Greetings fellow Motorists...

Well, I've had my 07 MCS for a week now and have come to the similar conclusion the the sound system in my Cooper leaves a lot to be desired. Note: I do not have the HK stereo setup.

So, I am asking what you've done to pump more sound into your Cooper? I want to leave the head unit in the dash as-is and upgrade with an amp and speakers.

So, waddya got?

Thanks... Dave

 

Search is you friend here There are many different options and threads about specific installs. so read thru those and you will see what has been done and in some cases what not to do.

 

When you say the HK set up do you mean the HiFi system? If you have the base system you'll have more work to do.

I have the HiFi system and replaced the door speakers [woofer and midrange] an that alone made a big difference. In the spring I'll be replaclainc the rears too. Although not the cheapest solution, the speakers are a direct replacemnt meaning no screw hole mods or having a place to hide crossovers etc. There is a bit thread on this in Nav/Audio section

 

Slider 57,

I was where you are about 4 weeks ago. You will find a ton of material on audio upgrades in this forum. In fact, so much, it can feel a bit overwhelming.

I started a thread to document the thought process I've gone through in planning my install in my 2011 MCS convertible.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...m-upgrade.html

I'm documenting as I go. At this point, I've selected and ordered my components and laid out the basic circuit diagrams for the install. Not all my equipment has arrived. I plan to start on the actual install the week between Christmas and New Years. My biggest challenge is to determine whether the speaker wiring changed between 2010 and 2011. Everything I've laid out should work with your base sound system 2007. My sound system is the base 2011.

I decided to add an amplifier between the head and upgraded door speakers. I'll also be adding a powered subwoofer. I'm gong to disconnect the rear speakers. The thread explains the thought process for those decisions. My budget is $500-600, the same general price range as the HK upgrade. But I'll end up with a much better sound system.

Today I'm going to work on component locations. Once I have that nailed down I'll start working on the actual install.

Let me know what you think.

 

"Merlin" had the same problem.
I installed a Alpine CDA-9831 Reciever, CHA-S634 6 disc Player.
To pump up the power a Rockford Fosgate 450 4 channel amp, RF 401s mono amp, RF 6 x9 4 ways, 6.5 3 ways, titiaum tweeters, and 2 RF 8" subs.
Costs was around 2K but well worth it.

 

Tom, Just finished reading your thread. Excellent write up! I'll be monitoring your progress for sure.

 

Front speakers. Month later rear speakers. Year later, amplifier.

Each step got better. But amp made a bigger difference than I thought it would.

Details in signature.

 

About to pull the trigger on my subwoofer, then the front speakers next (I have a 2008 MCS with Hifi).

I reaaaaaly wanted the Stereo Integrity BM MkIII sub, but they are no longer for sale. I contacted them to see if they had any reconditioned units lying about, but most likely going with:

Polk MM1240DVC 12" subwoofer
Alpine MRP-M500 amp

And for the front sound stage, waiting to see what Integral Audio comes up with. I was initially planning on going with a set of ESK 163.4 for the front stage, but Kevin from IA mentioned they were working on a MINI specific solution so I am definitely willing to wait a few months.

Good luck!

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mpartment.html

My install

 

I went a bit overboard with my 2007 MCS, but the results have been enjoyable.

Sound insulation is an important step. I learned a lot from this page after I'd done the Dynamat. Sound Deadener Showdown


Did a DIY Rear Seat Delete and Installed:
Q 450.4 - Image Dynamics 4-Channel 450 Watt Amplifier
CXS64 V.2 - Image Dynamics 6.5" 4 ohm Component System
CTX69 - Image Dynamics 6 x 9" 2 Way Speaker w/ Silk Tweeters