Well....

It's time to upgrade the sounds system on my 05 MCS. I don't have the HK system and as you know, the stock system pretty much sucks. I'd like to keep the stock head unit (is it true that it's Alpin) and I don't want to put any large subs in the car. I was thinking about an amplifier and some nice speakers.

Does anyone have any input on what kind of speakers and amp? Anyone have experience with this sort of setup? Any help is much appreciated!!!

 

How much are you looking to spend, what kind of bass and power are you looking for?

Best idea would be to head over to a well established audio shop to see what they have, listen to some speakers to get an idea of what you like. What one may like, you may not, car audio varies from person to person.

You can amp the speakers and add a amp while running stock head unit that isn't a problem.

 

I just replaced the front speakers, the rest is stock. Sound quality and clarity went way up, but some of the bass is lost. The stereo guys I talked to after said the stock deck could not power the speakers enough for the low notes.

About adding an amp to the stock deck Alpha Motoring, have you done this? What kind of connection is there on the back of the stock deck? I might need to get a cheap amp that will only add about 50 to 75 watts to be in the range my speakers like.

 

most aftermarket speakers are going to lose alot of bass, they are made for mids-highs . as far as quality its going to depend on what you want to pay. for the stock stereo it will push any speakers almost as good as any aftermarket stereo unless you want to pay bid bucks. most stereo are only 15-22 rms watts anyways they just make it easier to add on sound wise with amps

 

I ran a four channel amp with mbquart in front and old kicker 6x9's in the side panels. People think there are subs back there. The key is a good amp.

 

yes and the amp was the key

 

Adding an aftermarket (Kenwood) cd/mp3 player made a huge difference in the sound in my 03. Made it even better when i hooked up XM. Seems like the signals coming out of the speakers are much clearer also (prob due to more power). Hopefully will be adding my 15yr+ Fosgate amps soon with a 10in under front pass seat.

 

Thanks for all the input. Sounds like it's worth it to go with an amp and some nice speakers. I think I'm going to keep the stock head unit since I like the steering wheel controls and it should be fine with the added power of an amp.

 

If you want to keep things "stock", don't overlook the Digital Power Sound Modul (DPSM) system. It is an OEM install designed by Audio Mobil of Germany for the MINI. I get 128 decibels of pure clarity and very deep low end bass (without subs in the boot!). It keeps the stock head unit, and adds the amp in the back.

One guy (an audiophile) in our club says it sounds way better than his high end home system. Not the cheapest option out there though, but arguably one of the best since it was specifically balanced for the interior of the MINI.

 

If you do replace ur system do post it because i want to replace mine, i miss the sound from my 2x 12 inch 1000 Watt subs i had in my old car. but i dont want subs in my mc and i have the searing wheel controlls like u

 

Does adding an amp effect the sensitivity of the volume ****? Does what used to be one knotch turn into, say, 3 knotches volume wise? Can I still play some music quietly if I want to? I tend to value my hearing.

 

It will effect the sensitivity a bit. You'll have a lot more juice powering your speakers, but you will still have full control over the loudness level. If you want to play your music quietly, you can, but with much better sound quality once you upgrade your speakers, too.

 

Use this for your steering wheels controls.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-9aStJV9...00&I=127SWIALP