Are saying that if you solder RCA plugs onto the high lvl wires and plug them into the low lvl inputs on the sub, the sub would convert the signal from high to low without the need for the converter box? I only paid $25 for the converter box so no biggy.

The mini's stock (non hi-fi) head unit puts out a high lvl signal which you would naturally wire to the high lvl 6 pin connecter that comes with. That connecter plugs into the high lvl input on the sub like you said.

The boss BASS600 manual says this: "Low level inputs are the recommended way to introduce the audio signal to the subwoofer if RCA outputs are present on your head unit or other signal source." So in order to use the low lvl RCA inputs you would first need a low lvl signal (and RCA inputs) right? This is what the converter box does. It converts that high lvl signal from the head unit into a low lvl signal so you can utilize the subs RCA inputs for best results. I don't think the sub converts the signals, it just offers you 2 different input options. Again I could be totally wrong but it seems logical to me.

 

No, I'm saying that if you have high-level output from the head unit at the X9331 connector, plug it into the high-level inputs of the Bass600. If you have low-level output at the X9331 (HIFI option), plug it into the low-level inputs on the Bass600.

Notice the if. I believe they mean if you have a low-level source, it is preferable to having the signal go through the factory amp, then into Bass600. The issue being that the signal is processed through the audio amp already, not that the Bass600 high-level inputs suck.

I'm not sure why your initial use of the high-level inputs had a "Weak" result. There are a number of settings on the Bass600 to deal with different signal strengths. Did they fully utilize them, or just jump to the add-on?

 

Strange indeed but IIRC, someone else had issues using the high level inputs.....Me I have the HiFi stereo, used the high level inputs, and I think it sounds fine.

 

When connected via the high lvl input I received a very weak signal even after tweaking and maxing out all the gain, bass boost, etc...settings. The converter was the last solution after hours of trying to figure out the problem so they definitely weren't trying to push it on me.

 

I've had to put the Boss to rest...After returning from a road trip I noticed that there was some popping coming from the sub and it was no longer pushing out sound. I was rocking out but didn't think I had it cranked too high. Oh well...Instead of going with a replacement I decided to drop some more $$ and get a 10" Kicker sub with an enclosed box. It fits perfectly on the left and I can still get the cargo netting around it to hold it firmly in place. It thumps 10x harder than the Boss and isn't obnoxious to the outside world. Very happy

 

care to post a pic? also next time check for a bad ground if you're getting popping sounds.

 

I've posted some pics to my gallery.

 

Don't take this the wrong way but how much did you pay for that install?

 

around $430.00 total

$80 - speaker
$120 - amp
$35 - sealed box
$45 - wiring kit
$150 - labor

A more expensive route indeed, but IMO it's well worth it. It sounds great even at high speeds with all the windows and sun roof open. It's a pretty noticeable upgrade from BOSS (not knocking the BOSS it's just wasn't for me)I just wish I was more proficient in car audio wiring and saved myself some $$ on the install

The amp is made to power two 10" subs. So if I wanted to truly be obnoxious it wouldn't be hard.

One issue I have is that there's something inside the hatch door itself that is vibrating behind the license plate (It's not the license plate vibrating). This is only audible from outside and only occurs at really high volumes. Guess I'll be taking it apart to investigate. If anyone can direct me to a link with this issue it would be much appreciated.

 

I finally got around to purchasing the boss.

I have some concerns about the install if anyone could clarify it would greatly help.

I am about to start the wiring at the drivers side panel. I have hifi so I bought rca plugs, I feel I have a good understanding of this portion. My concern is the radio shack cigarette plug. There are two wires coming out +, -. I plan on plugging in the positive lead to the positive on the amp. What do I do with the negative?

From there I connect the ground to somewhere on the vehicle.

Then the remote on needs to get "jumpered to the positive?" What does that mean? just cut a short wire and plug it into the positive and the remote?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

LBMCS702 - The simple answer is yes if you are powering the Boss from the cigarette lighter power in the LR panel. The reason for the "jumper" is that the rear cigarette lighter is only "hot" when the key is on so jumping the + terminal to the remote terminal will turn the Boss on anytime the car is running.

 

Kukaepe hey thanks for the reply. I got it working tonight. Not perfectly but good enough for now. I had a problem with the cheap RCA plugs from radio shack, and had to use the high instead. Thanx for the quick response.

 

Hi there,

I'm also planning to install a small active sub into my R56 with Hifi. I realy miss the low frequencies. Unfortunately it is very difficult finding the Boss 600 here in the Netherlands. The only small active sub I can find is the Pioneer ts-wx11a. (it is still 249 euros...approx. 350 USD) What do you think about this small active sub? Any one familiar with the pioneer subs? (or maybe the ts-wx77a which is more expensive, 560 USD)

I really appreciate your reply.
Tjeerd

 

To install this sUb on a Mini with the Non-hi system can the install/wiring be done without ripping out the entire back interior like the rear 6x9 installs? Just wondering if this is easy job or not. Can a good installer do this without charging you an arm and a leg?

 

On the non-hifi mini, there's no need to rip up the interior to install the bass600.

Pick off the signals at the x9331 connector, and run your cable back under the driver's door trim and the trim in the back. No need to pull panels.

Pick off power at the aux power outlet in the boot. This means the bass600 is powered up when the engine is running.

Run the remote control cable the same way as the cable to the x9331, or run it up the middle -- to do that, it's easiest if you pull the seats, but that can be done without tools.

How you mount the bass600 in the boot is another issue. I've still got mine held in place by the netting.

From an engineering perspective, there is no reason to run fancy heavy power wiring for the bass600! The aux circuit is fused for 20 amps. The bass600 has a 15 amp fuse. I've monitored the bass600 and never recorded it drawing more than 11 amps. If you insist on running 00-gauge copper direct to the battery, go right ahead. Whatever floats your boat.

 

Is there anyway to get it to run when the key is in the ignition even if the engine is off? Or does it pull too much power?

 

That's what I like about the bass600... it seems to be the simplest way to add bass.

All I'm left to wonder is.. what's the best way to mount it... and where to get it in Mexico! :D

 

"too much power" is a matter of degree. The battery in the Mini is pretty damn small. I've got my ham radio equipment set up to (normally) run only when the ignition is on; in an emergency I can jump things over, but I'd rather not.

The other issue, more significant, is that there is no easily accessible always-on power source (that I know of anyway) in the boot. You'd have to run your own. If I was going to do that (like for the ham radio gear) I'd use an add-a-circuit to the fuse panel by the passenger's right foot, and run the line back along the right side.

 

Anyone have any pics of other mounts for the Bass600, other than the netting? Any stealth installs?

 

These units are not constructed very well. After 4 months, my Bass1200 is en route back to California for some repair work. There is a metal circle in the middle of the speaker that came unattached and was vibrating against the outer plastic panel.....took me 2 days to realize wtf was buzzing so badly back there!

 

Just got the Bass600 and getting ready to do the install. Can anyone share a good location to run the ground...thnx!

 

$309, installed myself, and found it a lot easier than I expected...

Might be another option for you Boss Audio folks.

 

I just used the rear cig charging socket for both power and ground.

 

if you are replacing the rear speakers there is a nice ground near where the passenger door and rear panel meet. You can't miss it - there are lots of other grounds using the same screw.

 

Thanks everyone for the info here. Just installed the BASS600 last night. Just as much wow factor as when I replaced my fronts. Used the driver side X9331 and the rear cig lighter. Now I have to figure out how to adjust the unit inputs/filters. Hints for a newbie?