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After getting the chance to play a CD in the standard boost system I have changed my mind from my initial though that it was marginal. I think it's a perfectly fine base stereo. I listened to Eric Clapton's Pilgrim. Increased the bass to 3 or 4, treble to 5 or 6 and fade forward to 4 or 5. Plays at decent levels with good sound quality. Still need to try MP3s and I'm just starting to get used to how the controls work.
I'd be interested to hear other comments and discoveries.
I find the sound adequate, but the ergonomics are a disaster! Aarrrrgh!
My first reach was to turn the volume down. What do I grab? The big knob at the top. Wrong! It's the smaller knob down below, which (by the way) has no illuminated indicator at night to tell you what it does.
The button/knob menus are a mess. I keep accidentally getting into different modes and not knowing how to get out.
I realize that everything will become clear after a couple read-throughs of the manual, but when is the last time I had to read a manual just to operate the friggin' RADIO?
I found the knobs to be quite intuitive; the lower one [you know, the one right next to the CD slot] even has an icon for volume. You push the knob for extreme volume change, which is Off. LOL
I know I'm the odd one out on this, but then again I learn and adapt to new things pretty quick. When the E65 [7-series] was first introduced, I understood how to use I-drive right away; the sales people were blown away. That said, I still think I-drive is a crappy system; Audi's MMI is miles ahead in its GUI.
Almost all aftermarket receivers have the same problem that the new MINI unit has. Too many functions for the room available. At least the MINI has fairly large buttons and legible markings and words. A dedicated volume is better than none no matter where they put it. I find the "rocker buttons" used to select radio stations the most difficult aspect particularly when in CD mode. They seem to be far enough to the right of me that they don't align with the function text above them. Still better than trying to remember the function of tiny buttons I can't read a darn thing on that are used on my other car's unit.
I found the knobs to be quite intuitive; the lower one [you know, the one right next to the CD slot] even has an icon for volume. You push the knob for extreme volume change, which is Off. LOL
I know I'm the odd one out on this, but then again I learn and adapt to new things pretty quick.
I'm with you ...it took me about ten minutes to figure it out with no help and no manual. As someone here on another forum so cleverly said; just use the left side of your brain instead of the right and you'll be fine.
We are all accustomed to the volume knob being on the left of the radio and the tuning knob being on the right (horizontal alignment). The R56 simply has it up and down (vertical alignment) instead. Big deal.
Almost all aftermarket receivers have the same problem that the new MINI unit has. Too many functions for the room available. At least the MINI has fairly large buttons and legible markings and words. A dedicated volume is better than none no matter where they put it. I find the "rocker buttons" used to select radio stations the most difficult aspect particularly when in CD mode. They seem to be far enough to the right of me that they don't align with the function text above them. Still better than trying to remember the function of tiny buttons I can't read a darn thing on that are used on my other car's unit.
Those tiny buttons on most aftermarket stereos always kept me from swapping out the original. My fat fingers seemed to push the wrong button or two buttons at once and that became a problem while driving. I found the R56 setup OK, took about 5 minutes to get the basics down while in the showroom, and from reading these forums already knew about the volume control. I enjoy learning the operation of new gadgets, and as stated above, the new buttons make it easy to operate. Anyway, I'm getting the SAT/NAV, so I'll be learning that instead.
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2007 R56 MCS DS/B w/ stripes, Sport (DSC, Web Spokes, Xenons) & Cold Weather Packages, LSD,
MFSW, SAT/NAV, Cloth, GG interior door, PB dash, White Indicators, HiFi sound, Auto AC, Rear Fog
DSOC #212
I certainly wouldn't call myself an I-Drive lover, frankly I think Audi's MMI is far superior as far as GUI's go, but I will admit to being I-Drive [and MINI-Drive] literate
I can vouch for both the upper and lower knobs for the radio being illuminated by a ring of orange light at night with the parking/headlights on. Perhaps the one you drove was not working.
I can vouch for both the upper and lower knobs for the radio being illuminated by a ring of orange light at night with the parking/headlights on. Perhaps the one you drove was not working.
It is illuminated, but its FUNCTION is not. That is, there's a ring of light around it, but you don't know what the knob does, since the little speaker icons by it do NOT light up.
Well, 12hrs with our new mini. We got it loaded minus the upgraded stereo & the nav system. I'm glad we didn't get the upgraded stereo. The stock system is entirely average sounding, maybe below average compared to other stock systems (not upgraded). For the $550 you can easily replace the speakers (with decent speakers, maybe not focals) and put an amp in it. We may do that. It's my wifes car and she thinks it sounds fine for her.
The stereo itself is OK, the controls are a little counter-intuitive at times. But it works, and once you get the hang of it, it's alright. We have the bluetooth and handsfree/voice setup so there are some more options there.
I've used the function knob more than 1x to try to change volume. But the location of the volume knob by the shifter is actually OK. I'm sure I'll get used to it. I also have an S2000 and it's controls are a little strange, on the dash by your left hand. I got used to that.
Overall, I think the system is OK for what it is. Just don't expect an audiophile grade setup.
Hey, if you want to hear a HORRIBLE stock stereo, try the system in a Honda S2000. I don't even use it, I just listen to that engine rev, oh how it sings after 6200 RPM... all the way to redline. :-)
Well, 12hrs with our new mini. We got it loaded minus the upgraded stereo & the nav system.
I've used the function knob more than 1x to try to change volume. But the location of the volume knob by the shifter is actually OK. I'm sure I'll get used to it. I also have an S2000 and it's controls are a little strange, on the dash by your left hand. I got used to that.
If "loaded" includes the MFSW, you can change the volume on the left of the steering wheel.
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Robin Casady Bombadil: 2007 MINI Cooper S, R56, Pure Silver, LSD, Wood Shift Knob, Rota Slipstream 16x7, NAV, HIFI...
I also think that the standard radio is fine. It's not 'great' but is perfectly adequate. I've yet to listen to a CD, but the radio and ipod via ipod cradle and AUX port sound fine.
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