Currently installed:

Head:
Alpine IDAX305
built-in amplifier (18 watts RMS CEA-2006/50 peak x 4 channels)
outputs: 6-channel preamp outputs (2-volt front, rear, subwoofer) — subwoofer output has bass level control

Front Speakers
Alpine SPS600C
Type-S 6-3/4" component speaker system — fits in 6-1/2" or 6-3/4" openings
2-80 watts RMS power range

Rear Speakers
JL Audio TR690TXI
2-60 watts RMS power range

Amp
Alpine KTP-445 Power Pack
plug-and-play compact Class D amplifier for Alpine in-dash receivers
4-channel amplifier
45 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms (CEA-2006 compliant)



I was looking at going up to the next level on this set up and had some ideas...

Sub woofer
JL Audio CP108LG-W3v3 Stealthbox
50-250 watts RMS


loose the current amp and replace it with....

Alpine, PDX-5
5-channel car amplifier
75 watts RMS x 4 + 300 watts RMS x 1
(under the driver's seat... hear the signal to the sub isn't great, could be wrong)

or

JL Audio XD600/6
6-channel car amplifier — 75 watts RMS x 6
($100 cheaper and has two pairs for the sub... not so sure of placement though, may not get it under the seat right).


What do you guys think would be the best bang for the buck? Local installer will put the stuff in plus soundproof the wheel wells with Dynamat (liquid) for like $1500.

Sounds (ha.. I just made a funny) like a good deal to you all? or do I do something else like swap out the front speakers for something better etc. Wanted to get an opinion before I pull the trigger.

 

The stealthbox sounds awesome, I have one.

I would keep your 4 channel amp and get a mono amp for the sub. ~ 400-500 watts. This should get you the sound you desire. Maybe replace the front speakers with components so you get new tweeters and crossovers.

I would opt out of the liquid dynamat. I have no extra sound deadening in my car and have minimal problems with rattle...I drive with windows down most of the time as well, so road noise is not important to me. If you want to get rid of that, go ahead and sound deaden the wheel wells, but I still wouldn't do the liquid stuff.

In any case, that's just my opinion. Good luck!

 

And the stealthbox is easy to install. Amp is too. If you are confident in wiring and taking your car interior apart you should save the money and do it yourself.

 

Thanks for the suggestions... I was sorta thinking that I may not need to get another amp since the 45w is doing a decent job. I stuck the thing under the glove box and it's pretty much invisible.

I was thinking about going with a sub and mono amp to start with, any suggestions?... More to think about!

The rears are great, but the front sorta "bright" (is that the right word?) and thought the fronts may go for something like the JL Audio ZR525-CSi's... but now we're starting to crank up the dollars again.

 

In my GP I went with Focal 165 K2p's with TN 52 tweeters and crossovers in the front powered by an Audison amp under the drivers seat. The GP does not have any rear speakers and I do not miss them. I also have have a JL stealth box in the rear powered by a JL amp under the passenger seat. This all is controlled by a Kenwood flip screen with Nav. IMHO this system will blow you away and I have not heard any MINI with a system that I have liked better. I also have dynamat in the doors, rear section, and rear wheel wells. This is not a cheap system but it is ausum.
Steve

 

FWIW, there are other options on pre-made sub enclosures for the MINI. They include Speakerworks, http://www.usdaudio.com/products/mini.php and Integral Audio, http://www.integralaudio.com/mini/mi...del-120sa.html.

As for amps, there are also many options for compact amps including Arcaudio, http://www.arcaudio.com/productdescr...es/xxd4080.asp and JL, http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_amps.php?amp_id=576.

And you can save a lot of scratch by getting used amps. You can get a PDX-5 in excellent condition for half the retail price.

 

Don't forget these guys: www.audiointegrations.net, I have one of their enclosures and it's solid. As for the amp, I've heard good things on the five channel pdx, and I've also heard an amp will be way better than the small add an amp alpine thing you currently have

 

Thanks for all the advice all... I'll let you know how it turns out!

-Me.

 

ACK!



Going with the JL Audio XD600/6 under the driver's seat and replacing the front's with JL's too... Dynomat the doors/floor/wells (all interior)...

Picking her up today!! Can't wait for the first ride.

 

Sound is amazing and the new fronts make a big difference... JL's are a great for sound. Rich and full... the Alpines fell flat.

The Dynamat makes it a different car, quieter BUT handles completely different taking on the additional weight. Not happy at all about that one at all. I'm going to give it some time before I have something more to say about that though. I've been driving it for 6 years and this is a dramatic change so.

If I were going to do it all over again...

-No soundproofing
-No rear speakers
-Great speakers up front
-Sub in the boot.

Over all happy as hell, I'll check in in a while...

 

How much work was it to get the front speakers to fit?

 

I made my own speaker rings from wood and it was kind of a pain. There was no need to modify the door panel though, and I'm very happy with the result (6.5" woofers). I hear that Crutchfield sells good mounting hardware with their stuff (which is why it's more expensive), but I can't tell you how well the hardware works as I've never bought from them.

 

Steve, well done. You and I have very similar setups. And I agree, haven't heard another mini with a system I have liked better. Hertz 6.5" components, Hertz 6x9's, Audison 4-ch amp, JL stealthbox, Memphis 1-ch amp, Kenwood flipout.

At least there is one other person on NAM (that posts in this section) that knows what they're doing.