I have decided that the H/K system is just blah. I was shocked when I got into my PT Cruiser this morning and realized that the factory Chrysler system sounded better (to me at least)!
Anyway, in the opinion of those of you who know more about this than I...
Is it the head unit that is lacking, the speakers or both?
I did a bit of shopping today. I ended up at HiFi Buys, they are very helpful to me and have done an outstanding job on my previous installs (3 prior vehicles).
I would like to switch to an Alpine unit that is Ipod ready, Nav ready and Satellite ready, like this.

This unit can be set up so I can use the steering wheel controls in addition to the touchscreen, whichever I feel like. Ipod, too.
The guy at HFB (my new shortcut for HiFi Buys) said to start with that and see if the H/K speakers improve to me. He also said maybe an amp would be a good addition. If I do decide to change speakers, he recommended JBLs. I'm not sure about JBLs, not something I've ever had. In the past I've had Bose, Polk and Boston Acoustics. I think the problem is that JBL is the only line they carry (except FoCals which were way too $$$) that have a 5.25 size for the front.
If I do get a subwoofer, which I'm not sure I really need, I like the JLAudio stealthbox and the usdaudio. But I'd also like to know if there is a sub out there that can be easily removed and put back in? There are occassions that I really need the entire back area, not often but I'd like to explore that option.
My other guess is that I should dynamat or something similar the doors at least?
Thanks for any input,
Annette

 

Just an FYI, but Alpine just announced their 2006 lineup. Check www.alpine-usa.com. They have a new iPod interface on some HU called iPod FULL SPEED, which sounds like it should address the current gens performance problems.

There are like 3 CD models and 1 DVD model that claim FULL SPEED capabilities.

 

In my opinion, it is the head unit that is weak. Just swapping out the stock for an Alpine with more power makes a world of difference.

Next, an amp and sub. The stealthbox is nice, but if you are looking for something that you can take in and out, why not just get a 10" JL W3 (the same speaker in the Stealthbox), but in a simple hatchback box. Its way cheaper with the same sound, and with the amp mounted out of the way, you can simply disconnect the speaker wire and take it out.

I would do those two steps before replacing the door speakers and adding and/or adding a component amp. This makes the least amount of difference in my opinion but is just as pricey.

And they are probably just reccomending the JBL component speakers because that is what they carry. Wouldnt be my choice.

Good luck.

 

Upgrading bits and pieces in the H/K system is a pain. Look here:
http://www.gbmini.net/mtblog/archive...enablers.shtml
Ian is the man for info on the subject, but the short story is you cannot replace just the head unit in the H/K system.

 

So if I plan to just replace the HU and add a sub, I'll need the HKenabler? I'm guessing my installer would be ok putting this in?
Or my other option is to also add a seperate amp, which I'm probably ok with.
So what 5.25 component speakers would you guys recommend for the front?
Annette

 

My question is what is "blah" about the HK?
In my opinion the H/K excels at clarity. What it does not offer so much of is (1) deafening volume and (2) deep stomach thumping bass.

If you replace only the HU (and you will need an HKenabler to make it work), you will slightly improve the sound quality - you will also get a little more volume and bass, depending on how good the HU is. Basically you will use the aftermarket HU audio controls to force more into the H/K amp, so you get more out.

You will not get LOADS more volume and you won't get deep neighbour shaking sub-bass; the H/K simply isn't designed for that.
If you want those things you will go down a path of ripping out everything (HU, speakers, amp) and I suggest a minimum $2.5K budget (since that HU is already about $1K).


Other comments:
Minitors advice would be appropriate if you did not have the H/K upgrade.
Some people say dynamat on the car makes the H/K sound lots better - personally I find it hard to believe it makes a lot of difference.
If you decide to do "everything" find an installer with MINI experience - preferably check out some of their work (ie: recommendation from a MINI owning friend with upgraded system that you have listened to and like).

 

PS: Jason - thanks!

 

I personally think the H/K is a terrific sounding system for a $550 factory install. The sound quality is amazing when I hook up my 4GB iPod Nano.

In all honesty, I think it is a waste of $$$ to invest on fancy aftermaket car audio equipment. Rather invest that money on a custom home system. The MINI is a small car, with a noiser than the average cockpit and covered with vast expanses of hard plastic. You will have to spend serious money to attain concert hall sound quality. But then again, it is your car and your money

As Ian C has noted in previous posts, attempts to modify the built-in factory H/K system can prove to be extremely frustrating an expensive. Why throw away $550? This is why I always tell people interest in ordering a new MINI to spend some quality time with the H/K system and a car equipped with the standard stereo setup.

Something else to consider: Aftermarket stereos seem to be a big magnet for would be thieves. At least this is the case in my area.

Good luck on whatever you decide.

 

Ian, the H/K in my '05 MCS has incredible thumping bass and best of all there is almost no distortion as the volume increases. The H/K in my '05 MCS sounds better than the H/K I had in my '04 MCS. Do you know if MINI made any updates to the stereo?

 

Annette, just curious, what kind of music you typically play in your H/K stereo? CD's? MP3s? iPod?

Have you adjusted the EQ settings? (Bass/treble?)

Do you understand what each of the DSP (Digital Signal Processing) modes do to the music? What you fiddled with them?

I am also confused by your statement that the H/K stereo is "Blah". The folks over at Edmunds.com have nominated the MINI H/K stereo upgrade to be one of the very best in the industry in sub-$25K cars....

 

Yep, I didn't know about "the enabler." I have just heard the HK and been unimpressed and figured that you could upgrade it like the other crappy stock head unit. My bad.

Not knowing how much the enabler costs or anything about it (so maybe I know nothing), I disagree with GBMini's estimate of $2500 to make it sound better. In my opinion, adding the enabler and an Alpine head unit should make it sound a little bit better, but then adding a mono-block sub-amp and a sub makes it sound way better. You could get all of this with installation for under $1000.

 

Yes, all sub $25k cars have crappy stereo systems, so that really isnt saying much. Anyone who doesnt understand what is "Blah" about the H/K probably hasnt heard a good aftermarket system.

 

The same $550 spent on an aftermarket system would sound way better though. Well, maybe more like $850. $250 Alpine HU, $250 JL sub and box, $250 mono sub amp, install $??. I spend way more time listening to my car stereo than my home stereo. Have to do something during the commute.

 

I am not saying the H/K is the best thing outhtere. Obviously, if your budget allows you can build a superior sounding system, but why?

Perhaps I am the type of person that prefers to spend its hard earned money on quality home audio equipment rather than to dump thousands of $$$ onto aftermarket equipment for listening on a noisey car environment.

I think that the biggest caveat that some people have against the H/K is that it is not an earth/glass shattering system. For folks that like to play their music not only for themselves but for other cars around them in a 25 mile radius the H/K in their view is a lackluster system. I also question folks that claim to be able to build a better aftermarket stereo for the same $550 price tag of the H/K.

I disagree on that the H/K is a crappy stereo system, but then again, beauty is on the ear of the beholder

When people spend thousands on aftermarket equipment I simply laugh. What a waste but hey this is the beauty of our "free" society.

 

I still think it is a waste of money. But whatever floats your boat.

The Seattle rush hour conmmutes are probably as bad as the conmmutes here in Miami. Both cities lie at both ends of the continent and both have horrendous traffic to contend with.

Next time I am up in Seattle, I will be pleased to give you a full demo of my H/K equipped MCS playing Apple Losless encoded music files (Erasure, Jazz, etc) thru my Nano.

 

We spend thousands upgrading the performance of our MINI's, why is it a waste to upgrade the stereo?

You are right though, it is a great system for many people. No, it is not a crappy system as I may have called it, it just doesnt seem to be worth the $550 to me, sounds like a stock system. But then again I do like to play my music "for others." I would love to hear the HK system compared to a stock system with just the HU replaced (with a nice Alpine for example) to see which sounds superior. I know that the system in my MC which cost about $900 installed blows the HU away, but that is alot more than $550, you are right. I guess i only butted in here because Annette seems to want more than the HK system can produce for her, and aftermarket seems to be the answer.

You are also right about the theft issue. I'm scared for my MCS every night. Luckily my sub box is very heavy and almost too big to be removed from my MCS. So I guess the cost of an alarm should be added to the cost of the aftermarket system too.

 

This is what Edmunds wrote last year about the H/K Stereo:

Considering the relatively reasonable sticker price on this roller skate on steroids, it's amazing how much they're able to pack into this vehicle. Case in point: the audio system. Yes, we admit the interior of the Mini is just slightly larger than a pair of AKG headphones. Still, this eight-speaker Harmon Kardon setup is one for the ages. In addition to its bounteous digital amplifier, the system boasts a built-in Digital Sound Processing (DSP) unit, speed-sensitive equalization and a really cool feature called "driver acoustic setting," which, at the press of a button, optimizes the sound for the driving position. The built-in equalizer offers four preset modes for customization of the sound, which, in conjunction with the DSP, should leave no user wanting. Order Option 674 for this kickin' little ground-pounder.

Article is here:

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/...7/article.html

 

Allright, and I will give you a demo of the $8k system that I have with my Nano (I actually got it used for $1k, I wouldnt ever spend that much either )


...and maybe by then I will have my "waste of money" DVD system installed as well.

 

In all honesty, maybe the HK system that I heard wasnt set up very well, as I was very unimpressed, but aparently Edmunds is.

 

You just kicked my ***! Those speakers look like the transporter room in star trek...very cool!

Enjoy man! can't wait to hear it.

 

What's blah is the sound. I don't know if I got a dud system but it is just yuk. I even printed this article and went out and tweaked it but in the end the difference was negliglble.
http://www.in2guitar.com/minihkreview.html
I listen to my Ipod about 95% of the time and since BMW has not been able to come out with the new adapter and my dealer can't get any of the "old" ones, I'm stuck listening with my Itrip. The reviews on the Icelink were less than stellar and all over the board, more in the way of use and text, not sound. So in frustration I went in search of another option. Since I'd really like the navigation, too, I thought I could just kill any number of birds with one stone.
I listen to classic rock, metal, alternative,blues, disco, jazz, pretty much anything except hip hop or rap. I like to listen fairly loud, at least for a 40 yr old mom! I have spent a considerable amount of money on my home system, but I have found that the car is truly my sanctuary and the last place I can enjoy my music in relative peace. I actually enjoy carpool lines, I get 10 whole minutes sitting still with a book and some tunes!
I am more sound savvy than your average "girl" in that I grew up with a Dad who was a total audiophile, he taught me to solder and hook up systems when I was in the 4th grade! As a matter of fact I have this set of speakers in my basement waiting for their revival. They are 5'5" tall and about 31/2feet wide, hopefully I'll get them up and running one day.

My brother got in the MINI for his test drive the other day and his only negative was that the sound system sounded "tired". I'm not sure what it is, but it just sounds muffled and far away, if that makes sense. If I try to get any volume it just falls apart, it becomes completely distorted and I'm not talking earsplitting volume, just want to cover up road noise and enjoy. I don't have any need to entertain other drivers in their cars, or impress anyone by thumping through parking lots !
So I decided to just replace the HU and make good of a bad situation and console myself with the navigation and satellite options. I'm not sure what to do now, since my usual standby, HiFi Buys, seems to have changed what they stock and I'm not excited by any speaker options there.
Annette

 

Not an issue for me. My DH and I have 12 acres in a nice quiet area, not alot of passers by. Plus we train K9 units, so in addition to our 4 dogs, we usually have 2-3 K9's in training here. Someone would have to REALLY want to get into my garage to get past that! On the days I work at the agency, my car is parked about 8 feet from the window at my desk, so El Kabong is always being watched!
Annette

 

It seems to me you have a defective H/K system! I have no sound distortion whatsoever in mine when I increase the volume, just crystal clear sound with good highs, thumping clean bass and clean as a whistle vocals.

Before deciding to invest on a new system, perhaps you should take your car back to the dealer and have them take a look at your amp, HU and speakers. Your description of the sound quality of your H/K does not fit by any stretch of the imagination the brilliant sound reproduction I get from mine.

Your car is under warranty, so get it done. Further, while at the dealer, I would ask to listen to another MINI equipped with the H/K to see if you get the same muddled and crappy sound quality. Very doubtful.

Oh and that iTrip does not make things any better...

 

Yes, get it checked by the dealer and if it is not defective I say find a new audio shop. But make sure you tell them about the enabler, they may not know.

 

Why not use aux input instead of the iTrip? Make sure you connect it to line out from the iPod (not the headphone jack). The sound quality will be equivalent to the iPod adapters (they also get the music signal from the line out).