Anyone heard of Powerbase speakers?

I want to upgrade the speakers in my 4runner (not the head unit) and the local shop here in San Diego recommends Powerbase speakers. The shop has great reviews on Yelp, but I've never heard of these speakers. I'm being told they are "plug and play" by the shop and it's about $450 for labor and the speakers. Any advice appreciated. Thanks -

 

I just looked on Amazon and you can get the PowerBass speakers front and rear doors for about $200.00. That leaves $250.00 for the R&I of 4 door panels and swapping out of plug and play speakers. Seems a little high to me for installation, but whatever. For that price I would think you could get a brand name that is more known. I personally have not heard of or heard PowerBass speakers, so take this for what is is, My opinion.

 

Ive only heard of the subs. Never heard of people using their mids/highs

 

Same here.....

 

This is my 1st post in this forum.
Hopefully I have not violated any rules by attaching link from another 4runner forum.

I saw this and though i'd attach my reviews from my speaker / amp upgrade.
total cost for the upgrade < 850.00$ (I had the amp installed)

note: If someone is looking for bragging rights THESE ARE NOT the speakers to buy, however you can research these and the focal drop-ins and see if you can find any differences.

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Since i can see the links in some browsers and not others, here's my review of the powerbass speakers:

We call all agree that the crappy oem speakers in the non JBL system need improvement. After searching around and reading reviews I was leaning towards the OEM audio plus system ($1700 - $2000) or some Focal drop ins ($300 per pair x 3). After some more deliberation and reading some more reviews, and a 10% ebay coupon showed up), I decided to take a chance on the PowerBass drop ins. The total cost for the 3 pairs was $234.00 ((80.00 x 2) x .9) = 144 for the 6.5” and (99.99 * .9) = $90.00 for the 6x9” speakers.

Note: I do not expect these to sound just like the Focals.

First the install:

I won’t go into the panel removal because there’s a boat load of threads and videos on how to do that. I first installed the hatch 6.5” speakers and some noico mat behind them. I did NOT mat the entire hatch, just some behind the speakers. These 6.5” are 100% drop in. Take hatch off, unplug and unbolt the speakers using a 10mm socket, plug and bolt the new PowerBass 6.5” speakers in. That’s all there is to it. I then installed the rear door 6.5” speakers and some noico mat behind them. Again, did NOT mat the entire door, just some areas around the speakers. These too are 100% drop in.

Then the 6x9 component set arrived. I then installed the tweeters in the dash. Still drop in, they took a little ‘finessing’ to fit in the oem tweeter bracket. Note: I found it easier to remove the bracket, put the new tweeter in the bracket and then put the bracket back in. That may be because of the tight spaces (up against the windshield)), and the fact that I am left-handed.

Lastly I installed the 6x9’s in the front doors. While they are still drop in, I did have to drill the speaker bracket to match one of the oem holes. Again, did NOT mat the entire door, just some areas around the speakers.

The longest and most difficult part of this process is putting the door panels back on….

The sound: I put the 6.5’s in 2 days before the 6x9s. Even after install the 6.5’s in the rear doors and hatch it sounded much better (not surprisingly the rear sounded clearer then the front). After installing the 6x9s and the tweeters there is much more clarity in all types of music. While I will probably change the headunit eventually, I believe this upgrade greatly performs beyond it’s price.

 

and after i added the Pioneer 5 Channel amp:

Approximately 1 month ago I replaced the crappy oem speakers, and I decided to take a chance on the PowerBass drop ins. All 3 pairs were $234.00. These speakers gave some much need clarity to the audio system. After trying to decide between a processor (DQ-61) and a 5 channel amp or a new headunit, I decided on a compromise. Straight into the amp from the factory headunit. Copying the harness mods that Auntie Soshul used, I had my audio shop run 9 wire to and from the Metra 70-1761 & 71-1761 harnesses. The Pioneer GM-D9605 D 5-Channel Amplifier has speaker level inputs and a wired bass knob. At the same time I added a Pioneer TS-SWX3002 12" Shallow Mount Pre-Loaded Enclosure.

I am finding this an AMAZING improvement !!! while not as sophisticated as the processor method, by turning off the Entune speed volume adjustments, and setting the 6x9 high pass (160+/-) and the 6.5 high pass (+200) and the sub (-200) 12db slope, this system performs really well and was very budget friendly. Gains on the amp are near pioneer’s recommendation of 12 o’clock, and the radio is set +2 treble, -1 mid, and 0 bass. System plays softly with distinct clarity, and near concert volume cleanly without distortion.

Total spent was < 850.00$ (I had the amp installed), if you can install the amp yourself you could get out for $600.00 - $650.00.

 

I appreciate all the feedback; especially cmtaz. Based on your review (no pressure, ha ha) I'm pulling the trigger on the Powerbase speakers. Thanks again.

 

The audioshop that installed my amp was so impressed with them, the picked them up as their value line. I told him i should get the amp install for free (no luck with that ). hope you enjoy them. A 5 channel amp will REALLY bring them to life !!!

 

The tacotunes.com speakers are PowerBass speakers. I have read mixed reviews, but I do like the price. They have all of the proper brackets and connectors.
I just want a low cost upgrade sticking with the stock head unit. $324 for the whole set vs $649 for the whole OEMAUDIO+ set. I think the $324 price tag is where I will land.
I have looked at so many aftermarket options, I really want plug and play though.

 

Hi, I know this is an old thread, but I'm also interested in the powerbass speakers. How are these working for you? Thanks in advance!

 

Still working, I replaced the tweeters with JBL 3.5" coaxials (with bass blockers) On one of the tweeters, one of the wire had separated (needs to be resoldered). All in all good value, if i swap out my head unit, i may go for higher end speakers.

 

Thanks for the answer, I'm going to give them a try.