I've been poking around old articles and haven't found much about upgrading the audio on the first gen Minis with the older HUs. I have a 2002 MCS with Nav and HD DICE and I'm just not happy with the sound.

I already have a large sub in the back but my amp is going anyways so I'm thinking of just redoing everything.

I'm looking for bigger sound but it doesn't have to be super clean if that's a tradeoff. I want to keep the steering wheel controls but couldn't care less about the Nav as it's useless. Aux input is a must, iPod controls and HD Radio are definitely preferred.

Thoughts? I'd be willing to throw down money in the range of $500-$1000ish

Thanks!

 

Alpine and Pioneer make some descent decks to start with:

http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/ida-x305s

or this one lets you add the HD/Sirius down the road, save a few bucks up front:

http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/ida-x303

I personally almost went with this Pioneer. Auditioned the previous model several times, and it is a very nice deck:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...rs/DEH-P7200HD.

JL Audio makes some nice co-ax and component speakers for the money that will certainly give you an improvement over stock. I'd also look into the Infinity Kappa's and Boston Acoustic (Infinity's served me well in the past...)

I'd also suggest a good sound isolation/deadener product is strategic area's (Doors, rear side's). I use Damplifier Pro, and love the stuff.

http://www.secondskinaudio.com/vibra...damplifier.php

If you install, you should be able to get away under $1k.

 

Did you figure out a solution? im in the same boat. Did you install yourself?