OEM Audio+ Subwoofer and Amplifier Install and Review For the 5th Gen 4Runner
Previously in this 3-piece article set, I installed the OEM Audio+ tweeters. In this article, I will be installing and reviewing the OEM Audio+ amplifier and subwoofer.
There are already some great install articles on Trail4R in regard to the specifics of the install process…so I’ll be taking a slightly different approach in this article.
For the install, please refer to this article by Frank, and you can watch my installation video below which covers my review of the amplifier and subwoofer below:
I want to focus more on what you can expect from this subwoofer, how easy it is to install, what you should know, etc.
Where to buy:
- OEM Audio Plus Speakers Only Upgrade: Check Price
- OEM Audio Plus Full System (Amp, Sub, Etc.): Check Price
- YotaMafia.com: Check Price
Tools for Install
- Plastic Pry Tools: Check Price
- Drill/Screwdriver
Let’s get started!
What is an Amplifier? Subwoofer?
A subwoofer is a type of speaker which is designed to produce low-pitched frequencies, which are most commonly referred to as bass tones. An amplifier takes lower voltage signals from the head unit and boosts these signals for the subwoofer to utilize.
While most speakers do have some sort of bass range, they will not be able to go to frequencies as low as a dedicated subwoofer, and they will definitely not be capable of producing the powerful, clean, and clear tone that a subwoofer does.
The OEM Audio+ subwoofer and amplifier kit is a great option for 5th Gen 4Runner owners who are wanting to add some powerful and clear bass tones to their ride, yet maintain a quality sound.
The Problem with Aftermarket Subwoofers
There are many different options for aftermarket subwoofers, some more expensive and some less expensive than the OEM Audio+ subwoofer system. What really sold me on the OEM Audio+ subwoofer system was that it is specifically designed and tuned for a 4Runner! It isn’t universal!
The cabin of a 4Runner is not the same as a four-door truck, or a Tahoe, and so on. This subwoofer system from OEM Audio+ is custom designed just for a 5th Gen 4Runner. Not only this, but the amplifier includes pre-tuned EQ for high fidelity sound the moment you plug it in because of the built-in 32-bit digital signal processor… This is pretty neat!
In addition, this subwoofer custom fits in the cargo area without taking up hardly any space. I really appreciate this, because subwoofer enclosures are typically large boxes that you would just set in the back…and this takes up a ton of room and doesn’t look very good at all. When you open the rear cargo door in front of some friends, they will certainly be impressed with the fit and finish of this subwoofer!
The Install Difficulty
You can refer to my install video for the step-by-step process, but the short and sweet synopsis is that installing this subwoofer and amplifier will take some time and patience. There are a lot of panels and clip removal and wiring routing to do. Some of this is straightforward; other parts take some effort. You should expect to spend about 3-4 hours for the installation process.
While nothing is extremely difficult and specialty tools aren’t required, the install process consists of many steps. I can say that it is well worth the work though, as the sound is remarkable!
The Real Question…How Does it Sound?
As I stated in my last article, everyone has different likes. Considering this, I will try to do my best to give an open review.
From the moment I turned on my stereo, I was impressed with this subwoofer. At volumes low and high, this subwoofer makes a tremendous difference. It is unbelievably clear and defined, yet powerful and moving. Something worth noting is that the subwoofer maintains its composure at lower and higher volumes…something other subwoofers struggle with. I haven’t heard any sort of distortion from the subwoofer at higher volumes, and this is huge!
The sound this subwoofer can put out is pretty impressive, but this probably isn’t something you purchase if you are wanting a “neighborhood shaking system.” This system from OEM Audio+ is what I would consider a professional, clean and clear system…meaning you definitely get a lot of power and bass from the subwoofer, but it isn’t designed to be as loud as can be – quality over volume.
All in all, I am very impressed with this subwoofer and love to drive around listening to music with the bass tones that were intended to be heard, experienced, and felt…it truly is amazing.
What I Didn’t Expect
While the subwoofer is definitely the item you clearly see and will get the most attention, the real star of this show is the amp that is tucked nicely under the front passenger seat that most will never know exists. Why? Well, this amp does much more than simply power your subwoofer. OEM Audio+ really separated themselves from the pack when they incorporated vehicle-specific tuning into their amplifier.
Essentially, OEM Audio+ placed a six microphone array in the driver seat, at head level, and tuned their system specifically for the 4Runner…this isn’t where it stops though. OEM Audio+ even accounts for what head unit you have, seat material, and if you have 3rd-row seating or not. All of this programming and tuning is incorporated into the amp which not only powers your subwoofer and door speakers…but also digitally adjusts the sound for optimal audio performance in your 4Runner’s configuration.
THIS IS HUGE!!!
Having done some prior audio work before, I can tell you that the vehicle-specific tuning that OEM Audio+ has incorporated into their system is remarkable and an extremely big feature to have. The sound is tuned specifically for your 4Runner! I actually didn’t quite know I was getting all of these features until I was amazed by the sound and knew that this wasn’t just a power source…it was an amp with a digital sound processor. You simply won’t find this in other audio systems. This is why the subwoofer and amp from OEM Audio+ really is so much more. In summary, it powers all of your speakers and it digitally processes and enhances the sound (all for your specific 4Runner configuration). This is just amazing!
Final Thoughts
OEM Audio+ knocked it out of the park with this subwoofer and amplifier. The system is a great fit for the 4Runner, and it is easy to see (and hear) that they place a lot of pride in making this audio system specifically for a 5th Gen 4Runner.
I’d look no further if you want a subwoofer in your 5th Gen 4Runner – the OEM Audio+ subwoofer is excellent!
Stay tuned for the third and final article covering the install and review of the door speakers from OEM Audio+!
Can’t I just get the subwoofer ONLY
After some raving reviews (here and other site/forums) about this company I purchased their Reference 5000 for my 2015 4Runner. While I am not sure what I was expecting, I am also not super excited about it. The sound is just okay. Every time I gas up my wife’s Jeep for her the factory system blows this away and I come back to the 4Runner feeling like a peasant. This setup is better than the factory Toyota system but it feels like a far cry from what everyone else is experiencing.
As a result I have reach out to them but once again, while everyone continues to praise the great customer service I have not experienced that. In fact, I haven’t even received more than an automated response. No call back, no email or support ticket responses from their Live Chat ticketing system, straight crickets. It’s like I have been dealing with a different product and company than most everyone else. It’s not my most disappointing experience with a product but it is certainly a far cry from what I was expecting.
Based on your what you’re describing, sounds like your System is not performing as intended or something else is going on. Bizarre that you haven’t gotten a response. I have read that these guys are on it! Perhaps a follow up is needed or at least a call 🤷♂️
Trying the install myself – having issues with the amp install under the seat – I can’t seem to remove the grey plug OR remove the white housing from the frame – I see you’ve done both. Any tips for removing/disconnecting those?
Kaitlyn, when I did the install I realized it isn’t absolutely necessary to remove all of these clips…they just help with having more room to work. If you do remove them, there is a small tab on each clip that needs to be depressed and then the housing should pull off. You might try using a small flathead screwdriver to press the tab down. Hope this helps!
How easily does the subwoofer come out? That is, if you needed to quickly remove it to load some stuff how easily can that be accomplished? Thanks!!
The subwoofer can be removed easily. It is just held in place with velcro, which secures it very good but also allows you to easily access the jack and tools if needed.
can you order just the sub and amp or do you have to replace all the speakers?
Really good idea to Dyna-Matt all 5 doors to improve sound and lessen road noise. That was the first thing I did. Big improvement.
I plan on doing that sometime in the future. I’ve heard it makes a substantial difference.
You can order the sub and amp by itself!
https://oemaudioplus.com/product/toyota-4runner-system-500q/
Have been looking into the OEM system for awhile. Can’t wait to get it installed – my dad and I are going to do it at the same time (I just got a new 4Runner after my ‘04 was totaled by a snow plow and he just got the 2020 Tacoma).
These are awesome writeups, can’t wait for the third one Clint!
That’s awesome Lorenzo! I think you are going to really enjoy it…it is an amazing system…very high quality.