I got a 2011 MCS in March and have been very happy with it. Except for the stereo. I got the HK system. I figured that it would be worth the extra money for the upgrade, and maybe it really is much better than the stock system, but I always felt it was lacking something. Mainly bass. I'm not the kind of guy who likes to crank the bass and thump down main street with the stereo blaring. I just felt that the stock system was missing some bass. And What there was sounded pushed and distorted.

After reading some posts about upgrading the stereo with a subwoofer, I decided that it was the best, quickest, and most cost-effective way to get decent sound from my stereo. I decided on the Integral Audio system, but I was a bit hesitant to install it myself. After reading the instructions, I didn't think I would have trouble with the wiring as much as breaking an interior panel or losing a bunch of screws.

About the time I decided to go for the install and do it myself, I found a post from Kevin at Integral Audio. He needed a 2011 Cooper to measure sound levels (he's working on an upgrade for the rest of the system). He would install the subwoofer if he could measure sound levels to fine tune the rest of the upgrade. I jumped at the offer and drove my car to his shop in Brooklyn (from Philly).

I got my car back a few days ago with the subwoofer installed. It is a really nice installation. It fits in the little depression in the boot which is deeper than the rest of the back. With the subwoofer installed, the top is flush with the rest of the back. It really looks professionally done, as if it were part of the car from the factory. I also have a level adjustment by my right knee so I can turn the sub up or down to my taste.

And the sound! It really tied the whole stereo together (sorry Dude). It added a fullness and richness to the lower registers. the bass sounded so much better. Not an 'in your face sound' but a warmer, deeper presence. I think that the mids are improved, too, as the midrange speakers don't have to strain to reproduce so much bass any more. Most music sounded warmer, but some songs, (like old Steely Dan) sounded punchy. I don't know how to describe it, but it sounded like the bass was fronting the band.

Downsides: there are two. Very minor, but I'm trying to be complete. First, the metal rings that the cargo nets clip onto are below the top of the fixture. I will have to install a new set of hooks and rings to clip the cargo nets to. Not a big deal unless cargo nets are really important to you. Second, the improvement in the bass underscores the need to upgrade the rest of the system. Not that the HK system is bad, but it is clearly not up to the same level as the subwoofer. It is like an excellent wine accompanying a hamburger dinner.

As you can tell, I'm pretty happy.

 

I think that if the IA subwoofer was a little less expensive, EVERYONE with a MINI would get one. It makes such a huge difference and it looks like it came from the factory when its installed. I am very pleased with mine as well and only wish I could hear the Soundstage upgrade in person so that I could make a decision on that. One of the problems of living on the west coast!