HI

I have been poking around here for a while and have already gotten some great advice / help from folks like Robin C

Given budget etc I'm trying to decide between the two set ups below

I have three questions

1. Should I put the tweeter where the 4inch speakers are now and disconnect the current tweeters?

2. Is there anything I need to consider re the X9331 connector or wiring?

3. Does anyway have a recommendations between the two?

Thanks much
Brendan

Total Cost for Alpine -- $630

Alpine PDX 4.150 --- $390
http://www.amazon.com/Alpine-PDX-4-1.../dp/B000GBA67U

Alpine Type-R SPR-17S -- 2-way - component - 6.5" --- $140
http://www.amazon.com/Alpine-Type-R-...d_bxgy_e_img_b

Alpine SPR-69C Hi-End 6" x 9" Coaxial 2-Way Speaker Set -- $100
http://www.amazon.com/Alpine-SPR-69C...d_bxgy_e_img_c


Total Cost for Polk -- $590

Polk Audio Amp PA500.4 -- $240
http://www.polkaudio.com/caraudio/pa/index.php#pa500_4

Polk 6.5Inch Components - db6501 -- $199
http://www.polkaudio.com/caraudio/db...verview#db6501

Polk 6 x 9 db691--- $149.95
http://www.polkaudio.com/caraudio/db...overview#db691

 

My advice is to listen to the components (if you can) before you buy.

 

Thanks for reply - yeah - I'm having a hard time finding a shop where i can listen to the setup i want

I'd love to go with better system but can't $pend the cash right now

 

I am not familiar with the SQ of the 2nd gen system, but if its anywhere near the first gen you will have a big improvement in quality. I just upgraded my HU and I already noticed a difference.

Good luck with your system.

 

I've not heard either system. Read the reviews on Crutchfield and elsewhere. Stay away from anything that is described as "bright" because bright speakers don't seem to go well with the head unit in the MINI.

 

Robin

Thanks -- they both seem to have pretty decent reviews -- might opt for alpine amp and polk speakers

Did u encounter the issue that others have re getting further dealer updates after discinnecting the factory amp and installing your own

Thanks

 

can i vote for neither? Or at least ask how you arrived at your choices?

 

miniSQ

every vote counts :-)

i read as much as i could here and then looked around for a balance between price and quality and this seemed like the right balance

do u have any other suggestions that don't get about the $800 range

Thanks

 

i would maybe consider a 3 channel amp plus comps in the front and a small sub in the back as opposed to putting 6x9's in the rear.

What kind of music do you like and how loud do you like to listen?

If you can get that polk amp for $240 that seems like good choice, but its HUGE...do you have room for it in your design?

Alpines are pretty well respected here, but not so much in the general population...you could get an Arc audio mini for abotu the same price as the alpine and it would kill the alpine in SQ and output.

Front comps in that price range maybe look at Elemental Design or low end DLS? I like the PPI comps that were being discounted too, but they are hit or miss on SonicElectronix...one day they they are shipping and the next day they say discontinued. I would snap those up if you find a pair.

 

I haven't had any software work done since the Q 450.4 amp was installed. My X9331 connection can be unplugged and the X9331 connector be plugged back in, connecting the HIFI amp. It just wont put out any sound because no speakers are connected.

This means disconnecting the rear audio channels. If you have Park Distance Control, you would lose its audio function as it only plays through the rear speakers.

 

no...... it means leaving the rear speakers to be powered by the rear channels of the factory HU

 

Yuck.

 

Does this mean I should buy another X9331 connector?

Am I missing something obvious about the install?

My plan is to get the components then have pro shop do the install -- however, I'd like to give them as much info/guidance as possible to avoid any probs in the future

Any other pointers will be appreciated

Thanks
B

 

If you build an X9331 pass-through connector with eight leads coming out for the four speaker channels, it will save them some time, and may reduce the possibility of their screwing things up (assuming you get it right). It will also allow you to put the wiring back to stock, if needed.

I would discuss it with them and see what they say.

 

Robin - is there any chance I can buy one somewhere?

Looks like I'm going with the Polk component speakers up front and the
6 x 9's in the back --- Alpine amp

Can u think of "checklist" of things I should look out for ... is there one already?
i.e.
- Create X9331 connector so i can reconnect the stock amp if needed in order to get dealer software upgrades
- reconnect seats before starting engine in order to default

THANKS again for the input

 

You can buy the parts. You have to solder or crimp wires to the pins. Soldering is better, IMO.

Female X9331 Housing - 61131378139
Female socket pins (you need 12) - 61131376204
Male X9331 housing - 61131378137
Male Pins (you need 12) - 61131376193

Available from Pelican Parts, or ECS Tuning.

I picked up most of that information by reading threads here. Don't recall a checklist for things to watch out for. You've hit the two most important ones that come to mind.

Be careful with the side mirror controller on the driver's door when you take the panel off. It has a lot of little parts that can drop out and be lost. Make sure you see exactly how the parts all go together so you can reassemble it, should parts drop out.

You will have to disconnect the puddle lights when you take the door panels off. It will be obvious, but be aware that a wire will be connected from the panel to the door at the bottom when you pull the panel off.

Use the cig ligher circuit for your amp turn-on. Tap it in the rear or front console. Don't use an Add-A-Circuit because it is a 20 amp circuit, and they don't make an Add-A-Circuit that can handle that much amperage.

 

Robin

Thanks --- all helpful pointers

I will take a run at the connector this week

Will post how things work out

Brendan