Entertainment Electronics 2nd Gen Integral Soundstage+Sub Review

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by BrewSwapGuy, Apr 30, 2012.

  1. BrewSwapGuy

    BrewSwapGuy New Member

    Oct 13, 2011
    35
    4
    0
    Phoenix, AZ
    Ratings:
    +4 / 0 / -0
    The Ordering/Customer Service

    Easily one of the best things about the system is dealing Kevin at Integral. He's quick to respond and seems to have endless patience with questions. He was very helpful with my pre-purchase, install and tuning questions. Big thumbs up.

    The Product/Install Kit

    Saying it's comprehensive is an understatement. Literally EVERY thing you need (down to a roll of electrical tape) is in this thing. No runs to the store...no wondering what you might need that you don't already have. I had two MINI owners with previous car audio industry install experience (years) both comment multiple times on how thorough Integral with putting the kit together.

    The speakers and sub all looked very nice and of high quality. Of course looks don't ensure great sound but you'll see later that's not a worry here.

    The Install

    The instructions are just as thorough as the kit but that doesn't mean I'd do it myself. I'm not the best DIY guy so I had some experience guys do it. But I watched step by step and the instructions will take you through all you need to have it look like it's factory and sound like it's supposed to. The only install issue worth mentioning (and I've already told Kevin it'd be wise to add this to the instructions) is that when we took off the door panel on the passenger side we bumped the door lock switch lever out of its place. We couldn't get it back in properly without removing the rest of the door which includes the glass. In the end we left it as it is (slightly sticking up) as it does not impact the door locking or unlocking with the remote, switch or door handle. We didn't bump it on the driver side so it's simply a matter of being mindful of that thing when you're working on it.

    The Sound

    I'm going to lump the review of the whole thing together as opposed to reviewing the Sub sound and the Soundstage sound.

    As a whole this system is pretty damn sweet. It's taken a couple weeks now but I'm finally settling into the right volumes for the different styles of music I listen to AND the different forms of media (CD vs iPhone vs Sat Radio). I am now listening at an overall lower volume because the music is so much cleaner, clearer and more crisp. The sub adds so much life to the styles I listen to and if you want it to it'll shake your kidneys...hard.

    I mainly listen to heavy metal, electronic, sports radio, movie scores and some hip hop. With this system I'd rank them as follows (from best sounding to not the best sounding): Electronic, Heavy Metal, Movie Scores, Hip Hop and Sports Radio. The last 4 are all fairly close but electronic music is by far the leader here. And it isn't just because the low end is now spectacular. The mids and highs are so clear and precise that the other styles just can't match how good it sounds.

    Kevin has pointed this out in various threads but how the music was recorded and the media type make a big difference in how good the sound quality will be. If you listen to Trip Like I Do from The Crystal Method on my iPhone it sounds really good. If I put in the Remastered 10th Anniversary CD and listen to that track it's jaw dropping. Keep that in mind.

    Overall

    The bottom line question anyone should ask is, in hindsight is the system worth the high cost? The answer is yes for 2 reasons:

    1. The system is a huge improvement over the "upgraded" HK system that I had. No more distortion at mid to upper volume levels. No more muddiness. No having to turn down the bass and miss out on some great piece of the music because I want to have the mids and highs louder. It's clear this system was designed for this car just from the sound alone. Two thumbs up.

    2. Any non-MINI owner would NEVER know this system is in the car. The sub is invisible, the amp is invisible, the speakers all go in the factory places. The sub volume knob is the only item visible and it blends in so well I doubt anyone not looking would notice. This was big for me because I don't want to be a target for theft AND I don't necessarily want people to know I have a nice system. In addition I had to give up very little space to have this incredible sound.

    If you can afford it I don't see how you could be disappointed with the end results.

    Hit me up if you have any questions I can answer.

    Matt
     
  2. euells

    euells Member
    Supporting Member

    Apr 5, 2012
    53
    24
    8
    Geek
    Chesterfield, VA
    Ratings:
    +24 / 0 / -0
    Are you going to be at MOTD? I'd love to hear the system.
     
  3. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
    Supporting Member

    May 4, 2009
    8,767
    2,547
    113
    Bend, OR USA
    Ratings:
    +2,678 / 1 / -0
  4. BrewSwapGuy

    BrewSwapGuy New Member

    Oct 13, 2011
    35
    4
    0
    Phoenix, AZ
    Ratings:
    +4 / 0 / -0
    Sadly I had to cancel. Check out the thread on NAM as a lot of guys are getting this now and hopefully one is near you.
     
  5. BrewSwapGuy

    BrewSwapGuy New Member

    Oct 13, 2011
    35
    4
    0
    Phoenix, AZ
    Ratings:
    +4 / 0 / -0
    Funny enough pics are useless! In the cabin the system is invisible and in the rear the only difference is no more sunken area. Carpet match is dead on.
     

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