Hi, I'm about to buy a new 2010 Mini convertible and would appreciate some input about audio. I have a 2007 Mini Cooper and got the crappy the $500 "upgraded" sound system. Concert hall sound -- in hell. Especially the awful radio reception. Loses stations all the time. Does the Harmon Kardon $750 audio improve reception or just the sound quality of whatever you're lucky enough to get (or your own tunes)? I don't want to get ripped off again. Thanks so much for helping me out with this.

 

Probably wont change reception. I believe the H/K uses the same head unit, just has a better amp and speakers. I haven't heard the H/K myself, but form reports, it seems that it is the only MINI audio that puts out acceptable sound quality.

 

I know you're 2nd Gen and I'm 1st, but some things are universal....

You could do what I did, stock audio and spent $750 on a Magnaflow cat back system, and I leave the stereo off 90%+ of the time.

 

I had a Clubman loaner for a week with the new HK. Much better than the stock system. If I had a hardtop, I'd definitely spec it. But is it worth the extra $$ in a convertible? IMHO, save the money or spend it elsewhere...

 

I know it was a 1st gen, but i had a '05 MC convertible, it had the HK system, I don't think I would have enjoyed the car as much without it. The wind noise when the top is down on a vert is fairly intense and I could still hear the system great. I, also know you could go with aftermarket products & get the same or better results but at what cost? For a no hassle, just add it to the final cost of your car option, the hk is a easy fix for the crappy "upgraded" sound system. I now have a '09 clubman with the "upgraded" sound system & it it a joke!

 

I love the h/k system in my new 2010 Clubman... i'm so glad it was added for the 2010 model year, just in time for my lease end replacement :D

 

I am going to pick up mine from the dealer in about 2 hours. I'll let you know how it sounds. Got my iPod loaded up with "First cruise in the Mini" music. Wish it wasn't 56 and cloudy out, but that's what seat warmers are for!

 

I just got my 2010 MCS which has the HK system. After having a demo for a weekend that DIDN'T have it I'm VERY glad I got the upgrade. The difference is very significant.

HOWEVER, my opinion on convertibles is to skip as many options as possible. For most people it would be a second car, only used on great days. With that in mind I'd spend all the money on options like that for the primary car, and keep the convertible cost low with a focus on making it look cool and feel comfortable. No nav, no fancy stereo, no crazy performance upgrades, no auto-climate or seat warmers, etc.. That money, for me, would be better spent on some nice R113 wheels, comfy leather, and a summers supply of wax/polishers. =)

 

You contradicted yourself. Heated seats go a long way towards extending the usability of putting the top down. In any case, many owners use their convertible as their daily driver, and in my case it is my family's only car.

 

I didn't contradict myself as I said "only on great days". I can't imagine wanting the top down on a day where I'd need the seat warmer. I've got an old Austin Sprite though, so it's not like options like that existed for that sort of car. But anyhoo, I'm guessing you're in a climate where having a convertible year-round isn't as impractical. If it's your only car, get the HK upgrade.

 

So I've been cruising around for a day now listening to a variety of tunes on the 2010 HK system. I think the best answer is, it's pretty good. Top down, top up... either way its pretty good. I would wish for more bass and a better eq, but for all that I'd rather have the HK system than not.

Seriously need to upgrade the subs on this ride though... not much in the low end.

 

I can say one thing is I wouldn't order a mini without the HK. Not sure about the convertible HK but the Hardtop has More than enough bass and I'm a bass junky. My 05 mini had the HK and my 07 had the Hi Fi with an added Polk Momo MM12 and the 400 watt FI2X400 Power Acoustik fire and Ice amp which REALLY brought out the low end. The current R-56 HK puts out ALOT clearer and louder sound then both the previous gen HK (with the low volume limiter) or the dreaded Hi Fi (with the crackling highs and distorted bass at volume). While not as bass Heavy as having a sub, it is more then enough for me to not put my sub back in my new Mini and WAY more then enough for the avg audiophile. The clearness, Fidelity, loudness and bass are all there as well, and even surpass the R-53 HK Imo!

 

Thanks to everyone for helping me out with this question. I'm going to skip the HK, since the top will be down as much as possible. My service manager also said that even with the top up there's much more road noise in a soft top vs. hard top and you miss a lot of the sound quality anyway. I'll put the money into the back-up sensor since the top obstructs so much visibility. I also have to get an arm rest (for the dog) and where I live foglights come in very handy. And an alarm system is a pretty good idea -- so I don't need to add features. BTW, it's going to be my only car and I live in northern NJ where it gets cold and snowy! Guess I've got to do this at least once Heated seat, gloves, hot cocoa - I'm ready!

 

I LOVE my HK speakers. But I probably wouldn't have got them if they didn't come mixed in with the sunroof package... But I'm really glad I did.