Step-by-Step DIY Install Guide: Alpine's Tesla Sound System Upgrade for Model Y and Model 3 

Yeah Tesla sound system is already better than 99% of cars, and I don't think you're going to hear the difference between a blue carbon fiber speaker vs a paper speaker when you're driving at 80 mph on the highway 😂

@killkiss_son A friend of mine who was a former MECA SQ judge and SQ competitor upgraded the system in his girlfriends Tesla Model 3 with a similar basic DSP/multichannel amplifier combo and a similar tier of speakers. (FYI, Eric Brooks from Alpine stated that these speakers are similar in performance to their R-series.) I've traveled in that car with them on several occasions with the OEM system, and was then able to demo the upgraded system with my own demo track playlist. It was a massive improvement in tonality and clarity as well as the imaging and soundstage. Five Star Car Stereo also recently installed this Alpine system in a customer's Tesla, and both they and the customer noted a huge improvement. The customer was in no way disappointed with the results after spending the money. So there's that.

@@bbfoto7248 This is true. Ive got this stereo kit running in my Model 3 now on day 10 and I just can't get enough of it. I almost want to watch all of my Netflix shows and movies in there after dinner because it sounds that great. Massive upgrade no doubt. The magnets on these babies are HUGE, the magnets on the OEM Tesla speakers are smaller than a regular wrist watch. The OEM stereo wasn't bad but it just wasn't great. This stereo makes you feel like you're immersed in an ocean of full rich sound. It's just tuned so well.

I have the 22 model y w/premium sound (I think it’s an upgrade? Got it used I’m not sure) but holy shit it’s like a movie theatre with the right music. That “blinding lights” by the weeknd is insane. I can’t imagine it being usefully louder unless bass competition levels of bass are desired. I don’t need my nostrils to flutter but it would be kinda interesting to hear the difference of this Alpine

​@@orbitaljellyfish808 These types of aftermarket systems using DSP and better amplification aren't just about getting louder or adding more bass (although they usually do that as well). They are moreso about adding Better clarity, detail, and realism, as well as providing a more accurate "sound stage" and imaging, where each instrument and vocal are tightly focused with their own pinpoint location in space, appearing at eye-level and evenly spaced from far left to the far right in front of you, as if you were attending a live acoustic concert sitting within the first few rows. When installed and set up properly, these types of aftermarket systems will also add more DEPTH to the different instruments and vocals (when using high quality music that was well-mixed and mastered with this information). So, a lead singer will usually appear up-front and centered in the vehicle over the dash with their voice floating in space just below the rear view mirror, while things like the bass guitar, drums, and background singers will appear to be behind the lead singer to the left, right, and just off-center beyond the windshield and out over the hood. ;) Hopefully my buddy Erin at *Erin's Audio Corner* on utoob will produce a video about his new aftermarket car audio system soon, but he is currently in the middle of moving to a new home. He owns a '23 Tesla Model Y Performance, and had a very high-end aftermarket system installed in the vehicle that simply blows away the premium Tesla factory system. But it should because it's about 5x the cost of this Plug & Play Alpine system. 😛 Erin's Model Y Performance system uses a 3-way set of the ToTL Morel HiFi Supremo front component speakers, along with a single 18" Acoustic Elegance IB18AU Subwoofer. This big subwoofer isn't about getting LOUD as much as it is about hitting the LOWEST notes effortlessly and with authority and realism. There are FOUR separate 2-channel Morel 45th Anniversary Limited Edition MPS-2.150 amplifiers, and One MPS-1.1100 mono amplifier for the subwoofer. The system uses a high-end Audiotec-Fischer HELIX DSP ULTRA multichannel processor to send a perfectly EQ'd, Time-Aligned, and Phase-Coherent signal to each amplifier and on to each speaker and subwoofer. Again, the reason for this system is NOT just about getting LOUD and/or having Crazy amounts of BASS, although it can do that when it's desired... 😛 It's about reproducing the music with LIFELIKE Detail, Dynamics, and Realism so it appears out in front of you across a wide "Sound Stage" where you can close your eyes and point to each individual instrument and vocalist like they are performing live on stage. If you were able to hear this system, I can assure you that it is a NIGHT AND DAY experience compared to even Tesla's Premium OEM audio system. Unfortunately, 99% of people have simply not had the opportunity to hear a properly installed and tuned DSP system like this, so they just can imaging or fathom what the differences can truly be. You can look Online for the Dates & Locations of upcoming Car Audio Sound Quality Competitions from organizations such as IASCA, MECA, EMMA, SQology, and MASQ and attend these events as a spectator for free. As long as each car and competitor is not being judged for the competition at that moment, nearly all of them are extremely friendly and are happy to give you a Demo of their system, as well as answer any questions you have about what equipment is being used and how it is installed. Depending on the specific event, you can usually hear some of the absolute best car audio systems in the country at these events and get a good idea of what you like and don't like, as well as how different they may or may not be compared to your stock OEM audio system in your Model Y. Cheers

I’m wondering how different this upgrade is to the premium system that comes on the higher level models by default.

That's what sold me.

Guess $3k must be burning a hole in your pocket😂 all of this is probably only worth $1700-1900

@@Holt0216 you suppose to add the time, RnD and profit margin also. Regardless there are not many upgrades you can do to Tesla so this will attract decent buyers.

So the car recognizes the additional speakers and the software adjusts accordingly 🤔

Model y performance 2024 sound system hits like it’s a after market install … slaps hella hard 👀

K

Same 😁

Thanks for watching!

How so?

Yes the factory Tesla premium audio systems are decent oem systems, BUT this will still be a significant upgrade over that system in just about every way.

That Alpine EV OEM T3 kit is only available as an Australia product right now from the looks of it. That is the same amp/dsp and subwoofer though as this system. As for the Model 3 install, most of the speakers, wiring, and sub location are the same or very similar as the Y. There's definitely some differences but you could likely follow about 90% of this video to do the Model 3 as well.

As of now, we are only selling this as full system.

I have the same car as you and I installed it in my car. It’s a really nice upgrade, the speakers up on the A pillars by your head and the small black triangle speakers near the mirrors are inactive on the RWD 3 and this kit activates those, adds the sub in the back and all the midrange speakers are plug and play with massive magnets really giving you rich sound. 10/10 would recommend but remember to factor in installation costs if you can’t do it yourself.

A pretty good chunk of the installation process is the same on the Model 3 as the Model Y. Its definitely a bit different in some areas but you could generally use this video as a guide to do the Model 3 as well if you are using it in combination with the install manual.

@@jacobora where are you located. I would love to do this upgrade but not sure if I would be capable of doing this myself

Definitely a solid system for an OEM system, BUT this will certainly be a significant step up from the factory system in staging, clarity, and bass.

These speakers are unique. Based on materials and sound output I would probably compare them to the R-Series speakers.

There is a system for the Model 3 without premium sound based on made year range. With the correct system we have the proper harness to configure the system and add the sub to your vehicle. HUGE sound upgrade over the none premium sound system. Sorry for the delayed response.

@@alpinebrooks1631 How do we control the subwoofer volume through the tesla software? I think tesla with the premium sound system has a subwoofer volume in the EQ. I don't have that in my EQ since I have the regular sound system with no sub.

These systems include a tweeter for the dash but unfortunately not all of the Tesla's have a spot for it. In this specific install it did not have that center tweeter spot up on the dash.

Thanks for the feedback, but as of right now this is only be sold as a full system.

I'm looking for Amp n sub only as well. Hopefully it'll happen.

@@AlpineTV Only as a system? So once the warranty is up and an item dies the customer is just f**ked? Got to buy a whole new system since a tweeter stopped working.

The issue with selling this Alpine amp and subwoofer separately is that this amplifier includes DSP that is Specifically Tuned and adjusted for these specific Alpine speakers. If you were to use this DSP/Amplifier with your own completely different door speakers, the DSP settings will be completely wrong and it could sound even worse than OEM. And honestly, IF you were to ask a REPUTABLE car audio shop to install this same amount of speakers and level/tier of equipment while also not altering or cutting ANY of the OEM wiring harnesses or making ANY physical changes to the OEM vehicle (drilling new holes, inserting new screws, etc.), it would be AT LEAST as expensive and probably more. Car audio shop labor is currently a minimum of $100/hour for any shop that you could trust with your Tesla (or any vehicle). Just to create all of the many separate Plug & Play Wiring Harnesses that are included in this Alpine system from scratch would be $$$!

focal makes similar kits for europe

We are bypassing the factory amp but it has to remain plugged in to not cause any errors within the Tesla system.

Alpine does not make the factory Tesla systems. This system is still a significant upgrade over the oem system in the Model 3 and Model Y.

@@AlpineTV if you toss in that little screw driver for that tweeter speaker I'll buy a set in August 😉

@@AlpineTV Huh, the guy at the Tesla dealer told me they did. If you guys have a frequency response graph or other data on the performance that would be very helpful. I've been trying to find a place in the SF Bay Area where I can get a demo of the Alpine system and haven't had any luck.

No because there are additional speakers in the model 3 highland compared to the old 3/Y

Right now we are only selling this as a complete system.

On some models this system will actually activate those speakers as they aren't active in all models. That being said, we do not have a replacement speaker for those locations in these systems. Its simply just going to activate the oem ones.

We are working to confirm fitment on the 24 models

I believe the accessory wire is what prevents this, I installed this on my Model 3 about 10 days ago and no error messages. That accessory wire is what tells the amp to sleep when you walk away from the car and turns back on when you get back in

@@jacobora That does nothing to prevent in rush current. The dc/dc will entirely shut down when the car sleeps, and when it turns back on it can cause in rush. this is the same as unhooking and rehooking a battery on an ICE vehicle. The capacitors have to recharge since they are depleted.

@@th3suffering I’m not sure what Alpine has done to the amp to prevent this but all has been working great so far. I’ll definitely update you here if anything does happen in the future *knock on wood* lol. So far so good. I looked into this issue as I was looking for something to enhance the stereo of my Model 3 and this problem did worry me a lot but now that I have this kit installed and everything has gone smoothly I’m not really worried anything will happen. Alpine worked their magic in this one

the stock system is actually the best one out there hands down.

@@JohnSmith-pn2vl Depends if he got the premium sound system or just the regular one.

​@@MegaDMan2323the model Y has the premium sound system included, only the model 3 has the option. At least it's like that here in Europe, but I think it's the same in the US.

How are you not impressed by the sound system of this 40 000$ car ? Find another car that costs 40 000$ and has a better sound system, Tesla's already have 1 sub and 13 other speakers all around the car. What do you want more ? 4 subs and 52 speakers ? 😂

@@killkiss_son not sure but coming from my 2019 gas 450, maybe I think its because of the insulation/ or the door and build quality.. Ive since messed with the settings on my y and it's sounding better. I probably would need to add some deadening or some rubber trims in my doors to decrease road noise...

The 10" sub is powered by the new Alpine amp.

Around the new sub and factory amp in that corner is ideal.

Couldn't agree more

And doesn’t even include a deck. 😂😂 yeah, I know you can’t install a deck but still

Yeah I paid a lot for the alpine aftermarket upgrade for my jeep that was designed for it, but this is more than double that. And while I get its more speakers, that is a crazy amount, the factory system is pretty great, hard to justify 3k as I am not sure the upgrade will be that much better. But if you have the money and dont mind spending it I am sure you will like it.

@@ThatMattGuy I agree. Max I would pay for this is $1,000.

As of right now we are still working to confirm fitment and compatibility in the 2024 models.

Well let me help you a little I have talked to a local tesla shop they said the only difference is the added speakers fitment has not changed and the movement of subs to the deck with 2 subs instead of 1 ad 2 amps as you know tesla service people always try to discourage the replacement of thier speakers or alternative

Right now the system only comes with the single 10" sub. No dual option available unless you go a custom route.

The standard model Y system is better than the Volvo and BMW system anyway,

​@@chrisjohnhyman, better than the Bowers&Wilkens in the Volvo and BMW!? Really??

I read the model y is made by Bang & Olufson

@@Simon_van_Bentumno it isn’t.

​​@@ajpasa sound quality is subjective but the Tesla sound system in a 40000$ model Y is comparable to the ones in 100 000$ BMWs etc I have no doubt that a fully maxed out BMW i7 with B&W sound system will sound better than a model Y, but when you're driving 80mph on the highway you're not going to hear the difference between the two. I have a model Y and B&W sound system at home and the quality is very similar.

There will be a new install guide that follow the steps of this video soon.

Isn't there speakers in the front pillars?

@@j3777 there are speakers there but they aren’t active with this new system. It has been tuned with the new speakers for best performance.

It does not by law. You can look it up.

I you have a problem related to your sound system yes, but if the front headlights don't work that's not related to the modifications so it's covered by warranty. Obviously if when you plug back the OEM sound system it doesn't work anymore that's on you. Otherwise you can just wait till your warranty expires and then install the kit, like that you have no regrets (drive train warranty is different than the rest of the car, drivetrain is 8 years I think, the rest of the car is less)

We are still working on confirming fitment for the 2024 year models.

Talk to Sandy Munro of Munro Live. They have all the details on the cars down to the last bolt ​@@AlpineTV

tesla thinks about range, safety, value in every part, that's not what alpine is about

​@@JohnSmith-pn2vl especially because the factory sound system is already very good so there's no point in paying 3k for this one 😂

Tesla has contracts already in place from other manufacturers such as B&O to provide their OEM systems. They can't violate those contracts.

Everything in the system, including the sub, is powered by the included Alpine amp.

can you please ask if they will sell the sub by itself later?

So what does the factory amp power? Since you leave them in.

​@@GuvNick1 if you remove the factory amp the car isn't going to be happy

@@GuvNick1 The factory amp no longer powers ANY of the Speakers nor the Subwoofer, but it must remain connected so that the Tesla ECU does not produce any Error Codes or faults in the system.

This will be a significant upgrade on the premium factory Tesla system in just about every way (staging, clarity, range, bass, etc) and an even bigger upgrade over the base sound system.

We are still working to confirm fitment/compatibility with 2024 models.

@@AlpineTV what is the potential issue with fitment or compatibility with the 2024 Model Y performance? My local Tesla service center says there should be zero changes so this is a curiosity for me. I'm ready to install the Alpine kit in my new MYP that I just took delivery of. Can I try with the 22/23 version?

Me too! Likely many of us waiting.

Tesla has hired old B&O engineers to develop the factory sound system. But you're not going to hear the difference anyway between the factory sound system and this '' upgraded '' one when you're driving 80mph on the highway

@@killkiss_son I can confirm this upgraded system sounds 100% better at 85MPH on bumpy California highways. Ive had it for over a week now and can't get enough of it. The sound is just so full and rich, that 10inch sub is unbelievably powerful. Seamless install and stealthy as you can't see anything has changed but you can surely hear and feel the difference.

@@killkiss_son you've repeated this over and over in this comment thread; why hate on something that you've clearly not tried and those of us who have can attest to it's marvel? Don't be a loser.

*said

Eric is very thorough

@@AlpineTV Well,he took apart that Tesla,so you are right

Its really not scary we promise. We skipped over it a bit because there isnt really just one place in the Model Y to mount it. There are several options for mounting in your preferred location. Otherwise its simply just screw it in and plug in the connections.

Just as a side note, in the Model 3 it includes brackets and it only mounts in one specific spot in the trunk. The Model Y is more open to how you want to mount it in your install. The guys vehicle we used for the install specifically wanted the amp where we mounted it in the video.

@@AlpineTV I read the installation manual and it seems it is really more complicated thant just plug a cable. The problem isn't the location of the amp but all the cable you have to install. Exemple : "Disconnect the 2 bottom male connectors from factory amp and replace with plugs (A + B) from the Alpine Tesla Harness. Transfer the disconnected connectors into the open ends of the Alpine Harness." "Route the harness to the trunk of the vehicle, remove the seat cushion and trim panel pictured. Leave a proper amount of slack so that your plugs can reach the original amplifier mounting location." "Route the remote trigger 18awg primary wire (M) to the rear of the center console." You dont talk about anything like this in your video.

8" in a 40k car is already good enough. You're not going to hear the difference when driving 80mph on the highway anyway.

So you know alpines r&d costs and their landing cost too? Thats amazing. You must have some secret insider knowledge.

@@billm1651lol right, not sure how this person is assuming it’s a “fair profit” based on no insight. It’s a premium product with OE build integration and probably low yield on sales.

@@billm1651what r&d? They have been building speakers and amps for decades 😂😂😂

You can afford 1500 so they should sell you a system that they will make money on for 1500. For others this is great. I love how people just throw out a figure they're comfortable with yet the company was probably planning this project for a year . Lol

@@habibi750 So R&D just stops because they been building speakers for decades? LOL

First day's done. All speakers installed. Some uncertainty about whether or not my 22' SR Model3 door tweeters should be installed on the factory cables or on the provided aftermarket cable? (comes with only 1?) I'm going with factory cables, will test to be sure they work after the install. Wording in the manual was unclear as to whether or not you should use the center channel tweeter aftermarket cable or use your factory cable. I turned it on and it works on aftermarket so made that connection. (unsure about factory cable) Other than that, my only other gripe is with the SUB BOX. Factory screws no longer fit because the box connection points are too thick for them. (or maybe its my sound deadening messing it all up) I'll get some hardware from lowes. Up next (tomorrow) is to run all the wiring, and plug in the amps/dsp/sub and let 'er rip. Compared to Focal Inside, the Alpine speakers don't sound as good without dsp/amp/sub installed, hoping for the best result when that's connected in place. Will try and update this.

Focal better than alpine

@@phenomfacemob1011 sub/dsp/amp is more worth the price though - I liked the Focal's but ~$3,000 just for speakers that aren't tuned by dsp is wild

That's a step down. Focal is better than Alpine.

@@cooluser23 Ugh I wish Focal made a kit with a sub... Now I have to figure out a way to get a line level signal that plays at least 20-20khz without tapping into speakers by myself etc

There are many DSP amps which work from 12v-18v (like Helix V eighteen) I assume that this ALPINE DSP amp has the same function….

@@passionarmwrestling4331 cool! I tried once hooked up a mono amplifier and car failed to start in the next day. Wonder any amp can work without adding a small batterty and a relay-insulator

@@vanthefabricator that’s what im wondering all the time. I own a MYLR Dec. ‘23 with ryzen and premium audio system. While it’s REALLY GOOD. I’m looking to step up the game. Im thinking about either DIY with other products (Helix, Steg, etc.) to get the best possible bang for my buck, or getting this plug and play system. Main concern is that i could have gotten better results with the self made system for that kind of money. What are your thoughts?

@@passionarmwrestling4331 exactly what I’m doing. The hardest pick is midrange for dash since they’re 3ohm load at 33w. Common found for them are 4ohm so we had to accept they’re only pull 25w rms. I’m having the Light harmonic and they’re not bad. But trying several different brands on my budget to see any different. My suggestion is pay attention on speakers with high sensitivity.

@@vanthefabricator What do you think about Helix in comparison to Steg and Alpine

I don't know either. Even if it's better than OEM, you will not hear the difference at 80mph 😂

Why not?

@habibi750 Car stereo shop labor is a minimum of $100/Hour +. Just the included Plug & Play Wiring Harnesses alone would save you about $1000 if a shop had to create all of those harnesses from scratch (~$200+ in raw materials of wire, connectors/plugs, fuse holders, distribution block, wire wrap/Tesa tape, etcetera, + the labor to put it all together, so that they don't need to cut a single OEM wire or harness in your vehicle!). Then you get: A DSP/Amplifier to power up to TWELVE speakers AND a Subwoofer in One Compact Unit that is ALREADY TUNED for the specific vehicle... How much would a Separate 13-Channel DSP Cost? PLUS the Cost for 12 Amp Channels using separate Amplifiers for the main speakers AND a Monoblock Subwoofer Amp. $$$? FYI most shops with qualified installers that can actually perform a legit acoustic mic measurement and DSP setup + "Tuning" session charge around $500-$600+. It's ALREADY done for you with this system! Then you get TWELVE blue carbon-fiber speakers with Neodymium magnets that are Plug & Play. Even the R-Series Pro speakers don't have these features, and to install other speakers you'd have to either purchase Speaker Adapters or have Custom Speaker Adapters fabricated for up to 12 Speakers...$$$. You also get an Alpine 10" Blue Carbon-Fiber Cone Subwoofer. $$$??? You also get a CUSTOM Plug & Play Subwoofer ENCLOSURE that you already know is Perfectly Tuned for this specific subwoofer instead of a shop getting it wrong. To have a shop custom fabricate such an enclosure that would fit in this OEM location with no modifications and retain all of your original cargo space would be $$$$. SO, if you tried to have a shop install an equivalent system from scratch using all separate components, a 13-channel DSP, multiple Amplifiers, a Subwoofer + Custom Enclosure, CLEAN WIRING, AND have it TUNED, you are easily looking at $5k-$8k+ to do the same thing! AND the shop might hack up your wiring and burn down your car, or cut & permanently modify or damage panels in your vehicle that would have to be replaced to return back to stock, and/or they will probably drill & screw into the car where they shouldn't be, causing permanent damage or safety issues. GOOD LUCK trying to have an equivalent system installed piecemeal with other gear for this price and without doing any permanent modification or damage to the vehicle, and without cutting a single OEM wire or harness.

​@@bbfoto7248 you're not going to hear the difference between OEM and this anyway...

@killkiss_son That's not what the recent video by Five Star Car Stereo experienced after installing this Alpine system in a Tesla. It was an immediate noticeable improvement.

@@killkiss_son The difference is massive, its night and day. People who have no care for stereos and sound output have noticed a huge difference when in my car now. The only way I can explain it is it's just so much more fuller and richer, you could hear every little detail and that 10inch sub is so strong. Ive experienced many aftermarket stereos and this is definitely the best Ive ever heard, it's tuned so well and the glass cabin of the Model 3 makes an incredible sound scape.

It isn't. The grammar is correct, even if misleading.

We do have a tuning update for the 2022 Model Y system if thats what you have? You can download that update here: support.alpine-usa.com/hc/en-us/articles/24509942011035-2022-Tesla-Model-Y-Sound-System-Tuning-Update

Can confirm this sounds 1000% better at highway speeds. Very full and rich sound. I have a 2023 Model 3 and installed some sound deadening in my trunk space and around the 10inch sub and my front side windows are double paned so the car itself is actually very quiet at speed, this is where this stereo shines. It's very powerful. 10/10 would recommend to any Tesla owners that have great love for their music. (I also installed it myself, it wasn't too bad you just gotta know what you're doing and have all the tools necessary. Don't be scared to do it yourself if your not savvy just talk to someone who have installed stereos and get a basic understanding of how the low voltage architecture on Teslas work and you'll be good to go.)

@@jacobora I think the base Tesla sound system sounds really good (2023 model Y for me so idk if your model 3 had a sub or not from factory but the model Y does) and I have a B&W sound system at home so I think that's a great point of comparison. I think the only thing that is worse on the Tesla are the high-pitched sounds when you turn up the volume to like 70% and also the bass are deep but less precise than on my B&Ws because it's a sub. Also it's not available where I live, and I don't feel like spending 3 grand to upgrade something I already find really good 😅

@@killkiss_son yeah I think this kit is really worth it for RWD Model 3 owners. I have a RWD Model 3 so it didn’t come with a sub and the A pillar speakers up by your head and the corner one down by the mirror were not active. Now those are active, I have a sub and this kit somehow fixed an annoying rattle I had in my right door lol. As for those who have LR or Performance trims with the premium audio, I’m sure this kit sounds better but likely marginally. For RWD Model 3 owners it’s an incredible upgrade as long as you’re planning on owning your car for the long term. I love the LFP battery on the RWD Model 3 but always wanted the best sound system, now I have both and I’m so happy about it