A client from Henrico recently dropped into Extreme Audio to talk about upgrading the stereo system in his 2015 Toyota Tundra. As with most factory-installed sound systems, the client wanted the system to sound better and play louder. He was also interested in upgrading to a source unit that included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Alpine Halo 9 Source Unit
The project started with the installation of an Alpine iLX-F309 source unit. This radio features a unique single-DIN chassis design and a massive 9-inch touchscreen display that mounts in front of the body. The F309 includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration that allows the client to send text messages, make phone calls and much more by simply talking to the radio. He can even get turn-by-turn navigation directions to almost anywhere in the US or Canada just by asking.
We used an iDatalink Maestro integration module to allow the F309 to communicate with the CAN network in the truck to display such information as vehicle speed, engine speed and engine load.
ARC Audio Speakers and Amplifiers
The output of the Alpine feeds to an ARC Audio PS8-50 eight-channel amplifier with integrated digital signal processing. In this installation, we configured the amp as a six-channel with two sets of channels powering the ARC Audio Black 6.2 6½-inch woofers in the front doors, a pair of channels powering the tweeters from the Black 6.2 set and the last pair powering a set of ARC Audio X2-602 6½-inch coaxial speakers in the back doors. This configuration provides a set of pre-amp outputs that we used to feed the system subwoofer with complete control over crossovers, signal delay and equalization for those channels.
The speakers are mounted on plastic adapter plates, and we added a set of foam acoustic coupling rings to all four door speakers to help ensure that the sound from the speakers is directed into the cabin of the vehicle rather than being allowed to bounce around inside the door.
JL Audio System Subwoofer

The last piece of the project was the installation of a JL Audio ACP108LG-W3v3 subwoofer on the back wall of the truck. This MicroSub+ enclosure features a low-impedance 8W3v3-0.40 subwoofer and a special amplifier designed to offer 250 watts of power. The vented design of the enclosure boosts low-frequency output and overall system efficiency.
Toyota Tundra Stereo Upgrade Project
With the system installed and tuned, it was time for the client to return to Extreme Audio to hear his new Toyota stereo system. He was thrilled with the sound and loved the new radio! If you are interested in upgrading the sound system in your truck, drop by our store in Mechanicsville or Midlothian or send our team an e-mail using our contact form.
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