Navigation & Audio HK stereo??
OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
Moving this thread from MINI Talk to Audio Forum.
>>Is HK stereo system can be installed by dealer?
EDK13,
The HK audio upgrade is a factory installed option. If you have not ordered it with your MINI then it would be prohibitively expensive to try to install it after the fact. You're better off with an aftermarket audio upgrade.
The value of HK is that for $550 it is a very solid factory upgrade that saves you alot of hassle plus you get credit for the stock audio system, hence the low upgrade price.
Aftermarket systems run from $1000 to $2500 easily but the sound quality can be better than HK.
Also HK when ordered is covered under the four year MINI warranty while an aftermarket stereo is not covered as long, usually 1 year on some of the items and up to 3 years for labor.
>>Is HK stereo system can be installed by dealer?
EDK13,
The HK audio upgrade is a factory installed option. If you have not ordered it with your MINI then it would be prohibitively expensive to try to install it after the fact. You're better off with an aftermarket audio upgrade.
The value of HK is that for $550 it is a very solid factory upgrade that saves you alot of hassle plus you get credit for the stock audio system, hence the low upgrade price.
Aftermarket systems run from $1000 to $2500 easily but the sound quality can be better than HK.
Also HK when ordered is covered under the four year MINI warranty while an aftermarket stereo is not covered as long, usually 1 year on some of the items and up to 3 years for labor.
5th Gear
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 853
Likes: 0
From: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Sorry guys but the HK really stinks and is never worth the $550. Take that money and buy a $250 clarion (it matched perfectly) and $150 front speakers and $150 amp. Same $550 better system. Ok so you know its gonna cost you $1k in the end but thats cuz ounce you hear the better systems at tweeter you will upgrade youself. Then you will add rear speakers, upgrade to a 4 channel amp. and put a sub in the boot that leaves you no room for anything.
But thats why we love our cars...We make them our own!
But thats why we love our cars...We make them our own!
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,406
Likes: 0
From: Northeast Ohio
To each his own, but I disagree...
If you don't want to spend 1k, and add extra amps and subwoofers, but still want a factory system that better than the base unit, I think the HK is just fine. It has better sound quality than the base stereo system.
I'm not looking for window shaking bass, or a radio loud enough to wake up people 3 blocks away. What I do want is clean, crisp, immersive sound, and that the HK does very well. However, if you want earth shattering bass, and big booming sound, then the HK isn't going to fit your need...
However, if you didn't get the HK from the factory, you're out of luck. You have to go the aftermarket route...
If you don't want to spend 1k, and add extra amps and subwoofers, but still want a factory system that better than the base unit, I think the HK is just fine. It has better sound quality than the base stereo system.
I'm not looking for window shaking bass, or a radio loud enough to wake up people 3 blocks away. What I do want is clean, crisp, immersive sound, and that the HK does very well. However, if you want earth shattering bass, and big booming sound, then the HK isn't going to fit your need...
However, if you didn't get the HK from the factory, you're out of luck. You have to go the aftermarket route...
5th Gear
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 853
Likes: 0
From: Fort Lauderdale, FL
I respectufally disagree. While the HK sounds better than the base radio it hardly is worth the $500 bones they ask for it. The truth of the matter is that in a real listining test the HK fails for sound quality.
Here is a mispersecption of most people:
A aftermarket radio and speakers gives you big loud sound.
It does not, unless you want it to. What it does is provide a clean uncolored sound. That is played by accurate speakers. You can have big bad base if you want it. But that required lots of seakers, subs and amps and frankly a new altenator. Take a look at the HK speakers (compared to the cheapest name brand aftermarket speakers) and you quickly realize that they were not designed to create music accuratly. They are thin and made pf cheap paper driven by a very small voice coil.
Compare it to your home entertainment system. Do you have 15 year old book shelf speakers or a new 5.1 or 7.1 system. Did you add a sub? How about a DVD player with multichannel sound? How about a SACD or DVD-A system. If your a audio geek then spend $$ in your car. If you bought a home theater in a box(dvd player receiver, amp and 5.1 speakers) for your TV get the HK. If you bought B&W and Krell well you know what to do.
Everyone motors differently and its all about your ear. Honestly if you dont hear the difference don't try to hear it. It gets very expensive (ask my wife) ounce you hear the difference. You wont want to listen to the cheaper system.
Here is a mispersecption of most people:
A aftermarket radio and speakers gives you big loud sound.
It does not, unless you want it to. What it does is provide a clean uncolored sound. That is played by accurate speakers. You can have big bad base if you want it. But that required lots of seakers, subs and amps and frankly a new altenator. Take a look at the HK speakers (compared to the cheapest name brand aftermarket speakers) and you quickly realize that they were not designed to create music accuratly. They are thin and made pf cheap paper driven by a very small voice coil.
Compare it to your home entertainment system. Do you have 15 year old book shelf speakers or a new 5.1 or 7.1 system. Did you add a sub? How about a DVD player with multichannel sound? How about a SACD or DVD-A system. If your a audio geek then spend $$ in your car. If you bought a home theater in a box(dvd player receiver, amp and 5.1 speakers) for your TV get the HK. If you bought B&W and Krell well you know what to do.
Everyone motors differently and its all about your ear. Honestly if you dont hear the difference don't try to hear it. It gets very expensive (ask my wife) ounce you hear the difference. You wont want to listen to the cheaper system.
OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
How can both of you be right??
Easy. Trust your ears. Both view points are valid and indicate that we are not all blessed with good hearing. At least when it comes to appreciating music in a noise car environment.
For the discerning listener and audiophile, Yes the H/K isn't all it's cracked up to be and yes you may need to go custom audio to get what you want. I'm not sure that all of us can pick and choose good quality parts to do better than H/K for less than it costs to order. Labor alone isn't cheap but if you can do it yourself that will help. Just don't mess up the MINI/BMW wiring which is a big risk if you don't know what you are doing.
For the rest of us just take you favorite CD or two with you on a true test drive in a MINI with the stock audio and with the H/K and listen while you drive. If you cannot tell the difference immediately then don't buy the H/K. Stick to the stock audio and upgrade later if you want.
The average person will be fine with the stock audio. Some people will be fine with the H/K upgrade. Since they don't require anything better and can't distinguish the difference with the noisy environment then they can save some money.
For people that are used to spending $1000s on aftermarket audio upgrades then fine, enjoy and go for it. The MINI is a really small cabin and you can do some really nice audio/video upgrades. Don't forget the sound deadening material.
For the discerning listener and audiophile, Yes the H/K isn't all it's cracked up to be and yes you may need to go custom audio to get what you want. I'm not sure that all of us can pick and choose good quality parts to do better than H/K for less than it costs to order. Labor alone isn't cheap but if you can do it yourself that will help. Just don't mess up the MINI/BMW wiring which is a big risk if you don't know what you are doing.
For the rest of us just take you favorite CD or two with you on a true test drive in a MINI with the stock audio and with the H/K and listen while you drive. If you cannot tell the difference immediately then don't buy the H/K. Stick to the stock audio and upgrade later if you want.
The average person will be fine with the stock audio. Some people will be fine with the H/K upgrade. Since they don't require anything better and can't distinguish the difference with the noisy environment then they can save some money.
For people that are used to spending $1000s on aftermarket audio upgrades then fine, enjoy and go for it. The MINI is a really small cabin and you can do some really nice audio/video upgrades. Don't forget the sound deadening material.
Coordinator :: PDX MINI
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,709
Likes: 0
From: PDX
Originally Posted by ninjamini
It gets very expensive (ask my wife) ounce you hear the difference. You wont want to listen to the cheaper system.
I now drive MINI most of the time. However, whenever I'm in my other car with "the system" and, in comparison, I feel that the MINI's sound system is somewhat inadequate. The system in the other car consists of many custom works. Besides all the video gimmicks (DVD, TV, rear cam, Nav, etc...), it has total of 5 amps that power 13 speakers. Front channels are bi-amp 3-way MB Quart Q-series speakers mounted in the kickpanel. A separate sound processor w/parametric EQ and an active crossover facilitate tuning. And....
As a result, I'm now working on building a system in the MINI. Ironically, I have to take weight into consideration as it might compromise the performance of the little MINI.
Last edited by dcsmd007; Jun 18, 2004 at 04:35 PM.
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OVERDRIVE - Racing Champion
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 15,262
Likes: 72
From: Mililani, Hawaii
Another viewpoint
When you drive and you want to hear the engine you'll have your stereo off. 
In order to get the full benefit out of a great audio/video system you'll need some peace and quiet. A loud intake or exhaust and a high reving engine isn't going to make things easy.
Just be sure to think before your leap into a custom audio upgrade.
How much does that other system in your other car cost? It's easy to do more and get a better sound but the cost is prohibitive for the average MINI owner. In my area $6000 is easy to spend on high end stuff. Most of us that have moderate systems tend to spend about $2000-3000 and stop there.
So when I want to listen to music I can crank it up loud and clear. But when I want to drive I have to turn off the music and listen to my engine and pay attention to what I am hearing and how the MINI is responding to my driving.
Those who drive autocross know that the stock audio is the way to go. H/K and custom audio weighs alot more and extra weight is not good for performance driving. I can pull out my JL stealthbox in a few minutes with two screws and save 24 pounds from the boot. I cap the wire ends and I'm ready for SCCA solo 2.
I don't know which I like better, stereo off and listen to my MINI or music on with my favorite music. It's equally good either way.
In order to get the full benefit out of a great audio/video system you'll need some peace and quiet. A loud intake or exhaust and a high reving engine isn't going to make things easy.
Just be sure to think before your leap into a custom audio upgrade.
How much does that other system in your other car cost? It's easy to do more and get a better sound but the cost is prohibitive for the average MINI owner. In my area $6000 is easy to spend on high end stuff. Most of us that have moderate systems tend to spend about $2000-3000 and stop there.
So when I want to listen to music I can crank it up loud and clear. But when I want to drive I have to turn off the music and listen to my engine and pay attention to what I am hearing and how the MINI is responding to my driving.
Those who drive autocross know that the stock audio is the way to go. H/K and custom audio weighs alot more and extra weight is not good for performance driving. I can pull out my JL stealthbox in a few minutes with two screws and save 24 pounds from the boot. I cap the wire ends and I'm ready for SCCA solo 2.
I don't know which I like better, stereo off and listen to my MINI or music on with my favorite music. It's equally good either way.
5th Gear
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 853
Likes: 0
From: Fort Lauderdale, FL
[QUOTE=minihune]
How much does that other system in your other car cost? It's easy to do more and get a better sound but the cost is prohibitive for the average MINI owner. In my area $6000 is easy to spend on high end stuff. Most of us that have moderate systems tend to spend about $2000-3000 and stop there.
So when I want to listen to music I can crank it up loud and clear. But when I want to drive I have to turn off the music and listen to my engine and pay attention to what I am hearing and how the MINI is responding to my driving.
I agree with you. It is very easy to spend $2000-$3000 and I even see systems that cost $10-20K. If you go all out you can have a $100k system in a mini. One of my friends did this to his car. Looks cool...Real original (he painted his dash body color).
Would I do this...Thats a BIG FAT NO!
What would I do:
Clarion or Alpine radio around $300
Front Speakers JL or MB Quart around $200-300
Amp JL around $300
Later I would add rear speakers ($300) and a sub ($300) (I might upgrade to the JL stealth box what do you think of its performence)
You will get superior sound from 2 good speakers vs 6 or 8 medicore or poor performing ones.
One think to note about the mini HK system is that is was tuned for the mini. Its sound field was shaped for the mini to sound its best. This is what the note button does - change the sound field.
Honestly if your not into music and your into performence driving then get the HK. Little weight and good sound field manilipiation. If your into music accept the wight and add the 150 lbs to the car(just drive alone it makes up for the added weight). If your into both music and performence driving then you got some choices to make.
Its all about choice and what revs YOUR engine. Take your car to a Tweeter or equally fine car install place and ask to listen to one of their customers cars. Compare the mini vs a aftermarket system. You will need to specify if you want base or sound quality. That is 2 diffrent kinda animals. I do not ever want to be in a car with too much base. It hurts my ears.
Be warned if you go and listen to a system is might cost you alot of money and you can easily spend your JCW package $$$ on music quality. Ie. When I decided to get a Mini it was goinna cost me $17k. After looking at the options its $25k. First I said "the standard mini is fine for me" Then the sales rep had be drive the MCS. Then I saw the sunroof....You have been warned.
How much does that other system in your other car cost? It's easy to do more and get a better sound but the cost is prohibitive for the average MINI owner. In my area $6000 is easy to spend on high end stuff. Most of us that have moderate systems tend to spend about $2000-3000 and stop there.
So when I want to listen to music I can crank it up loud and clear. But when I want to drive I have to turn off the music and listen to my engine and pay attention to what I am hearing and how the MINI is responding to my driving.
I agree with you. It is very easy to spend $2000-$3000 and I even see systems that cost $10-20K. If you go all out you can have a $100k system in a mini. One of my friends did this to his car. Looks cool...Real original (he painted his dash body color).
Would I do this...Thats a BIG FAT NO!
What would I do:
Clarion or Alpine radio around $300
Front Speakers JL or MB Quart around $200-300
Amp JL around $300
Later I would add rear speakers ($300) and a sub ($300) (I might upgrade to the JL stealth box what do you think of its performence)
You will get superior sound from 2 good speakers vs 6 or 8 medicore or poor performing ones.
One think to note about the mini HK system is that is was tuned for the mini. Its sound field was shaped for the mini to sound its best. This is what the note button does - change the sound field.
Honestly if your not into music and your into performence driving then get the HK. Little weight and good sound field manilipiation. If your into music accept the wight and add the 150 lbs to the car(just drive alone it makes up for the added weight). If your into both music and performence driving then you got some choices to make.
Its all about choice and what revs YOUR engine. Take your car to a Tweeter or equally fine car install place and ask to listen to one of their customers cars. Compare the mini vs a aftermarket system. You will need to specify if you want base or sound quality. That is 2 diffrent kinda animals. I do not ever want to be in a car with too much base. It hurts my ears.
Be warned if you go and listen to a system is might cost you alot of money and you can easily spend your JCW package $$$ on music quality. Ie. When I decided to get a Mini it was goinna cost me $17k. After looking at the options its $25k. First I said "the standard mini is fine for me" Then the sales rep had be drive the MCS. Then I saw the sunroof....You have been warned.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,433
Likes: 1
From: Gloucester, MA, USA
If you *must* go to a Tweeter store for aftermarket car stereo, get a recommendation from someone that had their MINI done successfully there; my experience with the Nashua branch was horrible :(
http://www.gbmini.net/mtblog/archive/000272.shtml
http://www.gbmini.net/mtblog/archive/000266.shtml
http://www.gbmini.net/mtblog/archive/000264.shtml
http://www.gbmini.net/mtblog/archive/000272.shtml
http://www.gbmini.net/mtblog/archive/000266.shtml
http://www.gbmini.net/mtblog/archive/000264.shtml
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From: Highland Village, TX
I was a hifi salesman for many years and like the HK just fine. There have been a few times when I wanted to crank up a song and found the HK seems to limit the volume to a point just below where I want it. The guys who are really into sound systems will always want more, but the average person tends to be very happy with the HK system.
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: north carolina
HK Radio not worth it, too many problems
I have had my car in twice to have the radio and amplifier replaced. I posted it when it first happen. Radio on but no sound. Well they replaced everything. About a month later the same thing happened and I took the car last Friday and the replaced the amplifier again. Well on Tuesday while driving home the radio just quits playing again. I am way beyond pissed. Then it starts playing againg the next day. Also have had two door speakers replaced on the passenger side and the little speaker on the door handle replaced. In my opinion the stink. Heard of anymore problems like this?
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,831
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix, AZ
Originally Posted by wendy
I have had my car in twice to have the radio and amplifier replaced. I posted it when it first happen. Radio on but no sound. Well they replaced everything. About a month later the same thing happened and I took the car last Friday and the replaced the amplifier again. Well on Tuesday while driving home the radio just quits playing again. I am way beyond pissed. Then it starts playing againg the next day. Also have had two door speakers replaced on the passenger side and the little speaker on the door handle replaced. In my opinion the stink. Heard of anymore problems like this?
4th Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: Central Jersey Shore
My HK stopped working today!
Wendy,
I had something similar happen with my HK system today. My MINI had its one-year birthday on June 6, and this has never happened until today:
Driving home from work, listening to an FM station, the sound just quit. I thought maybe the station went off the air or something...switched to another station using the switches behind steering wheel. No sound. Another station...no sound....I pushed the volume switch to raise it...no sound. I used the rotary volume switch on the stereo itself...still no sound. Then I pressed the volume raise/lower switch behind the steering wheel again multiple times, and although there was still no audio, eventually a "beep" came out of the stereo head unit. I pressed the switch more times, heard more "beeps" (as if I had hit some sort of volume limiter??)
Put in a CD, no sound, even though it was "playing" fine.
Turned the car off and on...voila, radio works fine again.
Could it be the amplifier is on the fritz or maybe it shut itself off due to excessive heat? It was 94 F today, probably 110 F inside the car where the amp sits in the rear fender well. Does the HK amp clip when it gets too hot out?
I hope my stereo isn't on the blink...car has been perfect until this...
Rock On,
boognish
I had something similar happen with my HK system today. My MINI had its one-year birthday on June 6, and this has never happened until today:
Driving home from work, listening to an FM station, the sound just quit. I thought maybe the station went off the air or something...switched to another station using the switches behind steering wheel. No sound. Another station...no sound....I pushed the volume switch to raise it...no sound. I used the rotary volume switch on the stereo itself...still no sound. Then I pressed the volume raise/lower switch behind the steering wheel again multiple times, and although there was still no audio, eventually a "beep" came out of the stereo head unit. I pressed the switch more times, heard more "beeps" (as if I had hit some sort of volume limiter??)
Put in a CD, no sound, even though it was "playing" fine.
Turned the car off and on...voila, radio works fine again.
Could it be the amplifier is on the fritz or maybe it shut itself off due to excessive heat? It was 94 F today, probably 110 F inside the car where the amp sits in the rear fender well. Does the HK amp clip when it gets too hot out?
I hope my stereo isn't on the blink...car has been perfect until this...
Rock On,
boognish
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: north carolina
If you happen to take yours to the shop to have it looked at let me know what they tell you. Evidently this happens quite a bit because both times I took mine in, they had the amp and the stereo in stock and did not have to order it. I wouldn't think that you would keep too many radios and amps instock unless there had been many problems. Thanks for the reply.
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: north carolina
[QUOTE=dominicminicoopers]Sounds like you might have an intermittant short in the wiring system. Could be causing the component(s) to blow. Or maybe you have an intermittant open in the wiring system causing you to loose sound. Could be when the techs are removing and replacing the compenents, it could wiggle those wires just the right way to created connections again, until sometime later down the road, yes pun intended, they loose connection.
Thanks I will tell the service manager this for sure when I take it back in for the third time.:smile:
Thanks I will tell the service manager this for sure when I take it back in for the third time.:smile:
4th Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: Central Jersey Shore
Wendy,
I just scheduled a maintenance visit with my MINI dealer, so they can check out and hopefully FIX FOR GOOD, my HK Stereo problem. I think it is a loose connection to the amplifier, because the head unit works fine...you can change channels and "play" CDs and what not, only there's NO SOUND. The sound did come on for a few minutes today when I had to brake real hard, so I thought maybe it could be a loose wire, and the force of me braking made a connection...but then the sound disappeared a few minutes later.
The dealer can't see me until June 28th-- that was the earliest the had a loaner MINI available. I'm 60 miles away, so I need to drop the MINI off in the morning, drive to work, and pick it up after work...So no music for me for two weeks!
Dang...until now, my mini had been problem-free.
-boognish
I just scheduled a maintenance visit with my MINI dealer, so they can check out and hopefully FIX FOR GOOD, my HK Stereo problem. I think it is a loose connection to the amplifier, because the head unit works fine...you can change channels and "play" CDs and what not, only there's NO SOUND. The sound did come on for a few minutes today when I had to brake real hard, so I thought maybe it could be a loose wire, and the force of me braking made a connection...but then the sound disappeared a few minutes later.
The dealer can't see me until June 28th-- that was the earliest the had a loaner MINI available. I'm 60 miles away, so I need to drop the MINI off in the morning, drive to work, and pick it up after work...So no music for me for two weeks!
Dang...until now, my mini had been problem-free.
-boognish
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: north carolina
My dealership is about 2 hours away and they don't give out loaner cars to drive. However the sales lady that sold my mom her BMW let me and my boyfriend drive a Z4 with 38 miles on it when I was there last. I can always get an appointment in a week or so. You are lucky that they give you a mini to drive. I was scared to death driving a $46000 car. I don't know if your dealership calls you about a week after your service or not but mine does and I told them I as not happy that I will have to take my car in a third time for the same problem. I am sure they will get it fixed this time or I will raise some He!! Good luck with yours. Please let me know the outcome. Thanks for the response.
4th Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: Central Jersey Shore
Wow, a Z4 as a loaner! I'll take it! :smile:
The dealership I bought my MINI from gives MINI CVTs as loaners, but only if you bought your MINI there...I'm still baffled as to what could be wrong with the HK stereo. All the connections are tight to the amp and to the head unit...all the stereo functions and amp functions show up in the head unit display...but no matter how "high" I turn the volume up using either the MFSW or the head unit volume ****, there's no sound...just a rhymthmic, cyclic "click......<3 seconds silence> click......<3 seconds silence>.....click" over and over, as if something is turning on/off. This is with the key in position 1 (engine off, stereo on).
I wonder if there's a secret MUTE function I don't know about???
Just before the radio went silent for the last time, I swear it made some computer-like beep sounds...a few of them, in succession, eminating from the head unit. I know that sounds odd....but it was odd!
I'll know on June 28th when the dealer has at it. I'll report back then.
-boognish
The dealership I bought my MINI from gives MINI CVTs as loaners, but only if you bought your MINI there...I'm still baffled as to what could be wrong with the HK stereo. All the connections are tight to the amp and to the head unit...all the stereo functions and amp functions show up in the head unit display...but no matter how "high" I turn the volume up using either the MFSW or the head unit volume ****, there's no sound...just a rhymthmic, cyclic "click......<3 seconds silence> click......<3 seconds silence>.....click" over and over, as if something is turning on/off. This is with the key in position 1 (engine off, stereo on).
I wonder if there's a secret MUTE function I don't know about???
Just before the radio went silent for the last time, I swear it made some computer-like beep sounds...a few of them, in succession, eminating from the head unit. I know that sounds odd....but it was odd!
I'll know on June 28th when the dealer has at it. I'll report back then.
-boognish
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: north carolina
I was driving down the road today radio had been playing fine for about 4 days and boom gone. I have heard no beeps or any kind of sound with mine. All I here is all the squeaks and rattles that my mini has. You don't realize how many rattles you have untill you have no music. I am going to call the dearlship today and see what he says. Where did you buy yours at?
4th Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: Central Jersey Shore
Wendy,
My MINI is from Princeton MINI in New Jersey. You're right -- you don't realize just how squeaky/rattley the MINI is until you drive in absolute silence for a week. My H/K system has been silent now for a week, but today the radio came on for gee, maybe 5 minutes! (I keep it on an FM station, just in case it decides to function...like it did today for no apparent reason).
I'm thinking it is definitely related to the amplifier and/or a short in the system due to a loose wire. When the radio started working today, I pressed the buttons and when it said "Mini HK" on the display, it usually says "ON OFF" but today the display was:"Mini HK N/A" (Not available) so I suppose something is wrong with the amplifier? It's interesting that the head unit is recognizing this, and "reporting" it by saying "N/A" (meaning it is not receiving a signal from the amp, I guess).
I'm hoping it's just a bum amplifier and once they replace it, it will be fine. But I'm motoring without sound for two weeks in the interim.
Keep us posted about your progress with your stereo...hope they finally fix it for good.
Rock On,
-boognish
My MINI is from Princeton MINI in New Jersey. You're right -- you don't realize just how squeaky/rattley the MINI is until you drive in absolute silence for a week. My H/K system has been silent now for a week, but today the radio came on for gee, maybe 5 minutes! (I keep it on an FM station, just in case it decides to function...like it did today for no apparent reason).
I'm thinking it is definitely related to the amplifier and/or a short in the system due to a loose wire. When the radio started working today, I pressed the buttons and when it said "Mini HK" on the display, it usually says "ON OFF" but today the display was:"Mini HK N/A" (Not available) so I suppose something is wrong with the amplifier? It's interesting that the head unit is recognizing this, and "reporting" it by saying "N/A" (meaning it is not receiving a signal from the amp, I guess).
I'm hoping it's just a bum amplifier and once they replace it, it will be fine. But I'm motoring without sound for two weeks in the interim.
Keep us posted about your progress with your stereo...hope they finally fix it for good.
Rock On,
-boognish
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: north carolina
I called my dealership yesturday and the service manager said the could not believe that it was not fixed. I will probably take mine next Friday. I was driving down the road yesturday no bumps no nothing and bam no sound. Then it came back on and then this morning no sound and before I even moved out of the driveway it started playing again. Got in to go home from work no sound. Then about 20 minutes into the ride it came back on. It is really weird because there is absolutly no pattern. You would think with a loose connection that it would on or off when you hit a bump, but like I said this morning I hadn't even moved the car yet. I don't think my amp is bad. It has been replaced twice. Now the first time it was completely blown. They also replace my entire radio and CD player. I don't know how they will find the problem because it is so sparadict when it happens. I will let you know what happens!
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: north carolina
Originally Posted by HunterBoss
I've seen various posts for or against the HK upgrade, but what exactly do you get that is different than stock? Is it just the tuner and CD player?
6th Gear
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,433
Likes: 1
From: Gloucester, MA, USA
The actual head unit ("Boost") is the same whether you get HK or not - in the USA at least.
The "normal" system is the Boost head unit driving six speakers, 5-1/4 + tweeter in each door and 6x9 in rear panels.
The HK upgrade replaces the speakers with "better" ones; the rears get dual voice coil (more power can be shoved into them, hence more volume out) and a midrange is added to accompany the tweeter in each door.
ALSO, the output from the Boost head unit is now fed into an amplifier that digitally manipulates the sound and drives higher power to the speaker locations. The digital manipulation includes "crossovers" to separate low and high frequencies to the various speakers, and also the various "HK modes" tailored to the car - such as "FESTIVAL", "SPATIAL", "ELECTRONIC", etc.
Is it worth the money? Opinions vary. If you do not want the hassle of aftermarket, the HK is better than stock for zero hassle.
If you go aftermarket, you can do better - much better if you spend enough money!
The "normal" system is the Boost head unit driving six speakers, 5-1/4 + tweeter in each door and 6x9 in rear panels.
The HK upgrade replaces the speakers with "better" ones; the rears get dual voice coil (more power can be shoved into them, hence more volume out) and a midrange is added to accompany the tweeter in each door.
ALSO, the output from the Boost head unit is now fed into an amplifier that digitally manipulates the sound and drives higher power to the speaker locations. The digital manipulation includes "crossovers" to separate low and high frequencies to the various speakers, and also the various "HK modes" tailored to the car - such as "FESTIVAL", "SPATIAL", "ELECTRONIC", etc.
Is it worth the money? Opinions vary. If you do not want the hassle of aftermarket, the HK is better than stock for zero hassle.
If you go aftermarket, you can do better - much better if you spend enough money!