Niki

@Gaurav with that setup i say you are the resident DJ at this Music Party! ... always welcome and appreciate the sharing! Tip for any Apple Music and Apple Car Play users - Settings>Music>EQ OFF & Sound Check OFF. This has transformed the experience (still not amazing but now at least the music experience feels like an upgrade) I am likely to take 3 stages to build out the system. Stage 1: Sound Proofing & Component Upgrade (sound is an improvement but not 'wow' yet, the deadening is really effective) Component pack: Ground Zero GZRC 200NEO-IV Front Doors 2x 8" Mid (120W RMS) Dash mounted 2x 1" Dome Tweets Sound Deadening Door cards Door shell Dash housing for the tweets Stage 2: Feed the Component some real power & decide on Sub 5 Channel Amp - researching and deciding on budget including install Matching Ground Zero Option GZHA MINI FIVE - Class D Mini 5 Channel Car Amplifier - 1200 Watt Max) Channels: 5 Output Power (@ 4Ω) 4x 75 + 190 Watts RMS Output Power (@ 2Ω) 4x 125 + 320 Watts RMS max. Output 1200 Watts Subwoofer - more research needed Underseat (Alpine options looks tempting right now) small enclosed unit similar to @Heisem Pioneer setup (as i can still load items around/above it if needed) FJ specific JBL option FJ Specific custom Fabrication Stage 3: Finishing touches - remove the remaining stock 4" speakers (rear pillar in trunk mounted speakers) These bring such little value so once the other items are done i can see if it will bring anything to the setup and its likely a modest spend. will share my experience with the Ground Zero products - they are a well loved brand in europe and so far my biggest issue is the weak head-unit (processing and power) - and as my kids say my taste in music doesnt help either!!

You are a dangerous forum member @Heisem as this comment I have read as encouragement to go and get an amp 🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️ (And sub). Thanks and nice hearing the shops suggestion validated also

Thank you @Wrangeld .. was online and booked see you Friday morning

Short update to close out the thread. @Gaurav happy to say I found the size tires and even better managed to sell my Dunlop’s for 1k to help ease the blow! I decided to remove the TPMS sesnors from all the wheels and have them sitting in a bag at home as the garage would put them all into the spare as per @Asif Hussain. I tried and tried to convince them to do it but they refused lol. @Rahimdad I am now testing how OCD I really am as the warning light is now permanent. I couldn’t remove a fuse to solve the warning light so if I struggle due to OCD it’s either black tape or a more drastic solution (on the FJ forums one owner in the US created a pressurized container with all 5 TPMS in that lol 😂) thanks for all the advice.. and glad to have got more suitable tires and learnt the TPMS lesson early enough to allow me to remove them all as I did the upgrade to the tires.

Ground Zero Sound Proofing (5 sheets used) .. main install on door card and inside of front doors. They were generous and thorough with where they applied the stuff. Ground Zero 8” component kit (includes cross over and tweets) including fitting it cost a total 1600aed. I feel it’s a foundation for the next upgrade (adding an amp + underseat sub)

@Heisem @topgear - i ignored my own (and your) advice and went ahead with an upgrade!! i went to simply visit the store to look at audio options and ended up upgrading to component speakers for the front door and dash (8" mids in the door and tweets replacing the dash speakers). I also go it all sound proofed/deadened. the deadening / soundproofing was the most impressive part. i am actually a little dissapointed with the audio quality and likely that is due to the headunit. As lovely as a 12.1" screen is, the quality of the processor and amp is really poor - i would have been better off with the older units according to the store. will share some pics below and my experience if it helps other FJ owners. overall i am actually happy as i feel changes in the future will wake up the speakers. look out for some more pics and details to help future FJ upgraders

good morning @Wrangeld - excited to join this trip and i know registration opens up this evening. As I may be on the road at that time, could you add me to the list as 'going' pls. if not possible i will happily sit on a wait list as it seems the RSVPs fill up really fast.

Great advice @Heisem ... again! I will certainly take my time ... it’s so tempting to just go rush and install as it’s made so easy to do out here (2hours and I have a sub!). But I will spend some time reviewing the vids and pics as you mentioned to get to a decision. hope to see you out on the dunes in the future... am still at a newbie level but have caught the bug so 🤞🏽

@Heisem Massive thanks for sharing your setup, learnings, recommendations and pics!! Truly helpful and what i do have is audio envy !! thankfully the standard head-unit is the 12" Apple's car play/android head unit so suspect it has a decent power output and processors but your pics and experience has me tempted for a proper amp + upgrades to the 4" mids. Soundproofing was a big lesson you have shared with us all if we change the door speakers! much appreciated. I am going to do some more research, I have found an Alpine Amplified under-seat Sub fully fitted for 1200. its hardly a comparison to your set up but may give me that extra bass whilst keep the trunk free? will share the journey i take and certainly some pics. I have some of the current factory fitted head-unit i will attach to this thread via my phone later this evening.

<<Also posted on the Audio Advice channel/forum>> Hi community, 2 drives into my Carnity experience, I am realizing how disappointing the stock Speakers in the new FJ Cruisers sound as the setup includes 8 speakers but no SubWoofer. tiny sound, rattling doors and just a disappointing experience (that and the tyres are my only gripe - i love the car in every other way) With every future drive with the club being a minimum 2 hours round trip just to the meeting points, I feel the need to improve the Acoustics in the car and add some real bass/subwoofer. Current Setup: 2 small speakers on either side of the Dash 2 speakers in the front doors 2 Speakers in the rear pillar 2 speakers in the roof/headlining above passengers 12" touch screen Android head unit Toyota didn't provide any documentation for the head unit (so i do not know its specifications however will try and search for this form the FJCruiser Forum) i will try and source the manufacturer and specs of the current speakers also if that offers any value My Goal: Not replace the current speakers (only 1 month in and i am not an audiophile (yet) so feel its just the low end i am missing out on) add a subwoofer that will work well with the current set up ideally keep the trunk space empty (have though about under seat Subs?) open to using the space in the trunk if that's a better option budget - good quality sound (not needing competition grade and not looking for budget options) Installation: if the team are looking for a small project i would happily get my hands dirty to learn and do it together otherwise i am looking to buy and install from the same place (as per previous advice on this forum) Help needed: Should I consider the stock FJ Subwoofers as an option? either from one of those scrap yards or second hand? or is there a far better sounding option by buying aftermarket stuff with a custom enclosure any advice on those that have added a Subwoofer to a stock system and the basics i will need (assumed a new Amp + sub and cabling being the only requirements?) - but assume i am wrong as a cross over i suspect is essential but do educate me here can the community help guide me on a recommended set up long shot - any of the group up to help install as a project or advise on suitable locations to source and fit they trust. thanks again

Hi community, 2 drives into my Carnity experience, I am realizing how disappointing the stock Speakers in the new FJ Cruisers sound as the setup includes 8 speakers but no SubWoofer. tiny sound, rattling doors and just a disappointing experience (that and the tyres are my only gripe - i love the car in every other way) With every future drive with the club being a minimum 2 hours round trip just to the meeting points, I feel the need to improve the Acoustics in the car and add some real bass/subwoofer. Current Setup: 2 small speakers on either side of the Dash 2 speakers in the front doors 2 Speakers in the rear pillar 2 speakers in the roof/headlining above passengers 12" touch screen Android head unit Toyota didn't provide any documentation for the head unit (so i do not know its specifications however will try and search for this form the FJCruiser Forum) i will try and source the manufacturer and specs of the current speakers also if that offers any value My Goal: Not replace the current speakers (only 1 month in and i am not an audiophile (yet) so feel its just the low end i am missing out on) add a subwoofer that will work well with the current set up ideally keep the trunk space empty (have though about under seat Subs?) open to using the space in the trunk if that's a better option budget - good quality sound (not needing competition grade and not looking for budget options) Installation: if the team are looking for a small project i would happily get my hands dirty to learn and do it together otherwise i am looking to buy and install from the same place (as per previous advice on this forum) Help needed: Should I consider the stock FJ Subwoofers as an option? either from one of those scrap yards or second hand? or is there a far better sounding option by buying aftermarket stuff with a custom enclosure any advice on thsoe that have added a Subwoofer to a stock system and the basics i will need (assumed a new Amp + sub and cabling being the only requirements?) - but assume i am wrong as a cross over i suspect is essential but do educate me here can the community help guide me on a recommended set up long shot - any of the group up to help install as a project or advise on suitable locations to source and fit they trust. thanks again

@Gaurav. @Chaitanya D thank you for the trip today! Was a big step up from the absolute newbie session last week! Getting a better feel for the car (finding the psi that matches my driving style, learning to throttle and turn smoother, power of manual gears). Your coaching, support, patience, the stunning landscape/views PLUS no ‘pop out’ made this a truly enjoyable experience! Enjoy your weekend all and look forward to seeing many of you again on the next newbie trip over the coming weeks! have put some pics up on the gallery however having seen what @Umar Kamal shot.... skip past mine and look at the awesome pictures he took!

@Ahab Shamaa 🤜🏽🤛🏽 ... Queens rule (for some nationalities that’s literally true also ) Thank you also for sharing your experiences ... it really helps build confidence knowing the journey others have been on! Looking forward to building on these experiences and learning on each trip! See you soon!.

Thank you @Gaurav ... I did indeed go literal 🤦🏽‍♂️ ... so happy to read this and see you Friday l! @Michael Gazi sorry this time I cannot sacrifice the spot but really hope you make it via the wait list and get to see you Friday also!

@Gaurav if I cannot secure the new AT tires in time for the drive on Friday, knowing I am an absolute novice and running ‘pop out kings’ do you feel it would be better I free up my slot for others and book again once am fitted out with a more tolerant set up for someone of my abilities . I know it’s all about the driver and not the car/mods ... just want to make sure it’s a fun experience for all vs baby sitting a newbie.

Thank you @Ale Vallecchi for the feedback and encouragement!! You are absolutely right to direct my focus on building my driving skills and I need to really develop a feel for the car as it’s still completely new for me in that environment! 1000km on tarmac allowed me to master the stereo but that’s about it Looking forward to the next experience as a newbie and will take the lessons learnt with me regarding approach coming down, limiting the sliding sideways and over aggression on turning. knowing I may have a more forgiving experience in a more appropriate set of tires - if I can secure these by Friday I will likely make that investment (if nothing more it will give a little more tolerance as I continue to learn and develop my style and confidence) @Asif Hussain huge thanks for sharing your experience and hack ... that’s an ingenious solution !!!!! When switching out tires I will ask the garage if that’s an option!! I thankfully don’t suffer from OCD as previously stated so can likely just ignore the light for now and when in for a service will enquirie about getting it deactivated properly... as it’s a warning light vs showing actual pressure the value is really limited

@Rahimdad not only does this group teach how to read dunes, it seems reading the spouses and choosing the right track is also one of the value props! ... what a community i will take the experience of this group to hand, am planning on joining every other week (after this Friday ) to ease the change but will want to join on a weekly basis as soon as i can. the drive and experience already frees the mind from the week gone! I sometimes feel the wife worries about the car more than me - she has grown attached to it even though it was my mid-life-crisis toy!

@Srikumar pls remove me from the waitlist. This trip has come just a little too early for me. Thanks for follow up!

@Srikumar that would end my marriage!! Let me see if I can bribe my way to freedom... I am not giving up hope! Thank you for this option!