Alpine S2 Speakers

Has anyone installed the newer generation Alpine S2 speakers in their Tacoma? I've seen very few reviews on these speakers on any forum and I'm curious how they sound, especially in Tacomas with the factory JBL system.

For reference, I'm running the Beat-Sonic Encore amp with my factory JBL system, so I'm not as concerned about losing some volume with aftermarket 4ohm speakers. The Beat-Sonic amp makes the factory JBL system noticeably louder with more clarity and impact, but I'd still like more precision and accuracy out of the speakers.

Alpine S2 "Next Generation" Speakers:

Front: Alpine S2-S69C - 2 way components
- 6x9" woofer for front door
- 3" mid-range + 3/4" tweeter (coaxial) for dash

Rear: Alpine S2-S65 - coaxial
- 6.5" coaxial for rear door

I'd like to stick with speakers and harnesses that are plug & play with my factory JBL-equipped truck, and I've been shopping speaker bundles from Trail Grid Pro. I'm interested in any feedback on comparable speaker set-ups that don't require cutting/trimming my dash speaker openings and grills or fabbing dash speaker mounts.

I'm specifically looking at Alpine S2, Kicker KS, and Focal Toyota-specific speaker bundles. I've never been that impressed with anything from Kicker, but the KS line fits well and receives decent reviews. I'd really like to go with the Focal Toyota-specific speakers, but I've come across a handful of reviews saying they may be a little too "bright" for some.

 

I was just looking at these myself for my 2013 without JBL system. I'm also curious if anyone has used these. I'm looking for a good "middle of the road" set of speakers. Willing to spend $200-$300 for all four doors but not much more than that.

 

I just installed the

$180 s2-s69c - next-generation s-series 6x9 component speaker set

s2-s69c components up front with a kicker key and a Kenwood double din no screen excelon head unit. Major upgrade from stock, especially with the kicker key tuning done. Clear at volume, soundstage lifted up off the floor, sounds excellent and I’m pleased with the value/performance of the setup. Next I’m going to try bi-amping them and disconnecting the rears. I was considering the 6.5 coaxials from this series for the rear, but Crutchfield says they don’t fit in a 2005 double cab in the back.

 

Thanks for posting! Great to hear you like the

$180 Alpine s2-s69c - Next-Generation S-Series 6x9 Component Speaker Set

Alpine s2-s69c components. A Kicker Key or Alpine Power Pack sounds like a great option to drive these. I'm really wishing I didn't have the factory JBL system to workaround right now.

How is the bass from the Alpine 6x9's and the treble from the dash coaxial speakers? Hoping the dash speakers aren't too harsh or overly bright.

 

I have an ‘05, so the midrange/tweeter is in the door (had to modify the mount). I actually didn’t realize that it’s not just a tweeter but a little 3” coaxial with a tweeter, and it just fits the spot but took some finagling. I’ve only just installed it, but I played some live music from a band with a drummer who does a lot with his cymbals, and the highs were very clear. I’d say bright but not overly so. Definitely brighter with the key tuning, but nothing sharp or off putting. Bass was muddy around my feet until I ran the key tuning, which made it clear, tight, and somewhat punchy. Enough to feel it in my legs but obviously limited…decent enough for my preferences. YMMV as to whether adding a sub would be needed for your preferences or not.

 

I just installed these with the Alpine sub and amp kit from Trail Grid Pro. They are a lot better than stock (not that that's a high bar) but I think they are still underwhelming compared to some stock systems I've had in the past.

 

Thanks for posting! I appreciate the feedback and honest review, but I will say I'm a little surprised to hear that these Alpine (or any other) amped aftermarket speakers are "underwhelming" compared to stock systems you've had.

I'd venture to say either you've had some incredible stock systems in your vehicles... or something seems off with the source/content, tuning and/or installation? Even my basic, cheaper amped aftermarket speaker setups (with a sub) sounded noticeably better than nearly every stock system I've listened to.

 

The Bose system in my Grand Cherokee was amazing and the one in my Ram was really nice. It very well could be a tuning issue. I didn’t mess with it from the settings they told me to put it at. Don’t get me wrong it’s better than stock but still sounds flat sometimes.