always looking at the next speaker or wire or amp and it would just make it different, not cohesive. So i have NO regrets on this system as it fits in seamlessly, sounds gourgeous, and will make your old cd collection shine. I get DOWN to the Disco Biscuits, recorded live and downloaded from Archive org and played via bluetooth from my phone, and these recordings that used to sound too quiet or bass heavy are now mesmerizing. Everything is pleasing. At full volume, with the sound deadening, the music is barely heard from the outside. Inside, the music gets more full as you increase the volume (and louder too, but more full). It will never hurt your ears. I get my jam on at full volume, and its just right.

My issue with the amp is it is making the right side 2 clicks louder/out of balance and is distorting the right side at full volume. Thier service is great, and i am fully anticipating near perfection with the new amp. These guys rock, and so does my Taco. 2 weekends and a fully deadened truck with a gorgeous system for $2,100 is a great buy.

 

Glad you are in love with it. I can't wait for them to conquer the JBL tacomas and then I am in! Daniel has been so gracious replying to my emails the last year +.

 

Thanks for sharing.

I heard their system for the first time at the Tacomabeast / Eibach meet and was pleasantly surprised how good it sounds.

Like you I've done my own systems and spent a lot of money changing up over the years.

I'm strongly considering doing this in the very near future.

 

I would like to know how it compares to the Kicker speaker upgrade. I have been looking at the OEM system but just did the speaker upgrade.

 

I had polk 3.5" coax in my dash prior to doing the OEM Audio system. They should be similar to the Kickers. The polks were an improvement over the factory speakers, but the effiency puts them out of wack with the other speakers.

The new system is worlds better. The voices float over the dash, and every nuance of every sound comes across pleasant. I would either replace all the speakers with basic speakers, same brand, or go with OEMs system. Its tuned and time aligned for our cabs.

 

This is the system i pulled out of my old Xterra, and was contemplating reusing it in the tacoma. I am very happy with the OEM audio system

 

Its roughly 40-45 sq ft of material needed for this part of the sound deadening. Sorry for the duplicate pics.

 

Heres the 8" downfiring sub, slighty beaten and scratched by work-related items.
Btw, Carhartt seat covers are awesome; we have the same pair in the wifes 4Runner. They get real nice like old carhartt pants as they break in. 30k miles on the runner, installed on mile 1, and they are like new and getting soft.