So I'm planning to upgrade the audio system in my daughter's Mini. It's a base R56 with the base audio system. I want to upgrade the speakers and install a small amp. I'm not going crazy with Focals or anything. Probably Alpine, Polk, or something along those lines. I have read several threads on NAM about audio upgrades. There are still several things I'm not sure of though. I am by no means an audio expert.

There are 2 speakers in each front door. Are those run in parallel or series? Other than changing the impedance does it matter?

Is there any sort of crossover in there to send lower frequencies to the bigger 6" speaker and mids to the 4"?

I was thinking about buying some used A-pillars on eBay with the tweeters. I would have to put a resistor in-line to block all of the lower frequencies right? Would I be better off buying a cross-over? Does anyone know what a good price for used A-pillars would be with and/or without the tweeters?

**So basically, how should I wire up the new speakers? If I just tap into the speaker wires at the connector by the deadpedal I still need to figure out how to wire the A-pillar tweeters (series/parallel & from where?) I could buy a set of components which would take care of how to wire the tweeters, but then how do I wire the 4" speakers?

I'm going to put some new 6x9's in the rears as the stock speakers rattle and drive me crazy when I drive it. (I don't mind ripping out the interior. It will make a good daddy-daughter project anyway.) Many on here suggest amping the fronts and just run the rears from the stock HU. I'll probably do that unless someone has a good reason for me to do otherwise.

I may or may not put a small sub in the back. That probably depends on what amp I get and whether I amp the 6x9's. (I could bridge the rears of a 4-channel to run a sub.)

 

Hi

I sounds like you know what you want, altho you are over complicating everything so as I always say, Keep It Simple. Let me address your confusions/questions.

Yes the front doors have 2 speakers, they have a crossover to split the signal already. They are not run in series or parallel.

All you need to do is this to get a fantastic sounding system - and its not as complicated as you think.

Buy:

A 4 channel amp

Power cable connection kit (for the amp)

A decent set of 6.5" component speakers for the front doors - this will come with the 6.5" drivers, tweeters and crossovers to connect them

6x9s as you want to replace the rears anyway

A connector to tap into the connector in the front footwell - something by Integral Audio would do, unless you use the existing speaker cables (high level) and connect it into the high level input on the amp if it has it.


So, totally replace the 6.5" speaker in the lower door with the new speaker, install the tweeter in the A pillar trims you plan to buy (dont buy them with the tweeters as youll have a much better set in the components youll buy anyway) - both drivers will be connected to the crossover which will then be connected to the amp. The little 4" driver thats in the door, leave it there, just disconnect it - no need to remove it.

The 4 channel amp - use the front channels to power the front door speakers and the rear channels to either power the new 6x9s, or you can bridge the rear channels and eventually power a sub.

Its a simple yet very effective sounding system.

I hope that helps

 

Ha, I guess I never even thought about eliminating the 4" speakers entirely. That does simplify things a lot.

Thanks for the advice!

Now I just need to shop around for decent, low-priced equipment.