I have a slight issue that I could use your help on. I've been lurking around these parts for a LONG time, and now that I finally have my MINI, it's time to start upgrading.

I saw the posts about H/K being a hassle to upgrade..
I was wondering if you could help me on configuring the system that I have in mind.

Note, Mini's and cars in general are all new to me for the most part. This is my first car as I'm 16, so please understand that I really have no idea what I'm talking about.

Basically, all I want to do, is throw a 8w7 sub in the back and keep everything else.
I REALLY don't want to have to replace the speakers and amp, but if I have to, this project will be put off a little. And I refuse to replace the headunit. I'm not a fan of after market ones at all. How do I go about achieving this?

And secondly, say I am able to just throw the sub in. I can't find a box to fit a sub snugly in the corner for anything! I have a 2005 cabrio, so the boot's a little smaller.

Does anyone have any pictures of their cabrio set ups? I may just make that a thread all together if there's enough people out there with pictures.

Thanks for your help!

 

Chandler,

first off, welcome to MINIs/Cars in general. I hope you treat it well, etc etc.

Now for your question. there are plenty of picts of all sorts of set ups in This thread.

As for throwing the sub in your trunk and being done. here is what I can tell you.

First off, you should know; I do not have the H/K system, and don't know much about it, this is purely based on my knowledge of car stereos in general/principle.

ok, that said, you mention just the sub, and no amp. the sub will need to be powered, and the HK will not be able to do that. you will also probably need to build a box to fit the trunk, it's not hard to do, just takes some elbow greese (and kitty litter).

so once you have a box, and a powered amp, the next hurdle is getting sound to the amp/sub. That is actually relatively simple. While Im sure people with much more in depth knowledge of the HK system will have "better" solutions, I can offer this, you can tap the wire off your back speakers, use a comparator(it might have a better/funkier name) to eliminate the highs and mids, leaving only the bass going to the sub.

Anyway I'm sure I'll get flamed for something in this, but I'm just trying to be helpful. That is a nice sub you have, and a great car. getting them to play nice together will take a few more parts thought.

 

Ok. What your wanting to do is not actually that hard. People say modifying the H/K system is hard and all... it is but simply taping into the speakers for a high-level line is not that difficult, especially with the H/K


I have an 05 Cabrio with the H/K and have successfully and very easily but two JL 10w3 in the trunk. However, I think you don't fully understand what you need to do. You can not simply put in a 8w7 in the trunk. That is only a sub, you will need to get an amp to power it. BTW, isnt the w7 series pretty big? How are you going to fit it in the cabrio trunk?

Anyways, What I have done is... I used a JL 500.1 Slash series amp. This amp is capable of using high-level inputs as an input signal. I simply tapped into my rear speaker lines (easy with the H/K because I went to the H/K amp and found the right lines for the rear speakers... theres a thread with pictures and all about this. I'm not sure where it is right now). With the lines going into the amp... I am basically set. After powering the amp (also very easy with the cabrio as the battery is right under the trunk) everything is basically set. The amp's outputs connect to the sub and its all done.


I'll go out and take some pictures right now if you'd like. I only have one sub in the trunk, but its the same thing that your looking to do.

I may be forgetting some things... and a bunch of details, but others will chime in or you can ask me more.

 

Here ya go







This last image is showing where the H/K amp is on the cabrio's. Its right under the passenger seat. Not hard to get to.

Always remember though, when you take the seat out and unlplug the connectors, do not start or turn on the car. It will give you a light that you can't turn off.. only the dealer can

 

@schreiber117; @jonnyyellow:
Thanks for the help! I really appreciate it.

On the amp:: My post was a little misleading on that. I realize you have to have an amp to power it, I just didn't want to have to replace the factory one. I still may be wrong in what I'm saying though. Haha.

On the sub being to big:: I hope it's not! It's only a little 8 incher. I couldn't imagine it not being able to fit. Hm.

I need to start putting together a buying list. If I have that, and I have all my supplies, then it really shouldn't be an issue to put it together. At least that's what it seems like.
So, Sub, check. Unless it's to big. Which will make me sad as I had my heart set on that one.
Amp, ? I have no clue. Which amp do you recommend?
And lastly, a box. I really wanted a stealth type box that would maybe slide in the side of the boot, or one that was in a false floor, but I haven't seen ANYTHING to fit in an '05 Cabrio. I wouldn't mind having a box like pictured above (thanks for the pictures by the way. I really appreciate it), but just personally, I like more of a flowing stealth look. I'll take what I can get though, you know?

Here's all the dimensions I could snag for that sub.

Would that not be possible?

 

Alright, after looking at the JL site about that sub, its not as big as I had thought. I would first find out how big the box shoudl be as in cubic feet. How much space the sub needs in the box. You can always get a custom box built to your sizes and tuning frequency. However, i doubt you will find a stealth box for the cabrio. You would have to design and fabricate one yourself.

Hmm. okay after doing some quick research about the sub. Its a 3ohm single voice coil. So amp wise, I'd just stick with the JL 500/1 slash series. I have one and its great. A lot of people like them... and you don't have to worry about bridging to get 3 ohms. The slash 500 can deal with 1.5-4 ohms and put out a steady 500 rms at any ohms.

And yes, you will need an amp other than the H/K amp in the car. The H/K amp will be powering your front/rear speakers, and then another mono amp (i.e. JL 500.1) will power your 8w7 sub.

 

Wow. Really quick response. Thank you!
Okay, so the sub and amp are on order. Now I just have to find someone to build me a box!
Thanks so much for the guidance. I have no idea what I'm doing here. I just know that I want to do it right, and do it well. So your help is really appreciated. I'm sure there will be a PM sent to you once the actual installing part comes into play.

 

No problem!

Thats what the forum is for right?

I'm open to PM's but keep in mind i am no sound technician lol. Everything I know is from trial and error and reading the forums for days.. haha

Ah.. found a great blog/site you should read about installing subs in a H/K setup.. http://www.geekshocker.com/Claire/audio/ampInstall.php

It was in my bookmarks. Its very straightforward and detailed. (BTW, he uses a line converter (which converts the high-signal to a "pre-amp" low signal which most amps need as inputs). However, the 500.1 slash does not need such a thing. The 500.1 can directly accept high-level input. I did not use a line-converter... some people think that they degrade the sound quality.

 

That link is AWESOME.
I feel pretty confident that I can do this now.
Thank you!

 

Sure thing.

You can PM me if you have any difficulties along the way.