Yesterday my MINI went in for some warrenty work and the dealer gave me a loaner. It was an 05 and i own an 03. Wow, the HK system rocks! Much clearer more balanced sound that the basic. So, what can i do to get my stock system to sound that way. I would like to keep the factory head unit, but what all is changed when you order HK. Just speakers or is there another amp some where.

 

The HU in the H/K system sends a digital signal around back to the H/K amp which is the brain and power of the whole system. (You can pop off the rear right panel in the boot to see it.)

Check out this link for further details on the H/K system.
http://www.mini2.com/index.php?page=...item&newsid=10

 

I just got an MC with the HK and I'm just scratching the surface with what it can do.

I DO LOVE IT compared to my 04 base system.

 

but becuase i have a used mini without it, what can i do to upgrade the sound, inexpensivly

 

Amp and new speakers is the cheapest upgrade.

 

I have an 85 X 4 RMS eclipse amp, i am just worried about wieght and how to make it all fit. I wanted to put a 10 inch eclipse sub (i have three but no room or need for that many in a hatch) but want to make it removeable. Anyone think i can fit two amps and a ten in the boot and make it level when the seat folds down?

 

Start with just a new head unit, which is what I'm about to do. At a rally, I heard the standard non-HK speakers being driven by just an Alpine CDA9851, which puts out 50watts (18wpc). The owner let me drop in my rip-cd with jazz, rock and symphonic music and I was very favorably impressed!

If I'm not satisfied with just a head unit upgrade, I'll add high efficient (92db or higher) speakers. If I'm STILL not satisfied, I'll trade them back for some more expensive speakers and install an amp.

Personally, I've no desire for a sub-woofer. But I've never heard anyone say that the HK eliminates the need for one.

 

From the set up of the HK system, i didnt think there was need for one. Reading through the link above, i like how the system spits the sound and uses the rear speakers as woofers and subs.

I have the nav system, so i am alittle worried about swaping out the head unit. Ive done it before, but i jsut dont want to drive something that have to worry about people breaking into. Been there, done that. Still have to do it in the jeep, so its stripped

 

Sean-

I have H/K in my '06 MCS, and agree that "IF" you spend enough time adjusting the settings to work together, it is a great upgrade from stock - especially given the reasonable option price from the factory. I have had $10k car stereos before, but am satisfied enough with the H/K that I have no intention to replace it. And you are right that "Stock = Stealth".

However, since your car didn't come with it, I personally don't think it would be cost-effective to try to get to H/K from the basic system. Instead, just concentrate on quality aftermarket replacement speakers and a nice amp. You can easily hide these upgrades, it won't take too much (if any) space and it should improve the sound of the basic stereo quite well.

You might want to price out what it takes to get to H/K from some of the dealer parts dept.s that advertise on NAM and offer discounts (like Classic & MorrisTown Mini), then take your car to some local car stereo shops to compare prices and weigh the differences.

Let us know what your end up doing.
.

 

Well, looks like i have found a nice set up with the help of a friend. Boston Acoustic Pros for the front, some RX(or FX cant remember) for the rear and a JL 10w3 for the rear. The front and sub will be run of my 85x4 eclipse.