Aftermarket amp with stock HU

[mini4everybody]

Which outputs on a stock HU would be the line level outs, that I can plug into my amp?

'05 Cooper with stock frontloading HU.

[GBMINI]

The stock HU has no line level outs.
Either use the speaker level inputs of the amp, or buy some level converters.

[jfelix]

I just completed the install of an Alpine F450 Amp in my Mini. I had laready replaced the Speakers with Infniity Kappa Components. It sound UNREAL now. The key to the install was using a Very high Quality LOC. Line output converter. I used a David Navone 4 channel converter. It takes the High Level (Speaker Level) outputs from the Radio and coverts them to and 8v pre-out!!! I cannot tell you how good it sounds. It is cleaner than any AfterMarket radio I have even owned. I alos used Monster Twisted pair cables to reject noise and mounted my AMp in the Boot but created a plate made of Dynamat to reject noiuse from the battery. Also I highly recomemend using one of Mike's harnesses, this way you wont have to cut into the factory harness. If you have any questions let me know. I can take some pics of the install if you like.

I also created a shelf of mdf covered with fabric to keep the boot useful.. Looks sharp now.


James

[miles]

jfelix,

Did you make these mods to the stock system of the HK upgrade?

I'm making my MCS order next week and am still undecided about the stereo:
option 1: purchase HK upgrade and make minor improvements
option 2: replace much/most of stock system (speakers, amp(s), etc.)

Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.

Best,
Miles

[jfelix]

I guess it depends on what you are looking for. I did not have the HK option when I bught my Mini, if they had it I would have bought the HK. But in listening now to my stock Boost head unit with the upgrades I have done, you cannot compare the HK to it. It simply blows it away.

Here is what I did

1. Installed alpine 4 channel Amp 60x4
2. Installed Infinity Kappa Component speakers in the front 6.5's and 6x9 in rear.
3. Used a David Navone LOC to convert the signal ot of the head unit to a 8v line level output.
4. Used Monster XLN twisted pair speaker wire and XLN 4 channel RCA signal cables.
5. Tuned the crossovers with Autosound 2000 CD #14.

This is the cleanest system I have ever owned, I plan to add a sub in the future. But really the 2 6x9's in the rear provide a ton of punch. This system has 0 distorsion, I have a buddy with an HK in his 2004 and is migrating his to a system similar to mine because there is such a dramitic difference. He will just using the H/K head unit and trying to convert to using a different amp and speakers.

Good luck with your choice.

[miles]

Thanks for the helpful reply.

The few times I listened to the HK system I haven't been that impressed and am weary about spending the $550 to only sub out the amp and speakers.

I'm not looking to add a ton of bass and just want a really good, clean system with pretty full sound. I'd also like to keep the look as stock as possible.

Sounds like the best option might be to just go with the stock system, updgrade to some good speakers, go with a high quality amp (similar to your David Navone) and consider adding a subwoofer (JL Stealth?) and sub-amp.

Do you think this will provide significantly improved sound over the HK system for the price? Also, can this be done for less then $1,000? Any other suggestions?

Thanks again for your valuable feedback!
Miles

[jfelix]

Miles 1000 is about the number. here is what I spent..


Kappa Speakers 400
Alpine F450 Amp 300
Monster Cable 100
David Navone LOC 40
AutoSound CD 15

1 entire day to install ???

Clean Sound with No distortion... Priceless...

I was looking for no boomy bass, I wanted clean clear full range in sound. The problem I had with the Stock Boost setup originally was it had muddy bass and zero highs. I first replaced the speakers with Kappa's and that fixed the problem with the highs, but the boost couldn't drive the speakers past a certain point and the lack of power was evident with anything over half volume. So I figured i would add an amp, I did some research and found the the Alpine 4 channel series has been used in this setup several times so i went this way. All I can say is now my system is very clean and clear, it can go pretty low but still will need a sub to go get real deep bass. I want to make you aware of one thing though, the Navid Navone is a Line Output Converter, it takes the speaker level feeds from your headunit and converts them to high volt RCA pre-amp output. You can go direclty from the headunit to the speaker level inputs on an amp but it would not be near as clean as if you use a LOC. It is separate from the Amp. If you need any information feel free to contact me. Also one other key item is a harness from newministuff.com, this will give you the ability to had an adapter to your stock harness and not cut into it. This way if you ever want to go back to stock you can.

James

[GBMINI]

Miles,
If you think you will want to upgrade the factory stereo, I advise against buying the HK upgrade!
The HK is a very integrated system; no single part is easy to replace. The HK amp requires the stock HU to work (I developed a module to allow me to put in an aftermarket HU, but it is not a perfect solution)
The speakers are 2 ohm, which not all aftermarket amps will drive happily - in addition there are no crossovers (they are built into the amp) and the rear speakers are dual voice coil.

The HK system provides a good factory system for people; but if you want LOUD or loads of bass, you will need aftermarket, and HK is not a good starting point ...

[yellow2black]

James,
Got some questions, so I e-mailed you. Hope you don't mind. Thanks.

[Nick-o]

I've been looking for the ideal stereo upgrade with changing the stock HU and i've found it!

But... if i were to get the David Navone LOC - how easy is it to fit?