My wife just got her 2006 MCSc with the HK stereo. I really like the sound coming out of the unit. How can I make my 05 sound that good while keeping my stock appearance of my interior?

 

http://www.motoringfile.com/index.php?s=H%2FK

If the link doesn't work, head over to motoringfile.com and type "H/K" into the search.

 

You could also do like I'm currently doing. I bought speakers, amp and grills from NAM and eBay and the door and car stereo wiring harnesses from my MINI parts dealer. I just received all the pieces I need and plan on doing the install possibly next weekend. My total cost is going to be FAR less than the retrofit cost and I'll PM you with all the extra parts I have that you may be interested in. I also have a post a little bit further down that I'll update as soon as I do the install.

 

If price isn't an issue...

and you are willing to rewire the car anyway, why go with the H/K versus the Digital Power Sound Modul [sic] which is 600watts, digital, and not compatible for those who have the H/K stereo? Price discounted seems to be around $1300, and you can either brave the installation yourself, or pay to have it put in.

 

You can keep the stock headunit and improve the sound in various ways. HK retrofit or DPSM are rather extreme measures (expensive, plus over 5 hours of installation!). I also want to keep my stock headunit, and plan to upgrade in stages as time and budget permit:

1. Install sound deadening (Dynamat or similar)
2. Install an external 4-channel amp (connected to the headunit through a line converter)
3. Upgrade speakers

Each step can be done with modest cost and labor, and I can stop if I'm satisfied before continuing to the next stage. Note that the stock headunit is low powered and you should add an amp before considering aftermarket speakers. Some people have reported that just adding an amp makes the stock speakers the sound pretty good.

 

Money IS an object and I want to keep the stock look and space in the car... so a retrofit is an option to keep space but not if too expensive (unless I can do what 2Miniacs is doing)... so aftermarket is a good possiblity... but what speakers to get that nice base and rich sound?