Ok, So I get my Mini on Monday and I'm already starting to design my audio upgrade..

I am debating between 2 options and have some questions..

1) Change the head unit (Metra makes a dash kit)
2) Use a line converter (Audison Bit One) to take the high level, process it (Time alignment etc) and output 5v RCA


From there I am going to feed a 4 Channel Memphis Amp and a Memphis Class D Monoblock to drive a set of 6.5 Hertz energy components in the front and 6.5 coaxials in the back and a 10 inch sub in a sealed enclosure (JL Audio)

My questions are..

1) How hard is it to add Sirius to the factory Harman Kardon? I am hesitant to pay 500 bucks to Mini to do it.

2) If I change the radio, is it possible to tie in the steering wheel controls (Perhaps with a Can Bus adapter etc) to an aftermarket radio?

3) If I change the radio, but leave the factory amp plugged in, will I have problems with dealer software updates? (I know unplugging the amp will cause issues)

4) If I use the Bit One, it leaves the head unit and factory amp in place, but it replaces the speakers, will that cause issues with software updates?

Thanks in advance!!

 

First off what system do have in the car? Base, HiFi, or Harmon Kardon? HK would be designated by the words Harmon Kardon on the A-Pillar covers.

Every one i have heard from likes the HK and and beleive there is rally no need for an upgrade.

Both the base and HiFi system are rather horrible.

But in any case for all systems teh head unit MUST remain in the car as it is also the CCC (Central Car Computer) and makes the displays come to life.

yes Metra does asy they make a conversion kit but at last look that I took still does not include a cable to move the head unit to the secrect compartment. Also what they discribe and picture does ont look like it will work as you really need full replacement plastics for the center stack and all they picture is a small dash panel just barely surrounding the radio.

IMHO if you really have teh Harmon Kardon sytem you do not need to change anything. If you have the HiFi or base system I would leave the headunit in place and add processor, amp(s), speakers.

 

Thanks for the info, it's the Harmon Kardon system. I wasn't going to take it since I wanted to do my own system but it was part of the package that I needed in order to get some features I wanted without having to order the car.

So the headunit needs to stay, guess that means I'm going the bit one route which actually will be better since I prefer the stock look (As weird as some think the mini's interior is, I really like the look)

So my last question is, can I tie in an aftermarket Sirius radio and have it run through the display? I know I can with other makes (GM, Honda etc) or am I better off biting the bullet and adding the Sirius at the dealer?


Thanks in advance!

 

If you have the HK system in the car IMHO you are not going to improve the sound quality with what you are wanting to put in unless you spend a few thousand dollars. The cabin is som small it takes a lot of tweaking to get it right and that has already been done with the HK system.

I personally would not do anything with the system until you have listened to it for a while. It is a MAJOR improvement over the other two systems.

As for the Sirius there is no way that I know of to get the cars display to work with anything other than the OEM unit.

 

I picked up the car today, and while the HK is a major improvement from the stock, it still lacks quite a bit to my ears

I ultimately decided to get the OEM Sirius radio since it's easier to tie in. but I can guarantee that I will make it sound much better

Been putting some designs down on Paper to see what I want to do..

So far I have...

1) Audison Bit one signal processor to take the OEM radio output and process to be input to the amplifers.

2) Memphis 75x4 Class A/B amp to drive Front Component's and rear coaxials

3) Memphis 500w Class D Monoblock to drive sub

4) JL 8W6 8 inch subwoofer in a sealed enclosure

5) Hertz High Energy 6.5 Components in front

6) Focal 6.5 Coaxials for the rear

7) HushMat in strategic locations

I won't have the money for a while, so I'll use the HK for now, but once I have the money the factory system gets kicked up several notches

 

Probably be able to sell the H/K components to another MINI owner. Should be plug and play for someone with the HIFI system.

You may need to keep the H/K amp hooked up. If it is like the HIFI amp, the OBC needs to see it when the dealer upgrades the car's software, or does anything software related.

 

Yeah I planned to leave the HK amp hooked up and the take the speaker outputs from the HK amp to drive the bit one which will do the processing (Time Alignment etc) that way when the dealer does a software update the system will still see the HK system and think it's intact

This way I can maintain that stock "look" for the dash

 

You will want to take the signals from the input to the amp before it does any signal processing.

 

What New2MeMiniS states is correct. DO NOT use the output of the HK amp the singnals are already processed and there are 8 of them driving the 10 speakers in the car.

Your best bet is to get a X9331 splicing cable from http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...uctshow&id=771

This will actually allow you to make your own splicing with out having to splice directly into the wires. These parts are also available in the US form a number of sources.

The levels at the X9331 connector can reach to more than 12 volts so you would want to use the high level inputs of the Audison Bit one.

And as Robin stated the HK amp needs to stay in the car but if tehre is no audio going to it that is fine as long as the OBC can see is digitally you will be fine.

Good luck with your install.

 

I believe the H/K amp, like the HIFI amp, is not in the dash. It is in the rear of the car. You can see the location of the HIFI amp in the left rear of the car in this photo.



You can make an X9331 pass through connector that leaves the amp connected, and sends wires off to your processor. I'm not familiar with the one for NewMiniStuff connector schatzy62 mentioned, but if it is a pass-through connector it could be cheaper than building one yourself. Parts cost me around $70 with shipping.

 

Thanks for the info on the cable, this is what I was planning (Guess I didn't say it right LOL)

I was planning to splice in, but if I can do it without cutting any wires using that connector that's the route I want to go!!!

Now I just need to find places to stuff all that gear