Opinions on Alpine PSU-300FRN sub kit

[4xColt]

I have a 2020 TRD Off-road Premium with Focal IS 690s upfront and will probably purchase some Focals for the rear doors. I would like to add a little more oomph in the lower frequencies so I am looking at the Alpine PSU-300FRN which includes:

* Alpine KTP-445U Power Pack 4-channel amplifier

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* 45 watts RMS x 4 at 2 or 4 ohms
* Alpine PWE-S8 compact powered subwoofer

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* 8" woofer

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* 120 watts RMS amplifier
* Vehicle-specific bracket holds sub and amp under front passenger seat
* Vehicle-specific wiring pre-cut and terminated

I have a couple of questions:

Has anyone purchased this 4Runner specific kit? If so, what are your thoughts?

Do you think the 4 channel amp would make a noticeable difference for my Focals?

Any other recommendations for an under the seat sub?

For anyone who has installed this kit, can it be installed under the drivers seat?


Thanks
Colt

 

[oldschoolpl510]

I heard this system in a Camry. For the money, it sounded amazing. The factory speakers really came to life.

 

[4xColt]

I heard this system in a Camry. For the money, it sounded amazing. The factory speakers really came to life.

Good to hear. I may try the sub before swapping out the rear door speakers.

Thanks for the info
Colt

 

[08TxRunner]

Why not go with an amp like the PDV9? More power all around, and it's a 5 channel.

 

[4xColt]

Why not go with an amp like the PDV9? More power all around, and it's a 5 channel.

Thanks, I will research the PDV9.

If I did go with it what sub would you recommend?

 

[08TxRunner]

I ran a JL W3 ten inch in a separate box. It was amazing. Currently trying to adapt that system, out of my old '08, into my new '20.

The V9 is extremely compact and will easily fit under either seat.

 

[4xColt]

One question I forgot to ask was...

For anyone who has installed this kit, can it be installed under the drivers seat?

Thanks
Colt

 

[oldschoolpl510]

The bracket that comes with the kit is specifically for the passenger seat. You can buy the under seat unit by itself for less and mount it to the floor under the drivers seat.
I was thinking about how I can describe this system. It is definitely not like a dedicated audio system with a box. It's not going to kick you in the chest when you turn it up. It also wont provide those earth shaking lows. It makes the speakers sound more crisp, and the small sub fills in some of the bass. I would rate it at 7/10 when compared to OEM audio plus.

 

[4xColt]

The bracket that comes with the kit is specifically for the passenger seat. You can buy the under seat unit by itself for less and mount it to the floor under the drivers seat.
I was thinking about how I can describe this system. It is definitely not like a dedicated audio system with a box. It's not going to kick you in the chest when you turn it up. It also wont provide those earth shaking lows. It makes the speakers sound more crisp, and the small sub fills in some of the bass. I would rate it at 7/10 when compared to OEM audio plus.

Yeah, I don't need something that kicks me in the chest. My last car was a Lexus GS350 and the audio system in there was very nice. With my current Focals, the 4Runner sounds okay but it is just missing the bottom end. I don't know if I even need an amp for the speakers but I definitely need a sub.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Do you happen to have the third row seat? This was my solution, I used the stock JBL enclosure with a JL 8w3v3.

I looked at the Alpine under the seat solution but opted for this instead

 

[4xColt]

Do you happen to have the third row seat? This was my solution, I used the stock JBL enclosure with a JL 8w3v3.

I looked at the Alpine under the seat solution but opted for this instead

Very nice!

How much was the stock JBL enclosure and do you have the part number(s)?

Did you happen to document your project online?

Colt

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Very nice!

How much was the stock JBL enclosure and do you have the part number(s)?

Did you happen to document your project online?

Colt

I sure did!

I made a how to guide

Third row seat removal to access rear panel pocket, subwoofer install

And here's more details of my build

BlackAck's 5th Gen 4Runner thread

The part number for the enclosure is

861500W120

I got mine from a member on here before I even bought my 5th gen, got lucky.

Feel free to hit me up with any questions, I've helped a few members install theirs

 

[DeltaWhiskey]

I bought that kit from Crutchfield for my 19 ORP. Installed and had weak/no sound from LF door and dash. Crutchfield sent a second kit, I uninstalled and reinstalled the second kit. Same problem. Although I don't have JBL system, Alpine tech support said that kit was incompatible with my truck because it has "premium sound". I sent everything back and got a full refund. I was quite disappointed.

 

[4xColt]

I bought that kit from Crutchfield for my 19 ORP. Installed and had weak/no sound from LF door and dash. Crutchfield sent a second kit, I uninstalled and reinstalled the second kit. Same problem. Although I don't have JBL system, Alpine tech support said that kit was incompatible with my truck because it has "premium sound". I sent everything back and got a full refund. I was quite disappointed.

Well that sucks. I have an ORP as well.

Has anyone installed this kit on their ORP successfully?

Thank you very much for the information!

 

[ShermanOlsen]

I've been very happy with the Alpine PWE-S8 under the driver's seat. It's enough bump and it gives me a full frequency response with my Polk components. Mounted it on some scrap metal rails to raise it above the heater output, and with just velcro on the carpet it hasn't budged. I also did Polk 5 1/4s in the rear doors, along with jumping the tailgate speakers. The "premium" head unit puts out just enough output (and protects my hearing from myself). I didn't want to spend a lot of time or money on an inherently crappy listening environment so I didn't do an amp. But the system now sounds so much better than I expected that I wonder if there's more left in it....

 

[ebadai98]

I just received the Alpine unit today, hopefully will get to install it soon and I will give my input. I’ve heard good things so we will see.

 

[4xColt]

I just received the Alpine unit today, hopefully will get to install it soon and I will give my input. I’ve heard good things so we will see.

Excellent! I can't wait to hear your thoughts.

Thanks!
Colt

 

[ebadai98]

After completing the install and getting ready to out the passenger seat back on, It does NOT fit under the seat of my TRD Off Road. Maybe only fits under the power seat option, but definitely will not clear seats with manual adjustment.

 

[4xColt]

After completing the install and getting ready to out the passenger seat back on, It does NOT fit under the seat of my TRD Off Road. Maybe only fits under the power seat option, but definitely will not clear seats with manual adjustment.

Crap! Sorry to hear that.

Did you fire it up and listen to it?

 

[shdw03]

for the price I would go factory enclosure. for about $180 + $200 sub. Even running the stock JBL speaker was pretty good. With my $60 Skar 8" sound great. missing the low response like the jl 8w3, but for $60...