Looking for stereo adivce

"TheTurbochargedSquirrel" (thatsquirrel) 05/17/2016 at 12:16 • Filed to: None

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So my Mini needs a new stereo. The system that is in it now consists of a super cheap head unit with a “500W watts” ebay special amp driving the factory harman kardon speakers. The speaker on my phone can produce higher quality sound than this system. I would like to get a AM/FM/Bluetooth head unit (single DIN) that I can drive the speakers from directly. The PO completely wrecked the factory wiring so a factory system is not really an option (besides the fact they are rather expensive, thanks BMW!).

I have been looking at units such as this Pioneer 50W x 4 unit

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Should I also be looking at amps? The current system and the factory system used an amp located in the trunk though I was just planning on redoing some of the wiring to use only the head unit (like I said the factory wiring is already completely ruined).

Does Oppo have any recommendations for a head unit with AM/FM/Bluetooth capabilities that would not require an external amp? I don’t need CD capability as I do not actually own any CDs.

Echo51 > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 05/17/2016 at 12:22

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I run a front components set and a smaller 8" subwoofer off the slightly older but higher model MVH-X560BT and it suits me fine. Just redo wiring to run it off the radio for front/rear speakers. Just be sure there’s crossovers on the tweeters, so you don’t burn them out, but i somehow doubt the stock system would be an active crossover via the factory amp.

If you need more umph, they make small-sized amps aswell

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 05/17/2016 at 12:26

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If the car already has the wiring for an external amp I’d just replace the 500 watt ebay amplifier with something along the lines of a 4-channel Rockford Fosgate amp combined with a mid-range Pioneer.

http://www.amazon.com/Rockford-R300X…

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-DEH-X6…

That’s around $200 total but it’s expandable and very feature-filled. I have a Sony Xplod 4-channel hooked up to a similar head unit in my Buick and it sounds stunning, even though Xplod stuff is generally terrible versus something like that Rockford.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 05/17/2016 at 13:21

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That Pioneer was another unit that I was looking at. I like how it will give me the option to match its lighting to the orange lighting throughout the rest of the dash. I would have to find a smaller amp though. The current wiring places the amp in a pocket in the side of the trunk. I need something roughly 6x6 inches (I will have to measure before I make a purchase).

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 05/17/2016 at 13:29

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I have the older version of that Pioneer which only has one color of lighting so I can’t comment on how well that works.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 05/17/2016 at 13:32

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crutchfield.com

only place to go and do research and build a system there. tech support is amazing as well

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 05/17/2016 at 13:36

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It’s just a kinda cool thing that doesn’t really change the way the unit works. I am thinking what I am going to do is buy a head unit and just temporarily wire it into the speakers to see how it sounds before determining if I need an amp. If it sounds good I will move to properly wiring it into the car. I will check what kind of wattage I need when I pull the drivers door card off to see what is up with the lock actuator on that side.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 05/17/2016 at 14:36

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I have found crutchfield in my searching. It is a very good resource.

MonteCarlo2500HD > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 05/17/2016 at 19:19

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I would nominate an Alpine deck for you if your after sound quality. Also JL audio makes tiny amps for motorcycles and such that should work. On the sound quality topic an amp is a must, if your just after noise the deck will play fine, but your 40w Rms deck is really only pushing 20w to your speakers....the amp will be night and day

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > MonteCarlo2500HD 05/17/2016 at 19:26

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I’m mostly after something that is better than the current system which sounds like an iPhone played from across a football field. I just want something that has decent sound without spending a massive amount. I am planning on trying just a head unit. I can add an amp later if I need to.

MonteCarlo2500HD > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 05/17/2016 at 21:06

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It’s a rabbit hole you may not want to go down. I would still get an Alpine deck, I have 3 with 0 issues. Ones 16 yrs old

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > TheTurbochargedSquirrel 05/18/2016 at 00:17

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only place I buy from now