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Today while at the dealer I was given the first copy out of the just received box a copy of "The MINI International Vol 32" (magazine)
In the Magazine was and add titled "The New MINI Hi-Fi System Alpine". It said to look at the add info page in the back of the magazine or Go to www.mini.com/accessories.
So from the back of the magazine:
Sounds great: the MINI Hi-Fi system by Alpine.
All the parts of the new Alpine hi-fi system were specially designed for teh MINI. The 3-way system consists of a class-D amplifier with a 2 x 100W output. Specially designed bass, mid-range and treble speakers have an aluminum speakers have an aluminum membrane for clear, transparent and detailed sound. What's more, the MINI Hi-Fi system is compatible with all iPod models.
From the reading it sounds as if it might be a plug and play system for speakers, and amp.
I have not been able to get a part number for the upgrade but will be inquiring more tomorrow.
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08MCCS, HC/HC/Blk, 6 SPD, Premium, Sport, Cold Weather, Convenience, HiFi, HC L/C - Steering Wheel - Shift Knob-Boot, - E Brake Handle-Boot, English Oak - 17" Web Spoke (R98) Painted H/C, H/C Club Member #42.
The 3-way system consists of a class-D amplifier with a 2 x 100W output. Specially designed bass, mid-range and treble speakers have an aluminum speakers have an aluminum membrane for clear, transparent and detailed sound.
So, no rear speakers, unless that it 6x9 woofers in the back, midrange in the doors, and tweeters in the A-pillars. Knowing MINI, it would be woofers in the door, midrange in the back and tweeters in the A-pillars.
Or, was it supposed to be 4 x 100W?
Probably be too bright for my ears with alumium tweeters. I hope that wasn't really supposed to be aluminum membrane for the speakers.
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Robin Casady Bombadil: 2007 MINI Cooper S, R56, Pure Silver, LSD, Wood Shift Knob, Rota Slipstream 16x7, NAV, HIFI...
If it is plug and play I am a done deal. After reading all 6324 post on audio upgrades I would be thrilled to buy a quick, easy fix direct from Mini. Let us pray.
For vehicles with TV function = No and
Preparation BMW satellite radio = No and
Satellite tuner = No and
MINI HiFi speaker system = No
I take it that means we can't use it to upgrade a HIFI system?
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2008 Clubman S with lots of toys built-in. Mods/home made: iPhone holder + Escort 8500 radar mute button next to 'sport mode' + boss bass controller under stereo + LED lighting for boot area.
...Probably be too bright for my ears with alumium tweeters. I hope that wasn't really supposed to be aluminum membrane for the speakers.
Never understand the "too bright" argument about metal (aluminum, titanium or diamond tweeters). What are cymbals, piano strings, bells, xylophones, and steel guitar strings made of, plastic? Also have you ever heard any of these instruments live, up close and unamped? Because guess what they ARE bright.
Never understand the "too bright" argument about metal (aluminum, titanium or diamond tweeters). What are cymbals, piano strings, bells, xylophones, and steel guitar strings made of, plastic?
Cymbals, piano strings, bells, xylophones, and steel guitar strings are not tweeters. They are cymbals, piano strings, bells, xylophones, and steel guitar strings.
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Also have you ever heard any of these instruments live, up close and unamped? Because guess what they ARE bright.
Yes. They are normal bright, not too bright. When you turn a woman's voice into a cymbaal, that's too bright.
I had Infinity Kappa speakers. They sounded too bright for my taste. Recommendations were to go with speakers that had silk tweeters. So, I went with Image Dynamic speakers and an Image Dynamic amp. Sounds much better to me. However, I can't say that it was the tweeters that made the difference. It was just that numerous people recommended staying away from metal tweeters if one doesn't like bright audio.
It may have been that the HIFI amp was the real culprit, although numerous reviews (including positive reviews) characterize the Infinity Kappas as bright.
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Robin Casady Bombadil: 2007 MINI Cooper S, R56, Pure Silver, LSD, Wood Shift Knob, Rota Slipstream 16x7, NAV, HIFI...
Be very careful buying any kind of MINI upgrade for the sound system. I bought one of their upgrades the DPSM for the 1st gen MINI. My MINI spent over 4 months in the shop in less than 3 years of ownership. Because that $2200-2300 upgrade shorted out almost constantly even when turned off. IMO you are far better off going to a competent stereo shop.
the MINI Hi-Fi system by Alpine is offered in Europe as an upgrade for the Base Stereo on the Gen 2 Minis. What is interesting is that the install instructions indicate 1.5 hours labor (routing wire harness, replacing door speakers, adding A-pillar speakers and mounting the amplifier). That seems pretty quick.
Very nice. Plug and play, factory warranty. Now....how the heck do I get the parts? Are we betting they will show up in dealers next year or is this going to become a duck hunt?
Very nice. Plug and play, factory warranty. Now....how the heck do I get the parts? Are we betting they will show up in dealers next year or is this going to become a duck hunt?
You can order it from Europe. My gut feeling is that MINIUSA won't import it (not enough sales), and they won't handle the warranty unless they do.
The reaction on the German thread is mixed, and the consensus seems to be that the new HK system is superior. Some of the comments (Google translation):
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I can install my Alpine system and must say: I am somewhat disappointed by the sound and the bass. Sure, it's better than the mini system, but I am not satisfied. Have now seen in the installation instructions that the amp is installed under the passenger seat. Can you make any further settings there?
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So now since yesterday, finally got in there too, the Alpine system. For the money the sound is absolutely top, relatively clear treble and the bass is really accurate, at worlds and crisp than the factory hi. Unfortunately, start at high volume to rattle the door panels, the speakers, but by keeping loose. The sound is unfortunately still a good bit worse than in our BMWs with HiFi Professional, I hope when my lease expires in 2012, gibts was similar from the factory, the Harman Kardon indeed seems to be quite good.
Good info, thanks. If you follow ECS tunings ordering system it allows you to place an order for the part we need. I will call them Monday to see if they can actually get them. The next issue is deciding what I really want. I am sure that the alpine system isn't as good as a quality aftermarket, but I don't really know that I want someone taking apart my new interior. My mini has ZERO rattles and I am not anxious to create some.
Never understand the "too bright" argument about metal (aluminum, titanium or diamond tweeters). What are cymbals, piano strings, bells, xylophones, and steel guitar strings made of, plastic? Also have you ever heard any of these instruments live, up close and unamped? Because guess what they ARE bright.
i agree ..a better way to argue the point would be to say that "some" metal tweeters sound to bright in "some" systems. Just like "some" fabric" tweeters sound too soft in "some" systems.
Metal is GREAT when done installed and amplified properly....
I suspect we need to buy the pillar replacements as well. I think I am going to try this. If I later add an urbanmini sub box and amp that should give me the sound I am looking for without stepping too far out of the factory box.
This appears to be designed as a field upgrade, whereas the H/K system doesn't.
From the standard, or HIFI? Since the HIFI and H/K are both 10 speakers systems, seems like it wouldn't be too difficult to go from HIFI to H/K. Wiring harnesses might be the same.
If the Alpine is designed to be an upgrade from standard audio, I could see how that would be an easier route.
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Robin Casady Bombadil: 2007 MINI Cooper S, R56, Pure Silver, LSD, Wood Shift Knob, Rota Slipstream 16x7, NAV, HIFI...
From the standard, or HIFI? Since the HIFI and H/K are both 10 speakers systems, seems like it wouldn't be too difficult to go from HIFI to H/K. Wiring harnesses might be the same.
If the Alpine is designed to be an upgrade from standard audio, I could see how that would be an easier route.
You are right. I should have been more clear - The Alpine is designed to be an upgrade from the base euro audio.
Also have you ever heard any of these instruments live, up close and unamped? Because guess what they ARE bright.
Laser Blue/White MCS delivered 3/8/07. Off lease 5/17/09.
