A little history, not to bore you.....

Back in the day I used to do nice higher end audio systems in cars...both for fun and for work, sound quality is my main focus as well as looks in the car.

A couple of years ago I got a little tired of doing this as the factory systems got better (no flames here, better not great!).

Got the new MINI with the HK system about 6 weeks ago and have added XM and the 6 disc changer. I like the system. Loved the steering wheel controls and didn't want to live without them. It sounds pretty good for a stock system but now......

I am iritated by the fact that my volume is limited and that I now realize I could get better sound quality and ironically I never use the steering wheel controls since my right hand is always on the stick and right next to the radio.

My dilemma now is what to do??? Do I live with what I have or start toi drop $3k or so into a new system.
This all got started when I saw the post (don't remember whose) with the flase floor install in the boot and it made me want to start ot have some fun!!!

I am a big Alpine fan for head units so I will look into that.

What do I do about speakers? I want high quality smooth and silky sound. I don't mind spending the money. My entire sound system at home is Martin Logan and if you know what they are then you know the type of listening environment I am used to....

I would love to see some pics of your installs as well as your thoughts on what equipment to look into since I have been out of the car audio game for a good 8 years now.

I look forward to your responses as I begin this new maddening quest with my MINI!

 

I always questioned putting high end in an automobile. You are the perfect one to answer as you have high end at home (I assume as I don't). My thought is this, in a car you are not in a opitmal listening enviroment, the window open, heater/ac noices, the road noices and the motor music . SO what real benefit would you get from going to high end system? I am assuming you are going for accuracy and not tons of bass. The only thing I can think of its better start from better sound tahts going to be degraded by the other noises.

Paul

 

I have a Sony HDTV (62/63") with a H/K receiver and Polk Audio speakers for surround sound (not real cheap but not a lot either). So having never heard of Martin Logan I did a search and found:


Martin Logan Odyssey Loudspeakers ($6,495/pair): A new model from Martin Logan incorporating several new ideas in bass reproduction, the electrostatic midrange and high end, and a new, still recognizably Martin Logan cosmetic appearance. At $6,495 a pair, not a speaker for every budget, but if you listen, you will like them.

Now I know why I have never heard of them.

As said by pcnorton why put a big amount in a vehicle with all of the noise. I got the standard system in my MCS and it sound good enough and Loud enough for me.

To each his own. And if you do this in a big way.... bring it to Vegas and give me a chance to hear it.

I was at Vegas a couple of years ago at the electronics show and saw pickups (the small ones) with like 60000 watts of power they had at least enough to deafen you.

Earl

 

Don't listen!!! It will only suck you down the purchase path.


Paul

 

Guys....

I know a car is not optimal for sound but a good set of components will sound a heck of a lot better than a average pair. what I am going for is a really smooth, not bright sound.

It is funny you pulled out the Odyssey's as those are my main speakers in my system..... anyway....you should find an audio dealer in your area that carries them and take a listen (just for the heck of it) and you will be blown away, anyway I digress.....

Years ago I had the original ADS 320i seperates (I am starting to date myself) and these were some of the best components you could get at the time (somewhere in the $600 range). Nowadays I hear people using Focal and some of the higher end Diamond Audio.

What I want to hear from people is what have/do you use in your MINI that you have found to be the smoothest sounding given what I mentioned above?

You are correct, tons of bass is not what I am after. I know I can achieve amazing bass response with a single 8" or 2 6.5" woofers for what I want.

The component speakers is what I am at a loss for.

Also any pics of systems in the MINI would be cool just to get some different ideas.

Cheers

Chris

 

Also, I don't want competition. I just want to enjoy it.

My other biggest complaint with the stock HK system is it is way to bass heavy!


so I await your info....

 

I'm familiar with Martin Logans... I've been drooling over a set of lesser Maggies for a while but still no budget.

If you want a unique but great sounding solution, check out the pro series horns from image dynamics. The non pro ones are much cheaper but they're a PITA to setup right! Budget doesnt seem to be an issue anyway

Focals are great too. I put some in my brothers WRX. I love their 5WS sub. I was going to use it in my MINI but plans changed.

You still can't go wrong with the a/d/s/ stuff either. I dont think that speaker tech has changed all that much in recent years.... I'm still rocking the same set of Soundstream Exacts 5.3s for the past 5 or 6 years and I'm still happy with em.

 

Macncheese,

Have you heard the image dynamics horns? While a horn loaded drive will produce some of the most accurate sound they tend to be a bit on the harsh side. A little bit of an edge so to speak.

Which maggies are you looking at? A good friend of mine is a dealer. maybe I can get you a set..... he owes me about 10o favors and I'd love to help out a fellow MINI owner....

Chris

 

CustomAV,

I've been looking into the same question but with a theoretical system...just placed my '05 MCS order the other day.

I too was a bit dissapointed with the HK upgrade system and am interested in doing some minor (albeit high quality) upgrades to improve the sound quality.

Like you, I'm not interested in big bass but want a good, clean and full sound. Would like to stick with the stock look as much as possible, however, I may need to switch out the HU unless I add an amp.

Sounds like I may be in the minority here, but I actually think the MINI (with the right conditions) is a great accoustic setup and with the right setup can be a fantastic way to enjoy high quality audio.

Last week, I visited several local (Seattle area) stereo shops and listened to the Focals, MB Quartz, Infiniti Kappa and Diamond Audio. For my sound tastes I was definitely leaning towards the Diamond Audio but also liked the Infiniti Kappas (both component).

Are you interested in replacing your rear speakers as well or sticking with stock to just provide sound filler. What about a sub or amp...anything there?

Best,
Miles

 

Make sure to try the different HK settings - you might find that Spatial or one of the other modes solves the "bass emphasis" issue you have.

Loads of info on HK - try searching NAM.
a round-up on my web site with links to other places; this link is generally considered the best place to read up.

Remember if you want to upgrade, starting from HK is not the best place. Speaker wires run from the HK amp in the trunk, not from behind the HU. Only two speaker pairs run from HU to HK amp.
Speakers are 2ohm coil; rears are dual coil.
You can run an aftermarket HU with HK amp - it can improve sound quality, keep the HK MINI-specific sound tailoring, but it is not as good a solution as totally aftermarket amps, speakers, etc.

 

Chris,
I've never had the coin for the horns but a buddy of mine has/had them in his Dakota and I think they're fantastic. They definately need a midrange but I think Image Dynamics has a solution for that as well. I've heard them a few times and there wasnt any ear fatigue but I admit i didnt listen that long. They're definately worth checking out if you're not afraid of the funky mounting required.
I have zero play money right now or I'd take you up on that maggie offer! Thanks for the chance tho!

 

Miles,

I understand the boat your in! The MINI is not a bad setup other than the seperation of the mid/bass and tweeter is not ideal (to much seperation).

I used to have the older Diamond Audio and am a big fan of those as well as some of the Focal products. I don't know much about Diamon Audio anymore. The last set I had was over 7 years old.

Ian, thanks for the input. I have played with the settings quite a bit and cannot seem to get the sound I want. Also I am aware of the issues with the H/K. If I decide to do this, which I am still not sure, I will gut the whole thing altogether and rewire the entire car.... By the way the auto-up circuit and garage door opener option are FANTASTIC!!! Thanks-

Well I have quite a bit of looking to do. I like the Alpine CDA-9335 head unit (will not do anything other than Alpine if I do. I have used the McIntosh amps in the past and may go back to them.

I think my first step, although illogical, will be to build a custom enclosure for the boot. This is more for me to have fun and see what I can come up with. I plan on it being a false floor design, hinged to allow access ot the battery of course. It will be a molded fiberglass enclosure to allow the most space and keep the height no more than what it would take to match the height of the back seats folded down. My preference will be to actually make it so it is a little lower.

This project probably won't start for a few weeks as I have too many other things going on. Worse case scenario I will end up with a really cool enclosure for the back that I will offer up to a NAM member

I'll keep you posted and please keep the ideas coming. I am still waiting for pics of other systems!

Chris

 

Miles,

I forgot to mention that I would disconnect the rear speakers alltoghether and not replace them. I prefer music as it was intended, to come from in front of you and not be filled in from the rear with the same exact thing....