Navigation & Audio Best Speakers
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4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 521
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From: Charlotte, NC
Best Speakers
I am looking to do a major audio overhaul on my mini to replace the sub-par hifi sound system. I am going to use the area below the trunk for a subwoofer and I want to replace ever speaker in the car. I would like to know the best speakers/sub out there and if I need a new amp which one to choose. I want a completely conceled system so no one knows I have any upgrade to the audio. I am looking for a balanced sound not overly bassy and not to much treble the perfect medium. I will not be replacing the headunit. I dont know very much about audio stuff. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,602
Likes: 107
From: Arizona
If you're gonna pay to have this done you're gonna spend quite a bit on installation of fronts/amp/sub (I bet close to $800). I'd leave the speakers in back alone because getting those out requires taking everything out (seats included) and they are mainly for filler sound anyway.
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
$1500 seems pretty reasonable...new battery?, amp wiring kit...new speakers...custom box, figure 75/hr plus supplies and retail pricing...amp for the interior if you are amping eveything, then another for the sub(s) honestly amping a 10" RE sub would probably blow the doors off, ...LOC for the deck, wiring for key on power to the amp, mounting amp rack...stuff of that sort...
Might be a good learning experience for you to DYI though.
Might be a good learning experience for you to DYI though.
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 447
Likes: 1
From: Silicon Valley
I'd start by sitting down with a beer or three and ask yourself a question: what is it that I want from this sound system? How will I know when I've got it?
Lots of people can help you spend money. If you know where you're going, there are some who can help you get there.
I've got an 08 MCSa with the bog-standard sound system. I replaced the 6 1/2 inch front speakers and the 6x9 rear speakers with ones I liked -- Polk DB651 and DB691. That made a big difference. I'm futzing around with subwoofers currently, and will probably end up with a single 10 inch sub in the back, and an Alpine PDX 5 amplifier.
As I went around listening to different speakers, I took my iPod with material I know. So I'd let the salesfolks show off things with their stuff, then I'd play my own.
So many of the "systems" I listened to, while they might sound okay on Coldplay, or some other recent stuff, when I switch to something like Manhattan Transfer (Jazz vocals), most of them sounded horrible. And loud. Just the thing if you want to scare the pee out of little old ladies walking along on the sidewalk -- thumpa thumpa boom boom boom...
I don't want a system that sounds as good as what I have in the house. I want better fidelity than what I started with -- and I've got that now, just replacing the speakers. I'd like more volume, and better low-end response. That's going to take more power, and a sub, but it's also got to be clean. While I listen to Coldplay, and Gram Rabbit, and AFI, I also listen to Manhattan Transfer, a lot of very clean vocal material, and classical music.
I also like the sound of happy squealing tires, and the engine making them squeal and me smile.
As I said, replacing the speakers made an amazing difference. But the volume isn't quite there, and the low end isn't there. The question I have to myself is, how much am I willing to spend to fix that? I figure the Alpine amp and a sub will run around $600. Replacing the four speakers was under $200.
Figure out where you want to go, and how you'll know you've gotten there. Figure out how much you're willing to spend. What do you like to listen to? Wander around, and have fun!
Lots of people can help you spend money. If you know where you're going, there are some who can help you get there.
I've got an 08 MCSa with the bog-standard sound system. I replaced the 6 1/2 inch front speakers and the 6x9 rear speakers with ones I liked -- Polk DB651 and DB691. That made a big difference. I'm futzing around with subwoofers currently, and will probably end up with a single 10 inch sub in the back, and an Alpine PDX 5 amplifier.
As I went around listening to different speakers, I took my iPod with material I know. So I'd let the salesfolks show off things with their stuff, then I'd play my own.
So many of the "systems" I listened to, while they might sound okay on Coldplay, or some other recent stuff, when I switch to something like Manhattan Transfer (Jazz vocals), most of them sounded horrible. And loud. Just the thing if you want to scare the pee out of little old ladies walking along on the sidewalk -- thumpa thumpa boom boom boom...
I don't want a system that sounds as good as what I have in the house. I want better fidelity than what I started with -- and I've got that now, just replacing the speakers. I'd like more volume, and better low-end response. That's going to take more power, and a sub, but it's also got to be clean. While I listen to Coldplay, and Gram Rabbit, and AFI, I also listen to Manhattan Transfer, a lot of very clean vocal material, and classical music.
I also like the sound of happy squealing tires, and the engine making them squeal and me smile.
As I said, replacing the speakers made an amazing difference. But the volume isn't quite there, and the low end isn't there. The question I have to myself is, how much am I willing to spend to fix that? I figure the Alpine amp and a sub will run around $600. Replacing the four speakers was under $200.
Figure out where you want to go, and how you'll know you've gotten there. Figure out how much you're willing to spend. What do you like to listen to? Wander around, and have fun!
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4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
I have DIY before when I owned a honda element. Let's just say its not for me......
Thanks for all that. 
I do know what I want. I am looking for NO distortion on the much higher volumes. I don't want the deep bumps to be vibrating and cracking at me. I want my system to be as good if not better than my in home system as I am in my car 80% of my life. I hate rap so that ridiculous bass is not necessary for me. I listen to classic rock, classical, swing music, and some new age rock and alternative music. I just know very little about what speakers are good. I really just want it al to work and to be invisible.
I'd start by sitting down with a beer or three and ask yourself a question: what is it that I want from this sound system? How will I know when I've got it?
Lots of people can help you spend money. If you know where you're going, there are some who can help you get there.
I've got an 08 MCSa with the bog-standard sound system. I replaced the 6 1/2 inch front speakers and the 6x9 rear speakers with ones I liked -- Polk DB651 and DB691. That made a big difference. I'm futzing around with subwoofers currently, and will probably end up with a single 10 inch sub in the back, and an Alpine PDX 5 amplifier.
As I went around listening to different speakers, I took my iPod with material I know. So I'd let the salesfolks show off things with their stuff, then I'd play my own.
So many of the "systems" I listened to, while they might sound okay on Coldplay, or some other recent stuff, when I switch to something like Manhattan Transfer (Jazz vocals), most of them sounded horrible. And loud. Just the thing if you want to scare the pee out of little old ladies walking along on the sidewalk -- thumpa thumpa boom boom boom...
I don't want a system that sounds as good as what I have in the house. I want better fidelity than what I started with -- and I've got that now, just replacing the speakers. I'd like more volume, and better low-end response. That's going to take more power, and a sub, but it's also got to be clean. While I listen to Coldplay, and Gram Rabbit, and AFI, I also listen to Manhattan Transfer, a lot of very clean vocal material, and classical music.
I also like the sound of happy squealing tires, and the engine making them squeal and me smile.
As I said, replacing the speakers made an amazing difference. But the volume isn't quite there, and the low end isn't there. The question I have to myself is, how much am I willing to spend to fix that? I figure the Alpine amp and a sub will run around $600. Replacing the four speakers was under $200.
Figure out where you want to go, and how you'll know you've gotten there. Figure out how much you're willing to spend. What do you like to listen to? Wander around, and have fun!
Lots of people can help you spend money. If you know where you're going, there are some who can help you get there.
I've got an 08 MCSa with the bog-standard sound system. I replaced the 6 1/2 inch front speakers and the 6x9 rear speakers with ones I liked -- Polk DB651 and DB691. That made a big difference. I'm futzing around with subwoofers currently, and will probably end up with a single 10 inch sub in the back, and an Alpine PDX 5 amplifier.
As I went around listening to different speakers, I took my iPod with material I know. So I'd let the salesfolks show off things with their stuff, then I'd play my own.
So many of the "systems" I listened to, while they might sound okay on Coldplay, or some other recent stuff, when I switch to something like Manhattan Transfer (Jazz vocals), most of them sounded horrible. And loud. Just the thing if you want to scare the pee out of little old ladies walking along on the sidewalk -- thumpa thumpa boom boom boom...
I don't want a system that sounds as good as what I have in the house. I want better fidelity than what I started with -- and I've got that now, just replacing the speakers. I'd like more volume, and better low-end response. That's going to take more power, and a sub, but it's also got to be clean. While I listen to Coldplay, and Gram Rabbit, and AFI, I also listen to Manhattan Transfer, a lot of very clean vocal material, and classical music.
I also like the sound of happy squealing tires, and the engine making them squeal and me smile.
As I said, replacing the speakers made an amazing difference. But the volume isn't quite there, and the low end isn't there. The question I have to myself is, how much am I willing to spend to fix that? I figure the Alpine amp and a sub will run around $600. Replacing the four speakers was under $200.
Figure out where you want to go, and how you'll know you've gotten there. Figure out how much you're willing to spend. What do you like to listen to? Wander around, and have fun!
I do know what I want. I am looking for NO distortion on the much higher volumes. I don't want the deep bumps to be vibrating and cracking at me. I want my system to be as good if not better than my in home system as I am in my car 80% of my life. I hate rap so that ridiculous bass is not necessary for me. I listen to classic rock, classical, swing music, and some new age rock and alternative music. I just know very little about what speakers are good. I really just want it al to work and to be invisible.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach, NY
I am still waiting for my Mini with the HiFi system. I am already thinking of changing the speakers, but I don't really understand how many I need to change and what sizes to get.
Can somebody on this forum who has pretty good Hifi knowledge post a possible speaker replacement setup that would be economical (not $1000) and sufficient enough for your average music lover. For example: front 2 speakers can be replaced with "insert new speaker brand." Rear 2 speakers can be replaces with "insert new speaker brand"
Sorry if this post is kinda annoying... hahaha I just need some guidance!
Can somebody on this forum who has pretty good Hifi knowledge post a possible speaker replacement setup that would be economical (not $1000) and sufficient enough for your average music lover. For example: front 2 speakers can be replaced with "insert new speaker brand." Rear 2 speakers can be replaces with "insert new speaker brand"
Sorry if this post is kinda annoying... hahaha I just need some guidance!
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
I am still waiting for my Mini with the HiFi system. I am already thinking of changing the speakers, but I don't really understand how many I need to change and what sizes to get.
Can somebody on this forum who has pretty good Hifi knowledge post a possible speaker replacement setup that would be economical (not $1000) and sufficient enough for your average music lover. For example: front 2 speakers can be replaced with "insert new speaker brand." Rear 2 speakers can be replaces with "insert new speaker brand"
Sorry if this post is kinda annoying... hahaha I just need some guidance!
Can somebody on this forum who has pretty good Hifi knowledge post a possible speaker replacement setup that would be economical (not $1000) and sufficient enough for your average music lover. For example: front 2 speakers can be replaced with "insert new speaker brand." Rear 2 speakers can be replaces with "insert new speaker brand"
Sorry if this post is kinda annoying... hahaha I just need some guidance!
The HIFI gives you a more powerful amp, and wiring for four tweeters. The A pillars for the HIFI are molded differently. They have a place for tweeters and the wiring for them. The other tweeters are with the rear 6x9 speakers.
Some say the HIFI is OK if you let the speakers break-in. I replaced my HIFI speakers with Infinity Kappas and the sound was much improved.
For the 6" speaker in the door, you want to get a component system with a separate tweeter. The tweeter can go in the A pillar. The 6" speaker is where all the bass is sent. So, a two way speaker there would be a waste. I used Infinity Kappa 60.7cs 6-1/2" component speaker system
You don't need a two-way speaker in the 4" door speaker location, but it is difficult to find just a mid-range speaker. I used Infinity Kappa 42.7i 4" 2-way car speakers, but didn't connect the tweeter.
The rear 6x9 speakers don't get much bass for some reason. I'm guessing that they had two much trouble with the plastic panels vibrating. That location does have a tweeter. So, two pair of wires. I used Infinity Kappa 693.7i 6"x9" 3-way car speakers because they have two sets of connectors.
I don't know whether the Infinity Kappas were the best choice, but they have the right 2 ohm specs, are sensitive enough for the power of the HIFI amp, and sound better than stock. Some say Focals are better, but you have to watch that you don't get imitations. JL speakes seem to be a frequent choice of professional installers for $3,000 systems. I don't know if they have the right specs for the built-in amp.
Some say the HIFI is OK if you let the speakers break-in. I replaced my HIFI speakers with Infinity Kappas and the sound was much improved.
For the 6" speaker in the door, you want to get a component system with a separate tweeter. The tweeter can go in the A pillar. The 6" speaker is where all the bass is sent. So, a two way speaker there would be a waste. I used Infinity Kappa 60.7cs 6-1/2" component speaker system
You don't need a two-way speaker in the 4" door speaker location, but it is difficult to find just a mid-range speaker. I used Infinity Kappa 42.7i 4" 2-way car speakers, but didn't connect the tweeter.
The rear 6x9 speakers don't get much bass for some reason. I'm guessing that they had two much trouble with the plastic panels vibrating. That location does have a tweeter. So, two pair of wires. I used Infinity Kappa 693.7i 6"x9" 3-way car speakers because they have two sets of connectors.
I don't know whether the Infinity Kappas were the best choice, but they have the right 2 ohm specs, are sensitive enough for the power of the HIFI amp, and sound better than stock. Some say Focals are better, but you have to watch that you don't get imitations. JL speakes seem to be a frequent choice of professional installers for $3,000 systems. I don't know if they have the right specs for the built-in amp.
I am still waiting for my Mini with the HiFi system. I am already thinking of changing the speakers, but I don't really understand how many I need to change and what sizes to get.
Can somebody on this forum who has pretty good Hifi knowledge post a possible speaker replacement setup that would be economical (not $1000) and sufficient enough for your average music lover. For example: front 2 speakers can be replaced with "insert new speaker brand." Rear 2 speakers can be replaces with "insert new speaker brand"
Sorry if this post is kinda annoying... hahaha I just need some guidance!
Can somebody on this forum who has pretty good Hifi knowledge post a possible speaker replacement setup that would be economical (not $1000) and sufficient enough for your average music lover. For example: front 2 speakers can be replaced with "insert new speaker brand." Rear 2 speakers can be replaces with "insert new speaker brand"
Sorry if this post is kinda annoying... hahaha I just need some guidance!
Here is the Sticky thread that covers this exact subject it is located at the top of this section of the forum
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=95211
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 93
Likes: 1
From: Lake Zurich, IL
Budget recommendation from another thread: If you add in the labor charges it will be under your $1500 budget
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...7&postcount=16
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...7&postcount=16
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Heres what I have decided on I think....
- Infinity Kappa 693.7i
- Infinity Kappa 42.7i
- Infinity Kappa 60.7cs
- Infinity Kappa 107t
- JL Audio TW5 Thin-Line 13TW5-3
- Alpine MRP-M450
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,821
Likes: 1
From: Mililani,Hawaii
Here is the Sticky thread that covers this exact subject it is located at the top of this section of the forum
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=95211
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=95211
a budget of $1500 will get you a pretty good system but not a great system unless you did the labor yourself.
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 532
Likes: 28
Please say Radio Shack. Please say Radio Shack. Please say Radio Shack.
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Given that this system is based on the Boost and not the Hifi audio unit, I still think this is the kickass audio install that i've seen so far. Maybe you can adapt the same principles to your set up.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=120290
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=120290
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Some how I feel these are way out of my price range. Not to mention I have no dealer within 50 miles of my home.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,821
Likes: 1
From: Mililani,Hawaii
CDT is known for high quality speakers that don't cost two arms and a leg. I've heard some of the high end brand names are rebadged CDTs.
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee
Speaker Upgrades
I'd start by sitting down with a beer or three and ask yourself a question: what is it that I want from this sound system? How will I know when I've got it?
Lots of people can help you spend money. If you know where you're going, there are some who can help you get there.
I've got an 08 MCSa with the bog-standard sound system. I replaced the 6 1/2 inch front speakers and the 6x9 rear speakers with ones I liked -- Polk DB651 and DB691. That made a big difference. I'm futzing around with subwoofers currently, and will probably end up with a single 10 inch sub in the back, and an Alpine PDX 5 amplifier.
As I went around listening to different speakers, I took my iPod with material I know. So I'd let the salesfolks show off things with their stuff, then I'd play my own.
So many of the "systems" I listened to, while they might sound okay on Coldplay, or some other recent stuff, when I switch to something like Manhattan Transfer (Jazz vocals), most of them sounded horrible. And loud. Just the thing if you want to scare the pee out of little old ladies walking along on the sidewalk -- thumpa thumpa boom boom boom...
I don't want a system that sounds as good as what I have in the house. I want better fidelity than what I started with -- and I've got that now, just replacing the speakers. I'd like more volume, and better low-end response. That's going to take more power, and a sub, but it's also got to be clean. While I listen to Coldplay, and Gram Rabbit, and AFI, I also listen to Manhattan Transfer, a lot of very clean vocal material, and classical music.
I also like the sound of happy squealing tires, and the engine making them squeal and me smile.
As I said, replacing the speakers made an amazing difference. But the volume isn't quite there, and the low end isn't there. The question I have to myself is, how much am I willing to spend to fix that? I figure the Alpine amp and a sub will run around $600. Replacing the four speakers was under $200.
Figure out where you want to go, and how you'll know you've gotten there. Figure out how much you're willing to spend. What do you like to listen to? Wander around, and have fun!
Lots of people can help you spend money. If you know where you're going, there are some who can help you get there.
I've got an 08 MCSa with the bog-standard sound system. I replaced the 6 1/2 inch front speakers and the 6x9 rear speakers with ones I liked -- Polk DB651 and DB691. That made a big difference. I'm futzing around with subwoofers currently, and will probably end up with a single 10 inch sub in the back, and an Alpine PDX 5 amplifier.
As I went around listening to different speakers, I took my iPod with material I know. So I'd let the salesfolks show off things with their stuff, then I'd play my own.
So many of the "systems" I listened to, while they might sound okay on Coldplay, or some other recent stuff, when I switch to something like Manhattan Transfer (Jazz vocals), most of them sounded horrible. And loud. Just the thing if you want to scare the pee out of little old ladies walking along on the sidewalk -- thumpa thumpa boom boom boom...
I don't want a system that sounds as good as what I have in the house. I want better fidelity than what I started with -- and I've got that now, just replacing the speakers. I'd like more volume, and better low-end response. That's going to take more power, and a sub, but it's also got to be clean. While I listen to Coldplay, and Gram Rabbit, and AFI, I also listen to Manhattan Transfer, a lot of very clean vocal material, and classical music.
I also like the sound of happy squealing tires, and the engine making them squeal and me smile.
As I said, replacing the speakers made an amazing difference. But the volume isn't quite there, and the low end isn't there. The question I have to myself is, how much am I willing to spend to fix that? I figure the Alpine amp and a sub will run around $600. Replacing the four speakers was under $200.
Figure out where you want to go, and how you'll know you've gotten there. Figure out how much you're willing to spend. What do you like to listen to? Wander around, and have fun!
the JL shallow mount subs were just released (which means there is not much feedback on them yet). a great setup would be JL c5 components in the front and 8" shallow mount subs in the rear factory speaker location (pioneer makes a great, cheap shallow mount sub.) i have done systems in quite a few mini's and always do something along those lines, with happy customers to say the least.
as we all know the "boot" of a mini is TINY and becomes useless when filled with sub boxes... if your concerned with space, the 8's in the back factory location are PERFECT and most 8 inch subs can preform "open air" (without a sealed box.)
i work in a high end car audio shop, and get hands on time with a LOT of brands, from TMA, to dyneaudio and even Mcintosh
My Opinion's, having owned or had time with all of the below
MB quartz = really really bright speakers, so if your into super high high's they may be a good choice.
focal = super nice all around speakers, but also are $$$
Dyneaudio = my favorite, and can be found cheap-ish online
diamond audio = poor quality, poor sounding and easily blown out (unless you do go with the HEX series, but they are $$$)
JL = one of the best car audio companies, with gear that can take serious abuse.
Infinity = i hated them, and swapped them out after 3 days. were not clean sounding, the build quality seemed cheap as well.
polk = *see infinity
***all of the above are my own personal opinions, please dont be offended if you disagree, i am just trying to give the OP some angles to take in**
as we all know the "boot" of a mini is TINY and becomes useless when filled with sub boxes... if your concerned with space, the 8's in the back factory location are PERFECT and most 8 inch subs can preform "open air" (without a sealed box.)
i work in a high end car audio shop, and get hands on time with a LOT of brands, from TMA, to dyneaudio and even Mcintosh
My Opinion's, having owned or had time with all of the below
MB quartz = really really bright speakers, so if your into super high high's they may be a good choice.
focal = super nice all around speakers, but also are $$$
Dyneaudio = my favorite, and can be found cheap-ish online
diamond audio = poor quality, poor sounding and easily blown out (unless you do go with the HEX series, but they are $$$)
JL = one of the best car audio companies, with gear that can take serious abuse.
Infinity = i hated them, and swapped them out after 3 days. were not clean sounding, the build quality seemed cheap as well.
polk = *see infinity
***all of the above are my own personal opinions, please dont be offended if you disagree, i am just trying to give the OP some angles to take in**