Hi, I found my passenger side speaker getting worse and worse on rattling and noise, especially when listening to something with low tone or base.

So, I want to apply those Dynamat around the front speakers as well as the door inside surfaces, can any one tell me what is the different between Dynamat Original vs Xtreme vs Fat Mat in terms of quality and $$?

Also, should I also replace the front door speakers since I need to remove the pannel for the mat anyway? If yes, any idea should I go with a component system or just a 2or3 way speaker? Read some threads folks here mentioned that the OEM speakers are already in very good quality already, except the rattling, true?

Thanks for your input.

 

I can vouch for fatmat working well. Not to mention it is MUCH cheaper than dynamat. I got 100 square feet for $100.
It's also easy to install - peel n stick. Gives slight tar smell for a couple days then it's fine.

As far as speakers.. there are so many good choices (and more bad ones)it would pay to do your homework at www.sounddomain.com <goto the forums.

 

Dynamatting is a good idea while you have the panel off but www.motoringfile.com has a how to to fix the rattle in the passenger door that will cost you about a buck. I did it and used Dynamat Extreme, which is butyl rubber based and has no smell. I can't speak for the Fat Mat but wonder if it will start smelling again in the heat of the summer? OSHA says asphalt fume exposure is bad for you (like everything else is also bad for you) though I'd bet the Fat Mat has to be well below whatever threshold OSHA suggests. Whichever one you use, remember, once it is stuck on well, you won't be removing it. Dynamat cut down on road noise a bunch but I did the inside and outside door skins and the plastic door panel.

I wouldn't bother changing speakers unless you are planning a complete system upgrade. They are decent speakers. While I was at it, I also put XTC speaker baffles (sold at Crutchfield) on the lower door speakers. For some reason MINI did not deem it necessary to put any plastic sheeting behind the speakers to prevent moisture. The baffles keep moisture off of the speakers and also tightened up the bass by making an enclosure behind the speakers.

 

I have an '05 without the HK. I agree that the stock system is decent, but I heard the Alpine spx 137r component speakers and they are GRRRREAT! They were hooked up to an Alpine 9853 receiver. The 137s are Alpine's high end line rated at 86db. I know the MINI head unit won't drive them very well, but I don't really want to swap it out for esthetic reasons and cost too.

I'm thinking of getting the 137s and just adding the Alpine mrp f240 (40w x 4) amplifier,placing it where the Harmon Kardon sytem amp would go.

Has anyone got those speakers? Would my upgrade here work?

Any thoughts appreciated.

hugh