Hi All,
Just wanted to see what your opinions are about the Integral Audio Factory Fit Subwoofer system http://www.integralaudio.com/mini/mi...er-system.html. Or do you think upgrading to the MINI Alpine system is the way to go? I know that if you do a DIY you can save some serious $$$, just wanted to see which would be the better system to get... Thanks.

 

I would think it would depend on what you are after. The Alpine upgrade will give you better overall sound quality, the sub install will give you low end. From what I hear, the stock MINI sound system is pretty dreadful, so I would probably upgrade that first before adding a sub. But it is really personal preference.

As for upgrading to the Alpine kit, no idea since I have not heard it, but forum posts indicate that it sounds good.

The Integral Audio sub looks great, but seems a tad pricey at $900 for a box, amp, and wiring kit. But if price is not an issue, it does look awesome.

I am looking into a sub right now as well, and checking around, most local shops are quoting me $175 - $225 to make a custom MDF false-floor enclosure (utilizing the tool kit space). So go with the average of $200, and if you get the same amp that IA specs out online for $300, that still leaves $400 left over for a sub and wiring kit. That puts you in JL 10w7 range, or get a $100 - $200 sub and have $ left over to pay a shop to install it for you.

Good luck!

 

Thanks Maurtis... All I know is that something is missing, and not really being a true Audiophile it is difficult for me to put it into words

As I have the HIFI radio not sure how much better the Alpine is either, but based on the name itself should make it better right? just kidding.. lol

I do appreciate your recommendation. I also did the math on the Integral Audio and figured it would be worth the price to pay to have a professional like system. But based on your suggestion, I can still have money left over to have some one install it correctly

 

Ah, I did not know you had the HiFi already, looks like you are in the same boat as me then I am pretty sure the Alpine upgrade is only for the stock MINI stereo.

I would like some more clarity, so at some point I am going to upgrade my HiFi speakers to the Hertz ESK or HSK 163 components. Some people are also going with the HK speakers from the 2010+ MINI HK system. That is supposed to be a decent upgrade too.

But first I am going to go with a sub since I feel that is my biggest weakness right now, followed by upgrading the front speakers, then maybe a new amp for the fronts if I am still not happy. The rears, I'm torn on, but will probably leave them alone for now.

Good luck, and keep us updated!

Maurtis

 

After talking with Kevin at Integral Audio, I have decided to go with his system. I will post my install results when it's done.

 

Hi, I recently purchased the IA sub, haven't installed yet, but curious as to how things turned out for you?

 

Installing my sub tomorrow AND have the Alpine system. I will let you know how it sounds.

 

Please do....Alpine upgrade is on my list too!

 

Ok, the sub is in. It was about a six hour install and the kit couldn't have been more complete. Kevin really puts his heart into his company. The Alpine system balances really well with the sub. It is miles better than the base stereo and I didn't need to modify the car at all. I will spend the next few days dialing in the sound, but I am completely satisfied with the results.

 

@redduc

post pics of the IA install with the Alpine kit....looks interesting

 

I didn't take any pic's during the install. The garage in my condo is pretty cold and I just wanted to work the whole way through. I can tell you that both the Alpine system and the IA sub were very simple to install. As long as you know where to find the 9331 and have trim tools you should be fine. I work pretty slow so the total hours for both were about 11 or so. Any questions I had about removing trim pieces were found here on NAM.

 

Where did you mount the crossovers and amp for the Alpine kit? I assume you now have 2 amps?

 

The alpine kit's crossovers fit inside the doors (there is actually a specific space for them). The amp is under the passenger seat. The amp for the sub is in the right rear fender well.