Hey guys first post on the forum and wondering if I could get some input. I have a 2005 Mini Cooper S with the HK system. I want to change out my amp and head unit but keep the stock speakers. My goal is more volume but I don't want to sacrifice quality. I've heard that the speakers will just wear out within a few weeks if I add an aftermarket amp. I'm at a low budget with $500. Also wondering if a class D amp is required or if an A/B amp will be fine running at 2 ohms. not very experienced with car audio so anything helps. Thank you

 

Literally the thread above yours.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-upgrades.html

 

The HK speakers are designed specifically for the HK amp, with 2 ohm impedance and no crossovers. They will not be compatible with an aftermarket amp, so if you change out the HK amp you will have to change out the HK speakers as well.

 

So even if using a 2 ohm amp and adding crossovers the speakers will not work?

 

Yes it will work. The existing crossovers are tuned carefully to the car. But yes it will work.

 

Do you think the speakers can handle more volume without damage or are they already at their limit?

 

With sufficient clean amplification the speakers should be able to handle more power until they bottom out and start clicking.

If you HK isn't loud enough, I'd recommend checking

1) The DSP is set to MINI H/K
2) The DRIVER is set to ON
3) your hearing at a doctor

 

Between my exhaust and the windows down I just need a little more. and maybe the doctor appointment

 

It will work, but sound quality won't be good unless the components are carefully matched. Then you will end up with an amp and crossovers tuned for the relatively low quality HK speakers. If you go to the trouble of changing the headunit and amp, you may as well swap out the speakers as well.

 

1. Not always the best option for certain music and very heavy on bass.
2. Driver option just softens the drivers side and turns up the passenger side so "recenter" the music in the car to the driver. If you have this on and carry a passenger, they will think you have the music cranked even when you think it is fairly low. Again, not really a solution.
3. My hearing is fine and I still find the HK system lacking at times. Luckily the Media Bridge allows me to adjust the input of my iPhone thus boosting the sound. I am no longer bothered by how low it is. That being said, with the windows down at highway speeds, it was hard to hear.

 

If you had a $500 budget and were going to change the whole system, what would you put in? Parts only no install

 

What are your priorities in what you want to improve? Headunit with more features? Louder volume?

 

Louder overall volume and a headunit with bluetooth streaming and ipod control. Leaning towards the new sony headunits.

 

Do u have your iphone connected through the apple type cord or a 3.5mm?

 

Through the apple cord. Also looking to retain steering controls

 

That's probably why your losing volume, mine is plenty loud enough and I like obnoxious loud music. I just use the retrofit 3.5mm

 

Use to have the retrofit and it was similar in volume. running the parrot 9100 but I'm disappointed with it and just looking to switch the headunit

 

You can connect an aftermarket headunit to the HK amp using an HK Enabler adapter:
http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...uctshow&id=116
That website also has options for retaining the steering wheel functions (MFSW) with an aftermarket headunit.

However, it won't help with overall volume. Perhaps a subwoofer can add to the perception of volume.

 

Getting the enabler was the original plan but its about as much as a new amp and also doesn't solve the volume issue. This simple headunit swap has turned in to a project

 

Awesome I need one of those. I don't like the look of the stock stereo. Does it keep the hk equalizer settings?

 

Don't forget you can also make some $$$ if you sell your H/K amp as long as it's working. I replaced my whole H/k system a few years ago and got $400 for my amp on ebay. not sure what they are going for now, but worth a check.

 

Do you think I'm better off selling the system as a whole or parting it out?

 

You'll have a hard time finding anybody interested in the HK system as a whole. Somebody upgrading would be starting from the base stereo, which is easy to upgrade with aftermarket and go beyond HK quality. Also, the HK system requires the HK wiring, and you'd have to completely take apart your interior to remove it as part of the sale.

The headunit and HK amp have some value. Check on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=...at=0&_from=R40
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=...at=0&_from=R40

 

I agree with Rkw, sell individually. The people that will buy off ebay are just replacing a component that broke in their system. Since they can't just replace the amp, head, speakers with any old amp, head, speaker without having to replace the WHOLE system. They are stuck with OEM stuff. You can probably guess how expensive a "new" OEM hk amp is. VERY!


If you need any ideas for a sub box let me know. I think I still have the drawing for the one I built that goes above the battery and sits flush with the lip on the hatch. You can see pics in my gallery.


Good luck!

 

The problem with #2 is that over time this setting can over drive the speaker and it will blow. You can look through threads all day and just about every time someone says they blew a speaker on this system it's the passenger side one and they have DRIVER set to ON.

I went through 2 before I figured this out. Shut it off and have never had an issue since.