OEM Audio 400+ Experience and Sound Quality Review

[B-R-Z]

It seems overpriced for what you are getting. I'm not bashing it, it may be worth it, but I would need to hear this in person before considering.

[Be-Are-Zee]

Originally Posted by BRZfan

Does this OEM Audio 400 increase the SOUND QUALITY OVERALL in all frequencies and volume or is it just a bass enhancing system whereby it is more of a 'boom box' that one hears a half-mile away?

The overall quality is greatly enhanced, the bass boost from the woofer is incredible. And by that I mean it is not over powering, or a trunk vibrator. It gives solid bass to all songs.

[Be-Are-Zee]

Originally Posted by Nsot

I've heard that all you need to do once the Reference System is released is pay the difference over the regular one to get all of the new bits. No excuses now!

I think I will end up picking this up as well eventually but at the moment I haven't been listening to my stereo much while I've been practising driving as this is my first MT car!

I've noticed the clutch on this car is very tight. It doesn't have much play where it's half in, half out which can make learning on this car more difficult.

This is my third MT and I love it but I could see learning in this to be difficult.

Hang in there!

[Nsot]

Originally Posted by Be-Are-Zee

I've noticed the clutch on this car is very tight. It doesn't have much play where it's half in, half out which can make learning on this car more difficult.

This is my third MT and I love it but I could see learning in this to be difficult.

Hang in there!

I can't wait until I'm not stressing every time I have to take it out! It has been pretty rewarding so far learning how to do it though.

I'm really liking this system though the more I read about it. From what I've read of it, nobody has been disappointed with it so far. Might have to pick it up sooner than I had thought.

Thanks for the review!

[DoomsdayJesus]

Originally Posted by B-R-Z

It seems overpriced for what you are getting. I'm not bashing it, it may be worth it, but I would need to hear this in person before considering.

You have to consider R&D and expected sales volume into the price. For now, this is a system designed specifically for a niche car. There's custom electronic engineering, manufacturing, and custom moldings. That's an awfully high cost for a company that still needs to pay labor costs AND turn a profit.

If this were a more mainstream manufacturer the costs would be defrayed by other business, but these guys are pretty focused, and a relatively small slice of this particular industry.

It's like when I paid for replacement BMW speakers, there was literally only one company making them aside from Harmon Kardon (whose speakers disintegrated), BSW. I had to pay a serious price, but it was worth it.

[bestwheelbase]

Originally Posted by DoomsdayJesus

It's like when I paid for replacement BMW speakers, there was literally only one company making them aside from Harmon Kardon (whose speakers disintegrated), BSW.

Yup. Not everyone knows or wants or cares to build the most labor-intensive competition-level car audio system. The ability to support a small business and get a system that installed in an hour and sounds really damn good is appealing for many folks.

[Okieman]

I had a JL Stealthbox and a 300/1 amp. put in and the whole system sounds fantastic with the factory speakers. To give you an idea of what I listen to at home in my surround so you can referance what i'm saying. I have a 225 amp M&K sub and all M&K speakers. I'm not saying that it sounds that good but it sounds very good!!

[B-R-Z]

Idk, I'm sure it does sound nice but if I was going to spend $1200 on audio, I would spend the same or just a little bit more to put together a completely aftermarket system: HU, speakers\subs and amps. I think you would get more bang for your buck this way, and it would have more potential, plus the OEM HU stinks and would be nice to replace it. I understand they did a lot of work to develop the system, R&D, sales volume forecasts, overhead and all that stuff, but I care about what I'm getting for my $1200.

[wrb]

i think people who pay for this system (and i would too, if i had the money) for the custom fitment look and ease of installation.

and for some people, having a fitted subwoofer in trunk that looks OEM matters a lot

[Okieman]

Originally Posted by wrb

i think people who pay for this system (and i would too, if i had the money) for the custom fitment look and ease of installation.

and for some people, having a fitted subwoofer in trunk that looks OEM matters a lot

It looks like it is OEM and the sound is rich and fantastic

[TRD-X]

I installed the OEM Audio+ system in both of my Scion tC RS's and will get this for my FR-S.

If anyone has any questions about this system for the FR-S ask me and I'll do my best to answer the question for you.

Look....

[KevinBRZ]

Originally Posted by B-R-Z

Idk, I'm sure it does sound nice but if I was going to spend $1200 on audio, I would spend the same or just a little bit more to put together a completely aftermarket system: HU, speakers\subs and amps. I think you would get more bang for your buck this way, and it would have more potential, plus the OEM HU stinks and would be nice to replace it. I understand they did a lot of work to develop the system, R&D, sales volume forecasts, overhead and all that stuff, but I care about what I'm getting for my $1200.

Perhaps for $1200, the sum of the individual parts you get would more than what is in the the OEM audio setup, but those will all be bottom end components for that price. Don't forget the wiring alone will be $100-$150. Buying 2 amps will eat up at least half of that $1200. Then you are left with let's say $500, even $600, for a head unit, sub, sub box, and 4 speakers.

This setup is definitely not for everyone. The reason it appeals to me is because this is a new car and I don't want to be cutting wires and stuff to make things work. I just want to plug it in and have a decent stereo without any headaches. Plus it looks and feels like it came with the car. I don't want a tacky sub box cluttering up my trunk and banging around. Remember, you need to buy the right tool for the job, and for the job I want, the OEM 400 works for me.

[No Limit Motorsport]

One of the things I love about this system, is it won't attract car audio thieves. Aftermarket head units and stereo systems are theft magnets. I have had my cars broken into 3 times because of having aftermarket stereo equipment, parked in good areas. Such a hassle that I vowed, never again.

[oemaudioplus]

@Be-Are-Zee PM Sent (Related to local Demo)