2021 Audio System Upgrade (non JBL) Alpine PSU-300TND?

Hello Tundra people. I am attempting to upgrade the subpar sound system in my 2021 Tundra SR5 DC OEM Denso Ten head unit (non JBL) running Entune 3.0. I'd like to keep the head unit and maybe replace the speakers & possibly add an Amp. I'm hoping to improve the sound quality from muted to crisp & clear (loudness is really not a priority). To start, I purchased a Alpine PSU-300TND plug & play Amp, Harness & Sub designed for the Tundra (though Crutchfield could not determine if it fits the 2021, "we'll call Alpine" have yet to hear). To do a sound check/test fit (without installing) I wired components per Alpine supplemental instruction sheet "..for all 2020 and up..." & set Amp and Sub gains and switches per "OEM head unit" instructions (not exactly quality instructions you'd expect from a giant like Alpine). The kit components appear to be of high quality. I've included a few pictures for reference.
Issues:
1.) Upon power-up all OEM speakers were firing with more authority, however sound quality was poor and bassy, also the new Subwoofer was silent though power LED was lit. Alpine tech support stated I would need to do some signal testing to determine if source of problem.
2.) I found the "cigarette lighter connector" plugs for amp remote "power on" are wrong for my 2021. Makes me wonder if there is a wiring difference between the 2020 and 2021. Alpine tech "just splice into lighter". I already did this, just would be nice if correct plugs.
3.) The normally soft chirp heard when pressing the Entune touch screen or buttons was annoyingly loud, and unchanged by volume setting. I now wonder if the turn signal sound (comes thru speakers) will do the same thing. Alpine tech "can you shut off the alert?". Guess I could, but do kind of like this feature.
4.) There is also a hiss from the speakers (piggy backs music), even when head unit audio is switched off. Alpine tech "possibly ground loop issue, test..." Had it grounded harness to same location as OEM. Guess I could try cleaning connections.

I'm not convinced this this Alpine Kit is the way to go, even if the sub was working. I restored the truck to OEM while I decide on further testing of PSU-300TND kit.

Has anyone else has tried this Alpine system in the 2021 Tundra with success? Also, wondering if anyone has any insight or suggestions for a simple but effective upgrade without OEM head unit functionality issues. Has anyone tried just upgrading to high end speakers?

 

First message correct? Welcome to the forum.

Per your message, I understand that the only replacement you have done is the HU, correct? You are putting high octane gasoline on a focus and pretending to run as a Ferrari!

You must remove the amp and replace the speakers.

 

I have a thread in here titled Audio Install Nightmare where I started with the same thing. That little Alpine amp was a nightmare, I got rid of it ASAP. Ended up going down a $5k path for a $3k system. Totaled that truck and the only thing I kept was the sub, which I'm having installed in my new 2021.
I think I will get the dash speakers from JRT and ask him what's good in the doors. That will be it for 2 years when I will probably drive out there and have him do a head unit, subs, amp, the works.
The head unit in the 2021 is alright for now, any unit around $500 will be good with the wireless CarPlay and AA, even the floating screens look cool but pricey. I say, get the speakers decent, a little bass, then gut it once the head unit gets boring or outdated.

 

Thank you for the welcome and response. I am keeping the OEM Head Unit for now. I am looking into upgrading the speakers as a first step. I'll document and share as I progress with process.

 

I appreciate your knowledge and insightful comments. Thank you for the reference to your interesting post. Wow, you went through all that hell and then lost the truck, I guess it's also an opportunity. Could you let us know how they wire the sub in your 2021 and the resulting performance? Also, I'd be interested in what you do for speakers and adapters as well as your new 2021 audio system specs when done.

I noticed the 2020? & my 2021 OEM head units have different plugs than the previous Gen3 Tundras Also, the Alpine PSU-300TND came with a "2020 and up...." supplemental install instruction sheet. Thus, I assume possible changes to function, wiring and software. I am looking into the speaker upgrade as a 1st stage as I sort out details and best route. I agree with your head unit assessment, it's good enough for now. I'll post updates as I progress.

 

Ok I just got the truck back from a 2 hour install of the sub. I did not check all the wiring yet. I bought an 8ga power kit that was run down the driver side. They also used the high level inputs. Not sure if it's tapped behind the head unit or at amp.

It's amazing! Crazy to think that whole nightmare could have been avoided if I just stuck to the sub. It blends perfectly with the bass from the stock speaker and even rattles the mirror a little.

The only issue is when I kill the vehicle, you hear the sub turn off. It makes no sound at startup (perfect) and it's not that annoying pop like when a remote wire isn't run. I think if I lower the gain it will be less noticeable. Amazing how an install can never be perfect! Guy behind the counter was trying to tell me the Alpine was 'bad' then the shop tech said I'd need resistors. Oh well. If that pop is going to kill the sub or whatever, I'll enjoy it until it dies and not waste anymore time or money to troubleshoot it.

 

If you don’t mind me asking, where did you install your sub? What amp and what sub do you have? Looking to do the same

 

We are talking about the Alpine PWES8 powered sub. I had it installed at a Car Toys for $250 with amp kit. I put it in the middle of the back seats. There are a ton of compact powered subs out there, pick whatever is nice. I only have the Alpine bc the shop I stopped at one day was the only one they carried.

 

OP, what did you end up doing? Did you keep the oem hu? Ever look at OEMplus: https://oemaudioplus.com/toyota/tdc/ ?