Hoping for some advice from those with more time fiddling with these wonderful little cars.

I didn't get the HK for my mini and I am a little dissapointed with the sound.

Would changing the head unit for something better make a difference?

I am not looking for ground shaking volume or anything, I would just like a bit more clarity and definition.

Also would the steering wheel control still be able to control the volume and track?

Any recomendations? I am thinking along the lines of something like the Pioneer DEH-P6800MP.

Thanks in advance.

 

Common questions, and ones that I've been researching because I've been thinking about a new HU as well. As far as clarity, it might. I'll let someone else respond to that one. I myself found that adding a subwoofer and bumping up the treble all the way has done wonders in creating a fuller, richer sound. I have no problem with the stock speakers, on a shoestring budget. If I had the $$$ I'd change out everything though...

You can still use the steering wheel control, if you get an adapt gizmo. So figure another bit of money for that (http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...ductshow&id=80)

A full list of compatible HUs is in the MINI2 audio section.. Don't have the link at my fingertips.. I think it's a sticky anyway man.

 

Wicked, cheers!

 

Just finished my install of a new Panasonic HU with the "standard" Mini speakers. This thread has a couple pictures of the HU
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ight=panasonic (This is not my actual car- I didn't mean to give that impression)

I can say that this made a HUGE difference in the sound of the stock speakers. WAY cleaner, WAY louder. This may sound crazy, but my initial plan was to drop a sub in back, but it now sounds so much better, I'm not sure I'm going to!

This HU has a customizable display, you can adjust the video/still images in the background as well as the bgd color. It's also expandable for full ipod interface and satellite radio. I'm very happy with it. (No I don't have any connection to panasonic

As far as steering wheel controls, RedSkunk, do you know what the difference between "WAVE and "Boost" is on the link you provided? Are these units hard wired? (not the IR ones that get programmed to work like a remote when you use the steering wheel buttons)

 

I began with an HK setup in my car.
It never could make me happy.... even when I jumped the signal around the HK amp and used aftermarket amps with stock head unit and upgraded speakers.
Now I'm running an Alpine 9857 head unit with a PAC SWI-Alp steering wheel module.
Also installed Infinity components in the front and MB Quart 6x9s in back. This system BLOWS AWAY the stock setup in VOLUME and CLARITY.

I should mention that I'm only using the Head unit's amp for my speakers.
I spent around $500..... which is what the HK would've cost you to begin with.

 

Which Infinities ??? Which MBs ???

Did the front speakers slip right in or did you need adaptors?

I'm so grateful I opted out of the HK. Before I ordered my Mini I played my mix cds and some commercial ones on an HK equipped at the dealers and was totally unable hear $600 worth of better sound.

Not to sound superior here, I made other purchase errors like not ordering Xenons ...but that's a whole other story>)