Amp Location? (and radio issues) 2012 Prius

Hello PriusChat, I hope you all are doing well. I don't really frequent on forums, but I'm having issues with my 2012 Toyota Prius (Four trim with JBL) and this seems like a good place to ask questions. I'm going to try to be as descriptive as possible. I recently noticed that the audio from the factory radio (JBL GreenLeaf #57034, 6.1" display) would suddenly cut out and I would lose the ability to change the volume. I read that turning the knob up and down a bunch might fix it, letting the amplifier cool down might, or replacing parts might. Tried turning the volume knob a bunch and tried turning the vehicle on and off every which way, only sometimes could I get it to come back for a bit before the audio would cut out again. It took awhile but I figured out how to access the diagnostic menu on the radio (turn on the vehicle and turn on and off the headlights a bunch) but doing that didn't tell me or give me anything I needed to fix the issue. I also seemed to notice a popping from the front passenger door speaker and possible static from the front driver's side speaker by the windshield. I went to Crutchfield, and ordered a stereo with almost every harness and adapter I could get with them to try and make sure there would be no installation or user error issues with the new stereo. New electronics installed were a BOSS stereo BV9695B, connected to PAC wiring interface RP4.2-TY11 for retaining steering wheel control, and Metra Antenna Adapter 40-LX11. The new stereo "works" sometimes but then the audio will cut out again with the same issues. Sometimes I can get it to come on, sometimes not. With these issues, am I correct to suspect the factory amp as a possible culprit? If so, is this is the factory amplifier below the front passenger seat? (photo attached) If it's not, can anyone tell me where to look for the amplifier and how to get to it? If it is the amplifier, I would like to bypass the amplifier or disconnect it until I can afford to replace it or afford to fix the issue(s), if possible. (in the off chance it's a built in amplifier and subwoofer, I don't care about losing the subwoofer if it means I can actually keep the radio working for more than 10 minutes and then have to try and restart it 10 times to get it to come back). Thoughts, comments, I would appreciate any help with this. Thank you!

 

Thank you! Do you know if there would be any major issues with just disconnecting it? Would I still get sound (if my stereo was functioning normally)?