Mesa Client Gets Toyota 4-Runner Audio System Upgrade

A client brought his brand new 2016 Toyota 4-Runner to Handcrafted Car Audio because the factory audio system wasn’t meeting his expectations. He wanted clear, detailed sound and solid bass. We auditioned several different products on the displays in our showroom and provided a quote to install them and tune the system. With the client’s approval, we scheduled an installation appointment.  The twist to this installation was it wasn’t for just ONE client.  The clients were brothers that were identical twins! Being identical twins, the owners of these two vehicles have a lot in common!  Other than looking exactly the same, they have the same hobbies, the same job, their past two vehicles have been the same and now, they have two, almost identical, 4 Runners with exactly the same system!

Better Bass

As is true with most of the factory stereo systems on the road, even when car manufacturers try to add a subwoofer to a system, the results are disappointing. This client chose a pair of Alpine SWA-10S4 subwoofers to resolve that issue. We mounted the vented enclosure into the hatch area of his truck.

Upgraded Speakers

An ABS plastic adapter plate was fabricated to hold the tweeter.

The woofer mounted in the door was attached via a handcrafted composite mounting plate.

The factory audio system had woofers in the doors and speakers in the dash. We made adapter plates for a set of new Alpine SPS-610C speakers with ABS plastic sheets. To ensure a perfect fit, we traced the old speakers on our router table using a spiral flush trim bit. To allow the woofer from the set to clear the window as it rolled down, we added a 0.75-inch spacer ring to the face of the adapter plate. This ring moves the speakers outwards and keeps the magnet away from the glass. For rear speakers, we used a set of Alpine SPS-619 3-way 6×9 speakers.

Power

The multi-channel Alpine amplifier powers the entire system.

Control for the subwoofer level is at the client’s fingertips.

The client chose an Alpine PDR-V75 amplifier for the system. This amp is rated to produce 75 watts per channel into the four main channels and 350 watts into the subwoofer channel. The small chassis of the amp allowed us to mount it under the passenger seat of the vehicle. The PDR-V75 is compatible with the Alpine RUX-KNOB remote level control for the subwoofer. The client loved the idea of being able to fine-tune the bass level. We mounted the control on the left side of the dash in one of the blank switch plates.

Wiring

We wired the amplifier with Audison Connection and Stinger wiring. We mounted the mini-ANL fuse holder under the hood to the cover of the factory relay panel. We sourced audio signals for the amplifier behind the radio. We always solder all of the connections we make to ensure they are reliable.

Clients Loved The New Sound Of Their 4-Runner Audio Systems

We wrapped up the installation with a thorough system tuning – ensuring we set all the amp levels for maximum performance and reliability. The clients returned from Mesa to Handcrafted Car Audio in Chandler, Arizona to pick up their trucks, and immediately hopped in for a listen. They loved the way they sounded! If you are interested in making your audio system sound amazing, contact us here.