I'm sure I wil add good speakers (focal or whatever I like), new high-end amps, etc.. A/D/S stuff, perhaps. I don't know. I will definitely add XM/Sirius + IPOD -- all of which I will attempt to control via the MFSW.

I'm just wondering if there are any other inherent advantages to the HK, outside the amps/speakers. For instance, is there some pre-wiring or are there advantages to having the extra two speakers mounted or perhaps there is some adv. having the holes for the speakers already cut?

Regards, Mark

 

I'm pleased with my HK. I didn't listen to a non-HK system though. I'm not sure it's worth the extra $550,however.

Unfortunately, I'm one of the last people in the world who should be giving you advice. I'm deaf in one ear and haven't heard true stereo in 15 years. But I do, however, remember what it sounded like...

jerij

 

>>I'm sure I wil add good speakers (focal or whatever I like), new high-end amps, etc.. A/D/S stuff, perhaps. I don't know. I will definitely add XM/Sirius + IPOD -- all of which I will attempt to control via the MFSW.
>>
>>I'm just wondering if there are any other inherent advantages to the HK, outside the amps/speakers. For instance, is there some pre-wiring or are there advantages to having the extra two speakers mounted or perhaps there is some adv. having the holes for the speakers already cut?

Mark,
Aloha and welcome to NAM.
H/K doesn't sound like it will be a good investment for you if you are thinking of focal speakers and High end amps.

There is little resale value in H/K parts except for others that own H/K and there is nothing that you really need to re-use as the wiring won't be of much use to an aftermarket system and the extra speaker is really just a tweeter and mid range in the tweeter position of the front door.

If you are eventually going to create a custom audiophile setup then save the $550 and put it into your audio upgrades later. The H/K speakers use the existing stock speaker openings.

Finally just to do a reality check- please do take a test drive in the MINI of your choice with either stock audio and H/K audio option and bring your test CD and play it while driving. See how you like them. You will be able to tell right away if either is offense to your ears.

For most people (like those who have never heard of Focal speakers) the stock audio is fine. For those on a budget but want good sound then the H/K is an easy way to upgrade but it is not perfect.

 

Hey Mark,
I have HK and love it, and I've got a good ear for music. It's a fairly good system. I just got the XM on Monday and it is great too. However, with the mods you mentioned, you can do much better than the HK. The big thing about having the HK is the volume adjusts automatically for your speed, so that you don't have to constantly change the volume up and down again. I like that convenience. On my last car I paid over $3000 on a stereo with subwoofer in the trunk and 6 speakers, but it had metal tweeters and I don't like the sound with metal tweeters (a little harsh and not sweet, but detailed), and the subwoofer was very loud and thumpy. The HK uses soft tweeters not metal ones, and the sound is softer. I liked the Alpine speakers and amps I listened to some years ago -- I should have bought them instead for that other car. For your upgrades, a good stereo shop should not have any problems (that they can't handle) installing the extra 2 speakers. Good shops can do about anything.