Last year we at ABTEC started supplying and installing OEM Audio Head-units, at first the public were very sceptical and then within weeks became a very big part of our business. I guess that what makes this option so attractive is the features along with also keeping your vehicle factory and retaining its market value.
Ok time to see what OEM Audio themselves have to say about these products, see below…
Description for OEM Audio Factory Replacement:
These units are custom engineered to operate in each different model of vehicle, fitting the appearance of your dashboard and modernizing your car.
Specifications / Features:
GPS mapping of New Zealand with genuine, licensed & updateable software. Easy to use touch screen journey planning
DVD & CD player
Reverse camera with High Definition picture
AM/FM radio with 30 customisable preset stations
Integrated Bluetooth phone feature that automatically reduces radio volume for phone calls
iPod, USB and SD functions
Customized screen-saver and background photos, with all written instructions and on screen prompts in plain English.
OEM Audio History:
OEM Audio is a 100% NZ owned and distributes nationwide to selected resellers.
Founding Director, Paul O’Connor started this business after trying to get himself a reasonably-priced reversing camera for his own car and being horrified by the market offerings. After 10 prototypes, 500 emails, 5 manufacturers & many late nights we have our current model range.
Our aim is to provide an all-in-one media unit that has all your current needs in one convenient well built, well designed aesthetically pleasing unit. Our two directors Paul O’Connor and Gary Mitchell travel extensively to check on our factories and suppliers. We also check the latest trade shows for new ideas and developments. Our factories are inspected to ensure no child labour.
We have extensive quality control checks both here and at manufacturing level and we personally ‘bench test’ in NZ each unit before it goes to the end user. We offer many makes and models but all have the same features that matter most.”
Now back to the review;
I must admit at first the quality and sound were my main concerns, but as time went by and hundreds of happy customers later we realised that these are really going to be a great product. Now the other thing to consider is that some vehicles require facia panels and fitting kits can be worth over a thousand dollars without the cost of a new stereo included, oh and some vehicles don’t have an option for fitting kits. OEM Audio is a great solution when faced with this or just wanting to keep your car original.
Yes these also do keep your steering wheel control features working so all as is it was but now with all the new modern up to date technology included.
The big stand out features that I believe need to be mentioned are;
Bluetooth Music & Hands free
NZ Mapping
Steering wheel control
RCA out Front & Rear
AV out
And of course, now this is a big one…Reversing camera!! yes this not only could save a life but also be very convenient when parking or connecting a trailer.
Seeing what’s behind you is the ultimate as parking sensors can’t give you the full picture. (See image above)
As a total package OEM Audio is a great option and if a factory look is what your after then this could be for you. If sound is also part of your thought process then I would recommend looking at upgrading your speakers and/or adding a subwoofer to, this would then complete your total audio system and bring your “Sounds Alive”
Pros: Great features, love the mapping and even the cool clock (See above) 🙂
Cons: Stereo System would have to stay with vehicle
The Verdict: A well presented factory addition and all the options you could want with the added benefit of complementing the look of your vehicle.
Sounds Alive Rating: 3
1 = Disappointing
2 = Average
3 = Acceptable
4 = Impressed
5 = Wow!!
Ashley Madd Bass Burrell