Stimulus Package Audio Upgrade (OEM Audio +) Yay or Nay?

Apologies upfront if this has been discussed ad nauseum. Uncle Sam just hooked me up. This $ is burning a hole in my pocket. Should I go with the OEM Audio + Ref 500 system for my access cab? The idea of plug and play appeals to me as I am busy with family, full time job and going to school. Anyone that has it on here, any regrets? I've read all the reviews and for the most part, it seems like a simple, albeit pricy, piece of kit. I am a noob in this department so take it easy on me.

Open to all your considerations!

 

Save it. You may actually need it.

 

Unless you are super financially stable just hold onto the money.

 

Judging by the symbol in the bottom left, he's still collecting at least one form of income that won't disappear. We ball out.

 

Well I'm glad there are some voices of reason here, but yes I am pretty financially secure. I'm currently reaching out to local shops to kind of compare prices, but I always come back to OEM Audio...

 

I am pulling the trigger for suspension with mine. I have to throw in another 1500, but I have decent savings and constant income as well as a rental property that still pays rent (military occupant).
As far as the audio goes, it looks like a good upgrade from stock without swapping the head unit. I don't have experience with that one, but from other older vehicles that I helped upgrade audio, we also upgraded the receiver due to the amp + woofer and more audio customization (equalizer).
I would like to think it would be the same as upgrading the receiver as long as the power output from the receiver can maximize the potential of the speakers (which should since it comes with the amp).

Its been a while since I touched an audio system though.

 

save it, use it as backup $. unless you're ballin like gates

 

i have a buddy that just installed the OEM audio kit in his 4 runner and he is impressed..

 

The OEM Audio + marketing does appeal to me. The whole 'set it and forget it' aspect. I def want to keep a stock appearance.

 

Good to know. I've read lots of good things from different forums. I guess the only negative that I've read is that some feel it lacks enough low end response and of course the price. Wish there was someone near the STL/Metro East area that had it installed and was willing to let me listen.

 

Definitely not Gates level, but I have a history of making hasty purchases (just ask my wife)! But I am biding my time on this one.

 

Another decent alternative are the Subaru Kicker tweeters paired with Kicker CS door speakers, Crutchfield throws in mounting plates and connectors for free. Highs are good with decent bass.

 

Definitely on my radar. Also, been looking at the kicker key setup but time is valuable to me and I'm definitely not handy with the soldering gun. Also thought about the Focal IS 690s as they seem plug and play.

 

https://www.crutchfield.com/g_356550/Vehicle-specific-Speakers.html

This is what I'm going with. Access cab as well

 

I vote no, you can typically do better than that setup for less. The focals are a pretty decent set, throw those in the fronts and the 6.5s in the rears, and then do an alpine power pack behind the dash you might come out ahead.

 

me too, when I was still in iraq my wife called me right before I went to sleep (11 hour time difference) and told me she had just bought a FN Scar 17 and a elcan dr specter 1.5x-6x optic, my fucking jaw flew open. So I can relate to hasty purchases.

 

A good audio shop can build and tune whatever you want to fit your application. I find the OEM Audio stuff to be over priced imho.

 

Yeah, this setup could work for sure. I also still have my JL Audio Microsub+ from my previous vehicle. Seems like this is going to be the more than likely scenario.

 

Yeah, the shop that did my last setup is quoting me $750-1200 for a custom sub enclosure that's similar to OEM Audio +'s. And that's not including prefab and then the actual gear. Adds up quick!

 

Just noticed you have an AC. If your rears are in the headliner, don't replace them unless they're blown, I think it's a 3.5. If they're in the doors, toss some budget speakers in the back. I still vote Focal/Alpine Power pack combo. You can probably bridge the amp and only use two channels and push more power to the fronts and if you reuse the micro sub, that's actually a pretty sweet sub for the size.