Hey there folks,

I am curious... Im trying to decide if I want to spring for the U-Connected stereo or just stick with the base and had a few questions.

1) Can you still connect your iPhone/iPad/iPod to the base stereo and have it play?

2) Is the U-Connected system worth the 750 if you don't need Nav

3) Since I haven't heard the HK system as they don't have any with it in the area, is that really worth the extra 750 as well?

4) Are the stereo parts something that can be dealer installed or is it a BTO option only?

 

You cannot upgrade to Connected or to the H/K system (at least not for a reasonable price and without ripping the car apart) after the fact. They need to be installed at the factory.

 

Thanks for that info! Is it really worth the money though? Sound-wise, I didn't think the base stereo wasn't that bad, but I wanted to know if it makes a huge difference. And if the choice was between the HK speakers or the Mini Connect which would be more worth while?

 

I like the sound of the base stereo. Much better than base stereo in my 2008 MCS. if you have an iPhone, then MINI Connected is awesome. I have it and love it.

 

1) Yes, very much so. Its a little bulky, but it works fine. Bluetooth is for phone use only. You can't stream audio (clearly/easily) over BT. So Audio has to be tethered. There is an Aux input jack and a USB port. The Mini dealer will give you a connector that uses both for iPod usage.

2) I doubt it.

3) No, I didn't think it was worth it

4) BTO, the dealer won't upgrade/change anything without a huge expense.

PS - see this for an easy free upgrade.. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...nnel-swap.html

 

There are aftermarket stereo upgrades like Integral Audio that you might want to compare to the cost of the HK system. Maybe save your HK money and put it towards something like the Soundstage + Sub System instead.

 

Haven't gotten my Mini just yet but my roommate has Mini Connected (no Nav) and his gf has neither Connected nor HK in her Clubman. I found the HK sound to be worth it but I'd pass on Connected. Much of the features aren't fully compatible with the iPhone 5, and it's not important to me to update Facebook/Twitter when I'm driving. The HK system with Spotify through the iPod cable is plenty fine for me.

 

HK I believe blows the the base stereo away. If you have the HK and then get a loaner car with the base you would agree with me.

Sent from my iPad using NAMotoring

 

I tested both before I bought. I spent a good 20 minutes with the HK, listening to a wide variety of music off my iPhone, tweaking EQ settings in the head unit. I'm not an audiophile, but I like it to sound good. And it did sound good.

Got out of that car and into one with the base stereo. Spent about 30 seconds listening to the same music, and knew it wasn't for me. I would have loved to spring for the Integral Audio system, but I'd be waiting a few years before I could do that. You should really try to hear both so you can decide on your own.

 

Well the decision is pretty easy that if it IS an improvement and its a pain in the butt or impossible to do later, its worth it to me to just spend the extra couple bucks up front and get it. I just knew that I didn't need the nav feature. And being that I have read a fair bit that the Mini Connected doesn't play nice with some things (And I also am running iOS7 so it will probably be a while till that works right...) it may not be worth upgrading the head unit. Ill see in a little bit here when I go in.

The help I have already received here has been phenomenal and I know what I want on the inside. Now I just really have to decide on a color. hahahaha.

 

IMHO... I do think I would get the HK system.. I did and really like it...lol. But it all depends really what kind of sound your looking for... If your looking for earth shaking glass breaking bass.. well then im not sure if even the HK system will meet your expectations! Good luck!

 

Wife just got the Countryman with base radio. Sounds great. No way to Blue tooth music. Can plug in iPod via 3mm. Also have put music on USB stick and it works.

I copied music from iTunes. Highlighted a playlist. Right clicked and copied then pasted to USB Stick. I did not change format and it work in the Mini fine.

I ordered a S Coupe with Mini Connected and Nav with HK. Not sure if Album Art work will show with USB Stick. Still undecided best way to play music but my car should be here in two days.

I tried to plug in the cable that came with the car to the iPod but I swear it would not fit? I must be doing something wrong? Are not all 30 pin (iPod connections) the same except the new lightening connector? Then you can get an adaptor to marry the two.

The Flash Drive is a nice idea. Can leave in car as who would steal it? And the Micro Ones who would see it?

I am an audiophile. I have always upgraded my sound systems.

As to price and HK. I have heard the HK and love it. My last car had a subwoofer in it. I listen to mostly Classical Music. It was an upgraded stereo.

My 2 cents. I will not have someone rip out a stock radio, risk creating dash rattles, scratches to save a few pennies. All the upgrades are worth the money to me. If I have a used or well loved Mini it might be different.

For me, I am pleased with what I heard having made four trips to the dealer to play with the radio with my own music. You have to pick songs ahead of time that will push any system to its limits. Aaron Copland or Organ Music can be a real test of audio.

But it still is not the same as hearing it on a McIntosh High End system with Klipsch or B&W speakers.

 

+1. I have the base and am perfectly willing to live with it just for that reason. Had the upgrade been available on the GP, I would've ordered it.

In my experience, aftermarket jobs are never quite perfect.

 

1) Via cable, yes. Via bluetooth, no.

2) Depends on how much you value the screen. With a usb drive or (I'm assuming here) other device hooked to the USB input, you get both song info and album artwork on the screen.

And just so you're clear, $750 gets you Connected but NOT the Nav. That's another $750.

3) I think so. Even if I were going to eventually upgrade the speakers, I think I'd rather start with the extra speaker locations already factory mounted (like a-pillar tweeters) rather than rely on a stereo shop to cut holes.

4) Pretty sure it's BTO only. Surprised there aren't any on the lot for you to sample; about half the ones at my dealer have H/K.

 

You don't need to cut holes for pillars, you just buy the plastic trim and swap them in if you are adding the tweeters up there.

 

yeah shockingly enough there really aren't any in the area. There are a few about 100 miles away. Nearest Mini Dealership outside of our local one is 70 miles away. I think there might be 1 JCW at the lot that might have the HK system. Im going to head there today hopefully and take a look.

 

i have the base system in my car. i didnt notice a big difference when i listened to the two when i ordered my car. and the way i see it, its just like a tv, sure one tv might be better than the other but youre not going to be able to compare the tv or even care once you bring your tv home. that being said, putting bluetooth in your car can be done easily. i just got a short aux cable and put a small ad2p bluetooth adapter. music sounds great and for the very rare times i want to take a call while driving, just have to speak a little bit louder and the mic from the adapter will pick up my voice just fine.

 

i went with the base stereo and it's fine for me. i didn't think there was that big of a difference between them listening at the dealership. i also didn't like the joystick set up of the mini connected system. it was sort of neat, but it was a big enough pain to mess with even as a passenger, so it just seemed like more of an inconvenience as a driver. i didn't get the nav because i have an iphone that does nav just fine.

my husband's car has nav and it is neat, but annoyingly you cannot do anything while the car is moving. so if i am sitting as a passenger and we want to plug in directions anywhere, we have to come to a stop before it will let you do a thing. i get this is for safety for the driver but it's also a little too micromanaging for me.

 

I like the Bluetooth idea. Gosh, I am getting old. Hard to keep up with technology. I stream music at work to that Bose via Bluetooth. Never thought about that in the car. Can't stream with base radio on its own, but with your device - well.

Again, nice to have options.

 

yeah i got mine about a year ago for 40, it actually was part of a samsung earphones kit. i just checked amazon and they have a model that doesnt even have a cord, the unit itself which is smaller than a lighter has the 3.5mm plug sticking out of it. best part its only 20 bucks.

 

I am 50 and I hate to admit it but it is hard to keep up with technology.

I picked up the wife's 2013 Countryman last week. It all started because I wanted a fun car. I pick up my car tomorrow. 2013 S Coupe loaded.

My work requires lots of hours, many 11 hour days. Commute is 1 1/2 hours to work and 50 minutes home. But I like my job and what I do.

My Corolla had 75K and I thought Mini's looked fun. I only needed a two seater. My wife home schools my daughter who is eight. Yes, our first and we adopted in our late 40's! Her Mini does not travel much. Church, Library, and my daughter's events.

My mother died of a terrible death, moved my Dad to live with me. Put in a chair lift. So I have had to deal with selling his home. Getting him up, bathing, dressing, going to work and not coming home until very late, well I decided it was time for a fun car.

So I ordered the S coupe very loaded with things I don't need. Comfort Access, headlights turn? Parking sensor, HK radio with Nav, etc. I would have got the JCW loaded but wanted better gas mileage. The mirrors flip up and cold weather package. Auto dimming mirrors too. Rain sensor controls should be fun as well. I did not order the sport suspension. I don't drive all that fast. Opt for right lane and let the crazy's pass.

I am sure my radio will work completely different. I ordered a few USB sticks also. I have a large iTunes library. I use a cheap bluetooth flip phone. Don't text or have an iPhone. I run an iMac at home and have a Macbook Air.

Worst case I can use iPod (iTouch) like my other cars with the 3mm wire. Bluetooth sounds great, or even the cable that comes with the car.

Ideally I would love to leave or hide something in the car for music. Whatever, and from the wife's Countryman I will not be disappointed. The Mini is so much fun to drive! The wife is not much into Music. Maybe I will like the subscription radio? Long commute a radio is a must.

I did get the extended warranty, Resistall, Tire coverage. Yes, I am sure the dealer makes lots of money off those items. I just like the convenience and piece of mind.

Maybe I should get the LoJack and a handgun too? I do drive through rough areas in Atlanta. News, car jackings and now I am getting a Coupe. Hard not to stand out.

At least I can outrun trouble. The S Coupe is fast, well that is a huge understatement. It could get one in lots of trouble.

 

I got the iPod cable to work on the wife's base stereo system in the Countryman. I must admit the base stereo sounds as good as my upgraded stereo in my Toyota. Not at all disappointed.

Seems there are choices here....

iPod cable and play music that way.
Flash Drive and play music that way.
Bluetooth music and play music that way with adaptor.

Nice to have choices. I would imagine you could add lots of songs to a DVD in MP3 format also.

 

I think the stereo upgrade is a lot like the move from a Justa to an S: the guys who did it can't imagine settling for less, while the guys who didn't can't imagine needing more.

Or, to put it in less diplomatic terms, both camps are eager to justify their decision by convincing others to make the same one.

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