I've been doing some reading and contacting a couple people (thanks CMINIGO and GBMINI for your input) to try and understand if the HK amp can be incorporated into the N1 loop. Sadly to say it doesn't look like that's going to happen.

With that said, I'm now trying to figure out how I proceed. Do I have to replace all the speakers or are they compatible with the N1. I think I've read where there is an interface that's available which will connect the steering wheel buttons to the N1...is this correct? I'd like to add an amp along the same lines, size wise, as the HK amp so that I can place it in the back right compartment where the HK amp currently is. Any ideas?

One last piece of information needed, and forgive my ignorance, but what is MFSW? I've seen this a lot in my readings and must say I can't figure out the acronym!! Is it Multi Function Steering Wheel?

Thanks for any/all input. Let me know if there is any other helpful information I could use for this install.

 

Mellow,

You are correct with the MFSW definition. You might want to try these guys for interfacing equipment with the Mini http://www.newministuff.co.uk

They have a lot of stuff and can also do some custom work for you.

 

dgszweda1,

Thanks for the input. I've already sent Mikey a note requesting help and waiting on reply.

 

The PAC SWI-X can provide IR signals from the steering wheel controls; I recently installed it to control my Kenwood head unit
You can feed stereo left/right from an aftermarket head unit into the HK amp, but the HK amp will only work if the stock head unit is still connected; I developed an HKenabler which mimics the stock head unit and allows aftermarket head unit use through the HK amp.

If you remove the HK amp, you probably will need to replace the speakers too. The speaker coils are 2 ohm and most head units only drive 4 or 8 ohm loads. There is no crossover for the midrange/tweeter in the doors. And the wiring is from the HK amp position, not from the head unit position.

 

GBMINI,

Thanks for the information. So you are saying that you have an interface I can use between the Pioneer and the HK amp? If so, where can I purchase it?

I would jump on the chance at keeping the HK amp in so I don't have to replace the amp and speakers.

Let me know if this is a solution for Pioneer AVIC N1 to HK amp interfacing.

Thanks again.

 

Well, the HK enabler does not go between the head unit and HK amp. But it will persuade the two units to work together.
MikeyTheMini in England has packaged my HKenabler circuit with a Boost head unit interface. If you buy this, then you remove the connector from the back of the head unit, and plug this interface in. The MINIs wiring is brought out so that you can connect power & front speakers from the new head unit, then it will all work. Of course, you probably also need the antenna adaptor and fascia adaptor, unless you have them already.

You will not be able to use the front/rear fade of the new head unit. Apart from that, you will have the same HK sound you have now - but probably a bit higher maximum volume and with the better quality aftermarket audio the sound quality might be a little better too.
Of course the main benefit is the new features like the cool display ...


NOTE: So long as the aftermarket head unit has front speaker outputs, this solution will work - it would not work with head units with only pre-amp outputs ...

 

EXCELLENT!!!!! I believe the N1 has connections for the front speakers and doesn't have only pre-amp connections....so things should work.

Went to the website and saw for versions. I want to have the HK interface and upgrade to interface to MFSW and HK mode/fader. So is that 1 and 4?

Really appeciate your input. It's going to save me a bunch of work!!

 

I don't know exactly what option 4 is - I think you need to phone and email Mikey and ask.
I built the HKenabler circuit and in my car it is connected to a button to select the HK modes.

Seems that option 1+4 or option 2+3 would be exactly the same result - and same price.

 

Update - just spoke with Mike to get clarification ...

He sells MFSW kits for many head units. For example there is a Pioneer to Boost MFSW adaptor for 3 spoke wheel.
If there is an adaptor compatible with the Pioneer AVIC N1, then you can buy both the adaptor and the HKenabler combined and built into a single kit - there is then a small savings in the packaged price.
So you would choose option 4 to get the HKenabler with a mode switch, combined with a MFSW adaptor for the head unit (not option 1 and 4).

 

Thanks, once again GBMINI, for your input. I have a note off to Mike to determine the exact items I'll need to order. Just received my FedEx tracking number for the N1...will be receiving it early next week. I want to make sure I have the necessary parts, from Mike, on hand to begin the install next week.

Keep up the innovative juices going!!!!

 

Looking forward to pics when you get into the install (although CMINIGOs pics are pretty good).

You don't happen to be in the MINI Peabody / Boston, MA area do you?

 

I will try and get pics as the install progresses. I will be using CMINIGO pics!

Not in Boston area...live in North Carolina.