And one that will fit into the mini without modifying ie cutting things?

I'll make the 6x9s woofers and a 3-way in the front.

 

Are you starting from the HIFI or Standard Radio? Are you going to use a Cleansweep?

 

Hi Robin.

Starting from the base system. I've been doing a lot of research and there are possibilities of turning the 6x9s into bass speakers. Here's some inexpensive options: http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showd...number=264-837

Although I don't like that its paper. However, it claim to go very low.

Here's the amp I'm looking at. I just love tubes and they seem to have the best rep for making car tube amps that actually work and sound good. I would need a small SS amp for the rear 6x9 subs.

http://www.butleraudio.com/car.php

 

Tube amps aren't going to sound any different from solid-state amps, unless you drive them into distortion. At that point, the tube amps will sound "better" than the SS amps, because distortion in a tube amp emphasizes even harmonics instead of emphasizing the odd harmonics like a SS amp does.

The reason people like tubes in things like guitar amps is that they're *meant* to distort and add the "tube" sound to the music. Also, you have a lot of people powering their big home speakers with a 3-5 watt single-ended triode tube amp, so you're going to get a lot of the pleasing distortion in those cases too.

In a car, unless you're clipping the amp and distorting it, you won't notice the difference. And in that case, the distortion added by the tube amp isn't part of the original recording, so while it might sound "better" than a SS amp, it's technically not as accurate.

 

I put a JL Audio 300x4 in my Mini (driving Focals in all speaker locations) and I have been VERY happy with it. However, depending on the options you get, you may not be able to get it under a seat and it will not fit inside the free spaces in the boot sides. Mine is installed vertically in the boot against the passenger side wall.

 

Not the right forum for this rebuttal but I've been involved in highend audio and tubes for a very long time. You really don't have a clue to make that statement. Yes, tubes in guitar amps are preferred for the ability to distort but that's not the only reason. While some say the tubes give the sound a colored aspect there's just nothing ss that to this day can compete with tubes which is why at every CES there are more and more tube amps and gear being made. The air, low level detail and body of the notes and naturalness of the voices just can't be matched by SS. Its the benchmark for all SS amps. If you've ever heard a great SET you wet your pants.

Again, though, not the right forum to get into it. Thanks for answering.

 

And how smooth is it, or do you just want the thump?

How are you going to deal with the crossovers in the head unit (or wherever they are)? In the HIFI, no bass goes to the 6x9s (don't ask me why). Not how it is set up in the standard.

 

I haven't researched it enough at this point however I just can't image there's not a proper eq going to the rear. At very least it should be full range. The factory 6x9 have no other driver - ok not in the base system. I don't know about the upgraded. With a simple crossover which can be built for next to nothing for cutting off the highs unless there needs to be a line level signal in which case a electronic x-over can be had cheap from Parts Express.

No I want clean bass fill. Thump isn't interesting.

pdoyle: That's a nice amp. The other thing I'm playing with is making a tri-amp out of t-amps. Tiny. Incredible sound. Downside is watts. I would have to find very efficient speakers to allow them to drive them properly.

 

So the JL 300x4 fits in the side wall perfectly?

 

Not inside the side wall but on it. The installer builtd a little bracket to mount it on. I just took these two photos - it's easier to just show you.


Here's a little closer view:

 

I'll bet it sounds nice. I really want to hide the amp like the factory one if possible. If I don't go for the tube amp I'm considering how hard it would be to build a tri-amp of those incredible T-amps.

I built one for the home and it blows me away. Its running a pair of high efficiency transmission line speakers. Considering they're around $100 ea for the best ones its shocking how close they come to destroying amps that cost 30x their price. Since they're so small it migh all fit into an enclosure like the factory one.

 

t-amps are awesome little things. Just get some Image Dynamics Horns and it'll be sweet - and loud.

 

Nice and clean!

 

pdoyle: Which focals? Is that a factory net?

Nui: T-amps? Got a URL?

 

CapWKidd,
I have Focal Polyglass 165V3e-3-way-components in the front and Focal Polyglass 690 CV1 6"x9" 2Way for the rear. The net is the factory net.

Pat