I'm pretty dissatisfied with the HiFi system and am looking to upgrade, so I inquired about speaker replacements for my '09 Mini Clubman at a local car audio shop today. I play a lot of different types of music and have grown tired of the muddy sound when listening to symphony or piano and the loud knocking noises from the 6x9's sub/tweeter when playing any kind of bass-heavy music. This is not something I know much about, but here's a quote I was given today to consider:

• 6.5" 3-way system: Focal 165 VR3 $750
• 6" x 9" 2-way system: Focal 690 CA1 $210
• Sub amp: Pioneer PRS-D1200M $400
• Sub: JL Audio CP108LG-W3V3 $230

• Adapters: $30
• Shop supplies: $5
• Tax: $160
• Labor: $480

• TOTAL: $2300

The 8" sub could go in the back and secured by clips or Velcro, with banana clip connections for quick removal. That way I can still move the sub and lower the seats when adding lots of cargo -- hopefully it won't be in the way. People on this board have recommended against replacing the OEM Mini HiFi amplifier, so I have decided against that (and $2300 is already more than I intended).

Taken together, do you think this is a good deal for what I'm getting? What have been your experiences using Focal in the Mini? Thanks in advance for your input, I'd be extremely grateful for any advice you have.

 

I would vote...no...this is not a good deal...

1. do you really want to pay full retail plus $500 to install the comps?
2. Velcro or clips to hold a subooder in places in amateur....
3. all the product prices are full boat retail...noone pays retail.

if i am going to drop $2300 into my sound system, i want more than dropping in some comps in the doors and Velcroing a premade box in the boot....

JMO...

 

I haven't heard Focals, but they have a good reputation here. I considered them, and everything I read suggested that they need lots of power. So, if you are going to spend $750 for a set of speakers, you shouldn't cheap out on the amp. Just leave the factory amp in place, but with no speakers connected to it.

 

Not a great deal, but isn't this what you would expect from a reputable installer?

Probably half of this would be installing the rear speakers. This price doesn't really surprise me for installing the rears, and amp, and the doors.

I can understand wanting to be able to pull it out for special loads, but a false floor in the boot would be much more professional.

Kind of hard to find real Focals for a lot less. Crutchfield wants $850 for the 165 VR3, and WoofersEtc.com wants $600.

Well, it does include the 6x9s...

If they added a fair amount of Dynamat, it might be a better deal.

The MINI is a pretty noisy car to be spending $2,300 on audio (unless you spend a lot of time in slow traffic). I've done extensive Dynamat, sound deadening floor mats, and stuffed acoustic batting into a number of places on mine, and it still is noisy at freeway speeds.

 

I was surprised by the $2300 price tag, which is a bit more than I'm willing to spend. I drove an Audi for a while with a Bose sound system (which comes standard) and absolutely loved it -- I'm just looking for comparable audio quality in the Mini. Would you recommend other speakers that can still produce excellent sound for a lower price? What would you do? I appreciate your help.

 

I know someone who spent $3,000 on an audio system in a MINI and got JL speakers (plus a lot of Dynamat).

I put Infinity Kappas and a Boss Bass600 in my 2007 MCS with HIFI. Still using the HIFI amp. Haven't been happy with the Kappas, so some Image Dynamics speakers will be arriving Friday (if all goes well). Stay tuned for what I think when I get them installed.

BTW, it is dangerous to mention that you like Bose speakers around audiophiles. It can invoke a serious flames.

 

For that kind of cash I'd check out the Roadstersound enclosures - http://www.roadstersound.com/index.htm

Oh and I'm not afraid to say I like Bose speakers.

 

Wow, that's a very nice solution to the subwoofer space problem. Have you tried that? Maybe it would work in the Clubman.

I'm still wondering if I can get comparable sound quality for less than the quoted $2300 -- has anyone had luck with less expensive speakers in their Mini? I want great sound, but isn't $2300 a lot for speakers + installation, or is that just how it goes with car audio?

 

I just spent $2800 for a system. But it works and is tuned and sounds great.

Hertz High Energy fronts
JL w3ve 8" Sub in box
Focal 4.75 amp 75 watts each ch to the fronts, 200 to the sub
Alpine Imprint processor to tune the system
Dynamat the doors and foam pieces behind the 6.5's in the doors
and the labor.

Compared to you rsystem I have a much better amp, sound deadening for the doors and the processor. So your $2300 is probably too high for what they are doing but your labor charge of only $480 is way low. Do some more research on the internet on the equipment prices, get a better amp...look at Focal, JL or Alpine and talk to some other shops.

To Dynamat the doors you have to take out the entire window!

 

Roadster Sound Enclosure and Earthquake 12" sub can be viewed in a clubman in this thread.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-upgrades.html

BTW it sounds awesome.

The 165 VR3 Focals are very expensive speakers. I have them in my car and used them on the OEM amp for 6 months during last winter. They sounded great but as Robin stated the MINI is very noisy. I would not put them in the car if i had to pay even the $600.00 at woofersetc.com, I got mine used along with a JL Sub Amp and some Alpine 6x9's for $400.00 off some one here on the forums who's car had been totaled.

If you do go with the Focals you could down grade to one of their lower end units and save some money and and still get very good sound quality. There are also other speakers out there like Image Dynamincs, Hertz, JL Audio and Alpine that will be much less cost but sound just as good when driving.

I think the audio dealer is just trying to take you for a ride if they can. Have them quote you for something not so expensive and also check out some other shops if you can.

BTW my installation as seen in the thread above cost me around $2200 but I did all the installation my self and put in an amp and full blown computer with touch screen. So I am sure you can get a better price.

 

Thanks, schatzy. I'm still getting a feel for the price vs. quality of car speakers, so that helps a lot. If the brands you mentioned will still sound fine and work well in the Mini, I'll try getting a new quote.

I'm glad to hear that you were satisfied with the Roadster enclosure, because that seems to be simplest way to have a sub in the car while maintaining storage space. I haven't figured that into the total yet, so I think I'd be well advised to look into those other brands. Thanks for the tip.

 

Focal Component Speakers

Image Dynamics Component Speakers

JL Audio Component Speakers

Polk Audio Component Speakers

 

I replaced my interior speakers with older model Mb Quart speakers and could not be happier with the selection.
You need to remember no matter where you go the shop will recommend what they carry or a higher level product they will most likely need to order. Good luck on your selection, the Focals are a great product but I would still search other options as the stock amp will never let them sound their best.

Also, the sub amp they recommended is about 2x too much power for the sub they recommended. For $630 (what they quoted you for the sub and amp) you can get alot better than that combo.

Also check out the urbanmini enclosures, The owner of urbanmini is looking for a donor car (clubman)to measure for a woofer enclosure. Check that out as well.

David