Any news on when the public could buy this setup? Me likey!

 

Kevin is getting close to having this available. I go in on Wednesday to get my front speakers measured and he has to do some *technical* measuring related to the existing amp.

I believe there will be a number of different options available when all is said an done - my front speakers, for example, will not be powered by an outside/additional amplifier, but there will be systems available that use an additional amplifier to power the fronts.

In the end, I believe my set up will be the least expensive option. But with quality speakers replacing what's there, I don't think I'll be disappointed.

 

Very nice. I'll stand in the line waiting to hear the commercial availablility of this one. I love the clean look it provides!

 

Skinnylittleman, I'm stoked you picked this thread for your first post. And I'm hoping to lay out some more info on this very soon. Got back a few hours ago - Kevin had my car today to take some measurements necessary to lay out a speaker upgrade for the fronts. In the end, he encountered some issues that could delay that part of the project for some time. If there's one thing I've learned about Kevin through this process is that he doesn't rush through anything - if it's not right, he takes the time to make it right. More on the outcome of the front speakers will come later...

I'm more excited about where he is with the sub, the enclosure, the amp and wiring kits. He is very, very close to a release date and I got a peek at the amp that will come with it. Currently mine is a 275 watt Rockford Fosgate, but the one that will be bundled with the subwoofer is 280 watts and I'm guessing it is about 2/3 the size of my RF!!!! It is the neatest, cleanest amp I've ever seen. I'll be able to post the exact specs, manufacturer, etc. once I double check them - I'm probably too tired to get it right, anyway.

 

With a thread this cool, how could I not post Albiecrazy?
I just got back from a business trip and I'm sad to say the rental car I used had much better bass response than my '08 MCS...I've got to do something about it. I won't even comment on what I was driving, it's a shame to say it...

 

A little update on the amp that will be packaged with the driver and the enclosure. It's the ARC Audio KS125.2 MINI. It is part of the Zeff-designed KAR Series, and there is a good information sheet here - http://www.arcaudio.com/karseries.asp

 

The version that I have is now up on Integral's site. Versions for the R57 & R52 should be up in 2-3 weeks. R50 & R53 versions ready in about a month.

If you want a quality set-up, this is it! I'm loving how good the sound is! In November, I go in to get the fronts upgrade - that's when the sound is really gonna change. And the MINI in the pics on Integral's site - yep - that's the Kid!

GEN 2 R56 Version.

 

That looks like a fantastic setup...any plans of doing the same enclosure with lower level amp/sub options for those of us on a tighter budget?

 

Looks good! I assume that because it isn't listed, there isn't a remote gain control. Can you confirm that? I really like this, but like the ability to tune the gain of the sub on the fly. Just don't know if I'd have to buy those supplies also.

Are you still as happy with it now as you have been?

 

That's a cool setup
And the price is right for you! Ha. Well it's a good price for us too. I'd love to see what they can do with a clubman. I have to keep my adds under the seats to keep the boot free, but I'm doing something...

 

I'm pretty sure this will the be the basement level... You could check with Kevin through Integral's site for the previous enclosure version. That was the enclosure alone with no driver or amp - then you could put in what fits your budget. I do believe that enclosure fit multiple MINI's...

 

Never heard Kevin mention a remote gain control... I definitely don't have one. What would that do exactly? And now you know why I was so excited to have Kevin install this thing!

I am still very happy with this set-up. When the bass makes the hair on your head pulsate... And that's saying a lot given the state of my hair...

Before this, there was literally part of my iTunes collection that I could not listen to without cringing. Now - it's what I'm reaching for!

 

Yeah, I stepped into it for a change. This does fit the R55. You just don't use the false floor that I have in the R56.

 

Man I'd be all over this if not for losingbthe recessed floor space for stroller transport

 

A remote gain control would be something wired in so you could increase or decrease the level of the sub from the driver's seat. Without it you have to turn the gain up or down using the levels.

From your earlier post you set the base at -5, but that would be for all speakers. The gain control would allow you to keep the base pumping from the rest of the speakers, but you could increase or decrease the level of the sub to fit your mood, passengers, or songs being played.

It's just an extra level of control.

 

does your stroller fit into the recessed floor space with the back seats up? what brand of stroller do you have. our maclaren doesn't fit

 

Well, to be clear, I don't even HAVE the Clubman S yet, as it is somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic.
But I test fit on a 2009 Clubman and it did.

We use the CITIMINI stroller. It collapses very tightly and fit in the back with the seats up. That was the barometer of our test.
http://www.babyjogger.com/city_mini_lp.aspx
This was purchased originally because it fit in the back of our 06 Coupe as well. It has a concealed pull strap in the seat, where the baby's butt would be, allowing you to lift from that strap and do one-hand fold. Brilliant design.

 

The way Kevin set it up, I actually accomplish that with the fade. You'll see from that earlier post that I have the bass set at -1 and the fader is set at 5^. If it was set at 1^ it would be mainly front speakers; if set at 10^ it would be all subwoofer. And you're right - having that control on the fly is great! I'm using it all the time.

 

 

Does fade adjust both bass and fade? Is the base and rear speakers tied together?

Do the tone controls simply not work like normal?

 

Based on how this is set up, the sub is an extension of the rear left and right speakers. Using the fade and tone controls will act as they normally do, only when you are adjusting the fade, the sub and the rear speakers are indeed tied together. This is not a bad way to do it, but it doesn't give you the same control as having a separate control for just the sub.

In my other cars, I've made sure to get a head unit that has 3 pre-outs: Front, Rear and Sub. This way changing the front/rear fader doesn't affect the sub level at all. If I want more bass, I turn up the sub level, If I want less, I turn it down--all other speakers would not be affected and I would keep my fader level where I hear all speakers as desired.

Wiring in a remote gain control would give you that same type of control (well, as close too it as you can get with the signal being taken off the rear speakers.) Without it, turning down the bass includes turning down the rear speakers or fiddling with the gain **** on the amp itself.

In seeing the install notes, it would be relatively easy to add, but it would be an additional item that one would need to purchase.

Still looks like a sweet setup! Now I have to decide if I want more low end to the stereo first, or a new set of wheels and tires...decisions decisions

 

Any idea how this will integrate with the H/K system? Can it?

 

To avoid further thread hijack, shoot me pm or email with any questions you have on baby stuff and transport, etc.

Back to sound system radness. I talked to IA as well about the suitability in the clubman boot. I'm going to take some measurements when the car comes, just to be sure...

 

Skinnylittleman is exactly right. Treble and bass controls the sound in all speakers and the fade controls just the sub and rear speakers. The sub certainly over powers the "bad" bass in the rears, but it's the lower speakers in the doors that are killing me at the moment. Push the volume just a little and these speakers are just a mess...

I went for the exterior first. And as it turned out, Kevin made it a non-decision anyway.

 

Hi folks,

Walter has done a great job answering the questions posted above, but thought I'd chime in here and let folks know that I'll be monitoring this thread and the boards in general, so please feel free to ask any other questions you may have and I'll do my best to respond in a timely manner.

For those of you anxiously awaiting the R50/3, R52, and R57 versions of the subwoofer system, here's the status:

R52 & R57: Awaiting final confirmation of fitment of the cosmetic false floor panels, then production of the panels. Estimated availability: 3-5 weeks.

R50/3: Awaiting confirmation of fitment of the stamped metal amplifier mounting bracket, then production of the bracket. Estimated availability: 3-4 weeks.

For those interested in our Plug-n-Play Soundstage upgrade, development continues to progress. We're perfectionists, and as a result speed is not our strong suit. We will be testing pre-production prototypes from next week though the Thanksgiving holiday, making any necessary design changes, and then (if all is to our liking) beginning production. I hope to have them available for most (if not all) models by years end.

As I mentioned, please feel free ask questions.