I have an HK Headunit that I can use on my PW06MCSa which only has a regular HU. I really like the sound in my PH05MCS with HK. The question is can I still upgrade the 06 to an HKHU even if I dont have an HK amp to go with it? Is it worth the trouble? I just like the extra tone controls the HK has. Appreciate any +/- input on this. Also if I can get an HK amp, is it just plug and play? or will have to deal with new harness stuff? Just trying to do the least work. TX

 

The head units are identical. The amp is what gives you the HK controls.

If you plug a head unit from an HK car into a non-HK car, it will operate as as non-HK head unit.

 

Yep Not-So is correct!

 

And I thought the HU has the controls and AMP has the boost. Oh well, I guess Minis got diff configs. Thanks for the quick info.

 

HK upgrade is not plug and play by any stretch of the imagination.
The wiring is completely different, as the wires for the speakers all run from the amp in the back to the speakers, whereas in the non HK, they run from the HU to the speakers. Also, the HK speakers are non-standard (2 ohm impedance, IIRC). It has been done, but it was expensive and difficult. There's a thread on it somewhere.

An OEM alternative would be the DPSM - it's OEM plug and play, but it's not cheap. There are threads on that, too. At present, I'm too lazy to find them, but if you're interested and can't find them, I'll look.

 

I am going out on a limb here. But if you are out of warranty it be less money if you go with aftermarket. Go look on the web and wee what the best option is.

 

I agree MiniFaron! Along with the cost savings, I would suspect you'll get a much better sound with aftermarket too.

Does anyone know what the impedance is for the standard, non-HK speakers?

 

That depends on who sets the system up. You could very easily make a terrible sounding system in a hurry.

If I remember right, the OEM speakers are 4ohm load.

 

Thanks for the speaker impedance info. Very good.

Of course you're right with what you said about the aftermarket system. It all depends the quality of the components, how they work with each other, and how they are installed. Of course, it goes back to 'doing your homework'. I would like to think most people here are somewhat 'internet literate' and know how to search and ask for information.

I used to be into car audio many years ago, but have been out of it for a long time. I am pretty happy with the stock non-HK system in my MINI. It's not great, but it sounds pretty good.

 

I found the HK I had in my original Cooper was rather sufficient.

All I had to do was swap the front speakers and tweeters for a set of Infinity Kappa components and add an 8" sub in the back. I used a JL in a box that I made. I tried a few other woofer setups, but the JL sounded the best. The Infinity mono amp was the best solution as well.

 

Hey Not-So,
Did you have to use the crossover from the Infinity complete package or just the speakers. How's the fit? Got the harness from Crutchfield for plug and play or spliced it? 2 oms?