Seeing how I'm going to have my doors torn apart, (thread here)I may as well replace the speakers in the doors.

I pulled up threads about speakers and after reading for an hour, I haven't found a specific speaker that the majority are switching to.

I realize that speaker sound is subjective but my stock '09 sound systems sounds like crap when compared to the 2010 HK system.

I plan on upgrading everything eventually, I just need a suggestion for the front doors right now while I've got them apart.

Thanks,

Mark

 

Depends on your budget. My favorites have always been Infinity and Boston Acoustic. Though inexpensive, I've never been disappointed by the Infinity Reference series. On the other end, the top two tiers of BA speakers are pricey but amazing. I've never bought Focal but that's a popular brand as well.

 

Thanks, I did get a couple of PM's and several votes for the Focals. I just figured since I had the car apart to paint, I may as well change out speakers.

Much appreciated.


Mark

 

First question should be, is this a direct replacement of factory speakers without new amp, processor?

If your going stock location get nothing bigger then 6inch, (5.75" and smaller really fits easy) otherwise you will get some pretty impressive door rattling when the cone hit the outer door skin.

 

Thanks 279 but what is the diameter of the factory speaker? I'd rather just put in stock replacement "sizes" so I don't have to deal with other issues.

As far as amp, I'd love to but I don't want some big obnoxious amp taking up what little space I have.

So unless I can stick an amp in one of the cubby holes on either side of the hatch, I guess not.

It's still worth while, correct?

Mark

 

Disagree with this one. When I replaced my speakers with 6.5" components, I noticed the foam ring on the speaker grille would interfere with the rubber surround on the speaker... so I simply removed the foam ring. Problem solved; sounds great.

 

The stock speaker size is 6 inch. The speaker sort of sticks out into the outerdoor panel/speaker grill. The best and easyest way for decent sound is to trace the stock speaker and make an mdf baffle that fits your 6 inch or smaller speaker. There is plenty of room of in there as long as the speaker diam is small enough.
Dyna makes a nice speaker that fits perfectly. The jbl gti 6 fits. Focal, DLS, HAT, CDT, Rainbow makes some nice gear.

Processor under driver seat, and there are small class d amps that fit nice in the cubys in the hatch.

Later tonight I'll put up some links and pics to some installs that you should look at. As well as some gear.

Will you be putting tweets in apillars or doors?

 

Thanks 279, much appreciated... I like the idea of the class d amps and yes, I'd like to put tweeters in the "a" pillars.

My problem is finding someone in my area that I trust. I figure I'll need someone to hook everything up and run the wires.

If you get a chance, please feel free as what hardware I need.

I'm assuming...

"A" pillar tweeters
Door speakers
Rear speakers
Amp.

As much as I'd like a subwoofer, the space thing gets in the way again so that part will have to pass.

Thanks,

Mark

 

You realize that all the new speakers and amps are going to slow you down right? All that extra weight ya know...!

 

Link to my build:

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/...ni-cooper.html

As you can see, i did my front speakers a little different
I havent updated with my hatch pics yet, maybe tomorrow. Then you can see the amps..

This is one of the original MINI builds I think everyone should see:

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/...ooper-r56.html

Props to simplyclean.

IMO: dont bother upgrading speakers if your not going to do an amp and processor. Dont bother with sound deadening (too much weight for what its worth). You can get away without a sub if you amp a decent set of 6x9's, But keeping the back panels from vibrating is a project in its self if your going that rout.

Good amps that fit:
Rockford Fosgate p400-2 (class AB) ((best sounding))
JL XD amps (small, quiet, powerful, pricey)
Alpine PDX amps: yes, there are ways to work around the "noise problems" (new ones are better, but for the price now, the older model may be a solid budget option)
Kenwood Excelon xr-4s/xr-1s (my personal choice for performance vs price)

I have personally tryed all these amps i have listed and have had great results with all of them.


I recommend Alpines Imprint as far as processing goes for this car. I have tryed the RF 3sixty stuff and even JL cleansweep waste of time and money.... Alpine is easy to setup, and sounds great (imaging, noise). The older one works fine and is on the cheap these days. (PXE-h650= Old // PXE-h660= New) I used the FRONT headunit speaker outs right out of the x9331 connector to the Imprint.

Speakers:
Everything ive mentioned in the previous reply is great stuff. Whats the budget? Outside door panel like build 1? or inside like build 2? If you use the imprint and a 4channel, there are alot of options because that allows you to go "active"

The most important thing in these cars is the grounding technique. Common ground is a MUST! Ground the factory Headunit, Processor, Amps all to the neg battery post, and upgrade the factory chassis ground to at leaat a 4g wire.


Now if you want to talk about your subwoofer options

Hope some of this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. Im sure others will chime in as well. But this should help starting out.

 

Indeed. Watch your weight!