I am sorry to post this again, I know there's a lot of information in other threads, but I've been reading and reading, and I just can't figure it out, I need information and good advice.
I am not satisfied with the sound yet. It's getting better, but I am afraid it's going to take more for me to really like it. Problem is, I am not really experienced with amps and specifications. So I need a down to earth advice from any of you.
I have the HIFI upgrade. I already replaced the door speakers. For the woofer and tweeters, I put a pair of CDT Component speakers I had previously (I love those speakers, they sounded great in my previous Mini, although I couldn't use the crossovers this time). For the midrange I replaced them with Alpine 4" coaxial (they fit perfectly). And I am going to replace the rears with the 6x9 Focals I just ordered. I am sure this is going to improve the sound a lot, but I want more clarity and I want to be able to play loud without any diostortion. The stock amp cannot do the job, I am sure about that. But I also dont want to take a lot of space in the boot for an extra amp and a subwoofer, so, my thoughts are:
I want to add another amp (4 channels, maybe), and connect the middle door speakers, and the rears to it. The other speakers can stay connected to the stock amp. Does this sound like a doable option, and will it improve the sound 100%.
If it does, what's the best way. What can the complications be ?
I already read the sticky post like 25 times, and it helped me a lot with the speakers, but when it comes to the amp it's just too technical and I can't understand much of it.
I know I am asking a lot, and my post was kind of long, but if you can give me your thoughts, I will really appreciate it.


Thanks a lot

 

For ease of installation, and to get the most for your dollar, I think it would be better to replace the stock amp. All your wires are in one place. You would end up with a 4 speaker configuration (4 channel actually). Fronts would be a 3 way component system, and rears would be co or tri axial 6x9's.

That being said, you could add an amp and sub for bass (like MotorMouth's sub addition). That would allow you to turn down the bass on the headunit, letting the stock amp focus on driving mid-bass. It's a little underpowered to give strong bass at high levels. You could also add a 2 channel amp to the rear 6x9's, and let the stock amp drive the front. That seems like a waste to me, because if you're going to buy an amp... it might as well replace the factory unit.

 

i agree with Dneal. If you really want more power, then replace the stock amp and put a second amp under the passenger seat for the Sub only. I did this and it sounds great. I put a sub in the rear. Just remember a little bass goes a long way with our cars.

 

I left my hi fi system stock and added a 600/w power akoustic fire and ice amp with a 12: Polk Momo comp sub and set my bass to -3 and the fader to -3 and my system sounds about 300% better. I've installed and owned $2000 plus sound systems in previous cars and done my own installs in all and I will say that once the Hi Fi are broken in and the bass is turned down low enough the sub takes care of the rest while leaving minimal distortion. If you have already replaced your stock speakers I would suggest for time and money's sake to just keep them wired to your stock hi fi amp which isn't that horrible and add a second amp to a 10 or 12 inch sub. Pioneer has the new slimline subs that sound very good for around $100 or less http://www.thetwistergroup.com/store...1661&source=fr


IMO my stock Hi Fi has loosened up over it's 2 months and with the addition of a 12" sub and a mid power amp it sounds soooo much better even without changing out the stock speakers. This is where I started out first and I will admit that after years and several sound systems in previous cars this one sounds very very good. Good luck and in what ever you decided to do and please post pics. lol

 

Has anyone tried fitting a small size amp in the cd stacker compartment? If you were able you then could run the stock speakers from that and run a bigger amp (for the sub) in the orginal position down the rear. Does the stock amp fit in the front compartment?
Don't know about you guys but having amps and wires under the seats is a headache. People stepping on it and loose connections f##king dramas. Whats on the oppersite site of the boot?
Same position as the oem amp but other side? I hide all the car wash carp in there, you could maybe make a bracket and drop an amp there as well?
Just some ideas

 

What do you think of this one?

http://www.cardomain.com/item/POWSTW10

seems pretty nice and slim

Maybe get an extra amp, power this one and the midrange door speakers, and leave everything else with the stock amp?

I don't know, it's just an idea.