Writing from my husband's account (he doesn't check this site a lot, but I am seriously taking a chance here)... and am looking for a good Christmas present for him.

He is not a really big DIY guy, but has said over and over that he would like a sound system boost on his HIFI system. He likes bass and good quality sound (nothing too over the top), but says that the HIFI isn't cutting it.

Do any of you have any recommendations on what I can get him so he can improve sound, etc. without rewiring the car or building a speaker box?

Thanks a ton!!!

 

You can buy subs at Best Buy and similar stores. There are a lot of places that do installs in a few hours. Maybe one day make some excuse to take his car for the day and have it all wired and installed. Sometimes if you go to AudioPlanet or an install place you can get a deal on the product+installation

 

We live in a smallish town (30k or so)... and I've read that the MINI's computer system is complicated. Will a small town (but very upscale) audio shop know what they are doing with his car?

 

There's an inexpensive sub that will fit in the boot. The information in the thread should give any installer ideas on a proper install. If you look on the last page of the thread, you'll see that you can order it for a great price on Amazon AND get free shipping to arrive before Christmas.

Boss Audio BASS600 8-inch low profile amplified subwoofer

 

I would talk to the audio shop about their experience with 2nd Generation MINIs. Make sure they guarantee in writing that any problems with the car that the dealer attributes to their install will be covered in full. Talk to people who have used them. If they know their stuff, and are reliable, they should be able to handle the MINI.

Expect to pay $2,000-$3,000 for a professionally installed system.

You can tell them that they can get audio signal from the X9331 connector under the dash on the left side of the driver foot well.



Tell them the Small Brown, Large White, Brown/White (may be solid brown), and Large Brown Ground go to other systems and must be left alone.

 

I want a wife who will borrow my mini for a couple hours and drop 3 grand into stereo equipment.

I would suggest that if you haven audio shop in the area that you drop in without calling first and let them know what you are looking to do. Pay attention to how they act with drop-ins and come back and let us know what they say...if they seem on the up and up i would suggest a "gift certificate"

Ask them also how they feel about installing equipment that you buy online...just to see how they react to that question.

 

Perhaps if you earned more...

 

Thanks for the advice to my wife, guys... she went with the BOSS Sub. I will be trying the install over the weekend. Should be a good time.