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Blown H/K amp blasting varying tones, even if system is off?
I am fully aware that virtually everyone on this forum has more technical knowledge in their little finger than I ever will have in my head. So I apologize in advance if this is a stupid question.
According to the dealership, my 2004 mini amplifier for the harmon kardon system is apparently sending an intermittent signal, and the dealer says it needs to be replaced for $1150. It just won't happen at anywhere near that price. Meanwhile, I am subjected to varying tones blasting through the system every few minutes, even if the radio is turned off. Every few days the radio works for about a minute.
I was told the amplifier replacement part was $961. I discovered my dealership charges about a 300% markup on parts as I've gone through too many run flats to count and finally found the same online.
So how do I find out exactly what part I need for the amp replacement, so I can attempt to find another for less?
Thanks for all the input, it is a big help. In case anyone was wondering, here's some answers:
no, unfortunately, my 4 yr 50K warranty is up.
no, I don't listen at high volumes. Ever!
I contacted the person selling the amp, but it's been sold. But I really appreciate the tip!
Now that I know I can only get it at Mini, I guess I can feel better knowing I'm not being taken. But it will need to be fixed, sooner or later.
Does anyone know how much it would cost to get a less expensive system installed? $1150 is so much for me right now -
Depends how low cost you want to go, what you might be prepared to listen to, and whether you'll later want to spend more $$$.
You could have someone link out the H/K amp and let the stock stereo direct drive the speaker positions - then get some low cost speakers to replace the H/K ones (the stock unit can't drive the H/K speakers).
If you know a friendly installer person, you might be able to get back to sound for maybe $200-$300. It won't be the same quality or volume that the H/K offers, but it'll be something.
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Ian C. Gloucester, MA, USA (UK expat) driving GBMINI#4, aka GPMINI
Thanks! I am trying to sell the car this month or next, so I guess no amp is not the way I should go. I don't know an installer I trust, and don't know a think about amps or speakers, so I'm in a bad position. I'm also pretty worried about a total replacement system, and making sure it's installed properly without damage to the door panels, etc, and how that will sell to a prospective buyer. I'll continue looking for a replacement h/k amp, I guess.
We (the MINI community) need to find someone to repair these defective H/K amps. My audio visual repair place can't/won't, but I have to believe that there is someone out there that can/will.
Well, now I've done it. I was so excited to see a cooper h/k amp on ebay that I neglected to check if the 2003 system was compatible with the 2004 cooper. The OEM site shows a different number. Does anyone know if these are compatible?
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'04 IB/W MCS w/all the goodies, Ian's auto-up/GDO, MMC#I69/MID CURV169; power folding mirrors
"You can't save the world unless you're willing to make other people sacrifice." - Dogbert, via Pendergast
Update - I "won" an amp on ebay. It stayed on my opening bid for 4 days at $99, then doubled with an hour to go and increased to $395 (w/shipping) in the last 30 sec. Let's hope it works...
Next I will check the area to see if I can find someone willing to attempt a repair. If so, I'll post who and where. If not, it's coming your way, GBmini!
GBmini - do you still want a look at my failed amp? I installed an older replacement amp, and I just don't want the hassle of finding a repairman for the old one. I really don't want to sink more money into it. I can send it your way...
Lara
Quote:
Originally Posted by GBMINI
I'd love to get hold of a failed H/K amp, just to give it a quick overview ... but of course warranty ones get kept by MINI
Yeah, the H/K amps do go bad from time to time, whether it's static or the speakers just don't work. I have a spare amp on hand that I use for diagnosis, it's got a bit of static.
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