I'm no audio expert but researched and purchased 1 pair of Alpine SPS-610C speaker to replace the originals in my 2009. I have the base stereo nothing fancy and tired of it sounding bad.

Anyway, the new Alpine speakers sound just like the original MINI speakers, what's up with that? What do I need to do to improve the sound? Add new rear speakers, add amplifier, something different?

 

No answer just want to follow this one

 

Change rear speakers, add amplifier.

 

The stock speakers have high efficiency (more sound per watt) since the head unit does not put out much power. The trade off for this is limited frequency response. This is why the stock stereo sounds crappy (plus it doesn't have tweeters).

Have you done the front/rear channel swap? Search the forums for it and do it. It's free and makes a huge difference.

You need more power, front and rear. If you crank the head unit it will run out of power, distort and your ears won't like it. You can try doing it yourself or go the Integral Audio route which is pricey but 'done right'. They have a subwoofer kit and a front speakers kit which includes A pillar tweeters. I think the rear speakers are kept stock and used as 'fill'. You can buy either kit separately or both together.

 

I have upgraded the front speakers in my 2009 clubman and done the channel swap. Sounds okay and now I would like to add tweeters to the front a-pillar piece that is speaker/tweeter ready (514327556767 and 68) I don't want to add an amp. What speakers/tweeters should I buy and how should I wire them? My front speakers are infinity reference two ways. I have the boost cd system. Thanks for any advice.

 

Adding a subwoofer was a huge improvement for me. When the front/rear speakers aren't trying to push out the bass along with everything else, the mids and highs are clearer.

 

I'm sure adding a subwoofer was a great improvement but I don't want to spend that kind of money. I just want to add tweaters to the a columns unless people advise that it won't be an improvement.

 

I thought about getting a sub, is there a output on the back of the radio I need to run a wire to the sub from? Where did you out the sub and how big one did you purchase? I might just end up taking this to Best Buy and paying to get better sound. I hate to that I can do the work myself just not knowledgable on audio.

 

Honestly I don't know much about the installation... I paid a pro to install a 10" sub and amp, and a new head unit, all in one shot. It's really a night and day difference. I'm considering upgrading the speakers as well, but for about $800 the sound dramatically improved. I'm sure you could get it done for less... this was a small independent place so more expensive than a big box store.

In hindsight 10" is more sub than I need. It takes up half the boot and I can crank it up to REALLY bang in such a little space, which is overkill. If I had to do it again I'd try to get a slim profile 7-8" sub.

 

Install Alpine KTP445U (45W RMS x 4, 82 S/N) powerpack amp @ $150. Your stock radio will sound better and cleaner than aftermarket HU (15W-18W RMS) in the $120-$200 price range. Connect the stock F/R speakers in parallel or series and have them powered by Ch 1 & 2 of the Alpine.
May I also suggest to install a self-powered sub like MTX RTP8 (120W RMS) @ $126. Use the Channel 3 & 4 of the Alpine powerpack as input to the sub. You'll be very happy as it will fill the car with full audio frequency.
Total= $276 excluding install.

 

Much more difficult in an R56.

 

Extended ribbon cable and tucking the stock brain behind the speedo are the only things making the R56 different from installing an aftermarket head unit from any other car, really...

 

I was referencing dannyhovek's post, where he had swapped a head unit on his R50. On an R50, you can be already done with the swap while on an R56 you're still taking apart the dash, not to mention the extra steps for relocation and wiring. Maybe I should have said more work than difficulty, but it is in fact both more work and more difficult than on an R50.

 

You could install a HU in the secret compartment.

 

You can add amplifier and subwoofer with the stock HU and speakers.
That's what the installers did with my R56.
And boy...it made a huge difference!

 

This is good info I am looking for, thanks! Where do you suggest installing amp and sub?

 

This is correct of course, I should have noted that originally.

 

I'm new to working on Mini's, but here are a few more powered subs that are designed to go under the seat. You'll have to measure the space though to see if they'll fit.

The Alpine amp suggested by ED955S is very small and is designed to fit behind the dash. I've never seen behind a Mini dash, but it's less than 8" long. You can look at the specs here and see exactly how big it is.

 

Do the R56's have the same panel for access to the tail lamps? My amp is tucked in there.

 

I went to local audio shop to install the Alpine Powerpack. I ask them to extend the rear channel wires all the way to the back (for the MTX sub). Cost me $100 total in Futureshop (Canada). Tell them also to extend the wire for the remote "turn ON" of the Alpine. You will use this to remotely turn the powered sub ON.

I did the sub install myself. Very straight forward as the R53 battery is in the back. Make sure that you have an in-line fuse (15A) in the positive cable. You can connect the negative directly to the negative battery terminal without issues on sound/noise interference.

There is a gain control in the Alpine Powerpack that I adjusted to 9:00 position for the F/R. My MTX sub also has a gain control that I adjusted to 10:00 position. I found these positions to be just perfect for my taste = punchy without being too muddy. The Bass & Treble of the OEM radio are at 60% (- & +).
Forgot to add: my sub LPF set 9:00 position (approx. 75 Hz).

Good luck.

 

I wanted to save my trunk space so I went with some better 6x9 speakers in the existing holes and did the front rear channel swap.
Newministuff actually has a premade plug to do the swap that is plug and play.
I actually ordered it from them made into an A Pillar Clarion tweeter kit which included the A Pillar for an extra fee. the kit was very easy to install and having the tweeter sound bouncing off of your front glass makes a big difference in sound. I also changed my 6x9 speakers and without an amp it make a night and day difference in my sound. I am thrilled with the improvement and It only cost me about 150 dollars for the kit that included the tweeters and Harmon Kardon Branded Pillars. Check them out. I currently have a loaner countryman with and HK system in it and my current basic setup just blows it away. Thank god I didn't go for the HK setup.