Hey guys,
While having my interior done I was asked if I wanted to upgrade my speakers and put in an amp and a subwoofer. So, being uninitiated in audio performance, what should I go with. The guy at the shop suggested MB Quart speakers (Alpine and Rockford Fosgate were the others). Alpine amp and we really didn't discuss the subwoofer as I told him that the amp and sub would basically be phase 2. Now don't laugh but being the old guy that I am I have never heard of MB Quart, and I know very little about Rockford Fosgate, I do know Alpine. So I am asking you guys to help me out here with opinions on all three (speakers, sub and amp). I am keeping the stock Head Unit because I don't want to interfere with the interior aesthetics. I listen to mainly contemporary Christian, Country, Jazz and Blues and I don't play it extremely loud, I am looking for good clear sound first and foremost. So let it fly, and I appreciate your input in advance.

 

MB quart is a high end brand. Good stuff. If you don't mind spending the cash they are good. If you are not all that pick about your sound there are plenty of cheaper alternatives that would still sound great.

 

I recently did a total re-dop of the audio in Charlie, so I'll throw in my $.02. I've got a Phoenix Gold 100 watt, Infinity Kappa Perfect 6.1 (front components) and Kappa 6x9s, an Infinity Basslink (still wanted the option of a trunk) and a Clarion DXZ945MP head unit. The head unit is more for the unique look than anything else, but the amp and speakers are incredible. I work for an electronics shop so I'm around car stereos a lot, even if its not really my thing. The loudest the installers could get the system and still sit in the car was 26 (out of 35) - still sounding clean, too.


The stock stereo is great, but if you put the right stuff in, the MINI becomes an incredible sounding machine.

 

i use only infinity products for everything i do with in car stereo. and for head units, alpines are the only way to go

 

Actually, this is the first time in three stereo upgrades that I -haven't- used an Alpine head. Normally I'm a big Alpine fan, but the Clarion was just too cool to pass up, and it sounds awesome.

I've got a set of Polks in my beater car which sound pretty decent for some cheap speakers. Nice bass, but I'd still go with (and did) Infinity on anything I care about.

 

Based on the above, I'd say you're making a wise choice leaving the subwoofer for later - if ever. (Well, except maybe "Blues" - depends on what you mean there.) You just don't need a lot of bottom end for "good clear sound" for jazz or country. In fact, a sub can do more harm than good unless it's set up properly.

You might have your shop install a good EQ as part of your system. Ask them if they've got a Real Time Analyser (RTA). Tell them what music you listen to and how you want it to sound. ("I listen to mainly contemporary Christian, Country, Jazz and Blues and I don't play it extremely loud, I am looking for good clear sound first and foremost.")

A lot of car installations are just going after LOUD. Make sure your installer understands what your goals are!

 

with my infinty stuff, you would be suprised how many people like my clear, crisp bass fron the infinity 1030's vs their pioneers or kickers rediculous bas that had no trebel at all. i have an 1800 watt amp thats going to power the subs, then, hopefully i can get another 4 channel infinity and take all the HK system out and do the system i really want. i'll then use the 4 channel bridged to power subs. the infinity 1030's rms is around 300 with a peak of 1000, so i have a large range of capabilities with them.


and as for alpine, ever since i traded my pioneer HU for an alpine about 7 years ago, ive been loya to alpine for their head units. every car ive had in the past 7 years has had the HU replaced with an alpine. and yes, i did pull a clarion out of mt karmann ghia and replace it with a CDA alpine. beat the crap out of the clarion as far as tuning goes

 

I think I may just go with the Mb Quart speakers and an Alpine amp minus the sub. (Thanks Lombard, for the honest opinion.) The guy was trying to sell me on the sub but I think he may not really know what I am after.