My wife's (2nd) DPSM amp has given up the ghost. Doing some research, it looks like that it'll be $1000+ to replace the amp, and that's IF I can find one if the first place! No thanks, so I'm looking for an alternative.

She wants a completely stealth install (like the current setup) and to use the DPSM speakers with whatever replacement we can find. Doing a bit of research, it looks like an Arc Audio KS 125.4 Mini amp would do the trick (link), but I'm no expert. Does anyone know if that amp would play nice with the DPSM speakers? The amp isn't as powerful as the DPSM, but she can live with that. Or does anyone have any other recommendations?

Any help is appreciated!

-Paul

 

*bump* and small update. I went to my local dealership, gave them a part number, and they said that they could indeed order a DPSM amp... for $2500. Um, no.

Still looking at the Arc Audio KS 125.4 amp. Anyone out there have any experience with it?

-Paul

 

The local expert on DPSM is 'Edge' on www.dcmetrominis.org.' He may know.

 

Kevin over at integralaudio.com can hook you up with the Arc amp and a custom bracket that will bolt it to the side panel in the boot behind the access door. All for a very reasonable price too.

I went this route. Ditched my H/K set-up for a stealth look as well. I've got Hybrid Audio Imagine 6.5" 2 ways in the front doors and JL audio 6.5" subs where the rear 6X9 speakers were. Coupled with Arc Audio K125.4 it sounds great. I had to do some fiberglassing to form the small enclosures inside the 6X9 cutouts but all the interior panels go back on and complete stealth set-up.

The K125.4 sub is great but I've only been using for a couple months so far. Plenty enough controls to filter for your set-up. Also, kevin is great to work with and very helpful as well. I know his site doesn't mention R53 systems but if you email him he'll be able to set you up with the amp and the bracket.

 

Thanks for the input. I've been looking over a bunch of his posts, and Kevin seems to be a knowledgeable, good guy. I plan on keeping the DPSM speakers as they do sound excellent, and reusing the DPSM wiring harness (it'll take some fiddling I'm sure, but nothing that I can't handle).

I'll likely send him Kevin an email tomorrow.

It's good to hear that the K125.4 is fairly customizable and sounds great. Hopefully I can get it to play nice with the remains of the DPSM!

-Paul!

 

Last update:

I found some instructions on MINI2 for bypassing a chip within the DPSM amp that's known to go bad, causing problems similar to what I was having. So I bought a soldering iron and had at it! Surprisingly, I managed not to burn or scald myself, and even more surprisingly, I was able to successfully route around the chip! The sound expansion mode is now permanently disabled (good riddance - never liked the sound in that mode), but the amp is now working fine! No pops, clicks, buzzing, or screeches.

-Paul

 

What was the part number? Most of the DPSM items are NLA. And glad you found the resolution.

Thanks

 

Thanks! I'm still surprised that I didn't completely ruin it while attempting the repair!

The part number was either 82 83 0 301 907 or 82 83 0 392 529. One wasn't in the system at all, the other looked like it could be ordered through the parts system. I don't remember which was which. This was through the parts counter at Seattle MINI.

FWIW, Pelican Parts claims you can order it through their website.


-Paul

 

Paul,


Can you post the link from MINI2 here? Yes I am lazy like that.

 

Lol, no worries! I meant to post the link, but forgot. Here ya go: Link


-Paul

 

Paul - It looks like they are NLA , Thanks for the part numbers those were the two I had for the full kit.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/82830301907 Old kit for R50 R53 to new number below.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/82830392529 Which is NLA.


The sound modlue amp for that kit is also NLA

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/82830140084


I also found the kit for the R52 , just in-case the amp could work if possible.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/82830140084 R52 Kit is NLA

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/82830302131 R52 Amplifier is NLA


That's what I have. Hope that helps and if you need anything else let us know.

 

Damn, I guess you looked into it a bit more than me!

The parts counter didn't do anything more than check their computer, so I'm assuming then it wouldn't have gone through if they actually tried to order it. Good thing too, cuz I would have been pissed after asking specifically for the amp and receiving the whole system!

And thanks for the offer of assistance, but I'm done with the DPSM if this one dies. IMO, It's a great sounding system and I love the stealth install. But for ~$2500 (plus another $1000 if you have the dealership install it) there's a lot better to be had. The only real benefit I saw to the DPSM is that you could have it installed and still be considered OEM for all intents and purposes with no warranty hassles (in theory). But now that most (all?) 1st gen MINIs are out of warranty, aftermarket is the way to go!

-Paul

 

Thanks Paul,

I am glad I could offer you more of an in-depth look. It looks like the DPSM parts are becoming rare or NLA. I listed all the possible options , with the full kits to the AMP itself part numbers from Hardtop to convertible.


When released the DPSM sounded great and in my opinion sounded better the the stock H/K system. But you had to have the stock base system to install it or gut the H/K system and crazy install like Edge , who really did a great job !

It's great you found a fix for it. Let me know if you need anything else.

 

Paul,

I've made that same mod to my DPSM, and it has been going strong ever since. The guy on MINI2 deserves a medal.