Hi, I'm looking for suggestions on my audio choice for my MC I'm about to order. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm pretty good w/ my home audio, but fairly new to looking at customizing my car.

I do love music, all types, but more often listen to classical (heavy on string instruments)....w/a good dose of pop. So investing some money in good sound for the MC is worth it. ~$1500 was my expectation.

1. My first decision, should I go w/ the HK upgrade for $550 and save myself $1000? I've read through several of the HK reviews here and on Mini2. Seems like a pretty good system for the price. But if I went w/ base system and upraded on my own w/ $1500 could I get a signif. better sounding system than the HK upgrade?

2. If I decide to go base and do my own upgrades, where do folks suggest I allocate my money (i.e. 50% speakers, 25% head unit, 25% amp etc.)? Is a new head unit even needed? For speakers given the MC's size and layout, how many speakers? Can I get away with just a pair of really good component speakers up front and sub in back? Any models folks could recommend for my musical taste would be great too!

3. Laslty if I go w/ a new head unit (to get some added features etc.), can I get the steering wheel controls to still work? I seem to read conflicting things up here, some saying you can't .others saying you can if you a 'supported' head unit?

Sorry, I know...wayyy too many questions! I appreciate any feedback on any of them. Thanks!

 

I got the iPod connector and like it. The tunes have been transferred at a higher fidelity so they sound decent. But I don't turn the volume very high anyway. A musician friend in LA thinks the HKS system is good enough for his car and he has his own recording studio.

 

Best thing to do is to bring a cd of ur favorite music and try it out. Whats good for you might not be good for someone else. I have the HK and I love it!

 

I would suggest going to the dealer and listening to a car equipped with the upgraded H/K system. See how you like it. Determine what you feel it is lacking. I have heard that the tweeters were a little harsh in the H/K system, but have never personally heard one. If you decide to change the headunit, Alpine makes models that will support the functions of the MFSW. As far as speakers, I would stay away from MB Quart as they also have a harsh tweeter sound. I hear good things about Focul. Clif Design is making a great set of components now. Look around and see what products interest you. Check with some of your local audio shops. Ask them to demo some different brands. Good Luck

 

Audio is such a subjective thing. I think Marc made the best suggestion... go to a dealer and LISTEN. Bring some CD's of music your familular with. I can't imagine buying a car without checking out the audio quality.

I have the H/K upgraded stereo system... and I LOVE it. Better than the stereo in the many BMW's I previously owned.

Now, if your the kind of person who doesn't mind aftermarket installations (I personally hate them - they're never as good as the factory installation) - then go for it... IF after hearing the H/K stereo your not impressed... then you'll know what to do. But unless you want some monster bass thumper... you'll love it.

 

I have the H/K and am so-so on it. It is definately an improvement over the base system. You need to bring some of your own CD's and give it a serious listen, while parked and while driving.

The biggest problem I have with the HK is that if you want to upgrade any part of it, you almost need to remove all of it.

 

Edmunds.com speaks highly of the MINI H/K stereo upgrade:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...4/pageId=62531

 

Great idea re: CD...thanks! One of those DUH! moments for me! and geat review from Edmunds...thankis very much...I'll need to give the HK a serious listen anyway.

 

After not too much procrastination, I opted out of the HK...sounded ok to me but not $550 worth. Like you, I'm into classical, symphonic, big band jazz, small ensemble jazz, and a good dose of 60s 70s and 80's rock. So I want a system that is bright, rich and full. To me, and I stress TO ME, the standard system sounds too muddy, but the HK system does too. Especially the bass sounds processed, not natural. I notice quite a few people replacing or upgrading the HK system, which is supposed to be an upgrade in the first place.

In listening to speakers in the stereo shops, I've found the music I like (I always bring my own stuff to listen to) rendered the way I like it. I play the Overture to Carmen and see if the triangle jumps out at me. If it does, that system goes on my short list. I'm also taking my time, planning on going to rallies and listening to others Mini ugrades. So far, the Boston Acoustic SL60s and the Alpine 177r sound good to me.

Believe me, for $1500, the stereo shops will welcome you with open arms, and you will be able to spec a system where your music sounds exactly the way you want it too. As long as you can afford it, $1500 after market vs $550 for a frankly mediocre (to me) factory system seems like a no-brainer.

Good luck with whatever you decide, and please keep us posted.

hs