Hey guys. I recently purchased a 03 MSC with the Harmon Kardon sound system in it. I want to install an aftermarket cd player that will play my MP3 CDs and one that also has a USB port on it for my iPod. But, I was wondering if an aftermarket cd player will work with the H/K system? I heard I will lose sound quality and features changing to aftermarket. So, my question is; will this work, and if so, are there any particular aftermarket cd players that work best with my set up? Thanks.

Rich

 

You can get the HK enabler from newministuff.com that will allow the HK amp to work with an aftermarket radio. However, the way the amp was designed (volume is controlled there and not at the HU), you will probably notice some noise at lower volumes.

A simpler solution would be to get a HU from an 05-06 MINI as those play MP3 disks. Also get one of the iPod kits that will interface with the stock HU and give you full control through the HU. The non-official iPod adapters will also show song info on the display. If you don't use the MP3 disks a lot, you can skip replacing the HU and just get the iPod adapter (saves a lot of money).

 

Alright. Thanks, I'll check all that out.

 

Ok... where can I buy an 05+ H/K head unit?

 

Well, you can go to EAS (their banner ad is probably at the top of your screen right now, or you can look them up in the vendor directory). They have them for $599.

Or, you can check out eBay or put a "want to buy" posting here on NAM.

The head unit itself is the same whether you have the standard stereo, H/K or DPSM, so don't let that throw you when you're searching. Some of the later '06 stereos look a little different from the '05 and early '06 ones, but they're functionally identical and use the same wiring, so you can use either type.

 

Thanks. You all have been a really big help!

 

i just purchased an oem head unit that was made in 9/04. does this play mp3's? the ad in which it was listed under said it does. thanks.

 

9/04 should work. The most obvious delineator is that the MP3 playing head unit will have a volume **** with ridges, whereas the earlier units have a (very small) smooth ****.

 

wow the *****... i have so much to learn! thanks eric i'm going to install it tomorrow.

edit:

since you're here i have another question: i've got the hk audio system in the car. is the non-hk mp3 unit going to affect the system i have right now?

 

Head unit is the same for HK/non-HK. HK consists of an amp, different speakers, and a different wiring harness to accomodate them.