MINI2

Biglad_UK · Jul 17th, 2007, 10:45 AM

I've read loads of posts about people adding amps, adding new HU's and replacing the speakers but what do I actually have to replace to improve the sound to a good level ?

I've just got an 06 MCS with standard boost CD player and the sound is very poor but not being an ice expert and not wanting to spend money for no reason what do I actually need to change ?

I've read about the Mini upgrade DPSM which posters are saying is better than HK and this is an AMP and speaker upgrade but the original HU

There's also a PSM upgrade which I believe is also an AMP and speakers but can't find any reviews for this but assume it's not as good as DPSM as it's half the price.

So....

Do I need to replace everything ?
Would simply adding an Amp to the current speakers and HU give me a very good sound ?
Would simply replacing all the speakers vastly improve the sound ?

I guess you see what I'm getting at.

Your assitance as always is greatly appreciated

Si

DSapseid · Jul 17th, 2007, 11:29 AM

Changing the Head Unit will give you a increase in sound quality, i would do that first then if you are still not happy with it upgrade the speakers. If in doubt speak to mikey NewMINIStuff.com

Dan

DaFlake · Jul 17th, 2007, 11:46 AM

Amp = clarity and power
Speakers = clarity
HU = features.

To be honest, the stock HU is not all that bad (Boost). If I were to upgrade this is the route that I would go.

Amp and speakers first then a HU unit later.

HK can't be retro fitted (it can, but not worth the cost) and DPSM just cost way more than it is worth.

just .02....

Mins21 · Jul 17th, 2007, 02:21 PM

i have to agree with DSapseid...upgrade headunit first...tho I havent done mine yet (am wanting to change to play DVDs through factory sat nav)...the head unit upgrade should improve things...

but definitely speak to Mike as ebove, or someone else who does this for a living - they'll be able to suggest all sorts of solutions to you...whatever your budget is!

Mins

DaFlake · Jul 17th, 2007, 02:32 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Mins21 (original)

i have to agree with DSapseid...upgrade headunit first...tho I havent done mine yet (am wanting to change to play DVDs through factory sat nav)...the head unit upgrade should improve things...

but definitely speak to Mike as ebove, or someone else who does this for a living - they'll be able to suggest all sorts of solutions to you...whatever your budget is!

Mins

This brings up a good point. What are your trying to achieve? Do you want minimal HU interface with no bells and whistles? If that is the case, the stock HU will suffice until you can save for something better. So focus on amp and speakers.

If you want DVD and all the gadget portion of the HU then maybe going the opposite direction is better.

The nice thing about ICE is that it is flexible to what you want and can afford.

Lastly, try to LISTEN to a system before you buy if you can. Everyone has different hearing and may like different mixes of equipment. You may find that Pioneer speakers are what you want while others may like the sound from Infinity. It just varies from person to person.

Biglad_UK · Jul 17th, 2007, 02:43 PM

All good advice thanks.

I'm basically trying to acheive better quailty sound reproduction as I can add the Dension Gateway 100 & Bluetooth Adapter to take care of the inputs.

The MCS is a second car used by me to travel too and from work so about an hour total per day.

To put it in context, my other car is an Audi Q7 with Bose Sound, Nav, Comms pack etc etc etc so I have brilliant sound but then I get in the MCS and it's tinny, lifeless dare I say cheap ?

So given that I don't need a head unit that can flash blue lights at me, play DVD's and download webpages...I just want to beable to see my Ipod track names/Who's calling me and listen to music I guess an Amp and speakers look the best option.

If I had £700 then I think DPSM would be my best option but I only really want to spend £300-£500 so this PSM might be worth investigating

Si

Mins21 · Jul 18th, 2007, 09:11 AM

ooo bose sound...i want...

why are BMW so cheap with their sound?! ggrrr even VW are better

DaFlake · Jul 18th, 2007, 09:25 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Mins21 (original)

ooo bose sound...i want...

why are BMW so cheap with their sound?! ggrrr even VW are better

I don't think that are that cheap to be honest. The HK was/is a pretty good clear/clean system compared to most. Also, the DPSM is contender for the really loud side. There are some that would argue that Bose is not that great in terms of audio. It all depends....

In your case, I think that you like after market systems better and there is nothing wrong with that. I wanted to stay as stock as possible so I choose the HK which I like. I play piano and guitar and to be honest think that the clarity of the HK system is very pleasing. Some want that loud booming base so they have to go after market to get it.

Bottom line is that you have to match a system to your ears and the type of music that you listen to.

Mins21 · Jul 18th, 2007, 11:06 AM

I've only heard a HK system in the new Lexus IS220 thats came out recently and was awestruck by the clarity of the sound. I bought my car second hand so system was akready there (Boost).

Bass isnt for me, I just want clarity and depth, much like the sound that companies like HK and Bose try to recreate...are HK speakers freely available as aftermarket? Or are the

Mins21 · Jul 18th, 2007, 11:07 AM

speakes from HK available from MINI? I wonder...I may be interested in these...together with a decent DVD slot aftermarket HU, the sound would be something I am looking for.

Definitely want DVD on my sat nav screen though! Will speak to Mike about that

Mins21 · Jul 18th, 2007, 11:09 AM

I'm bias for Bose cos I have their acoustimass speakers in my living room and they really sund brilliant with movies (ok not so much with music cos they lack a bit of mid range)...but stonking sounds nevertheless...

DaFlake · Jul 18th, 2007, 11:21 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Mins21 (original)

speakes from HK available from MINI? I wonder...I may be interested in these...together with a decent DVD slot aftermarket HU, the sound would be something I am looking for.

Definitely want DVD on my sat nav screen though! Will speak to Mike about that

better off buying after market as they are really designed to work with the HK amp.

Mins21 · Jul 18th, 2007, 12:53 PM

wonder what is available speaker wise that will offer a comparative sound quality...

i'm thinking alpine/sony HU with Infinity speakers...will research

DaFlake · Jul 18th, 2007, 01:00 PM

Check out Mikey...

NewMINIStuff.com

He has pretty much tuned a sound package for the MINI and can answer your concerns about any other things.

Biglad_UK · Jul 18th, 2007, 01:03 PM

I guess this is the third party version of DSPM

NewMINIStuff.com

Even includes deadening

Si

DaFlake · Jul 18th, 2007, 02:07 PM

Yep!

Mins21 · Jul 18th, 2007, 02:24 PM

bit cheap than the HK kit

Biglad_UK · Jul 18th, 2007, 02:41 PM

What does the HK kit cost supplied ?

I got a quote from my local for the parts only and they came out at

PSM - £425
DPSM - £999

PSM looks super easy to install but I guess won't have the power of the DPSM....So anyone know how much HK is ?

Anyone installed PSM and have a review ?

Si

Biglad_UK · Jul 20th, 2007, 12:05 PM

OK...

Given that I want Bluetooth and Ipod intergration..........how do you guys think this stacks up for value for money ?

http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/pro...s_id/5458.html

If I add the £50 Ipod interface then for £200 I have a start at improving the sound and adding IPOD/Phone to the car.....

I guess addtionally I have to had MFSW adapter and Mini ISO Fitting kit....

Anyone have any thoughts ? Anyone have this 2006 Kenwood Headunit ?

Si

mikeythemini · Jul 20th, 2007, 12:13 PM

This unit is painfully slow to use an ipod with

Jul 17th, 2007, 10:45 AM	#1
Biglad_UK MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Milton Keynes Local Time: 10:36 AM Posts: 31 Offline	ICE Wise, what actually is the problem with stock ? I've read loads of posts about people adding amps, adding new HU's and replacing the speakers but what do I actually have to replace to improve the sound to a good level ? I've just got an 06 MCS with standard boost CD player and the sound is very poor but not being an ice expert and not wanting to spend money for no reason what do I actually need to change ? I've read about the Mini upgrade DPSM which posters are saying is better than HK and this is an AMP and speaker upgrade but the original HU There's also a PSM upgrade which I believe is also an AMP and speakers but can't find any reviews for this but assume it's not as good as DPSM as it's half the price. So.... Do I need to replace everything ? Would simply adding an Amp to the current speakers and HU give me a very good sound ? Would simply replacing all the speakers vastly improve the sound ? I guess you see what I'm getting at. Your assitance as always is greatly appreciated Si

Jul 17th, 2007, 11:46 AM	#3 (permalink)
DaFlake Lovin' every MINI of it! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hanging on The Cape! Local Time: 05:36 AM Posts: 10,886 Offline	Amp = clarity and power Speakers = clarity HU = features. To be honest, the stock HU is not all that bad (Boost). If I were to upgrade this is the route that I would go. Amp and speakers first then a HU unit later. HK can't be retro fitted (it can, but not worth the cost) and DPSM just cost way more than it is worth. just .02.... Global Moderator
http://www.mini2.com/forum/

Jul 17th, 2007, 02:32 PM	#5 (permalink)
DaFlake Lovin' every MINI of it! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hanging on The Cape! Local Time: 05:36 AM Posts: 10,886 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Mins21 (original) i have to agree with DSapseid...upgrade headunit first...tho I havent done mine yet (am wanting to change to play DVDs through factory sat nav)...the head unit upgrade should improve things... but definitely speak to Mike as ebove, or someone else who does this for a living - they'll be able to suggest all sorts of solutions to you...whatever your budget is! Mins This brings up a good point. What are your trying to achieve? Do you want minimal HU interface with no bells and whistles? If that is the case, the stock HU will suffice until you can save for something better. So focus on amp and speakers. If you want DVD and all the gadget portion of the HU then maybe going the opposite direction is better. The nice thing about ICE is that it is flexible to what you want and can afford. Lastly, try to LISTEN to a system before you buy if you can. Everyone has different hearing and may like different mixes of equipment. You may find that Pioneer speakers are what you want while others may like the sound from Infinity. It just varies from person to person. Global Moderator

Jul 18th, 2007, 09:25 AM	#8 (permalink)
DaFlake Lovin' every MINI of it! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hanging on The Cape! Local Time: 05:36 AM Posts: 10,886 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Mins21 (original) ooo bose sound...i want... why are BMW so cheap with their sound?! ggrrr even VW are better I don't think that are that cheap to be honest. The HK was/is a pretty good clear/clean system compared to most. Also, the DPSM is contender for the really loud side. There are some that would argue that Bose is not that great in terms of audio. It all depends.... In your case, I think that you like after market systems better and there is nothing wrong with that. I wanted to stay as stock as possible so I choose the HK which I like. I play piano and guitar and to be honest think that the clarity of the HK system is very pleasing. Some want that loud booming base so they have to go after market to get it. Bottom line is that you have to match a system to your ears and the type of music that you listen to. Global Moderator

Jul 18th, 2007, 11:21 AM	#12 (permalink)
DaFlake Lovin' every MINI of it! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hanging on The Cape! Local Time: 05:36 AM Posts: 10,886 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Mins21 (original) speakes from HK available from MINI? I wonder...I may be interested in these...together with a decent DVD slot aftermarket HU, the sound would be something I am looking for. Definitely want DVD on my sat nav screen though! Will speak to Mike about that better off buying after market as they are really designed to work with the HK amp. Global Moderator

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Jul 17th, 2007, 11:29 AM	#2 (permalink)
DSapseid Now with added spotlights My Classifieds Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Nr Chichester W-Suss Local Time: 10:36 AM Posts: 363 Offline	Changing the Head Unit will give you a increase in sound quality, i would do that first then if you are still not happy with it upgrade the speakers. If in doubt speak to mikey NewMINIStuff.com Dan

Jul 17th, 2007, 02:21 PM	#4 (permalink)
Mins21 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2007 Local Time: 10:36 AM Posts: 104 Offline	i have to agree with DSapseid...upgrade headunit first...tho I havent done mine yet (am wanting to change to play DVDs through factory sat nav)...the head unit upgrade should improve things... but definitely speak to Mike as ebove, or someone else who does this for a living - they'll be able to suggest all sorts of solutions to you...whatever your budget is! Mins

Jul 17th, 2007, 02:43 PM	#6 (permalink)
Biglad_UK MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Milton Keynes Local Time: 10:36 AM Posts: 31 Offline	All good advice thanks. I'm basically trying to acheive better quailty sound reproduction as I can add the Dension Gateway 100 & Bluetooth Adapter to take care of the inputs. The MCS is a second car used by me to travel too and from work so about an hour total per day. To put it in context, my other car is an Audi Q7 with Bose Sound, Nav, Comms pack etc etc etc so I have brilliant sound but then I get in the MCS and it's tinny, lifeless dare I say cheap ? So given that I don't need a head unit that can flash blue lights at me, play DVD's and download webpages...I just want to beable to see my Ipod track names/Who's calling me and listen to music I guess an Amp and speakers look the best option. If I had £700 then I think DPSM would be my best option but I only really want to spend £300-£500 so this PSM might be worth investigating Si

Jul 18th, 2007, 09:11 AM	#7 (permalink)
Mins21 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2007 Local Time: 10:36 AM Posts: 104 Offline	ooo bose sound...i want... why are BMW so cheap with their sound?! ggrrr even VW are better

Jul 18th, 2007, 11:06 AM	#9 (permalink)
Mins21 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2007 Local Time: 10:36 AM Posts: 104 Offline	I've only heard a HK system in the new Lexus IS220 thats came out recently and was awestruck by the clarity of the sound. I bought my car second hand so system was akready there (Boost). Bass isnt for me, I just want clarity and depth, much like the sound that companies like HK and Bose try to recreate...are HK speakers freely available as aftermarket? Or are the

Jul 18th, 2007, 11:07 AM	#10 (permalink)
Mins21 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2007 Local Time: 10:36 AM Posts: 104 Offline	speakes from HK available from MINI? I wonder...I may be interested in these...together with a decent DVD slot aftermarket HU, the sound would be something I am looking for. Definitely want DVD on my sat nav screen though! Will speak to Mike about that

Jul 18th, 2007, 11:09 AM	#11 (permalink)
Mins21 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2007 Local Time: 10:36 AM Posts: 104 Offline	I'm bias for Bose cos I have their acoustimass speakers in my living room and they really sund brilliant with movies (ok not so much with music cos they lack a bit of mid range)...but stonking sounds nevertheless...

Jul 18th, 2007, 12:53 PM	#13 (permalink)
Mins21 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2007 Local Time: 10:36 AM Posts: 104 Offline	wonder what is available speaker wise that will offer a comparative sound quality... i'm thinking alpine/sony HU with Infinity speakers...will research

Jul 18th, 2007, 01:00 PM	#14 (permalink)
DaFlake Lovin' every MINI of it! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hanging on The Cape! Local Time: 05:36 AM Posts: 10,886 Offline	Check out Mikey... NewMINIStuff.com He has pretty much tuned a sound package for the MINI and can answer your concerns about any other things. Global Moderator

Jul 18th, 2007, 01:03 PM	#15 (permalink)
Biglad_UK MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Milton Keynes Local Time: 10:36 AM Posts: 31 Offline	I guess this is the third party version of DSPM NewMINIStuff.com Even includes deadening Si

Jul 18th, 2007, 02:07 PM	#16 (permalink)
DaFlake Lovin' every MINI of it! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Hanging on The Cape! Local Time: 05:36 AM Posts: 10,886 Offline	Yep! Global Moderator

Jul 18th, 2007, 02:24 PM	#17 (permalink)
Mins21 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2007 Local Time: 10:36 AM Posts: 104 Offline	bit cheap than the HK kit

Jul 18th, 2007, 02:41 PM	#18 (permalink)
Biglad_UK MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Milton Keynes Local Time: 10:36 AM Posts: 31 Offline	What does the HK kit cost supplied ? I got a quote from my local for the parts only and they came out at PSM - £425 DPSM - £999 PSM looks super easy to install but I guess won't have the power of the DPSM....So anyone know how much HK is ? Anyone installed PSM and have a review ? Si

Jul 20th, 2007, 12:05 PM	#19 (permalink)
Biglad_UK MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Milton Keynes Local Time: 10:36 AM Posts: 31 Offline	OK... Given that I want Bluetooth and Ipod intergration..........how do you guys think this stacks up for value for money ? http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/pro...s_id/5458.html If I add the £50 Ipod interface then for £200 I have a start at improving the sound and adding IPOD/Phone to the car..... I guess addtionally I have to had MFSW adapter and Mini ISO Fitting kit.... Anyone have any thoughts ? Anyone have this 2006 Kenwood Headunit ? Si

Jul 20th, 2007, 12:13 PM	#20 (permalink)
mikeythemini I can't get no sleep My Classifieds Join Date: May 2002 Location: Capital of Culture Local Time: 10:36 AM Posts: 9,280 Online	This unit is painfully slow to use an ipod with Lakes Tour 2008 coming soon Are you ready for Lakes 2008 - details soon

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