OEM Audio Plus Reviews

I heard if you ran the power wire through the driver side firewall there could be interference with electronics on that side. I went the long way around which is through the passenger side firewall.

 

The firewall pass-through grommet on 2nd gens is on the driver side, so it's hard to avoid. I also connected my power wire to the main fuse-block power lug instead of the battery and hid the fuse inside the fuse-block enclosure, so that might have something to do with it. Isn't there something that can be put in-line to quiet that down - noise suppression capacitor?

 

Just purchased one today...let's see how it goes. Was very impressed with the responses from Daniel.

 

I have the 450Q in my 2016 Tacoma. It is awesome. You will be impressed.

 

The purpose of this post is to help someone make an informed decision. All of the previous posts before this were helpful thank you TW.

Came across OEM Audio Plus via internet searches, no particular recommendation, but TW probably helped push in that direction.

Carefully read every word on the system for my truck (http://oemaudioplus.com/toyota/tcd1600/), then came here and read reviews. Then I emailed Daniel and received a very professional response. Customer Service is A+.

Researched competitor(s), and other alternatives both $ to $$$$$. Decided OEM Audio Plus was way to go. Reasoning is it seemed the most tailored to my specific vehicle and hassle free.

Purchased from Rogue Offroad (http://www.rogue-offroad.com/category-s/198.htm) Excellent vendor, Shawn is great to deal with.

System installed exactly like the video provided by OEM, everything was plug and play. All the wiring, plugs and harnesses plugged and played as advertised. Install at minimum will be 3-4 hours.

Received bad amp (no sound from sub), rectified immediately by Daniel. Replaced next day at the OEM facility.

Sound quality is crystal clear, rich, full sounding music. I like instrumental music and this is the perfect system for it. Everything sounds well balanced and high quality, it is a pleasure and I do enjoy it daily. I know everyone reads "oh it sounds so clear" but what does that mean? To me it means I can hear all the individual notes, instruments, words, nuances and subtleties that makes music so great. On any volume, with no sound deadening material at all, windows up or down, street or freeway, I can hear these things, it's pretty amazing.

There are really no complaints, the speakers are well built with good materials (carbon fiber, neodymium magnets) great overall quality and not being excessive in design (not too heavy/bulky).

Big upgrade from factory stock. No JBL, the factory supplied speakers are incredibly light and am honestly surprised they produced any sound. The bone stock system sounded dead, dull and weak, no wonder.

If price is perceived as steep, I can honestly say, no remorse on this purchase. I had a want and expectation. Both were met by the company, product and people, so I am satisfied with my purchase.

If you want nice things, and convenience you gotta pay the price. OEM Audio Plus owner and crew are excellent individuals to deal with and excellent service is provided by an excellent company with an excellent product. I have not been compensated in any way or received any discounts/benefits for this review/opinion.

 

So what do you folks go with the single or dual Sub ?

 

I got the single sub, because I still need the seocnd compartment for my stuff (First Aid Kit, Flash Light, and so on...).

 

ditto

 

I went with the single sub. The bass is very clean and has a nice kick to it for ME to enjoy the sound quality. Now, if you want to cruise around the mall and have everyone listen to your playlist go with the dual subs. Personally this setup is for a quality listening experience that is loud enough to play when the windows are down while on the freeway. If you are looking to rattle your cabin and turn heads this system is not for you.

 

Hey Tacoma fans. This is my review of the OEM Audio Plus Reference 500Q system. First, let me give you a little background on myself. I’m 46 and have worked on cars my whole life and have enjoyed it, not only as a hobby, but as a career as well. I’m a Porsche mechanic at a dealership and have mainly a VW, Audi, and Porsche professional background. I’ve modified lots of different cars in my life but never got big into the audio scene. I’m very picky about the component quality and how clean the installation is of any modification I do and I weigh the advantages versus disadvantages very closely.

When I bought my 2017 Tacoma DCLB, the standard (non-JBL) system was, to say the least, disappointing. I started looking to see what products were out there and didn’t like the thought of splicing factory wiring, cutting door panels, and trying to put together a system that required a ton of components that didn’t necessarily complement each other. I also didn’t want to lose any storage due to amps and sub boxes that fit poorly. I found OEM+ and was impressed that they used all the same connections and mount points as the factory speakers. They first had me at the ease of installation, but upon further research, I found more and more reasons to consider this purchase. The clean and simple install of the sub and wiring that I saw in the install video were very appealing to me.

I called OEM+ and left a message. Within minutes, Daniel called me back. He answered all my questions and was very informative. About a week later, I ordered the system and it arrived two weeks later, which is exactly when he told me the system would be delivered. Upon unpacking the system and inspecting each component, I was impressed with the care put into the packaging. The speakers were higher quality than I expected and the materials were top-notch. The wiring and electrical connectors were much higher quality than Toyota’s, with the wires being wrapped in a tough, abrasive-resistant rubber sleeving.

I also used a spray-applied automotive sound damping coating called Lizard Skin that I had previously used in classic car restorations and other projects. Lizard Skin is also a fantastic product, but is incredibly labor intensive and required a lot of prep work. It’s similar to hush mat or dynamat, but is sprayed on. Since I did the Lizard Skin at the same time as the OEM+ install, I can’t give an accurate estimate of the install time, but there was not a single glitch or question about anything. I was very pleased that there were no surprises. All electrical connections were as simple as unplug the old and plug in the new. Everything was about as easy as it gets– the only real wiring that had to be done was running the power wire off the battery to the main OEM+ harness, which was all included. This is truly a plug and play, direct fit replacement. Usually the term “bolt on” isn’t very accurate, but it is with the Reference 500Q system.

Now for my review of the sound quality. I know it’s hard to put into words or convey to Tacoma World the difference through an audio clip. I’m honestly blown away at the clarity of the speakers and the power the sub brings to the system. The OEM+ system sounds like there’s way more than 7 speakers. Never did I think the Tacoma passenger compartment could sound so clear. To try and explain, it’s kind of like when one of your favorite old band’s music gets digitally remastered and you hear things you never heard before. Hearing the pick strike the string before it strums is impressive. I spend a lot of time in cars with factory engineered high dollar systems (Bose, Burmester, Harman Kardon, etc.) and can tell you that as impressive as they are, I’m equally impressed with the clarity that the OEM+ system delivers. I spend a lot of time in my truck and this is money well spent. Now that I know the quality of the components, incredible sound, and excellent customer service, I honestly would have paid more than OEM+ charges. I don’t write many reviews but this is my honest opinion of a company making products for people who love their trucks and want to spend money wisely on products that live up to their expectations. Buy without any reservations– the simplicity and the sound are worth it. The hardest part is deciding what the hell to listen to next. Thank you OEM+ for making a fantastic product. I love it!!!!

I’ve attached some pictures.

OEM Audio Plus vs. factory speakers:






Lizard skin application:










OEM Audio Plus system installed:

 

Thanks for sharing.

You really went all in with the damping....nice!

 

Any update on a package to replace or enhance the JBL system?

I have a 2018 Tacoma Double Cab.

I replaced the head unit with a Kenwood Excelon DNX995S and it was an incredible difference. Trying to make a decision on Amp and Speaker upgrades and wondering if this system is a fit.

 

I found this post after I posted my review on its own...so I deleted the post and added it here.
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 my brand new 2017 trd access cab. I installed Noico stick on dampener on the rear wall and floors. Next I installed yoga mats as my decoupling layer. Next was 1/4" MLV. I reinstalled 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 truck noise that used to come from the noisy back wall and floor. Its a PITA, but well worth the hassle.

The next weekend, i installed Noico on the doors, and installed the OEM Audio 500q system with added amp (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 on a 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, and HAT speakers 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. 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. Their 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.

Carhartt seat covers...they are great too!

 

What happens to the factory sub behind the rear passenger seat? Do y’all just remove it and make a storage spot?

Thanks in advance

 

I believe the only one with a factory sub is the JBL system. OEM audio plus has not released that solution yet.

 

is the OEM Audio package avilable for double cabs better than stock JBL premium? I would like louder and more highs. I currently have the stock JBL premium.

 

@saywhuuh, excuse the DELAYED response to your question regarding the JBL Enhancement option. This System is still in development as we take into all the factors of the factory jbl package. Our team will be resuming prototyping on this configuration towards the end of this week.

The reason for such a extensive R&D process is because the JBL system is connected to the CAN-Bus network. What this means is your head unit and amplifier work in tandem and cannot be separated (all the electrical functions of the head unit resides in the JBL amplifier). Once the JBL amp is disconnected, your head unit will cease all normal operation. That being said this doesn’t stop our acoustic engineering team from implementing tried-and-true techniques to achieve our signature sound within your vehicle configuration.

We hope to have an update on this Upgrade option (and begin delivering) in near future!

 

What's the good word

 

Bump

 

Bump.......and:

Curious: any other 2gen/jbl trucks compared sound between back seats up and back seats down?

I folded my back seats down when I bought my 2010 JBL/TRD/DC and never changed. Stereo was mediocre.

Last week, I folded the seat backs up. Amazing improvement to the stock audio quality.