Am I right in thinking that the HK sound system for the 2010 models is all new? Does this mean that no one has heard it yet and so no one knows whether it will be good or worth the money?

I know that many to most considered the 2007-2009 premium stereo choice not to be worth the money. Any thoughts on the 2010 HK stereo? Has anyone heard anything about it? Do the audiophiles think that it will be much better than the 2009 system? Or is it a waste of money since the Mini is pretty loud at speed and you won't be able to tell much difference anyway (unless you are parked).

Thanks.

 

Found this online.

http://www.norcalminis.com/2009/07/s...monkardon.html

 

Wasn't the Harmon-Kardon Stereo an option with the 1st Gen MINI's (Pre-2007's).

Wondering if they collected $750 for it back then and how much it was loved.

 

H/K was $500 in the 1st gen. It was generally well liked, but many thought you could do better by starting with the base system and spending $500 in aftermarket upgrades. However, that would have been true only if you didn't have to pay for installation (DIY).

 

Also in that case, with an electrical failure, MINI would try to stick you with the bill for messing with the stock wiring.

 

I was at MINI United @ Silverstone earlier this year and they debuted the MINI Camden with an unbelievably awsome sound system. I got the brochure somewhere and I'm pretty sure it was the H/K. I had the H/K in my '05 MC and I thought it was way too bass heavy. If the system I heard in the Camden which was debuted in the plexi-glass box at Silverstone, it is a monster. Don't even think the 1st Gen MINI and this system and anything in common other than the the name.

 

Yes, I was at Silverstone in May too...and yes, this stereo (at least the one on display in the glass box) kicked a lot of bum! I liked!

 

I hope it rocks. I have it coming in my new 2010 MCS.

 

I don't know if they changed the base stereo for 2010 over 2009, but I didn't opt for the premium stereo in my 2009 and I really regret it. Base speakers are tinny and underpowered...

 

You should NOT regret that! The premium stereo is a serious disappointment for a $500 option. Total ripoff.

 

They had a Camden at my local dealer and it had the Harman Kardon system and it sounded great. It had as much or more bass than my old Mazda MX6 with a 10 inch Bazooka powered subwoofer in the trunk and a 200 watt amp running Infinity Kappa speakers. Metal domes on the pillar tweeters, I could also see metal domes on the rear panel speakers visible thru the grill. It was deep powerful bass I could feel through the seats enveloping the interior and could still hear the mid details and high end from the other speakers and this was just playing the radio.

 

What is worse an embarassing base system or a $500 upgrade that should be the base system?

Thanks for the review ROJA - hopefully that is the first of MANY good reviews of this new system...

 

This is GREAT new! I am a audiphile and need a good system. I have a BMW 335XI with the "Logic 7" and it thumps hard and is a symphony at the same time. Imagine going 130mph with all windows and sunroof open and it is still crystal clear. I hope the HK is the same.