After reading all the posts on upgrading the stock radio, I wonder if the factory upgrade is going to meet my needs.

Has anyone seen specs or reviews on the H K unit?

 

I haven't been able to find so much as a picture. Maybe it is still under works? No, not if it goes into production next month.

The only thing I do know, besides two extra speakers and a slight bump in power, is that a rear accessible auxillary jack will be available for people with mp3 players (Confirmed by dealer.). The conneection wire may go to the glove box. Also, you will need to buy an adapater which is not supposed to cost too much, maybe less than $50.

I still am going to order the HK system, if just to keep the original, stock look. No disrespect to my more discriminating audiophile Miniaficianodos.

-Otto

_________________
Freezing my tail pipe off in Chicago. Brrrrr! Wait listed for a 2003 Cooper S.

"We're on a road to nowhere. Come on inside. Takin' that ride to nowhere. We'll take that ride."

 

I'm ordering it in my future S as well, if I get it first, I'll spill my guts. :smile:

 

I ordered it on mine, I should have it somewhere around the beginning of February, maybe the end of January. My production date is this Friday, Dec 6th. If I am the first one to get it, I'll make sure to post plenty of info on it. I ordered it because I wanted good sound, and a stock look. Thanks for posting it will have an MP3 hookup. Now I really need to get me one of those.

 

If you're still interested in seeing what the HK looks like and how it sounds, go have a look at the mini2.com forums. Some UK MINI people got their cars already.

 

Yes; "Davep" just received his HK system. Oddly, he has pictures of the speakers, the amp, and several other things; but I saw NONE of the actual unit. He seemed very satisfied with it; was going to post some more pictures if he can ever find any SUN (it is England...).

Follow this thread to third page (I think...)

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...threadid=19955

 

Here's a more direct link

Gallery

 

The head unit is identical to the stock unit, if I remember correctly. That is the reason there are no pictures in davep's post. It does include a HK amp, which makes the world of difference it seems. The reviews on the sound quality, in comparison with some other cars, was pretty good. I'm glad I ordered it on my car. I can't wait to hear it.

 

Does any one know how much this HK system costs?

 

>>Does any one know how much this HK system costs?

My dealer is charging me the MSRP, which is approximately $550.

It is interesting that the headunit is the same since the HK unit is supposed to have more features (ex. DSP settings) than the stock CD radio. I am glad there is not too much deviation from the stock look, which is why I went with the factory upgrade. Usually, I am the guy talking people out of the factory upgrade and instead going with an aftermarket. I am going to get a lot of flak when mine arrives in a few weeks.

 

>>Usually, I am the guy talking people out of the factory upgrade and instead going with an aftermarket.

That's not odd...I've been the same way. For example, when I bought my S-10 pickup in 1990, I got it without a radio alltogether becuase I knew I was going to have a custom install. Now with the MINI, I saw the HK and said go ahead, lets get that. I guess that makes me the same as you Otto.

 

So I'm still not seeing any extra speakers, so the 6x9s must be 2-way, vs the stock 1 way, and that is the 2 "extra speakers".

R

 

>>So I'm still not seeing any extra speakers, so the 6x9s must be 2-way, vs the stock 1 way, and that is the 2 "extra speakers".
>>
>>R

yes by their logic, if you add 4-way 6x9s in the rear (so 8 speakers rear) and then add 3-way 6.5s in the door + 2 tweeters (so 8 in front) you would have "16" speakers!

creative counting at it's best. i know no-one has pulled the HK system out, but i suspect the front speakers are the same as the standard system, just with a different trim. the biggest sound difference must be the amplifier, which should make it sound louder.

 

>>>>
>>It is interesting that the headunit is the same since the HK unit is supposed to have more features (ex. DSP settings) than the stock CD radio. >>>>>


The stock radio has the adjustments for the extra features - they just don't do anything or or can't "adjust" them.

 

for the extra $550 option charge for the H/K stereo, it's extremely plausable they used different drivers in all six locations. The headunit, although esentially the same as stock, is probley using a different program in the micro, allowing the DSP and time alignment features.
I recently demo'd the H/K system and was pleasantly surprized at its' acoustic potential once all the components break-in.

I ordered the H/K stereo with my MCS, due in April. For $550, it's a good deal for better drivers, DSP functions and better amplification.

 

I orderd my Jan24th build MC with the HK and Cassette head unit. I plan to install the Alpine MP3 CD Changer with the Blitzsafe. Does anyone know if it will work or will I have to get the BMW changer mated properly to the HK system?