I am interested in upgrading the stock (non h/k) system in my 06' MCS. I do not wish to change the factory headunit nor will I be adding a sub (or anything in the usable portion of the boot). On a 1-10 scale volume is usually set at 2-4 listening to XM (deep tracks, ethel, loft; read:Velvet Underground, Pavement, Chris Isaak). The goal is to have a more rich/full sound. Sound deadening material will be added.

I am a complete novice when it comes to upgrading stereos. ie. I don't know an ohm from a crossover. I will not be installing anything just doing the research and grocery shopping. But, from what I've researched on NAM I will need a David Navone hi-lo converter (N-7V) to connect the headunit to amp & speakers? Also, my preference would be an amp small enough to fit where the h/k amp normally goes, under seat, near cabin air filter area, basically hidden. Relatively inexpensive amp recommendations are greatly appreciated. I need an amp that is on only when the car is on, I have no idea if they all do this or not. Finally, some time down the road all speakers will be upgraded. Should the door tweeters be eliminated or left alone if upgrading the doors? Which rears do you recommend? Will the Focal 165V2 or Infinity Kappa work well without a sub in the rear?

TIA
-John

 

i recently changed all the speakers in my 2006MCS. i had Alpine component speakers installed SPS-171A consists of 6 1/2 in. and tweeters with crossovers in the doors and 6 x 9 Alpine SPS-69C3 in the rears and also added Alpine PLT-5 250watt powered sub. You dont need an amp with these speakers as i didnt addone and it sounds awesome.

 

I also plan to upgrade my stock non-HK speakers at some point. I've known others that simply replaced the speakers and got great results. Like most auto makers, MINI uses cheapy paper coned speakers, so pretty much any aftermarket speaker will sound better.

 

that sounds very much along the lines of what i would like to do!

three follow up questions:
1 did you replace the grills on the fronts? if so,
2 is there the option not to?
3 where'd you place the sub?


congrats, and thanks for the post.

 

no i did not replace the grilles. everything looks the same as when i bought it. I placed the sub in the boot it takes up some space but i can live with that.

 

Yesterday, I changed the speakers for Infinity Reference. (6½ & 6x9) The sound was much better, but still lacked some bass.

This afternoon, I got a small Kicker kit. A 200watts amp & a 10inches sub. It sounds great! I wanted some extra bass, and I was surprised by the amount this little kit delivers!

For under 550$, I now have a much better sound quality and still have my stock headunit.

The only downside it that the boot has less room now lol