Hi!

Just wanted to get an idea of what type of audio systems have you all put in your MINIs. I'm still up in the air about a few systems I'd like to have professionally installed in my MINI to be. I'd like a totally new set-up that includes a new deck, tweeters, mids, rears and sub with amp. I'm looking at these brands...

JL AUDIO
PIONEER
ROCKFORD FOSGATE
MB QUARTS

what about y'all? Any suggestions, pics?
:grin:

Why those????

Look into
Kicker
Planet Audio
Diamond Audio
JL is not too bad...
audiobahn
Even POLK

I'm considering a 1200 watt Planet Audio AMP and some Planet audio 15's or SOLO X kickers
Or even some Blaupunkt subs, was offered some Polk/Momo's for $25 for each 15In SUB.

I like Pioneer head units. I'm gonna continue my research in several car audio shops that do custom installations first. I'll look into the brands you've mentioned to get familiar with them before I make my choice.

Keep the suggestions coming, I'm writing this stuff down. :grin:

Pooky13-
Go over to the other thread on MB Quart speakers in Audio and read about the options for speakers other than MB Quarts for some ideas. Also there are some pictures of the HK front speakers posted.

What about infinity BassLink?

Also when you do make the final choice please let us know about how much it costs to do the upgrade you want.
Good luck. :smile:

Genesis front speakers and tweeters, Alpine head unit, Genesis amp and Genesis 6x9/subs to go in rear speaker spaces. They are subs based on the size of 6x9s so you don't need to have a box. If these aren't enough I am going to get 2 Alpine 10"s.

Just like you, I was turned to MB quarts by a pro audio shop for high quality sound. This was also recommended by a friend that has a similar set-up. They also recommended Pheonix Gold for an amp to complete the system.

Another shop was pushing all Rockfords and a Rockford amp(s).

The only thing they didn't have an issue with was my deck preference: Pioneer 8400 (new model).

I believe that every shop has it's subjective favorites. I still have a few more shops to visit and make a deal with before I decide. I'll probably have my system in about a month from now.

Money wise, it'll probably be in the are of $1,500 or more after all the damage is done...I mean work is done. :lol:

Check this link. Gives you a few pics of my system.

http://members.sounddomain.com/mn_leaf_fan

Mighty Miniz you were offered polk momos for $25? Where was this? I want to get some of those. I'm thinking of getting some MOMO rims and those speakers would match nicely :wink:

Hello again "mn_leaf_fan" ... thanks for your earlier advice.

Would I be losing out badly if I replace the speakers and amp but do not install a subwoofer?

>>Mighty Miniz you were offered polk momos for $25? Where was this? I want to get some of those. I'm thinking of getting some MOMO rims and those speakers would match nicely :wink:

Well they were from an installer who was moving....

I think he has 2 left!

I passed, I'm expecting a large package of NEW wafer thin Subs to test, for free.
but I'm still considering the 1200 AMP from Planet Audio.

>>Check this link. Gives you a few pics of my system.
>>
>>http://members.sounddomain.com/mn_leaf_fan

I was actually checking that same Alpine deck last night on-line. Great set-up by the way.

>>Hello again "mn_leaf_fan" ... thanks for your earlier advice.
>>
>>Would I be losing out badly if I replace the speakers and amp but do not install a subwoofer?
>>

Ian -

I guess it depends on what type of music you like. Personally, I didn't want to add a subwoofer at first either, but it made a huge difference in my system. The biggest difference was that I could free up the front speakers from producing the lows ( using crossover in HU ) and used the dedicated sub for the lows. The fronts no longer struggle (distort) to play the low notes when I play my system loud (that was my biggest issue with the factory system ).

Why don't you want to add a sub? space?

I believe there are others on this forum that don't use a sub and are very happy with their upgrades, so it's all a personal choice.

Thank you.

Yes, space is an issue ... also what happens if I fill the bottom of the boot (trunk) with subs, then want to put in some shopping - muffled sound, or blown speakers?

Also, I imagine that I will have "issues" with my wife if I load the boot with stereo equipment - she already thinks I am crazy/stupid/mad/etc to buy an MC, then trade it for an MCS, get it with HK, then plan to rip it out ... the phrase "never ending" has popped up :sad:

>>Thank you.
>>
>>Yes, space is an issue ... also what happens if I fill the bottom of the boot (trunk) with subs, then want to put in some shopping - muffled sound, or blown speakers?
>>
>>Also, I imagine that I will have "issues" with my wife if I load the boot with stereo equipment - she already thinks I am crazy/stupid/mad/etc to buy an MC, then trade it for an MCS, get it with HK, then plan to rip it out ... the phrase "never ending" has popped up :sad:
>>

I hear ya.

I made sure my sub box is easy to remove ( and I can still fit a few grocery bags beside the sub ). Another option that I considered was installing small subs ( JL 6w0 or Focal 5WS) in the rear 6X9 location. I got an estimate from a local shop to build custom fiberglass enclosures in that space but it was a bit too pricey for me....$880 for the Focals. I'm sure it would have sounded great though.

Right now I have a Pioneer cd/mp3 deck in front with an old soundstream Reference 705s 5 channel amp along with the JL stealthbox. I'm putting MB Quart components up front, but haven't gotten around to ordering them yet. The rears I'm not going to bother with since I just use them for rear fill and don't want to hear them from up front anyway. All I have to say is that the JL box is awesome. It's probably the best piece of audio equipment I've ever had in my car. It does lack a little of the really low end the 3 10w6's in my old car had, but condidering I have 1/3 the woofers I say that's pretty good. Every one who hears it can't believe I have only one 10!

Pooky-
Your sig is a little too big...try sizing it down...

MBQs makes some nice stuff but they always sounded pretty harsh to me. They're one of those brands that have nice stuff and junk and you cant expect quality just because of the name (same goes for Rockford Fosgate). I've been installing my Soundstream Exacts in my past 4 cars/trucks and I love em. They were made by VIFA. Focal is another great brand for speakers.

Audiobahn is one of the junkiest brands I've seen in a while. a/d/s/ makes fabulous stuff and has BMW specific instructions for a lot of their products.


--
Cheese