I came here looking for information on what can be done to replace the horrible excuse from Mini and BMW of a hifi audio system.. if the system really is made by alpine, someone didn't have their coffee the morning it was designed.

And honestly, I can't understand 98% of what I read, something about a clean sweep versus this, or the spirals of a speaker, or the frequency curves.

I see the HOW TO Speaker Replacement, yea, I dont' want to replace them myself, I can pay people to do that. Unfortunately, I'd rather know what other people are using.

There are multiple threads ref: what speakers did you put in the front? back? all around? all over the place, why can't someone, who knows enough about this, make a thread, which can be something like:

What you can do about the hifi system, for n00bs

?

You can put stuff in like the brands of speakers that are sold in 3 way sets, amps that you can hide in the car, not more or less a how to do it, because some people aren't technical... maybe a here's what you CAN do about it. (basically aimed at the non do it yourself type)?

does that make sense? sorry if i sound ******* ish lol.

 

I agree, it's over the top. I'm amazed at the new "Sync" being offered in Ford/Lincoln/Mercury. If they put in as much effort in designing their cars as they did in this they'd be far better off. However, it's sad to say that many of today's buyers are more interested in things such as "sync" than they are in the actual performance of the car. BMW is just as guilty... re "I-Drive".

 

I was watching people turn at an intersection yesterday and 4 out of 5 turned the corner while talking on the phone. I would imagine these people care more about their phone reception and conversation than how their car just took the corner!

 

When did car audio become so complicated and technical? When computers became integrated with them.

What you can do about the hifi system, for n00bs:

A good start is to have the speakers replaced. Which speakers you want will depend on your personal tastes and budget. However, it may be difficult to do a proper comparison. To do it right, the speakers should be in a MINI with the HIFI system since the amp and interior acoustics will play a role in how it sounds. Since that isn't likely to happen, most of us pick speakers by reputation.

Crutchfield has a section of user reviews for each of their speakers. That may or may not be helpful in choosing. Or, go to your installer and see what they have that matches your budget. Tell them the kind of music you prefer and see what they suggest.

I went with Infinity Kappas as follows:
Infinity Kappa 60.7cs 6-1/2" component speakers which are located in the door and handle most of the bass. You don't need 2 way or three way speakers here because (as I understand it) not much high frequency goes to this location. The tweeters can be installed in the A pillar by the windshield to replace the OEM tweeters there.

Infinity Kappa 42.7i 4" 2-way car speakers also go in the door. These handle mid-range & highs, IIRC.

Infinity Kappa 693.7i 6"x9" 3-way car speakers for the rear. They have dual inputs so they can be connected to the separate 6x9 and tweeter wires in the rear locations. Oddly enough, these speakers only seem to handle mid-range and highs. Very little bass goes to this location.

I like the sound. Kappas are a bit bright, but to me, that helps them overcome the road noise.

For the HIFI system, the speakers should be and as sensitive as you can find. High sensitivity will allow them to produce good volume with low power. The HIFI amp is not very powerful.

The other useful thing to do is sound-proofing. It will be rather expensive to have the doors (a typical location for Dynamat) done by anyone who has done it before. If they haven't done an R56 MINI, they probably don't understand how difficult it is. Seems to be considerably worse than other cars, and there have been problems with doors not opening after a pro installer (with an excellent rep.) did the job first time.

I Dynamated and insulated the rear of my car after removing the rear seats. The seats actually provide a considerable amount of sound insulation. So, without them it was very loud. However, there is still a lot of road noise coming in the front. So, someday I'll do the floor in the front.

IMO, sound insulation and new speakers will make a reasonably good sound system out of the HIFI in the MINI. If you want a heavy base thump, you will need to add a subwoofer.

While upgrading the HIFI amp to something more powerful would be nice, it can also cause serious problems. The computer system in the MINI is tied into the HIFI amp. If the OEM amp isn't there, it may be impossible to upgrade the OBC software. One person with a DSC fault was turned away by his dealer because he had replaced the stock amp. The dealer claimed that the software required all components to be there and wouldn't load without the amp.

I hope that helps.

 

When did car audio become so complicated and techical?

Right after Alexander Graham Bell said "Watson come here".

I to read the manuals, then I read these threads for tried and true ways of making thing work in my MINI.

 

You mean the invention of the telephone complicated audio systems?

 

Unless I was mistaken, thats when all comunication of this type began. First the phone then the radio, phonagragh, etc.

Humor is what makes life fun and problems easier to deal with

 

http://www.ideafinder.com/history/in.../telephone.htm
I'd go with Johann Philip Reis in 1861.

 

that's not what he said

as for complexity, it's common practice for OEM integrated systems. Heck, the last ten years it's been this way. My '98 Accord had integrated audio and HVAC. I dealt with it then and the solutions are only more effective today.

The JL Audio CleanSweep is a way to take the speaker level output of the integrated OEM system and convert it to low-level RCA type outputs that most aftermarket stuff uses. It also has the added benefit of flattening frequency response - that's the real reason to us it. Many OEM systems use variable bass and treble boost to compensate for poor quality speakers and inadequate amplification.

the Rockford 360.2 and new Alpine unit do similar functions, but add lots more functionality. Many amplifiers will take a speaker level input as well, though you lose the EQ function of the integration solutions.

 

I still read the threads that you guys that are much more technical than I write. Because I do wish to learn how to make things work (that's a complemnet) .

I believe that's what I said before.

As for Humor, never mind:impatient

 

Well I'm convinced that I'll never figure any of it out. I don't know anything about car audio... home audio, yea...

I really regret getting my mini.

 

Over a stereo? hahah.. well since you're a stated NON-DIYer , why not just fine someone to pay to do all the work?

Since the R56 is relatively new, there's always room for trail blazers to help everyone out, unfortunately there haven't been to many yet in the HiFi audio. We look forward to your report when you get it sorted

 

here's your problem, not the car

 

This is what is known as a self-fulfilling prophesy. It's good you are enjoying silence.

Better stay at home. You wont be able to understand the systems in other new cars, either. You could start shopping the antique car market. Audio systems were pretty simple in the 1950's -- AM radio and one speaker.

 

Well if you're convinced that you'll never figure it out, then why even post asking for help???

Also buying any vehicle for its sound system is bound to invoke major regret. Especially buying a R56.

 

Better stay at home. You wont be able to understand the systems in other new cars, either. You could start shopping the antique car market. Audio systems were pretty simple in the 1950's -- AM radio and one speaker.

I don't care how that works. I did NOTHING for you to flame or belittle me like that. Furthermore, there are many other cars in the market, even in the same car class as the MINI that have better stock systems, than this excuse for "hi fi audio"... the new volvo is a perfect example, the c70 I believe,,, is available with a dynaudio upgrade. THATS quality. Not this rubbish that Mini gives us, stock or hifi upgrade options aside. they're both crap.

--

Over a stereo? hahah.. well since you're a stated NON-DIYer , why not just fine someone to pay to do all the work?

Since the R56 is relatively new, there's always room for trail blazers to help everyone out, unfortunately there haven't been to many yet in the HiFi audio. We look forward to your report when you get it sorted

That's the problem, it's too new ... most of the shops in distance of the city I live in don't know anything about it, or want to charge 4-5k to do something. That's not worth it. I can take that, offset what I owe, and go get a new car.

--

I didn't expect to get flamed by coming to this forum, right off the bat at least. I was hoping, maybe someone would be courteous enough to put some information together so a Mod could sticky it.

In the time it took you (collectively) to belittle me, and my lack of technical understanding of what I can do MYSELF and suggest options that are obvious, you likely could have written up a few sentences on dumbed down information and maybe provide some links.

I see a LOT of people here do get kind of confused, and unfortuantely we don't all have the time to sit around and read each bit, then research on the side what these are.

There's a FAQ for every other feature of the car, why not a n00b FAQ. Or are the n00bs just not welcome here?

I don't have the time, to read everything, as there's SO MUCH.. especially when you dont' understand all of it.

 

As I've reported to the mods by that (!) in this thread, my question wasn't to directly know what could be done about it. More so than it was, could someone please take the time to write a little ditty about n00bish terms ref: things that can be done.

Nothing more. no side off topic rude and unjust remarks towards my self, my screen name, or my decision to purchase rubbish. we've all made mistakes in life, and who are you to judge me? it's simply easier to be rude or judge over the internet simply cause you dont' know them, you'll likely never meet them, and what could happen? you could be banned? oooooo .. just sign up again using a different email address and be a bit nicer to keep it from happening.

those with higher post counts get away with A LOT more than us n00bs.

I feel that many of the comments made by robin, and a few others, were rude. and had nothing to do with my original question.

and because many seem to be unable to read and comprehend noobish terms:

could someone, given the time, put together a short, and useful article for what a n00b could do, where they could buy some speakers : specifically relating to the hifi system... there are only so many companies who make a 3 piece component set NEW... amps that can be hidden in the car, what the clean sweep (or rockford device) does, etc... is that possible?

or am I wasting my proverbial breath?

 

you reported this thread?

you came asking for advice. some people took time to give you info, all of which is available elsewhere on this site. For your convenience. You throw your hands up, saying 'it's too hard and I won't try to learn' and we point out the issue isn't the car but the operator and that's flaming?

 

posterity quote for the mods so they can see you've dug your own hole here

 

I did not come here for advise on how to do it myself. Nor did I come here to be flamed .

I was asking a question. I'm not getting involved in a bloody flame war.

I'm almost beginning to regret signing up... My question has been avoided, even if it has been repeated multiple times.

Will someone create a info article on suggested upgrades and/or replacements to the sound system for n00bs?

 

1 - This isn't flaming, not even close.

2 - Paying a shop is expensive typically, because they're (or should be) professionals. Since you say you're a self proclaimed non-DIYer , find a good shop and tell them your budget and concerns. Keep shopping around or ask regional forums for mini specific places.

3 - Many people have listed their speaker choices, their amp setups (nonHiFi) etc. Plenty of information, the onus shouldn't be on us to tidy every little last detail for you to digest, NAM have a search function, give it a shot. If it's a lot of reading, considering what you're paying for the content...

4 - During the test drive of your next car, be sure to actually turn the radio on.... This might limit your Disappointment for future vehicles. Keep in mind this might have prevented your dissatisfaction and the several thousand dollars you'll likely loose selling a new mini for a nother new car..

 

Now that this quick reply box works

Making fun of someone, or being rude MAY or MAY NOT be flaming, but I feel it's unjust giving these circumstances.

I'm aware of the price, but 4-5 thousand dollars is NOT worth it. 1-2 thousand is more worth it. The problem is, not many shops are familiar with the hifi system, and since the speaker sizes are odd GIVEN THAT THERE ARE 6 IN THE FRONT... it's hard to find a 3 piece component set, with separate woofers, mid ranges, and tweeters. A lot of shops don't carry these, or are otherwise unable to order them.

I never asked for someone's opinion, as stated previously. I'm not paying for any of NAM's content, so far, no one useful has chimed in. I asked a YES OR NO question. Nothing more. YES OR NO. Ref: could someone create the article? Yes, I'm well aware of the search function, I'm well aware of the content here ref: this issue, and like I said, I don't understand it. It's not my place to learn how to do it. Most of the articles here ref: this issue are HOW TO.
I did turn the radio on, I did turn it up. I was happy with it, tho I knew it wasn't the best.

Money is not an issue, practicality is. It's not practical to spend 4-5 grand on a system in a car (audio system) to ME unless I'm entering in a stereo competition. The liquid funds are available to trade my car in and offset the hit I'd otherwise take on financing.

 

where are you located?

 

Why don't you do it? Benefit the community and all, nearly all the info is here, just needs to be searched...

 

The question:

Where are you located?

is off topic. And strays from my original question. Which has not been answered.