I'm thinking about upgrading my stock audio system but I don't know where to begin! The past couple of days I've been reading the navigation/audio forum here, but it's all pretty confusing. Anyways, I have a 2007 MCS. The audio system is the mini boost cd, so it's as stock as it can get. I read the easiest thing to do is to do the rear/front channel swap to improve sound quality. The thing is, is that I want to add a sub and an amp to start the upgrade process (I'm thinking of upgrading the audio in phases, ex. Phase1 sub and amp, Phase2 I'm really not sure :/). So here is my question: Would the channel swap be necessary before installing the sub and amp? I'm pretty much a newb when it comes to car audio so all the help would be greatly appreciated. I'm thinking about getting it installed at my local Car Toys which may or may not be a good idea. If I do the swap is it something I need to tell them in order for them to install it correctly?
Here is the components I'm thinking to install-
-Kicker 12CX6005 5 Channel Amplifier
-Kenwood KFC-XW10 - 10 inch 4 Ohm Subwoofer or Kenwood eXcelon P-XW1000B 10in 1000W Subwoofer (I'm still deciding on sub, suggestions?)

Anything else I should know? Limitations? Observations of your own install? I'm really not interested in the Integral Audio MINI Cooper Amplfier/Speaker Wiring Harness. Not sure if I want to spend that much on it, which I'm sure most of you all would recommend. Again I'm open to suggestions regarding the amp and sub combo. My budget is around $700-900 give or take a few hundred. Thanks!

 

I'm in the same boat. Just got my MINI (2013) last week and I can't stand how it sounds. I did the channel swap... it does sound a bit better but don't expect too much. The bass does feel a lot better however the highs are crap. I can't believe my old Honda Civic (2001) sounds better using the cassette adapter than the mini does at anything.

I have noticed whenever there's a song that contains to many "ss", it sounds like when someone scratches a blackboard with their nails. I have to lower the volume because I can't stand it. I wish my ears were not as picky... but they are lol.

I wish I could help you more but I'm a newbie like you .

 

So let's see...

1. Yes, do the channel swap. It really does make a difference. The audio system in our cars is rubbish.
2. When you install your 5 channel amp, if you can, run all 5 channels off the front channels. I installed an Alpine KTP-445U, and ran all 4 channels from the front. I then adjusted the HPF for front and rear so that it doesn't sound awful.
3. When you run an amp, be prepared for the seat belt gong to become MUCH louder.
4. You need to find the right source for the remote wire. I had the wrong source at first, and killed my battery...

I'm not so good on recommending what you should or shouldn't buy, but the alpine is what I have, and it works good enough for me. I intend to replace my stock speakers at some point but it may not happen since it probably won't be around for too long (I'm already at 48k, and I drive ~25k/year and I'm not hearing about too many mini S owners with >100k).

 

Only do the channel swap if you DONT plan to install an amp and a sub, but seeing as you want a sub, then the channel swap isnt ideal for you.

Leave it as it is, so you can use the high level input from the front channels - this way the amp will get the full frequency range. As standard the rear channels are capped at approx 100hz (means anything under 100Hz you wont have and thats where the bass is).

Have you thought about replacing the fascia so you can have a double din slot then install a good head unit?? Then youll have RCAs which will plug into your amp.

A simple system will sound very very nice.... all you need is:

Head Unit
4 or 5 channel amp
front component speakers 6.5" ideally
sub.

Its simple and will sound damn good.

Where are you based?

 

This is a good point that I overlooked. If you aren't doing the amp install soon, then do this to get you through until the amp gets installed. It also will get you familiar with your car and the X9331 connector, which will be your friend when you get around to installing the amp.

 

Thanks everybody for the replies! There are so many options to set up an audio system, even for a pretty limited MINI. I'm thinking of getting it installed sometime next week so I'm not sure I'll be doing the channel swap. I should have done it earlier so I would have been more familiar with it, which is great advise, but I guess that's so etching I'll need to do some other time. I'm based in the Northeast Dallas area (Garland/Rockwall area).

BazV, I've also been reading about installing another head unit. I will definitely do that at some point, just not sure when.

So I'm pretty sure I'll go with the Kicker 12CX6005 5 Channel amp and the Kenwood eXcelon P-xw1000B 1000w Subwoofer.

I'm really low on time so I'll probably have a shop install it. I just have to make sure to tell them to connect the Amp to the X9331 connection and run the front speaker to the sub. Does that sound about right? I hate for shops to work on my car but I really don't have another option. Again thanks for the replies!

 

Yes if you get a shop to install it, then get them to pick the feed using the FRONT speaker output from the X9331 connector, not the rear output as that has a low pass around 100hz (which is pants on MINIs behalf!!)

When you eventually install a head unit, you can use the RCA outputs from the HU into the amp.