Originally Posted by DaveKennedy

10 speakers? you're counting the 6x9's each as 2 speakers for a total of 4???? The 6x9's are attached 1 larger speaker and 1 integral tweeter... for a total of 1 total speaker.

Originally Posted by ScottRiqui

It's all semantics, but it's fair to call them two speakers if they're two separate drivers, each with its own voice coil. The fact that the two drivers share a chassis is immaterial.

Originally Posted by theSamuel

I have the 2009 MCS Hardtop with the HIFI Premium 10-Speaker System (Non-H/K). I've read that my amplifier only has 230 watts, while the 2010-2013 H/K amplifier has 480 watts. Can I buy the H/K amplifier online and swap it out for my non-H/K amp? I'm trying to drive some Infinity Reference (2 ohm) speakers I bought to replace the 6 front speakers (tweeters, mids, and woofers) and they are a bit power hungry.

Originally Posted by theSamuel

Thanks bratling! Just a quick question though - how would I go about re-coding? Do dealers usually do this? Thanks.

Originally Posted by cumang0

can anybody confirm the power ratings from OP on whether they are RMS or max?

if they are max...then mini boost is /facepalm

need to figure out how badly they will push aftermarket speakers (mini boost), cheers for any inputs.

Originally Posted by KevinC

Here's a schpiel on the H/K system in the '10 model...

A Unique Car Deserves a Unique Sound System
MINI and Harman Kardon® both embody excellent performance, top quality, individuality and lifestyle in combination with distinctive design. Together, these two iconic brands stand for pioneering technology and passionate engineering. As partners, MINI and Harman Kardon jointly developed tailor-made sound systems that enrich the dynamic MINI driving experience with a fascinating listening experience. The uncompromising sound quality is delivered by the powerful digital Harman Kardon DSP amplifiers in Class D technology, driving ten speakers that are optimally positioned in the car and specifically adjusted for the respective MINI model. These high-performance transducers feature specially developed membrane materials. The tweeters, with metal matrix diaphragms, employ a complex sandwich structure with an aluminum core and a ceramic surface. Midrange speakers in the door panels feature Alumaprene® diaphragms that are characterized by excellent damping characteristics for a finely balanced frequency response. The new diaphragm materials ensure a careful balance between stiffness and weight.

In addition, the MINI models also use a high-performance 480-watt Class D amplifier, a power pack whose superior sound pressure level (SPL) fulfills the desire for fun and produces a richly detailed sound. Compared to the previous model, the module, which weighs only 1.3 kg, allows twice the performance; low bass tones are passed on to the speakers powerfully and precisely. Because of its superior efficiency, the amplifier radiates very little heat, rendering additional cooling unnecessary. Thus, the amplifier features very compact dimensions of just 19.2 x 11.6 x 5.2 centimeters, enabling space saving installations.

Harman Kardon is a world leader in the development and production of high-quality audio systems, and has worked with the engineers at MINI to design the perfect solution for these unique cars. It was clear from the very beginning that this was not a matter of standard solutions, as each model has its own unique set of requirements. For example, the MINI Convertible needs a system that can offer the same outstanding sound experience whether the top is up or down. With the MINI Clubman, on the other hand, the acoustic experts had to take the larger interior space into account when tuning the sound. Furthermore, the additional door on the passenger side for rear seat passengers required the development of a speaker that is specially optimized for small volumes.

The high standards of both brands were the top priority during development: The system meets the most demanding requirements of an excellent, uncompromising sound experience. Even at an early stage in the design phase, this required close cooperation between the engineers from both brands. As all interior components have a dramatic impact on acoustics, Harman Kardon engineers work on sound tuning in the different phases of vehicle development. To ensure a faithful, three-dimensional listening experience, the number, size, and position of the speakers have to be defined, and the individual components optimally tuned.

Following the complex sound tuning with Auravox, Harman’s proprietary fully automatic tuning and filtering process, new sound systems need to undergo the ultimate test: the human ear. The top acoustic experts from Harman Kardon employ direct listening tests to ensure that the results meet the brand’s high standards. Fine nuances are, of course, allowed and even desired, as the sound should exactly reflect the character of the respective MINI model and corresponding target group.

More info here:

http://www.mini.harmankardon.com/en/index.aspx

Originally Posted by WrenchMonkey

... I used to think the Harmon Kardon name meant something when it came to sound. Then I bought a mini cooper with the "hi-fi" speakers.

Originally Posted by raz636

A Mini rep sent me some official figures for the audio systems in the R56. Here's the info:

Standard System:
4 channels
6 loudspeakers
• 2 mid-range loudspeakers in front, 100 mm [~4 inch]
• 2 bass loudspeakers in front, 150 mm [~6 inch]
• 2 bass loudspeakers in rear, 6 x 9"
Bandwidth: 50 Hz to 14,000 Hz
Max. acoustic pressure 98 dB
Amplifier power: depends on radio,
4 x 15 W (4 Ohm)

HiFi System:
8 channels
10 loudspeakers
• 2 treble loudspeakers in front, 26 mm [~1 inch]
• 2 mid-range loudspeakers in front, 100 mm [~4 inch]
• 2 bass loudspeakers in front, 150 mm [~6 inch]
• 2 bass loudspeakers in rear, 6 x 9"
• 2 treble loudspeakers in rear, 26 mm [~1 inch]
Bandwidth: 40 Hz to 20,000 Hz
Max. acoustic pressure 104 dB
Amplifier power:
•2 x 40 W (2 Ohm) Bass
•6 x 25 W (2 Ohm)

Originally Posted by jkling17

Those speaker stats are out of date. STOCK speakers - Front door are 3.5" mid range and 6.5" mid/woofer

As you may know, there is an easy CHANNEL SWAP fix that helps quite a bit with bass and cleaner front-end audio. BUT - at a minimum, one needs to add a tweeter up front with crossover (likely capacitor) near top of door or A post trim.

It SUCKS that MINI didn't simply continue the excellent door speakers from 1st Gen.