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Navigation & Audio Sub Enclosure... anyone install one in an 08 yet?

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Old Jan 8, 2008 | 12:46 PM
  #1  
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Sub Enclosure... anyone install one in an 08 yet?

I saw someone else on here used one of those premade sub enclosures

http://www.fastmini.net/rosubox.html

I was wondering how easy it would be to add one of those to an 08 MCS with the Hi-Fi stereo...is it the same as adding it to the regular stereo, or an 07 with whatever stereo lol. Any input would be nice!

Thanks,
Colin
 
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 12:41 PM
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I doubt you can add much sub-bass without an amp. Then you need to consider an amp for the replacement speakers in the front doors, then some conversion unit to keep your stock head unit and having to reconstruct your dash for your new HU.

I also doubt that there will be much difference in what is required from 08 that wasn't required for the 07.
 
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Old Jan 28, 2008 | 09:09 AM
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How about, anyone install a sub in the 07 yet??
 
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Old Jan 28, 2008 | 10:30 AM
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After getting my car i'm not gonna bother. The HiFi system kicks ***, I don't know what all the complaints are about. I can crank that sucker all the way up on some Linkin Park songs that would normally distort the hell out of anyones car speakers and it is super clear with a NICE bass that isn't muddy or distorted at all...Not to mention other kinds of music, but there are a few LP songs that are my "test" songs for car stereo systems.
 
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Old Feb 1, 2008 | 08:45 PM
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I have two 12" fosgate P2s hooked up to a MB quart (think it was mb quart...) hooked up at 400 watts rms and it hits pretty hard. changed the front speakers out and hooked up my fosgate amp to those. runnin a pioneer headunit in the secret compartment you can check my gallery or search my posts if u'd like pictures.I originally opened my dash and hooked up a rca splitter which was specifically designed for the mini (some vendor at the mini2 forums was/is selling them) but the bass sounded bad and the speakers still sounded bad so I had to get a headunit
 
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Old Feb 2, 2008 | 08:31 AM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by ColinMc
After getting my car i'm not gonna bother. The HiFi system kicks ***, I don't know what all the complaints are about. I can crank that sucker all the way up on some Linkin Park songs that would normally distort the hell out of anyones car speakers and it is super clear with a NICE bass that isn't muddy or distorted at all...Not to mention other kinds of music, but there are a few LP songs that are my "test" songs for car stereo systems.
That gives me a better feeling about the HiFi. I ordered it because I really do not want to dump lots of cash into a system and rip the whole car apart while doing it. It didn't sound horrible at the dealership when I listened to it. The base system I felt was lacking in comparison. I could see complaints if trying to listen to it really really loud, but then again I do want to hear other people's horns or emergency vehicles while driving. I can have much better sound with $30 skullcandy earbuds, but that would be illegal for the above reasons of not being able to hear important outside sounds. I may add a simple powered sub since HiFi cannot hit the lows near as well as a sub can.
 
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Old Feb 3, 2008 | 07:38 PM
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from what i have read, be weary of replacing the factory amp if you have the Hifi option. Others have stated that if you do not have the system complete, the dealer cannot update anything software wise.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 01:40 PM
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Originally Posted by ColinMc
After getting my car i'm not gonna bother. The HiFi system kicks ***, I don't know what all the complaints are about. I can crank that sucker all the way up on some Linkin Park songs that would normally distort the hell out of anyones car speakers and it is super clear with a NICE bass that isn't muddy or distorted at all...Not to mention other kinds of music, but there are a few LP songs that are my "test" songs for car stereo systems.
You ARE joking, right? The sound system in my 1972 Toyota Corola was better sounding. And, there is almost NO bass in the HiFi system.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 01:47 PM
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If I add a couple notches of bass, and crank the volume up on a few different test songs i get NO distortion whatsoever...I was worried after hearing peoples complaints. No distortion, no rattles, no "muddy"ness...Maybe i'm just nuts lol, but in this case if it's saving me money to be nuts and be more than happy with it then that works. A friend of mine that used to install radios went for a ride with me the other day and he commented that it wasn't that bad sounding for a factory premium stereo...and he was nitpicking everything about the car so that has to mean something. Even non stereo-philes that have gone for rides with me compliment the nice radio. I can't imagine everyone I know has terrible taste in sound systems...and believe me i've taken any friend I could for a ride in my new car lol.

EDIT: As for there being no bass, the fact that my rearview mirror distorts but not the speakers when it really thumps seems to disagree with that. I'm not saying that the HiFi system is the best thing out there and couldn't use improvement, I just don't think it's as awful as everyone says. It's a nice solid stereo and I don't regret opting for it over the regular stereo.
 

Last edited by ColinMc; Feb 4, 2008 at 01:50 PM.
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 03:31 PM
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Dude, put down the bong. Anything over 4 out of 10 in volume, and it doesn't matter what music your playing, the speakers ALL clip.
 
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Old Feb 4, 2008 | 04:01 PM
  #11  
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Lol, sorry no drugs here...although hydro's were fun when I had my Hernia surgery heh. I was surprised as well since the 07 I test drove had noticeable deterioration at anything above half volume on the HiFi. Maybe once I use my car for a bit the speakers will get worse and worse with this kind of abuse?

I'm not trying to just be argumentative, and i'll be upgrading the speakers in pairs here and there down the line i'm sure...i'm just saying that it's not as bad as everyone says. It surprised even me after the few cars I test drove with both the regular and HiFi systems...
 

Last edited by ColinMc; Feb 4, 2008 at 04:05 PM.
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Old Feb 6, 2008 | 09:35 PM
  #12  
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who sells the best enclosed box? I wanna get one but havent found a good one, which one do all you guys have? Sorry to jack the thread.
 
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Old Feb 6, 2008 | 09:42 PM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by Birdman
How about, anyone install a sub in the 07 yet??

I was about to answer until I saw who had posted this particular question and realized you had to be joking...
 
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Old Feb 6, 2008 | 09:46 PM
  #14  
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Originally Posted by ColinMc
I saw someone else on here used one of those premade sub enclosures

http://www.fastmini.net/rosubox.html

I was wondering how easy it would be to add one of those to an 08 MCS with the Hi-Fi stereo...is it the same as adding it to the regular stereo, or an 07 with whatever stereo lol. Any input would be nice!

Thanks,
Colin
you can add a sub to the hifi system fairly easily. you'll need a line converter and amp or amp with high level inputs, sub box of which there are several designs that work well, and your sub of course.

Read the sticky thread in this particular forum titled "r56 speaker replacement how-to". It has every bit of information you'll possibly need to do it plus pics of some examples of sub enclosures. There have been no changes between 07 and 08 that would affect the information in that thread.
 
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Old Feb 7, 2008 | 09:37 AM
  #15  
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Originally Posted by MotorMouth
I was about to answer until I saw who had posted this particular question and realized you had to be joking...
I wasn't kidding. I'm talking about a all-in-one power sub box. I have not yet seen a pic of anyone with one installed in an 07 (or 08 for that matter). Yes, there are plenty of folks using the boot floor box enclosure, and a separate amp setup.

But the question is, has anyone installed a powered sub? Like the JL audio, or one of the other custom MINI powered subs?
 
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Old Feb 7, 2008 | 10:44 AM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by Birdman
How about, anyone install a sub in the 07 yet??
Originally Posted by Birdman
I wasn't kidding. I'm talking about a all-in-one power sub box.
thanks for the clarification.

Personally I'd rather have a seperate amp and sub especially if it was in a box designed to be removed when you have cargo to carry. I'd rather just disconnect two speaker wires than have to disconnect speaker wires, input wires, ground, power, and remote wires.
 
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Old Feb 8, 2008 | 11:39 AM
  #17  
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ColinMc has a point. Before taking delivery of my 2007 MCS I was planning to upgrade my Hi-Fi system after reading several complaints about the Hi-Fi system. However, in real life, after a break-in period for the speakers, I find the Hi-Fi quite satisfactory and see no need to upgrade. Probably not the world's greatest car stereo, but with all the ambient noise in the cockpit (engine, tires, chassis, wind, etc.), this is no environment for an audiophile-class system, which would be, IMHO, overkill.
 
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Old Feb 8, 2008 | 07:00 PM
  #18  
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Originally Posted by MotorMouth
thanks for the clarification.

Personally I'd rather have a seperate amp and sub especially if it was in a box designed to be removed when you have cargo to carry. I'd rather just disconnect two speaker wires than have to disconnect speaker wires, input wires, ground, power, and remote wires.
Thats what I was thinking of, a powered sub with quick connect/disconnect setup.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2008 | 11:51 AM
  #19  
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I would not be removing it. That's why I want something small or under the seat (or mounted on passenger side of boot) out of the way. Plus, you can easily install a quick connect connector as posted.
 
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Old Mar 1, 2008 | 05:34 PM
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I started with an '07 MCS with the basic radio boost sound system. I still have my stock head unit and speakers but they now sound GREAT!! I know, I didn't think it was possible either...

Since I don't do the mechanical thing I had my stuff installed by Sounds Good. I have a JL Audio Stealthbox subwoofer in the boot (driver's side) and a Genesis amp under the front passenger seat. Sorry, I don't know all the tech speak, but they filtered out/re-assigned the frequencies going from the amp to each speaker and now my stock (used to be crap) speakers sound amazing!! Hard to believe they are the same. I hope to replace the stock speakers in the future for even better sound quality, but for now, WOW, amazing power, MUCH better sound quality with no distortion and bass with a great punch!

I went with the Stealthbox sub because I wanted a good product + needed to preserve as much of my cargo area as possible for everyday groceries, misc., etc. Be forewarned, though, if you are considering this set-up because the Stealthbox doesn't fit quite as well in the boot of 2nd gen cars. It was designed for 1st gen (where the rear seat release latches were on the outside corners). I also had to have the installer move the cargo light to the passenger side, otherwise it would've been obscured (another thing different with 2nd gen cars). End result = sounds great but takes up a tad more room (maybe an inch or two) in 2nd gen cars because the shape of the rear is a little different now.

I just complained to JL Audio that their website is deceiving because it says the Stealthbox fits MINIs '02 and up. However, because of the differences between the 1st and 2nd gen cars the result does not look as good/fit as well in the 2nd gen cars + the new location of the seat releases make the old shape unnecessary for the newer cars. I spoke with Jose Rodriguez in Tech Support and he said I was the first person to complain but that he'd look into it with his boss and the design staff. Yeah, right... To my complete surprise he called me back a half hour later and wanted me to email pics showing the install in different gen cars. Wow! Maybe there's hope!

Come on 2nd gen MINI owners! We need to request a re-design here! JL Audio makes great stuff, highly rated. The number is 954-624-0113. I'm very happy with mine but a re-designed Stealthbox for '07 and up would be even better!!

Anyhoo... good luck with whatever set-up you decide on!!
 
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Old Mar 30, 2008 | 04:38 PM
  #21  
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Has anyone else installed the RoadsterSound sub box from fastmini, the stealthbox or any other premade sub boxes in an 07?

I am looking for a decent solution to also preserve as much boot space as possible...
 
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Old Apr 1, 2008 | 08:42 PM
  #22  
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Here's my all-in-one for an '07, an Infinity Basslink 2. I installed this sub in particular so that it would be a snap to remove for PDE, autocross, etc.

Maybe it will give you guys some ideas:




Installation process - http://coopermods.com/archives/5
 
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 02:05 PM
  #23  
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FortyTwo how does that bass link sound??
 
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 02:30 PM
  #24  
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Box from Roadster Sound

I have a box from Roadster Sound. Overall, I am very happy with the results.
I did add a quick release for the wires just encase I wanted to take out the sub-woofer box.
 
Attached Thumbnails Sub Enclosure... anyone install one in an 08 yet?-img_1259.jpg   Sub Enclosure... anyone install one in an 08 yet?-img_1258.jpg  
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Old Apr 2, 2008 | 04:28 PM
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Originally Posted by rdeppen
FortyTwo how does that bass link sound??

I think its great, perfect for what I wanted. I'm no audiofile, so I don't think I can add much for description of it, just didnt want a weak sound like the stock system. Its definately done that job.

I think I'm going to add the SC4 amp module to power all of the speakers in the car, and upgrade to Infintity's in the cabin.
 
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