I know it's a process but I'm looking for a little advice. I replaced the Head unit and the installer was able to bypass the HK amp and get sound out of all the speakers but bass and treble adjustments made at the head don't make any audible changes.

If I just buy new speakers am I going to have the same problem? If I buy an amp and use the RCA pre outs can I reuse the existing speaker wires? I'm just trying to understand what level of complication I'm up against.

If I can just replace the speakers I was thinking of the Polk db6501 front and 651 rear. If I have to add an amp I'm curious to know if anyone has been able to find a good 6.5" woofer to get "decent" mid-bass from the factory speaker location in the convertible. Thank you for the help in advance.

 

Let me know if you want to sell Your HK amp - I am looKing to upgrade my standard radio.

 

evil0ne, you need to replace the HK speakers. Their electrical characteristics are very specific for the HK amp (2 ohm impedance with no crossovers).

You'd also need the HK wiring and speakers. It's a difficult job: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-complete.html. Upgrading with aftermarket would be much easier.

 

The amp itself is great and I'd be happy to get rid of it. The head unit has a mind of its own and powers itself on even with the car off. That is why I made the switch. If you want the amp, just make me an offer.

Thank rkw, I ordered some new speakers and I'll see how much trouble I get into trying to install them.

 

If I were to do an audio upgrade on My MINI. I'd do the whole thing.

I'd start with a good Headunit that does MP3 via a Thumbdrive. You would want to look for one that has Front/rear/and sub preouts. Try to find one that can use the adapter so you can keep your steering wheel controls. They make them.

Next I'd look for a good 4-6 channel amp. I say a 4-6 channel over a pair or set of amps because space is really limited in our cabrios.

Next up Speakers.

Fronts. I'd look for a good set of Components. I think they are 6.5's. Components will come with their own passive crossover that you can hide in the doors.

Rears. Meh. Rears aren't as important as the fronts, You can amp them, but I'd run them off the head unit, and not an amp. A decent set of Co Axial will work there.

Subs. You can bridge 2 channels of most amps down to 1 and get more power for them. I'd look into 10's or a single 10. As long as you don't have them up too loud, and your components are putting out enough mid bass, your brain will merge the sounds from your subs, and you will thing the subs are in the front of the car.