Just wanted to know what people thought of the factory radio/CD player & speakers that come with the car? I was quoted $2,300.00 for the H/K system, and we do not have a audio install specialist in my area, so I just wondering how the GP factory system sounded.

 

The premium (factory) sound system in my '05 MCS sounds much better than the system in the GP. But, I knew that was one of the trade-offs up-front. I've seen several posts on upgrading the system in the GP. Although I'd like a better sounding system, for the time being I'm enjoying the GP for all the other reasons just fine!

 

The H/K needs the rear speaker positions - I don't know if the mounting positions are still present, but they're behind the red trim panels in the back so that'll likely muffle the sound!
For $2300 you can probably do better aftermarket.

The GP sounds worse than a stock MINI, due to missing rear speakers. I've found that playing from the iPod with "bass boost" active goes some way to improving the sound (it works better than just turning bass up on the head unit).

 

Spend your cash on aftermarket. If you wanna hear the H/K, you can listen to mine if you want to. Surprisingly it sounds way better than the stock H/K system in my old 330Ci cabrio. A buddy of mine also has the stock non-H/K system with a stealth box installed.