Ok audiophiles, the clock is ticking. I've two weeks to make up my mind, because in two weeks it's order time. Unfortunately, I have audio option questions not worked out. I've broken down the current options as they stand. Maybe there are others, but here's how I currently see it:

Opt. 1, H/K ($550).
Pro's: Cheapest at $550 and most bang for the buck. Enables Sidewalk option.
Con's: The volume lacks with the top down. Hard to install any upgrades beyond this option.

Opt. 2, DPSM ($1940, + install ):
Pro's: Sound purported to be crystal clear. Installs into factory locations. Comes with cars warranty.
Con's: $$$$$ it's the most expensive option. Haven't been able to listen to it. Volume may not be loud enough to get me where I want to be.

Opt. 3, Aftermarket Amp & Speakers ($1300 installed.) :
My first trip to Car Toys steered me towards: Focal 130A1 (front), Focal 130CA1 (rear), JL Audio A4300 Amp (300 Watt). The salesman kept trying to get me to go for the V2's which did sound better, but cost almost double the A1's.
Pro's: Should be able to design loudest system (not sure if this configuration is it).
Con's: Possible warranty issues. Amp doesn't look like it will fit under the seats and therefore take up boot space.

The problem with both aftermarket and DSPM for that matter is I can't listen to them in the car on the highway. Listening to the systems in the studio room is great for comparing systems against one another, but there's no way to know whether I'm spending twice as much as I need to, or not even reaching my criteria at this price. :impatient

 

Decisions...decisions...decisions. I hate them. It took me a full year just to replace the head unit, and second full year for just the front speakers.

Compared to the real experts on this forum I am not an 'audiophile.' So, for what it's worth...

I've read too many cons and not enough pros about the HK. Not imho a better bang for the buck. Much better to take the $550 (plus sales tax) and put it towards something better.

Sorry I know nothing about DPSM, but for $2k plus labor, it had better knock my socks off. Spending nearly $2500 on an audio system without even having heard it is something I'd never do. Don't forget, it's probably not returnable. Not even with a receipt.

As you can see below, I have the Focal 165A1. Why isn't the salesman recommending them? Circut City installed mine with no problems at all, just an adaptor to make them fit. And with a JL 300w amp, you'd have more than enough power. Just like the HK sounds better but not $550 better, the V2s sound a bit better but not twice as better as the Access'.

For this non-audiophile, the 165s powered by the Alpine 18w head unit sound fine to me, at least with the windows and sunroof closed. With the JL amp, you should be in fat city.

Go with your option #3...with 165A1s.

Please keep us up to date.

 

A few points of my own, also in response to hugh.

The H/K is a good quality system. Is it particularly loud? No. But it has a much higher level of fidelity than the Boost system, and it is good value for $550. Take a moment to read this review on it, because it does a great job describing what it can and cannot do. I disagree with Hugh - the H/K does sound $550 better than the Boost.

Secondly, the cost of the DPSM kit is $1650 MSRP, not $2000. Also, from some sources, you can get a full 20% off, so the kit price drops to $1320 or so.

Labor costs will vary, but it's not unreasonable to think you can get the entire kit installed for $2000. Still a lot, yes, but not the $2500 that hugh suggested.

One curiosity - MiniDaMoocher talked about ordering in 2 weeks. I gather we're talking about ordering a convertible? If it's a hardtop, that means an R56, and the H/K & DPSM will not apply. If it is indeed a convertible, then the H/K won't be ideal, since there is a greater need for volume with an open top. In that case, I'd go with either DPSM or aftermarket.

 

Well I don't have a convert. but I have put in the JL M4300 (same as A4300, just marine grade, got a disount for distributor) and I also put in Focal 690CA1 in the rear. Deffinalty the best thing I have done the only thing is I think I might have blown one of them because of too much power. So, if you will be listening loud.... you may want to spnd the extra for the V2 so they can handle the power. I know the Access are rated to 75W RMS but there is no way, the amp is also 75W RMS at 14.4V. I am going to be doing the GBMINI thing he did for #3 when I save up....

 

Where can you order the DPSM for $1320? Once purchased, are you thinking installation by a Mini Dealer or aftermarket installer?

Yes, it's a vert. FWIW, I agree with you about the quality of the H/K system, but just don't see it powerful enough for my needs. In addition, from everything I am reading about the H/K (probably by you) it sounds like it's not a good system to upgrade once purchased.

Is the DSPM something I could install myself? Mechanically I am fairly competent, though have never worked on nor owned a Mini. Back in the 70's and 80's, I used to install all my own stereo components, but suspect it's a lot more complicated today. I assume it is not as easy as popping off speaker covers and replacing speakers, and similarly replacing wire for wire on the amp. If there is a need for any special tools for calibrating or some other kind of "expertise" I'm probably out of my element.

 

Hi Edge

My opinion of the HK is just my subjective opinion. I listened to HKs at the dealer and on the road (not in an open convertible) and read this review before deciding and although I found it a 'good' system, better even than the boost, not $550 worth of better. Just like the Focal V2. Better than Access but not twice as better.

I just checked the Mini-USA site, and Mini DM is correct...DPSM is now $1939. If MiniDM's dealer cuts him 20% off, great! But can he get it from a discounting dealer and then ask his own dealer to gladly install it for him? Maybe.

 

The $1650 price I mentioned was the standard MSRP for hardtops. I have heard of a slightly different DPSM kit for convertibles. If that's true, take that (convertible version costing more anyway) and the likelyhood that prices went up for 2007, and $1939 does seem to make sense.

With the 20% off, it would then be $1551.20 for the kit (not installed).

As far as where to get 20% off, there are a few dealerships that do a lot of mail order of OEM parts, at a standard of 20% off. One dealership in particular... but since they are not a vendor on NAM, I hesitate to publicly who it is (since I'm a NAM Administrator). It isn't hard to determine though, they've been discussed by others on NAM many times before. Heck, someone else will probably reply to this post and state it.
Yep, which is why I ultimately suggested DPSM or aftermarket instead, for convertibles. Yep, exactly true.Well, that's up to you. I have never installed it, I'm having the dealer do mine. 101101 just installed the DPSM himself (although in a hardtop, I believe), so he might have some input on it.

In any case, take a look at the official install instructions, courtesy of MotoringFile (keep in mind they don't include dismantling of the interior)... DPSM install.pdf. Obviously, the instructions are for the hardtop, so I'm sure there are some differences for convertibles.And that's fine - we can agree to disagree. I think the H/K is good value, overall... if you don't need more than it provides. You don't. OK. Well, I've never had a problem from my dealer with me supplying the official parts and them doing the install. I don't always do it that way, but they didn't even blink. The work order just said "Customer supplied parts".

 

Hate to sound dumb but what does DPSM stand for?

 

Digital POWER SoundModul.

 

This is the way I'm leaning also. I think it's ridiculous that I have to spend $1500 on a system ($1300 + $200 for warranty), to get adequate volume. Oh well, it's only money. One thing that may be responsible for the confusion on the speaker model is my own lack of knowledge regarding the size of the stock speakers I'm replacing. I probably told the store the wrong sizes for the door and rear. It's interesting you got yours at Circuit City. The only store locally which carries Focal here is Car Toys. I was in CC today, seeing what other options there were, and the guy helping me told me that if it were up to him, he'd go with the Focals. He called them the best speaker available today, and for a convertible, he'd go with their lower line. At least (according to him) I'm heading in the right direction.

 

I would definitly go aftermarket....the guys at Car Toys (Tulsa correct?) are very good....so is Boomers. If you are looking for good sound that has a good quantity of volume to it go JBL from Car Toys. JBL 4 Channel amps look very trick, have good sound quality, and plenty of power. Focals sound very good but tend to be very pricey and hard to get to warranty. My 2 cents.

Chris

 

I just wanted to chime in and say that I've been satisfied with the volume and quality of the H/K system in my convertible, even with the top down. The only change I intend to make is that I will be adding an 8" subwoofer in the trunk for better low frequency response.

 

Both of your comments are valid and appreciated. I posted the following in another thread in the Cabrio section yesterday. It's pretty relevant to this one too.

Less than 2 weeks until I can order this beast. No pressure.....

 

With your stated mechanical competence, installing a DPSM "should" be no problem. I would rate my own mechanical competence about where you stated and I thought it was fairly easy (once done that is). So, $1320.00 to $1600.00 and self satisfaction of doing it yourself... versus??

You need to hear a DPSM to understand why several of us a pushing this direction. Surely someone in your area has one to hear...

 

Yah, that is the question.

I understand where your coming from, but without listening it will be tough to justify the expense. At least aftermarket can be seen and heard, even if it is in a soundproof room.

Maybe, I posted the question in 5280... we will see.

Thanks for your help.

 

Since the stock speakers in the Mini (at least through '06) are 5.25s, some stores will simply recommend replacing them with 5.25 aftmkts. They don't know that some 6.5, like my Focal Access and the Focal V2 will fit without any more modification than a spacer.

Circuit City does not sell Focals. But they will install any aftermarket speaker in their 'FireDog' shop, regardless of whether you bought them from Circuit City or on eBay (deep discount and no sales tax) like I did. They did the front woofs and tweets, including purchase of the spacers, for a little under $100.
The Focals were $170 incl shipping.

I'd be very cautious about letting some kid at Car Toys, CC, Best Buy, etc mess with my Mini. But my neighbor knew the installer at Circuit City personally so he was able to vouch for his competence. The installer also worked on at least one Mini before mine.

I'll be following this thread to see how you end up.

 

I posted this earlier today in Cabrio because it is a cabrio issue, but perhaps this is the more appropriate forum.

If not, what are the location options to install the amp? I'm hoping not to take room from the boot, but I don't see much choice.

 

On a cabrio with standard stereo, there is space under the passenger seat for an amp. If you don't get Nav, there is also space under the drivers seat.