Okay, having somewhat if a dilemma. So I am loving my MINI, including the 10 speaker stereo. Everything is dead on... except the bass. I have had 2 cars previous to this, one was a mercedes with 2 12" kickers, then I had a BMW X5 with 3 15" kickers (way too much), and then when I got my mini, I bought a 15" kicker but it didn't fit, so I gave it to my girlfriend. So I've been riding around without subs... and after I went to a concert this past weekend, with massive subs all over the place, I am done denying it........ I MISS HAVING BASS. I MISS IT A LOOOOOT.
So I've been on kind of an obsessive search for the perfect subs. I was thinking an L7 kicker, but what I am really going for is CLEAN, SOUND QUALITY ORIENTED BASS. I figured that since I have such a nice stereo, I don't want to ruin it with muddy and overpowered bass. Also, another key thing is space. I have sound some amazing deals but the space has definitely been an issue. So I did some researching and found one thing: JL 2 8" W7 stealth subs. First thing I did when I saw them, was click ORDER, ORDER, ORDER. When I got to the next screen is when I definitely hesitated... $1,300. I thought NO WAY, you know what I could get with $1,300? A nice exhaust + a nice KAI and still have a couple dollars left over!
My questions. (2 actually) Do you all have any subs in your mini? Ever heard any in a mini? Any that you recommend? Any nice/less inexpensive sub boxes?
and 2) If you all had to go with one thing.. would it be exhaust or subs? I am very sub biased, you have to know.. but that exhaust sounds pretty damn good too...

 

I usually struggle with the same issues with my cars too, what to do first, audio or intake/exhaust? LOL

For my MINI, since I have a 2008 with the Hifi (not the Harmon Kardon), I *had* to do something about the audio. I went with an inexpensive sub install: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...lk-alpine.html

I am very happy with the sub, but I am coming from an Infinity Basslink in my last car, whereas you are coming from setups with multiple 12's and 15's, lol.

If space is an issue, check out Integral Audio's stealth sub: http://www.integralaudio.com/mini/mi...er-system.html

I guess I got burned out on exhaust work with my last car, had a 2006 Kia Rio with a Megan Racing header and custom Magnaflow exhaust. After that, I am really enjoying the MCS stock exhaust, heehee.

Good luck!

 

+1 for Integral Audio

 

I appreciate the replies. I don't think I want to spend that much for a single 8" sub though. If I'm going to splurge that much, I might as well go up to the 2 10" JL subs W7, which are very nice subs. Any other suggestions??

Nice install by the way, Maurtis, I bet that sounds amazing!

 

The JL is even more if you add in their 600$ HD amp, and their box is out in the open.

+1 for Integral Audio, I have one, its awesome.

 

I was looking at the integral audio more.. seems pretty nice. Just concerned it wouldn't be enough. Just wish I could hear it... I'm not too crazy about a single 10 running on 250 watts. Is the bass even and clean? Does it go pretty low? But I do like the way it looks.

 

I went with a 12" rockford fosgate shallow mount P3's, and made my own box... i really like the sound and it's definitely enough for the MINI haha.. it ended up not being too expensive as well. If you want to take this path and have any questions just ask.

 

Hey, archambaultt, I was just looking at your car on cardomain. Small world.
I really like your set up.. can you tell me a basic outline of how you made the box? What amps are you running it with?

 

+ 3 for IA audio if you can't/don't want to build a custom box. It is a complete system including all wiring and mounting hardware. It is plenty of bass for the size of the car.

 

Thanks, I love the sound. Nice and tight and shakes me when I ask it to

Arch, I was thinking about getting the Fosgate shallow P3 for a while. I love the covering for your box!

 

integral is more than enough

 

I have the roadster sound box (before they changed there name to Integral Audio) when they first came out, and it fits perfectly in the mini. Plus, I had the option to choose my own sub and amp.

I have the JL TW5, and that thing is amazing. You should go to your local JL audio shop and listen how hard those subs can pound, and when you multiply that by how little space you are covering in a mini makes it even harder and louder. You can buy it brand new from Cartoys.com for 300.00 as they match most online retailers.

 

I just installed the Integral Audio sub system today in my 09. It takes a few hours and the result is excellent! Everything in the kit is very high quality. Every detail has been worked out. You will not find a better audio upgrade for the money......

 

Even and clean? You bet!! Does it go pretty low? I have to tighten up some of the heat shielding under the car...

That's my MINI on Integral Audio's site and I've been enjoying deep, clean bass for 9 months. If you're anywhere nearby, I'd be happy to let you take a listen.

 

I thought this was cool as I have never seen this type of a box in a mini.

http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-2010-MINI-COOPER-SUBWOOFER-BOX-STEALTH-LOOKING-BOX-/350268925445?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item518da7 a605

 

I have an '05 MCC and within a week of buying it I had an amp and sub (10") installed...Takes up half my boot but definitely worth it.