Ok. I didn't buy the upgraded stereo, because I honestly thought they both sucked. So I am now upgrading my base system. Here was the suggestion from our local stereo shop.

Front: Focal 165A1.
Rear: Unhook the speakers.
Two Channel Amp to push the Focal.

Is there any reason this can't work on the base system? Should I get the Focal 6x9s and get a 4 channel amp to push all the speakers?

I tried to look this up, but it seems everyone upgrades the HK system, and I couldn't find advice for the base system.

 

What is your budget and what are you looking to have at the end?

Did you read the r56 speaker replacement thread? Seen any of the Integral Audio stuff posted around here?

 

Integral's Soundstage will be available in August... I have the prototype and it is simply OUTSTANDING. Kevin has set this up perfectly with high end components. Check out his site and there's more info in this forum (Nav & Audio) - just look for my post on being a Demo MINI for Integral Audio.

 

So I read the first few pages, and it looks like Focals with a 4 channel amp would work well?

Thanks

 

yes, it'll sound pretty good but you won't have deep bass. the bass down to ~60hz or so will pound though. Try to find an amp that'll push 80+ watts rms for the focals.

OR

figure out how much it's going to cost you for the focals, amp, and all the wiring/connectors then talk to integral audio and maybe get a system custom designed for a mini..

 

Upgraded my base boost stereo today. It sounds WAY better than it did previously.

I used component Focal 165A1's in the front with an ARC MINI 2-channel pushing them.

Only down part. It took me the better part of 10 hours to do all of this, and get the interior to look showroom stock.

Also, MM is right that it could still use more bass. But I'm VERY pleased with how much better it sounds.