Best Buy is charging $74.99 for advanced speaker installation.

 

Yeah, I talked to an employee last week and advanced means four speakers. Two is still 44.99 which is what I thought he meant. If not then yes, it's more.

 

I'll know after installation.

 

Are you guys not the mechanical "type" or is there something about the speakers that is challenging on a Mini?

 

I'm a licensed professional. As you get older you learn, sometimes it's wise to engage the appropriate professional in areas you're not proficient in.

 

Ah, yes.
Just so you know. It is probably 4 screws on each speaker. You might need to change the slide on connectors. I respect you for your professionalism.

 

My concern is that you need to take the door panel off and to do so the literature says you need a specific tool to release the panel. The last thing I need is a rattling door. This way I can hold the installing co. responsible. Thanks anyway.

 

I can cut the grass but choose not to. Much rather pay $30 and spend my time earning the dough to pay said professional lawn car guy.

 

OH, I found the thread with directions. I was hoping that it was just pop out the speaker grill and unscrew the speaker, but now that I see it involves removing the door panel and a special tool, I would pay to have it done too.

 

RobG linky that thread for me please i can't seem to find it.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...oor-panel.html

 

I think I will make the same upgrade initially with the IC-100. Will consider a booster amp and perhaps an under-seat subwoofer later.

Thanks for the info!

David

 

3 days into my '13 CMS! First Mini!

I face the same dilemma. Standard audio system is poor at best.

So, has anyone put together a list of all 4" coax options that will fit (front and/or rear)?

What about adding an amp? Would it just use the existing speaker wiring? How are installers typically getting clean pre-out from the stock HU fed to an amp in the rear?

Won't the stock bass drivers beneath the seats greatly benefit from a better amp?

I'm actually a bit stunned at how little info there is on the interwebs about aftermarket audio on the CM!!

 

I was wondering how you all BEE1 and AYK07 made out with your speaker installs- if you got the focals installed in the front. Was that a "good enough" change or do you still feel the need to add amps and/or subs.

 

Good question, wondering myself!

 

Sorry for not reporting back sooner. The installation was smooth and the result was exceptional. A vast improvement. Since I don't blast the sound, I have no need to go any further, powered sub/amp etc. The car now has truly wonderful rich sound. Good luck.

 

Are the speakers really THAT bad?! Worse than stock speakers in other cars?

 

I couldn't believe how thin and light the oem's where. I don't think they weigh 3 oz each, compared to the Focal approx. 14 oz.

 

@etidd01- I would say it depends on one's love for good sounding music. My wife could care less what the quality of the sound is- she just wants choices of musical selections and channels. I want the sound in my car to be as close as what my home stereo cranks out.
I almost could live with the stock speakers but knew I would get better sound from a great speaker brand. The focals delivered that quality sound.
My wife's stock stereo system in her Hnoda CRV is fine- mainly because I don't spend much time driving it. But being the CM is my main drive I wanted the sounds to "pop".
To directly answer your question I would say most "basic" stock speakers on all cars just ain't that great.
And as BEE1 says if you put the focals next to the stock speakers you will clearly "see" the difference in quality.

 

Has anyone tried this upgrade or anything like it on the HK system?

I've noticed on both my '10 Hardtop and now my '13 CM that how good it sounds is genre specific. Pop and hip-hop typically shine, while others leave something to be desired.

I know that has a lot to do with production and mixing, but I'd still like to even things out if possible.

 

The majority of the problems I'm having with my standard, 6-speaker system is bluetooth phone conversations....all distorted and the plastic parts in the dash rattle. For the most part, music is acceptable at all levels, but I'm commuting/on the phone enough that I think I may upgrade just based on the bad phone-to-speaker quality!

 

Guess I'll actually have to listen to both sets before putting down my deposit next weekend.

 

So, Best Buy was ok to do the install? I was wondering if the car was too new and exotic for them to have the up-to-date install info. If so, I'm going to call my local store, confirm with them and then get the speakers online.

 

For a simple install like this the Geek at Best Buy was fine. I watched him professionally working on another car and I spoke with him before I made the appointment.

I watched him install my first speaker. Once he got the panel off, the oem speaker was right there. The oem uses 3 screws and the Focal uses 4. He made a 4th be using a screw bracket, added wiring leads, wired it in and installed the speaker. The most challenging part was reinstalling the panel with all the other door wiring tucked in properly.

Perfectly finished without any vibration or rattling.

As an aside, my one year Sirius just expired. Until they offer me and attractive package, my son showed me Songza. I'm playing their play play lists from my iphone. Nice addition to my songs on my itune cloud.

 

BEE1, can you tell me which store did the install? I'm waiting to hear back from the install manager, but the first guy I talked to couldn't find anything on the new Mini Countryman.