Looking to add an amp to stock system on an 04 MC. Don't want to mount in boot/back of seat. Is there enough room under passenger seat? Pros/Cons? Need to flop seats down for hockey bags and golf clubs...

Thanks!

 

Depending on the amp you have in mind, I’ve seen some very small high power amps that will fit in the rear cubby holes. I think a few people on NAM have mounted them in there. Sorry I can’t give you brands or wattage, but doing a search in the audio forum may come up with some good alternatives.

 

i'm planning on putting mine on the boot floor and then putting a false floor above them so it doesn't take up my boot space (just a few inches of vertical space)...lots of people do this...and u can do it high enough to get the boot floor even with the seats when folded down if u want to give u a flat cargo surface...

 

There is lots of room under the seats. If you don't have Nav, the area under both seats can hold rather large amps. There is a foam filler block under the carpeting in each space. If you have Nav, the space under the passenger's seat is taken by the nav computer/disk drive.

Note that if you remove the seats to install an amp or two, do NOT turn on the ignition while the seats are removed. The airbag system will see the removal of the side airbags as a fault condition and lockout the airbag system entirely, requiring a trip to the dealer to reset the system. Set the seats back in and reconnect the wiring before you turn the key.

 

OntMini,
Since you don't want to mount the amp(s) on the back of the rear seat or on the floor of the boot (both common locations), then you'd have to consider:
under the seats- one 4 channel amp or two 2 channel amps or
in the rear fender storage areas- one mono amp for each side like the Xtant X1.1i which is 100 W x one channel. Very high quality, not cheap.
http://incolor.inetnebr.com/weisinat...xtant/x11i.htm

(Quote)
The Xtant1.1i adds local and global multiple nested feedback loops with premium MOSFETs and OPAmps for switching stability and audio signal accuracy within the full range spectrum. This results in an extremely high switching speed—over 1MHz.

Because the switching speed is over 1MHz, we are able to set the output filter frequency high enough to avoid any phase related distortion within the higher frequency range of the audio signal. This enhances the musical reproduction by ensuring the higher frequencies (cymbals and the like) compliment the entire frequency range to bring new realism to the Class D amplifier sound experience.

The Audiophile Full Spectrum Class D Technology with Xtant’s attention to detail results in a Class D amplifier that sounds better than many audiophile Class A/B amplifiers. It exhibits an extremely low noise floor eliminating the “hiss” common to many Class D amplifiers. The improved dynamic range enables the accurate reproduction of every loud and quiet passage within the musical range. This makes the amplifier exceptionally suited for musical and theater applications.

Xtant X1.1i Features

* Xtant amplifiers feature a Fully Regulated, Pulse Width Modulated power supply. This power supply technology provides high efficiency and consistent output performance even when battery voltage is less than optimum.
* The Balanced input circuit increases common mode noise rejection and eliminates ground loop noise while allowing for 100mv to 17 volts of signal input. This circuit also makes interfacing with any factory head-unit easy.
* Both Thermal and Overcurrent protection are incorporated into Xtant amplifiers. In the event of a problem, the amplifier will reduce its power to maintain operation.
* These small footprint mono-block amplifiers are ideal for vehicles that have limited space and allows for unlimited installation creativity in any application. The mono-block concept also allows for easy audio and/or video system configuration (2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-Channel).


Xtant X1.1i Specifications

* Number of Channels 1
* Watts per Channel 4 Ohms: 1 x 100
* Watts per channel 2 Ohms: 1 x 100
* Frequency Response: 17 - 21kHz
* Operational Voltage: 10-16 Volts
* Dimensions: 6.5" x 5.81" x 1.63"
----------
I have seen these installed in the rear storage areas in a MINI with good results.

I have an Xtant 4 channel amp installed on the back of the rear seat on the right and have no trouble leaving it there covered by a rubber mat when I load up my MINI for autocross (4 race tires, racing jack, helmet, tools, cooler for drinks, plastic bin for autoX stuff, etc). The amp is flat and easily covered so no problem. An amp on the boot floor covered with a false cover would also work just fine for loading up the boot and rear area. A flat thin plyboard/carpet pad would protect from scratching anything.

Check out the Phoenix Gold amps-
http://incolor.inetnebr.com/weisinat...es/archive.htm

 

Thanks for all of the great suggestions!

 

I put two amps under my drivers seat and a subwoofer under the passenger's seat. Click the link in my sig for descriptions and pictures.

 

I am doing the false floor in the boot. it wont take up any usable space and keeps you from having to cut vent holes in you carpet under the seats. I want everything to be reversable. my amp is held down to the stock carpet with velcro and the false floor is as well. complete removable in 5 min. the only space I have lost is where my stelth box is. but I have not bolted it in. I left it removable as well.

 

Any problem fitting an amp in the spare tire/tool well? I want to lose some weight and free up some boot space so I wanna ditch my big, heavy wooden box. I wanna pick this box up by USD...

 

A friend has one of the smaller Alpine amps in the cubby under the drivers seat. The amp has never overheated. Isn't this easeir than having to run wires back up to the head unit from the boot?

Also, is it better to have the amp up front away from the battery, or is that not an issue?

 

You usually want the amp no further then 2ft away from the battery. But that's "usually" and "usually" people don't do that.

I did, but I have an S and my amp sits under a false floor in the back, so I didn't have any legth issues.

 

While Velcro will hold things in place during normal driving, it won't during an accident. That can result in some heavy stuff flying around in the cabin.

Matt

 

350 WATTS TO THE HEAD!!


...

sorry.