Looks like I'm going to replace my "hi-fi, premium" sound system since I really want much clearer and crisper sound in my Clubman. Can't turn it up and frankly, I'm a little disappointed. So, with that being said I'm looking to see what is the most recommended option for doing this, both front and back, speakers and amp(s) (if needed). If you could make a list that would really help (not sure exactly what I need to do this)!

I'm not looking to spend an arm and leg but do want a decent system. So somewhere "mid-grade"-ish.

And please speak in laymans terms since I really don't know much about ohms, sizing, amp power, etc

....thanks guys!

 

I vote for Alpine all the way around. if you can buck up a little more i like JL audio stuff. and if you could go all out i love those Focal's at tweeter.

 

My vote is for a 4 ch amplifier installed under the drivers seat.
2 channels used to drive a set of 2 or 3 way component speakers (look at old JL models and old/current Focals).
Use the other 2 channels to drive a subwoofer.
Also, i would not bother replacing the rear speakers. Just fade the control most of the way forward.
Since you dont want to go 'all out', avoid the signal processor units. A simple line level converter will be fine.

 

Laurendesigns
I used the "Stereo Shop" in Rochester on Jay Scutti Blvd.. I had Focal 6 1/2 put in the front with a JL Stealthbox in the rear (no rear speakers in GP) powered by an Audison amp. It sounds great! Talk with Chuck, he is a very knowledgeable guy. Their installer Chris is also very meticulous.
Steve

 

Focal Polyglass 3 way components up front - but more expensive ~550. Just know you will never be unhappy with them.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Focal-Polyglass-...QQcmdZViewItem

Cheaper would be focals 2 way access line.

 

The most cost-effective upgrade is to just replace the speakers. You cand do this for around $400 if you install them yourself. I replaced my HIFI factory speakers with Infinity Kappas. They sound good to me. I've not heard other aftermarket car speakers to compare. So, I couldn't tell you if other brands/models sound better or worse. I'm used to home audio system with an Outlaw 950 Preprocessor & 770 separate 7x200 watts amp,
NHT speakers, SVS cylindrical sub.

These are the seakers I used:
Infinity Kappa 60.7cs 6-1/2" component speaker system for the large front location, and A pillar tweeters.

Infinity Kappa 42.7i 4" 2-way car speakers small front location (did not use the crossovers and did not connect their tweeters)

Infinity Kappa 693.7i 6"x9" 3-way car speakers in the rear

After that, I might add a sub.

Next, you are probably looking at $2,000 to $3,000 for a pro installation of amp, speakers, and sub.

 

Thanks for all your replies...going to look into local installation as my husband won't touch my car and I don't blame him...a lot of meticulous work!

Anyone know about "factory system enhancers"?? Is this the same as an amp?

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ....aspx?g=302950

Looking up my car on crutchfield and came to this page? Would this be a start? If its 2-3 thousand like Robin says then I can't afford to have it installed :(

 

I believe that is something you would want if you add an amp. It wouldn't be your first option.

A NAM member I've met had a system put into her 2007 MC with the base system. They added a CleanSweep, amp, sub, speakers, and Dynamat insulation for $3,000. After doing the Dynamat in the doors, they said they would raise the price on that because the R56 doors are so difficult. It sounds great.

 

I just installed MB Quart in the front, Tang Band 6x9's subwoofers in back. Alpine 4 channel amp in boot tool box area and JL audio Cleansweep to get signal from oem head unit. I must say I was up in the air about the 6x9's instead of a actual subwoofer in the boot but I'm very pleased the way they sound. Calibrating the Cleansweep was interesting but that's another story. Still working on the install pics soon!

 

Cheap but high value approach: Since you already have an amp in the HIFI system, just replace the front speakers yourself with high quality components like Diamond Hex. Infinitys, Focals, etc. Read the threads for sizing and models. Use your existing crappy rears for "Rear Acoustical Fill" only.

If you want midrange cost but an even higher result, wire in a slim Alpine PDX 4 channel amp and pick up the inputs from the rear 6X9s (controversial) or pay a little more and get line out converters and RCA cables to connect to the back of the headunit. Then replace the fronts as described above and upgrade your rears as long as you have it all ripped apart anyway.

Ultimate approach: about the same as above but include a custom made subwoofer and a signal processor. I went the middle approach because I did not have the HIFI and needed an amp to drive decent speakers. The headunit alone simply does not have enough power unless you can find super efficient speakers designed to perform at low power ranges. Please, anyone can chime in on this possibility as I have not heard much about it.

Good luck
poyzin

 

go focal man my roommate had them in his VW passat it was the only part of his car that my r53 was jealous of

 

...another question before I go out and buy & have all these things installed. Does this installation void any factory warranties??

 

It would definitely void the warranty on the speakers.

I think the dealer would have to show that you caused the problem. If your amp blew, they might try to blame it on the speaker swap. If your transmission needs replacing, the speakers wouldn't be an issue.

 

What if you had speakers so loud, it made the gears vibrate out of the car?

 

who cares about the gears. I want it loud enough to "blow the clothes of wimmin" or something like that. I don't remember the exact quote.

 

OK, heres' the set up after meeting with the stereo shop guys:

Rockford Fosgate 3SIXTY.1 OEM integration EQ
Boston GT-40 4 x 45 watt amp
JL Audio C5 component speaker system (to replace all of front)

...will replace back speakers at another time.

Just a little over $1000 w/professional install, I thought that was a decent deal, ....anyone?

 

Sounds pretty sweet. It's been years since I've done anything with car stereo speakers and amps, so I don't know about pricing. But I'm still planning on doing my car. I'll probably just start with the speakers and then see if any amps are necessary after that.

 

I assume your talking about the JL-Audio C5-650? Pretty darn good deal since the lower end of the online price of just the equipment alone is around $800. Are they mounting the tweeters in the A pillar or making custom mounts for the 4" spot? Have you considered bumping up the amp a bit so you have the spare power for the future (rears or subwoofer). Boston makes an amp (GT-42) that is considerably more powerful for not a whole lot more $$ but it has some specs that I don't understand. You might want to ask your installer about it. Where are they putting the amp? There is a thread about voiding the warranty for software upgrades if you take the existing amp out of the bus. Replacing the speakers alone is such an improvement. You won't believe the horrible speakers MINI put in. Good luck and enjoy!

poyzin

 

I use the GT-40 for my front speakers only. Bridge it and it isn't 90w per channel as you'd expect but 140w/chan. more than enough power to get extremely loud and very clean. great amp!

 

They are installing everything including the tweeters in the pillars. The installer has a MINI

Mainly using the amp for the front...

he said he was just "turning off" the factory amp, not taking it out. He is placing the new amp under the drivers seat...I think.

Very EXCITED! The system now is so crappy :(

 

What I'm wondering is how necessary a new amp is. From what I can hear, it sounds like the speakers can handle the power they're getting, so I want to start with some better speakers. Or do you guys suppose the amp doesn't deliver a good sound to the speakers. I feel like my tweeters are fine, but the mid range speakers are the ones that sound like crap.

 

Tomorrow is the BIG day...can't wait to be bale to blast my stereo! Cruisin around town with the sound down just isn't the way to roll

I'll update everyone once its all in!

Then Thursday is the next big day...my back ordered checkered mirror caps are in along with chrome bonnet and checkered back door sill Like xmas this week!!!

 

How did it go?

 

Hey Tim,

It went great! I had to take it back today for them to adjust the clean sweep (loud pop when the car was turned on). But picking MM back up soon! The sound was a far cry from the factory fuzz, ...clean and bass was thumping in my seat!

Only negative is that the clearer sound makes the gong louder...its turned down to -5 but still gonging away. Will have to find a fix for that....

Excited to blast my music and become even deafer

 

Awesome! Everyone always said I'd be deaf by the time I was 30. I'm 30 now, but I'm only half deaf in one ear. I hope to be making some upgrades this summer.