[Kurtster]

I am posting this to help others with an idea of what to expect with a $2000 budget and the same goals as I had.
My stereo install is complete as follows:

Photos are here: http://homepage.mac.com/kurtheiden/p...toAlbum39.html

JL Audio 450/4 (150x2 - front, 75x2 - rear) ($600)
JL Audio 250/1 (Subwoofer amp) ($300)
JL Audio Stealthbox 10" sub ($400)
Polk db6500 Component spekaers (front) ($200)
Polk/MOMO MMC690 6x9 speakers (rear) ($120)
Factory (Boost) head unit with line in ($50)
Dynamat ($100)
Installation ($400)

Total: 700W of bliss

I'm incredibly pleased with the sound quality. I have been a Polk Audio fan since my first pair of SDA-1C speakers at home, so I know I could've gotten MB Quarts, JLs, Dynaudio, etc. but I like the way Polks sound.

I have a little more tweaking to do and hope to have an Alpine head unit with EQ controls because it's a hair on the bright side, but all frequencies are covered very well. Front and rear speakers are hi-passed cutoff at 80Hz. The Stealthbox is set for 80Hz Low pass.

KEY GOALS ACCOMPLISHED:
1.) Factory look maintained unless something better was an option
2.) Sufficient SPL to drive the freeway with windows down and sunroof open yet hear nothing but music
3.) NO BOOM! (I hate it when others at stop lights can feel every kick drum in my car)
4.) Good, solid, (as flat as possible) frequency response from 50Hz-20kHz
5.) Keep it under $2000 (I came very close, but couldn't find the db6500 speakers on eBay)

I welcome your questions and coments and I hope this helps others to reach their ultimate sound system in their MINI.

PS: There are photos of the Moss Motors front grills that are a real problem because they don't fit properly, and allow you to see too much through them when compared to the factory grills. I've tried to remedy that by bonding some garden screen to the back side of the grills. I'll post photos once I actually install them, assuming I can find a way to prevent them from rubbing the paint off of the surrounding grill area because of the poor shape. I do NOT recommend these grills for anyone unless you don't mind mismatched parts that might scratch your pain and allow you to clearly see a steering arm beneath the grill.

[kapolani]

Very nice.

I'm coaching a travel team this summer (soccer) with the money they are paying me I'm going to be doing a sound system install, buy some rims and tires, and get some KW coilovers.

How do you like the stealth box? I've heard only good things about it.

Also - would you happen to know (roughly) how much weight the stereo install added?

Is the speaker and amps removable? The reason I ask - I track my cars - I want to do an install that you can remove relatively easily.

TIA!

[CurtP]

Quote: Originally Posted by Kurtster

PS: There are photos of the Moss Motors front grills that are a real problem because they don't fit properly, and allow you to see too much through them when compared to the factory grills. I've tried to remedy that by bonding some garden screen to the back side of the grills. I'll post photos once I actually install them, assuming I can find a way to prevent them from rubbing the paint off of the surrounding grill area because of the poor shape. I do NOT recommend these grills for anyone unless you don't mind mismatched parts that might scratch your pain and allow you to clearly see a steering arm beneath the grill.

Thanks for the heads up! I've been looking at them for awhile now and have been considering buying a pair. The thing that kept me from buying them is that I wanted to see how they attach to the car - I was afraid it would be those tabs that have to be bent (I can see those breaking if the grills ever have to be removed). I'm really appalled that they don't bother to put any sort of protection on the bottom side of those things to protect the paint!

[jd2_uk]

Hi

Your install sounds excellent - just the sort of thing I'm looking to do. I'm also interested to hear you comments on the JL Audio Stealth Sub.

Where did you get it for $400? In the UK they are £550 - almost double what you paid. It may be worthwhile importing one for that price difference!

Thanks

James

[Kurtster]

Gold Star Audio in Santa Ana (possibly Irvine), California sold me the stealthbox. It really sounds great, but it cannot easily be remove without a lot of work. It gets bolted to the metal under the rear seats. God help me when I need a new battery.

ABOUT THE GRILLS: I just returned them today. I spent a long time last night with double sided tape to prep the are because I was determined to make them work. NO DICE. The metal arm that sweeps left to right just under the driver's side grill is for the wiper arms. The tab on the lengthways ends of the grills CANNOT BE EXTENDED because they hit the wiper arm bar. It's the most thoughtless design I've ever seen. Totally useless despite my attempts to force it to work. i think I saw the factory (OEM) grills in chrome from another vendor somewhere. That's what I'll be doing I think.

[Frodo]

Hey Kurtster, I like the polk speaker grills (ok, I like your whole system too ) I have the stock HK system but I want to add the polk speaker grills. How did they attach, to the door panel or to the speaker. Which brings me to my next question, did you fit the speakers under the door panel (directly to the door) or through the panel (in top). Thanks and great system!

Frodo

[pimini]

Thanks for posting those pics. I am in love with your front speakers. They will be mine! I live in southern CA, any place you recommend I go? Either for purchase or install?

Pieter

[pesos]

nice! I did something similar, except went with two stealthboxes, and a 500/1 to power them. did a 300/2 for the front speakers, which are JL components, and went with an alpine mp3 head unit (didn't want to fuss with my ipod). photos at:

http://www.lazara.org/misc/photos/mini/system

Wes

[ScottyB]

Nice setup