Just wanted all you R56 owners out there with the stock non-HK sound system to know that if you replace the front speakers with a good setup, it could possibly (like it did for me) make all the difference.

I had wanted to get a new full setup with amp and new speakers and possibly a small (SMALL) subwoofer in the rear, but it was too cost-prohibitive. So, I went to Car Toys in Denver and had some Focal's installed - mid-range with tweeter (in place of the two mid-range stock speakers) - with crossovers. I had purchased the A Pillar tweeter mounts (for the HK system) online in anticipation of such an install.

I have to say that now I have MUCH more definition with all types of music. The sound is much more balanced top to bottom and the front speakers are able to handle the higher output that the stock R56 fronts are wired for. It didn't cost me a mint and I have excellent sound now without breaking the bank. They also installed Dynamat in the doors and saved me money because there isn't enough room in the door for a full 'door kit' of Dynamat - so they used the lesser amount and gave me a refund for the difference. The tweeters shooting over the dash give much better high and upper-mid definition that I had never heard before and the mid and lower frequencies are excellent - even with the paltry 2 Ohm impedance the stereo puts out. And the stock rear 6x9's give enough bass to round out the lows - at least for me. and seeing as it's my only car, it still gives me all the space in the boot that wouldn't be there with a subwoofer. Not to mention that they didn't have to wire into the electronic system - thereby preventing some MINI technicians from claiming a voided warranty.

Just letting you all know - in case any of you would like better sound without spending your child's education funds on a full sound setup.

~N

 

Sounds great bud, agree with you on the std setup that's not great imo... post some pics when you have time...

 

For that matter, replacing the front speakers in the HiFi setup helps out quite a bit as well, IMO.

 

Anyone have any experience with simply replacing the speakers all around and not adding any cross-overs, amps, etc.? I'd be interested to hear how much of a difference only good speakers would make.

For cost reasons of course.

 

Many of us have. Check the 2nd gen Navigation and Audio Forum.

 

Thanks! I'm still a little new here I forget about the wide range of sub-forums.

 

This is weird but I had the exact same thing done yesterday.

I can't tell you how dissapointed I am in the stock stereo.

I replaced the two front speakers with Alpines with internal tweeters. The stereo guys told me the rears are already woofers.

I agree, this was a huge improvement. I'm not an audiophile, but I do like the music to sound resonably good.

 

Do you guys knows specifically which speakers you got? Would appreciate the model #. And, I assume the door panels have to come off for the install? (I really should check the subforum, but laziness always wins

 

check the subforum.

 

I too recently had the fronts replaced with Focal 165 KF's. They are last years model so they were a pretty good deal. What model Focal did you go with?

I also had them install an amp in the trunk to power them, after reading your post i now wonder whether that was really necessary

In any case, the difference is immense. One fun thing i like to do when showing it off, or whenever i lament the money i had to spend, is to fade the stereo all the way to the back, listen to the music for a bit (as if it was being played through a telephone is the best description i can think of) and then fade it to the front to hear how much more punch and definition i get

I had actually considered doing the A-pillar thing but i couldn't decide so i kept it simple and just had them put the tweets in the door, as the installation costs were starting to run up a bit.

My only gripe is at times the highs can be a bit harsh, but i turned the crossover to the lowest setting and that helped, and it seems to be getting a bit better over time as well. I still have to turn down the treble setting for some music, though i do wish there was a more robust EQ in the head unit.

 

The speakers the installer put in were Alpines that each have a tweeter,

The two front speakers were replaced from stock.

This made a dramtic difference, the system sounds much better. However.... I am by no means a car stereo audiophile and it still does'nt sound nearly as nice as the wifes stock stereo in her Lexus.

Total cost was only $200