I have a 05 Mini Cooper S Convertible with the Harmon Kardon stereo. I noticed the volume will only go to a certain level and it is inadequate particularly with the top down. I have some questions.

Is the volume limiting done through the head unit or through the amp?

What ohm are the HK speakers? In case I by-pass the HK amp and hook the speakers directly to the new head unit or new amp.

Anyone used the HK enabler? If so how was the install and performance?


I'm still deciding on direction for my stereo. Whether or not to change the head unit for an aftermarket or leave the stock head unit and install an aux plug and go with a parrot device, etc. for bluetooth?

The issues are:
New aftermarket head unit will require an enabler and also a device to allow the use of steering wheel controls. This will give me an aux in the front of the unit, bluetooth streaming and bluetooth phone. But will the volume still be limited? If so I may do away with all HK stereo and also install an amp and new speakers.

I can keep the HK head unit and go with the aux adapter. I will still have the volume limiting issue. I can listen to music from my phone but the aux cable will have to be connected. Phone calls will come through the speakers (as long as the head unit is in aux mode) but my voice may not be heard by the caller depending on where the phone is?

I can keep the HK stereo and install the aux adapter and also a bluetooth device (Parrot, etc). Still have the volume limiting issue. Music can play through aux or possibly streamed depending on the type unit. Phone will be through the bluetooth unit.

I am open to suggestions and appreciate anyone that can answer my questions. Thanks in advance!

 

I guess budget has everything to do with it.

I find it hard to believe that it's working properly. My stock HK has the capability of being much louder than anyone can handle (but I don't have a cabrio).

I think that the enabler & new head would be a quick fix. If you're happy with the current sound (which you aren't with the volume) it may allow you to upgrade in stages. But you'll be tied to the HK amp to use the current speakers they're 2 ohm.

I've heard that you can gut the entire system for less than $1K, but I haven't looked into it yet. That's what my plans will be when my HK amp fails. Personally the HK is awful - the bass is appallingly bad (but I'm coming from fantastic aftermarket systems). I want a fully featured BlueTooth system with MP3 HD and steering wheel integration. They've been discussed on NAM - I just don't have them bookmarked.

At the end of the day, in your case - it appears you don't have enough volume. To me, that means you need more punch - presumably better amp. And if you change the amp to aftermarket - you have to change the speakers.

Perhaps you can find someone nearby with a working HK system that you can do a side-by-side comparison or temporary swap to see if the HK amp is working properly.

 

The bass/mid/treble settings affect the volume. You really need to read the manual to understand the system. I wasn't too excited with mine until I learned how to set it up.