My MA attempted to submit my order today, but she called me to inform me that the H/K system is delayed until July or August, or ?

I have the Fully-Loaded Package and she asked if I would be willing to remove the H/K stereo from the package (and save the cost of it).

My question, and I cannot find this answer anywhere, how bad is the stock sound system compared with the Harmon Kardon system?

I know there are fewer speakers, but what's the wattage difference, and/or other differences?

I would stick with the H/K system, which I wanted, but if the price is several months' delay, I'm not sure.

Need advice, and quick! I have to advise her how to proceed. Thanks.

 

You might want to read this thread:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d-package.html

MAs CAN push through the HK system by adding it after the fact... as many people, very recently, have done so on that thread.

Doesn't answer your quality or wattage questions though, sorry.

 

I don't know what it is like in the new 2014s, but a couple years ago when I had some loaners back to back, I could definitely tell a difference between the base radio and the HK radio. I had trouble getting the stock radio loud enough to hear over all the wind and road noise when I had all the windows down and sunroof open.

I made a mental note that if I ever bought another MINI that would be one option I would definitely get.

 

I am very impressed with the sound quality of the stock radio (door speakers + underseat subs), however, I find I am usually running it at 60% volume or higher... with certain recordings, it's at 100%

Good news is that the quality does not drop off, and, as a freeway commuter, it has most of the power I need most days.

 

That's interesting to know. I'll await any other non-H/K owners to chime-in, but in the meantime, as soon as my MA calls me back, I'm going to suggest that she try to manually add it back into the order, as that's worked for others.

 

My MA told me back in mid-April that there was a hold on HK radios and contrasting roofs and that it would be a July build. I was ordering the Fully Loaded package. I stayed with the HK option. I was then told it got into the system as a June build. It was built 5/22. I think they have some dealer ordered cars that they can re-configure and get earlier.

 

I'm still waiting for my MA to call me back (I'm going to call her again shortly). I'm going to push her to find a way to add it back in manually, and I think I'll even wait to get it, if need be, because I want every thing to be to my liking, and I don't want to risk unfixable disappointment, should I find my concession to be lacking.

My previous MC did not have the H/K stereo and I had to swap out the speakers, because the stock ones were bad. It helped. I'm sure the stock stereo is much better than my old MC's was, but even so, the H/K stereo sounds like a really impressive set-up. I really want to keep this car a long time and want to live at peace with all my uppity choices I made for it.

 

For me, radio upgrade is always a must if it's available.

For 750 dollars HK upgrade. You're only pay couple more bucks a month if you're financing the car

 

I ordered the HK system on my MCS, my car has been stuck at the port since APRIL 11th due to the fact the door speaker grille was damaged and the part is on back order very frustrating.

 

Just spoke to the MA. They're going to try to re-add it as an à la carte option, but she's highly skeptical it will be accepted. She'll let me know. Fingers-crossed.

 

I got a Coupe with stock sound. Oh, it was bad. Nothing sounded good not even talk radio. Wife and kid have the upgraded sound in their MINIs and I have HK in my new F56 I got last month. If you're ordering, get what you want. It will be impossible or extremely costly to add a system later. It will make listening to music much better and pleasurable. Get the HK in the pkg or don't put your order in. You will not be happy with having an ultra modern stylish car with a terrible sound system. I'm begging you to get HK. HK isn't the panacea of supreme audio but it beats stock sound. Stock sound is blah at best. Wait until you can push it through on your order.

 

If it was me I would wait for the HK system. I totally love the sound quality!

 

I want to! It just disturbs me that she has NO IDEA when it will be allowed again. She's just guessing at this point. :-(

 

I would agree with others here, the HK system is well worth it. I have heard the standard system in a F56 at my dealer and whereas it is not horrid, it did not hold a candle to the HK system.

 

Wow. We have some real audiophiles here. I never once even turned the radio on during my numerous test drives in the MINI. As long as the stock radio plays music, I'm happy. Bought the car to drive, not for a stereo. If you really love music in your car, sounds like the HK system is the way to go. For me though, ignorance is bliss.