'09 Coop Lo-Fi

[BailoutRed]

Just got an '09 Coop S...... Lovin' life.... until I turn on the stock stereo.
Anyone know how easy or inexpensive it is to hook up external amps to the stock crappy box? How about size/type of separates for the doors and back?
I know I should be listening to the exhaust, but sometimes I like to listen to good, clear, LOUD, full-range 'tunes.
I gave up a 15 year old clunker with $3K in audio equipment for an amazing toy with lame sounds. Not complainin'. Where do I go from here?
Thanks... and glad to be here.

[Chris Woolman]

Try Crutchfield.  Those guys are always helpful.

You might be able to install a processor like this one: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_161LC6IG/AudioControl-LC6i-Gray.html

It will let you install aftermarket amps.  However, if the amps are getting a crappy line level signal, then you will just hear more details of the crap (make sense?).  There seems to be no head unit solutions for your car.  Good luck!

Chris

[BailoutRed]

Good suggestion, thanks
I?m definitely keeping the stock head unit, but want to add speakers, an amp or two and a sub. But keeping the look as stock as possible.

Who else out there has gone this route?
I?d love to see a list of equipment and photos.

Thanks,
NewGuy.

[Idoitforthegas]

I couldn't tell you speaker sizes but i can say that i hade polk/momo 6x9s and Competition components in my 02 cooper and the sound was much better than stock.  Then I installed a good amp to power them and was like .

If you are willing to spend the money, you need dynamat or somthing like it to place behind each speaker. Do this along with good speakers(no walmart specials) and you won't need an amp, promise.

[Fast Taxi]

It all comes down to budget...  How much are you willing to shove out.  Are you planning on spending another 3$k for an audiophile system?

[mOstyn]

Chris,
I saw a head unit at CES in 09 for the R56.
Can't remember who. They took out the CD and modded the opening for a cool unit with great sounds.
Fast Taxi,
I have the upgrade sound in my 07 and is crappy at best. $500 option down the drain.
I talked with the western area mgr and complained and he said they were going to fix it with the 2009 model year.
Woops.....!!! I guess not

[Fast Taxi]

What I did with my 07 MCS (10 speaker system) was keep the OEM head unit, tap the signal BEFORE the stock amp, then I went to an audio control DQL-8 then into a couple of Alpine PDX amps.   I feel I have pretty good signal now.

Fast Taxi