I'm sure this question is obvious to anyone actually *has* a MINI, but given that I'm still on a waiting list to order one, and am deciding whether or not to order a HK sound system, I figure I'd ask those of you who have had experience changing out the head unit.

My idea is this - I've read the various how-tos on replacing the stock head unit (non-HK) with an aftermarket unit - it seems fairly straightforward; remove the dash panel, the center console, slide apart the down-tubes, and remove the head unit. What I'm wondering about is the wiring and the available wire harnesses. Most head units I've installed in much older cars have 4 pairs of wires, 2 front and 2 rear. Since the front speakers of the MINI feature a tweater and mid-range speaker, I'm wondering how those are wired to the main head unit.

Are the tweater/mid-range set up like a single speaker with a built-in cross over hiding in the door? Or does the stock head-unit actually have a 6 pairs of wires and it's responsible for handling the separate output to the tweeter?

BTW - I concur with a few other posters; often the stock speakers in many cars are surprisingly good; a really good head unit, especially one those with the microphone equipped auto-equalizers can really bring out the best in those. I've used the Blaupunkt San Francisco and Pioneer DEH-P8600 and they've both done wonders in my old crusty cars!

 

The tweater/mid-range is conected as 1 speaker, the tweeter has a build in cross over.

I didn't take a radio, the stock speakers sound great on my Sony Blackpanel.
I only placed some subs in the trunck to get some bass.
Everyone thinks it's a complete new setup.

I heard the HK and it really sounds great, nice sollution if you wanna keep the trunck
or don't want to demolish your car by changing speakers afterwards.

 

Thanks Blade!

I've spec'd a 2005 Cooper without the HK - I'm kind of a gadget nut too, so I know that within a year or two I'll be wanting to upgrade my head unit to include whatever the latest gizmo is. I just *know* that as soon as I put my mp3 head unit in, that someone will finally come out with a *gapless* mp3 playback system. Off topic musing - I wonder why the iPod still doesn't have gapless playback? After the Rio Karma came out last year with a cross-fade buffer, I thought all the high-end players would have it. Oh well.

- Z

 

Check out the link below, I think it will answer a lot of you questions.
Charles
HK System