OEM Audio Plus + DaYUUM FJ Cruiser Trail Team Edition

There has been statistical evidence that the general working population today spends hours driving from home to work and vice versa.  A recent report shared by the U.S. Census Bureau (census.gov) highlighted that “An estimated 61.1 percent of the workers with “long commutes (over 60 minutes travel time) drove to work alone, 12.9 percent carpooled and 26 percent used public transportation.” For some, daily in-car travel experiences may also mean – meeting time, chow time, well I’ve also seen ladies use this time to put their make-up on.  For me, a means of battling the rigorous hours spent in-car driving is filling your private cabin with good music from various artists such as the Nujabes, Anuhea, or even raw mixes from Awthentik Vibes Vj – Dj Skitz.  OEM Audio Plus (O+), a company based in Anaheim, CA; aims to capture and enhance these daily travel experiences.I was introduced to O+ audio system by a good friend Paul (@van_dayuum_paul), who had all of his past and current Scion vehicles equipped with the OEM Audio Plus system.  I have always been impressed with the simplicity of how the system integrated with the OEM radio and more importantly utilized the standard speaker locations.   One would not understand the motto that the company goes by “Clean, Crisp and Clear”, if you have not experienced listening inside a vehicle equipped with one.  The company started building systems for Scion vehicles however this year, they wanted to explore on non-Scion platforms such as the FJ Cruiser.  Last year, they have introduced an FJ Cruiser equipped with its first prototype system at Toyota Fest held in Long Beach, CA.  I’ve asked Paul, who’s good friends with the man behind OEM Audio Plus , Mr. Sandy Lirag, if this was true.  Sure enough it was confirmed; and they’re just waiting for the interest to build up.  With a few phone calls and emails, the 2013 Cement Trail Team Edition FJ Cruiser was off to OEM Audio Plus Laboratory in Anaheim, CA.The 2013 Cement Trail Team Edition FJ Cruiser I reviewed sometime in December 2013 had the very basic sound system – (a) Non-navigation radio, (b) a pair of 6 x 9 (inch) door panel speakers, (c) a pair of 1 inch tweeter-like dash speakers and headliner baffle speakers.  Music played using the Bluetooth radio always sounded flat.  With the volumes slightly turned up, the headliner baffle speakers would reverberate and distort the sound.  At times, keeping the radio off was the best option when driving the FJC.   The sound system of the FJC was the first thing that will be addressed as the vehicle will also be used as a daily commuter.  And recuperation and relaxation starts during the drive home with a favorite music after a good days work.  After a few weeks of fitment, testing and sound optimization, the DaYUUM Project FJC is back from O+ Laboratories.   Now equipped with the OEM Audio Plus’ FJ REFERENCE 400CF Sound Solution System, we were excited to compare the before and after sound result.  The O+ REFERENCE 400CF comes with (a) pair of 1” Soft Dome Tweeter with a one piece aluminum baffle plate, (b) carbon-fiber cone 6 x 9 inch door panel speakers (c) an 8 inch subwoofer in special Trail Team Edition sub enclosure (d) Dual Amplification featuring the 8-Channel 32-Bit DSP power amplifier and dedicated subwoofer amp and lastly (e) Plug and Play wiring harness specific for the FJC.  The O+ team also suggested that  a pair of (JBL) speakers that came from the option premium sound system from Toyota be added on the rear pillar to complete the surround sound solution for the FJC.Eager to get some seat time on the FJ to compare the end result, I head over to Tom’s Farms for my first experience going to an FJ Cruiser meet hosted by FJC Forums.  Even before I hopped on to the FJ, one won’t be able to tell that the system had been replaced.  Utilizing the stock radio and all components concealed in stock locations aside from the subwoofer added on the rear were aspects that I’ve also liked about the O+ system.  It has that sneakiness to it where you won’t expect the sound that comes out.  But turn on the radio and one can tell that this was no stock system.  The cabin will be filled with sound that even a person with no knowledge about radios and speakers would really appreciate the music playing.  Turning the volume up or down will not make any difference in the clarity that you hear from the REFERENCE 400 CF sound solution system - highs and lows can still be appreciated with out any distortion.  As Mr. Lirag once mentioned; “When we say -Clean, Crisp and Clear, it’s about the sound, the way it installs and its seamless integration into your vehicle. ”I definitely did not mind the traffic I faced on the 91 freeway on my way to the FJC Forums meet.  The music that you hear definitely influences your mood and the way you drive.  Where at one point while sitting in traffic, there was a moment where you’re so into a song (Everything has Changed by Taylor Swift if you may ask hahaha) with full facial expression and finger thumping – and you look out the window - a lady in the car next to you was full on staring.  It’s like straight out of a VW commercial -I don’t even want to know what she was thinking.  She was possibly just mesmerized by my irresistible good looks.  And so I cruised on to the 15 freeway and headed over to Tom’s Farm.At the meet, a good number of FJCs showed up to mingle, chit-chat, talked shop and new upgrades.  Being that the FJ that I brought was so stock and one of the cleanest one out there, it was a full give-away that the driver that brought it was a newbie.  Took a few shots of the meet, mingled and tried to learn as much from active forum members – Greg, Jason, Dimitri and few others who welcomed me in their little pow-wow.  As I drooled on some of the aftermarket and custom upgrades – I also start to visualize ideas that will be sufficient for the DaYUUM Project FJC.One vehicle that really stood out from all the FJs that showed up was this fully caged – Baja FJ. It was shared that this FJ competed in Baja events -did really well and quick in various terrains.Here are a few that really caught my eye –Need a panoramic shot – No problem -So as I drove back to Orange County, I realized a few things:  One, the OEM Audio Plus REFERENCE 400CF sound solution system was a needed and great upgrade for the FJC.  No more quiet drives or flat music to hear but a space filled with sound that is tailored to your own liking.  Special thanks to the O+ team for their superb customer service and catering to a non-scion vehicle.  Two, the lumpy looks of the Trail Team FJ needs to be updated so hope you stay tuned for upcoming enhancements that we have in store for DaYUUM Project FJC.NOTE:There are only a limited number of FJ REFERENCE 400CF systems made so if you're in a look out for a plug and play sound system upgrade, please don't hesitate to contact -OEM AUDIO PLUS IncorporatedTel. 855.OEM.ODIO (855-636-6346)Instagram: ig@oemaudioplus.comoemaudioplus.com Until the next one… Peace!-dayuumjayce