I'm in the planning stages of upgrading my stereo and installing sound deadening. So I'm looking for tips and recommendations on equipment, installation etc. My goal is to do the work myself but if there is anyone skilled who can be bribed by beer, I would welcome an accomplice or two.

What upgrades have you made to your system? I'm figuring at least front and rear speakers, but not sure about an amp, headunit, subwoofer, etc. My goal is improved sound quality, budget is not set, but I ain't rich so its somewhere in the 3 digits for equipment.

If anyone has an upgraded system I would love the opportunity to hear it.

Thanks!

 

So far 3 years later I still have only done the JL Audio Stealthbox (single 10") and Rockford Fosgate amp for it.(pic in my gallery) Only downside is that the box/amp/install was in the 4 digit range.

Still running the stock speakers and headunit.

 

Throw in a set of Focal 6 1/2 components in the front and some nice Focal 6x9 with a nice 4 channel amp and a 10" sub with a mono amp and a upgraded headunit and youre golden!

 

Looks like you're pushing me outside of my price range! I would love to hear that system in a MINI.

 

You don't have H/K right? Just start simple, maybe a 4 channel Alpine PDX amp those are small enough to hide under the passenger seat as long as you dont have the Navi.

Then get two 6 1/2' speakers for the front door and two 6x9 for the rear, and run the amp to them, run a aftermarket head unit or you can always stay with the stock one and run a JL cleansweep it's personal preference.

For the sub just run a mono amp and a 10" in a sealed box with around 300 watts would sound pretty clean already for the MINI

 

Right, standard unit, no nav.

I don't know how good a MINI system can sound. I haven't heard a system with good speakers but no amp or a system with good speakers and an amp. I also haven't heard a system with a proper sub, so I have not experienced the benefit.

What exactly does the JL cleansweep do?

Are you in LA LA or southern california? Like I said I would love to hear your system sometime.

 

My sense is that it will be a challenge to stay in 3 digits. Replacing speakers and installing sound deadener strike me as realistic, but time consuming DIY projects. However, adding an amp introduces an entirely new level of complexity.

Last weekend I had a pro shop sound proof and upgrade the HiFi (speakers, amp, subwoofer, Dynamat). To give you a reality check, it took 2 guys (sometimes expanded to 4) with extensive Mini experience 6 1/2 hours nonstop who always knew exactly what they were doing, and never ran out of or lost any parts, tools, etc.

I would urge you to put sound proofing at the top of your list. In order to replace the front speakers, you will have to remove the front door panels. Replacing the rears requires removing the rear seat and all the interior panels behind it. Everything needing sound proofing will be in plain view. There's lots of threads on this. I had my MCS Dynmated and it made a BIG difference.

Best of luck.

 

I agree that soundproofing is the first priority. That is going to be DIY for me, not only because I can do it in pieces (e.g. wheel wells, trunk, etc) but because the cost of doing it in parts is significantly less than putting in good audio components.

The challenge IMO is selecting audio components. Thanks for the advice.

 

The JL Cleansweep lets you use the OEM headunit

http://signature.crutchfield.com/s_1...p.html?tp=6870

 

Anyone have recommendations on good shops to preview components?

Thanks.