Need help from Audio freaks here!

Hello all- wanting to improve my 3rd Gen SR 2021 with small OEM infotainment unit. I want to keep the head unit stock, but wanting to update speakers and to amp them. After research, I have a few questions.

First, I have updated my dash speakers to the Subaru Kickers. Plan on putting front 6x9s and rears with ROCKFORD FOSGATE prime series.

I also plan to get a ALPINE mini amp x4 channels to power the fronts and rear (I know fronts run parallel). I also have the METRA wiring harnesses from research on a previous thread here.
Questions:
1. Can I successfully amp these wired to the head unit without an amp kit? And if I need an amp kit, what is recommended for the mini amp?
2. Will this combo sound ok? Not looking for competition sound- just wanting something louder and more crisp. Heck, even if it sounded as good and loud as a base sound system in an entry level GMC Terrain, I’d be happy.

Again, I just want a budget sound system and the reviews on the RFs sound like they are what I am looking for. Thanks! Pic of truck

 

Question 1. You can get a harness for the speakers only and home run the power & ground.
Question 2. It will sound vastly better than stock. Don't worry, there is virtually nothing you can do that would make it sound worse than stock.

 

Thanks for the reply! I purchased the

$8 metra 70-1761 radio wiring harness for toyota 87-up power 4 speaker

metra 70-1761 kit to wire up to stock head unit. No issues with overheating amp this way? Crutchfield guy made it sound like it’s a fire hazard if amp overheats

 

Question - Are you planning on coaxial 6x9s from Rockford, or components, with a separate woofer and tweeter? I ask because, if you’re sold in the Kicker tweeter “upgrade”, and you get coaxial 6x9s, you’ll have 4 tweeters up front, for a literal “screaming” good time.

 

If you have the amp in an adequately ventilated location and run sufficient gauge wires, there shouldn't be a problem.

 

I do plan on coaxials. Already did the kicker tweeters a while back.?Do not hear much a difference. But I understand I have the base system. Plan on sticking the amp somewhere in dash unless there is a better spot? Just a mini amp.

as far as guage wiring……I just planned using the metra harness and then tapping into stock harness wires. I’ll have to research what some others did on here. Just didn’t know if it was necessary to run an amp wiring kit to battery.

 

Okay, loud highs it is. As for wiring the power to that amp, the fuse for the factory stereo is 10A. That pocket amp can draw 15A. No bueno. Consider wiring to the battery, 12ga should be good, and fuse it no more than 18” from the battery. Fires aren’t much fun.

PS. Don’t let the Crutchfield guy scare you. Follow the advice you get, your amp and truck will live a long time.

 

i think you'll be ok with running that amp off the factory wiring. but personally, i always feel better about running my own power wiring for aftermarket accessories. makes it easier if there's a problem to not have to worry about weather i was wrong to use oem wiring for something it wasn't intended for.

 

Amp kit it is. I like highs, but will control the treble. Just as long as I can control enough screeching/distortion from highs, I’ll be good. Will the

$12 metra 71-1761 87 - 94 toyota vehicle harness

metra 71-1761 kit to make a T harness work for my 2021 SR? I thought I read it changed after 2019 and 2020s and up use something else? So many questions!

 

I think that you’ve got a harness for earlier years, up to 2015 I think. I’ve seen posted that to add an amp to the OEM nonJBL unit for your years you need the 70-1765 and 71-1765. Then you create the T-harness to feed the amp. @dolbytone made a comprehensive how-to here. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2020-entune-factory-integration.691221/

@destin_meeks may have some insights as well.

 

Good deal! I’ll return the 71-1767 harnesses. Couldn’t I just purchase the Taco Tunes Kit toavoid any headaches altogether?

 

Good deal! I’ll return the 71-1767 harnesses. Couldn’t I just purchase the Taco Tunes Kit to avoid any headaches altogether?

 

Yeah, you could. Just be aware of the issues some members have had with them. I, personally, haven’t had any negative experiences, but that’s not to say it won’t happen again.

 

Yikes. I’ll have to look into what issues ppl with 2020 and up have had. May end up just trying to create a t-harness then and get an amp kit for it. Thanks for the help!

 

I think
I’ll take your advice and get a set of components for front and just use the woofer 6x9 and leave my kicker tweeters in dash. And just get some coaxials for rear as fillers.

So, I will get those but need a list. Someone with a 2020 and up has to have done something similar. I see updated metra numbers for my years, but still a little confused. So get those metra harness numbers, an amp kit, and I’ll be good at this point?

OR- rather than creating my T-harness, just buy taco tunes amp harness kit? That kit can be used for any amp, right?

Sorry- I’m a newb just researching and wanting to confirm. Thanks guys

 

Listen to this man! Do a woofer in the door, leave tweeters in dash for now, coax rear doors. You may be happy at first...but that's how it all starts lol

 

Lol I’ve decided to listen and do that. I’ll leave the tweeters in dash, take woofers from
Component kit for front and coax for rear ron.

I just want ANYTHING louder and more crisp than this factory underpowered system.

now I need suggestions on amp, harness (taco tunes??? Or can someone confirm what metra kits to use for the 7” gracenote), and which amp kit to buy. Also- where to mount amp (prefer in dash if possible).

 

If you’re not too comfortable with soldering, the TT harness will do fine. I haven’t heard any major issues about them in a while, but there were some horror stories in the past. As for amp location, I recalled someone here mounting the Kicker KEY amp above the glovebox. Not sure if later years had the space or not, it it’s an idea. Access was through the side of the opening for the headunit.

 

Could I do the alpine mini vs the kicker mini? I can solder for sure as I have the tools for that. May go the metra route to be “safer” if that is the preferred route. I’ll just need to make sure what parts I’ll need to order. I had to return the 1761s since it’s for 16-19s. Thanks for your guidance!