Upgrading stereo - more than speakers?

Nui · #1 08-13-2007, 11:38 AM

After a trip I just can't take the stock sound system anymore. I know the speakers have to be upgraded (we have the stock system). Has anyone figured out how to upgrade the electronics? I know the head unit is part of the speedo. I read somewhere that there is a separate unit that bypasses the head unit and allows you to add better amps and EQ. It might be by Alpine although I'm not sure.

What is the general consensus on better speakers? Brand and model?

Thanks everyone.

We love the car. Just a couple bugs to work out.

OTB · #2 08-13-2007, 12:32 PM

I'm going to bet 1/2 the people will say you need better speakers, and the other 1/2 will say you need more amps. (obviously both is good too).

Let me say that the new mini is one of the coolest cars on the road, but the electronics are........just a stupid gimmick. It sure would be cool to just have a normal DIN sized head unit, and skip all the "my first sony" crap.

Anyways, you should be able to find an amplifier with speaker level inputs. This way, you take the speaker wire to each speaker, and route it through the amp first. There are definetely 4 channel amps out there, but I don't know about six or more. (how many speakers are in the mini anyways?)

If you can listen to the stock speakers after being boosted through the aftermarket amp, you will then know how badly you need better speakers.

hope this helps

Nui · #3 08-13-2007, 12:46 PM

Thanks for the reply. I suspect its a combo as you do.

Here's the link to the unit I found or was referenced on some site. http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_c...php?page_id=94

I know the paper speakers that are in there are lacking but after that trip and it becoming unlistenable I really suspect the electronics as well.

PGT · #4 08-13-2007, 12:54 PM

the CleanSweep is designed to clean up an EQ'ed factory output. It's not strictly necessary, but is a good base to build on. I haven't seen anybody use this vs. speaker level input on an amp to know if it's critical for good sound in the MINI. It was in my Subaru and I built a very nice system around it. JL makes topnotch stuff.

Robin Casady · #5 08-13-2007, 01:37 PM

Have you seen this thread in the Navigation & Audio forum? Most people seem to be swapping speakers, with some adding amps as well.

I have the HIFI upgrade and am starting by replacing the rear 6x9 speakers with Infinity Kappa 693.7i. My biggest complaint is background noise at highway speeds, especially on rough pavement. So, I'm going to a lot of trouble to put sound insulation in my MCS.

This may look like extreme lengths, but you have to strip the car just about this far to get at the rear speakers. I have not yet finished the Dynamat, and will be adding other insulation as well.

On the left is the HIFI amp for the rear speakers.

Nui · #6 08-13-2007, 02:50 PM

Robin. Thanks for the post. I do have that thread bookmarked. I'm not sure how to start on the doors. It seems to show the procedure after some disassembly.

I know what you mean as far as road noise. On a well cut rain groove road the noise is unbelievable. I just restored my MGB and put soundproofing mat throughout and it made a huge difference. I'm surprised a new car would need it. A 35 year old car ok, but a new one? Are you putting the soundproofing under the mats on the front floor pan? That seems to be where a ton of noise came from.

Mgibrace · #7 08-13-2007, 04:41 PM

Doors are easy. Read the thread. It's what I followed. I have the stock system and have just done the front speakers with focals. Clarity is amazing, but I'll need the amp upgrade for more sound. That i think i'll leave to the pros.

Nui · #8 08-13-2007, 04:45 PM

Ok, thanks. Just out of curiousity I called a local installer. All Focals (not the best by any means) and a Audisyn amp - $3K. Yikes!

PGT · #9 08-13-2007, 05:10 PM

what's local for you?

Robin Casady · #10 08-13-2007, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nui

Robin. ... I know what you mean as far as road noise. On a well cut rain groove road the noise is unbelievable. I just restored my MGB and put soundproofing mat throughout and it made a huge difference. I'm surprised a new car would need it. A 35 year old car ok, but a new one? Are you putting the soundproofing under the mats on the front floor pan? That seems to be where a ton of noise came from.

Inexpensive sporty cars don't seem to have much soundproofing. My Acura Integra is the same way.

My plan is to see if the MINI an I both survive the remodel in the rear. Then I'll think about the front. The main purpose of the mod was to remove the rear seats and make it into a cargo area that can be covered from view. That meant the rear speakers would be muffled, so they are moving to a cabinet just behind the rear seats. It will form the barrier that keeps cargo from coming forward in a quick stop. It will also house the 6x9 speakers, and have compartments for misc. junk.

I would like to Dynamat the front, and replace the front speakers with Kappas.

Nui · #11 08-13-2007, 05:32 PM

PGT. LA area. Santa Monica.

Loui · #12 08-13-2007, 09:52 PM

If music is important to you have the IPOD install. It can't overcome the limitations of the stock sound system, but add a dimension of clarity to your music. I should add I don't listen listen to hip hop and an the like.