I'm a relatively new Mini owner who's new to this site. I've looked for an answer to my question, but can't find it precisely.

I have an '07 MSC with the standard audio system (6 speakers). I want to upgrade it both for SOUND and SATELLITE radio. Dealer said they can do one of the other, but not both.

Any suggestions? Can I have the dealer add the factory satellite radio option, and then upgrade the 6 speakers? Although I've read that only upgrading the speakers won't make much difference -- I need an amp. I'm fine with adding an amp, but I don't want it visible.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

I assume the dealer is referring to the Alpine retrofit upgrade kit?

The instructions for that kit do say that it can not be installed on vehicles with the Satellite option installed, but I can't see why that would be the case from looking at the instructions. The only possibility that I could see would be that the power connection for the kit - Pin 6 of the X11007 connector - must be used by the satellite tuner. That's easy to work around it you wanted to.

If you aren't in a rush, we are developing a Soundstage upgrade that is extremely similar to the Alpine upgrade in terms of layout (amp, front speakers, passive crossover, wiring harness that taps into the X9331), but is far superior in terms of the quality of components and resulting sound quality. It will be ready late summer/early fall.

What did the dealer quote you for the Alpine kit? List is $699, with an additional 1.5 hours of labor for installation. That's on par with what our system will be selling for, but there is just no comparison in terms of quality.

 

Yes the Alpine kit.

I'm not in a hurry and would wait for the right solution. I want more than just bass I need the whole range. If u can help with integrated satellite and better sound, I'll write the (reasonable) check!

 

I can install a system for you. Just did mine, I work with studio audio and extremely large amplifiers by trade. Tho it's my first car install, I'm quite pleased with it. I can show you pictures - completely stealth!

For my system I used Focal speakers and a Focal amp. I mounted tweeters pointing upwards in the 3" speaker mount, 6.5" drivers in the foot and swapped out the 6X9s in the back. I have it tuned so I get a nearly flat response from 30hz~20khz (6X9s handling subwoofer duties and tuned properly). You don't need a subwoofer... infact if you value your hearing, you wouldn't turn the system up much past half. Unless of course you wanna start a crazy dance party for all your neighbours to join in on, then by all means budget for a subwoofer.

The parts alone are worth a bit more than the systems advertised here. You can get more serious or less serious (I guess) depending on your budget. I live in Alberta Canada tho, that's the trick

I didn't dynamat mine, but I don't think it really needs it. Mini's are tight units - that's why I love them.