Stereo/speaker upgrade?
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Neutral
Joined: Mar 2018
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From: Oregon
Stereo/speaker upgrade?
I have a base 2008 Cooper hardtop with the base stereo. It has, as I’m sure anyone that’s ever heard one knows, awful. If I upgrade the speakers would that help at all? Or am I better off trying to find a decent stereo and speaker system upgrade? Not sure how that’d work with everything being built in to the speedometer but hoping to make even a bit of an improvement.
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Jun 2014
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From: earth PNW
Bavsound speakers will be a big improvement to those stock speakers. Adding more power with an amp will make you happy. Since you didn't mention it I assume you don't have the HK setup. Try the speakers first.
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Neutral
Joined: Mar 2018
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From: Oregon
definitely don’t have the hk setup. Wish so bad i did. Not looking for epic sound but wasn’t hoping speakers would at least improve and I did also read that adding an amp could help also. I’ll see what i can find! Thanks!
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2011
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The following percentages aren't accurate just illustrative. Better speakers will improve the sound 20%, an amp will improve the sound 20%. An amp and speakers will improve the sound 150%. The good news is that wiring the amp is easy, there is the X9331 connector behind the left kick panel. Take the speaker output from there and put it thru a high level input amp (or convertor+amp). Don't forget to put in plenty of sound deadening while door cards etc are off.
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 12
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I forgot to mention pre-LCI (i.e. your 2008) cars had reduced bass going to the rear speakers so it helps to do a channel swap. Take the rear speaker feed to the front input on the amp and the front speaker feed to the rear input on the amp, this helps as the rear 6x9's can handle the bass better than the front 6.5's.
I have a base 2008 Cooper hardtop with the base stereo. It has, as I’m sure anyone that’s ever heard one knows, awful. If I upgrade the speakers would that help at all? Or am I better off trying to find a decent stereo and speaker system upgrade? Not sure how that’d work with everything being built in to the speedometer but hoping to make even a bit of an improvement.
On my 2009 I replaced the front door speakers with a set of Infinity Reference 6500CX components (current version is the 6520CX). I picked up some A-pillar trim with the location for tweeters from the premium sound option, and simply hot glued the Infinty tweeters into place. The crossovers tucked nicely inside the dash.
i installed a JL Audio XD200/2 amp under the passenger seat. I originally bought a less expensive and bulkier amp; it didn’t fit. The XD was just the ticket.
This combination was fantastic. Clear and precise, with plenty of power for bass you can feel.
Between speakers, amp, pure copper wiring, A-pillars, and an X9331 audio harness from Integral Audio, I think I spent around $900. You could spend less and still get quite satisfactory results.
or, for a little more, you could get IA’s incredibly well reviewed SoundStage kit. It’s tuned for each specific model of MINI and is really the best option around, if it’s in the budget.
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