I was in Detroit over Christmas, and had an interesting conversation with an engineer from an auto electronics manufacturer. He had the following interesting tidbits to share:

1. The problem with the H/K system isn't sound quality or reliability. The head unit and amplifier simply won't fit in the space allowed, and they can't shrink it down.

2. MINI is actively seeking ways to save more space/weight on the next generation MINI, because "It's not right that people who pay the most for their MINI [by ordering options] have the least amount of space, and the most weight"

3. This engineer's company has some very cool technolgy that they are trying to sell to MINI. Basically, they can embed electronics into the cross-car beam (a tube in the floorpan) that will save a lot of space in the dash/interior of the car, and lower weight. The other neat offshoot, is that a magnesium cross car beam is an excellent heatsink, and should be able to vent heat from a 700watt(!) amplifier

 

:::dreamy sigh:::

One of these days maybe I'll be able to post really cool information like this!

 

>>:::dreamy sigh:::
>>
>>One of these days maybe I'll be able to post really cool information like this!

You need to do what I did: marry a girl from Detroit...or maybe Munich

_________________

::Hermione - Indi Blue/White/White MCS, All 3 packages::

 

I'm confused by this comment:
>>
>>1. The problem with the H/K system isn't sound quality or reliability. The head unit and amplifier simply won't fit in the space allowed, and they can't shrink it down.
>>
Isn't the H/K system already in the 'space allowed'? What are the implications of this? Our car has the H/K system (delivery at the end of the month) so color me curious.

 

>>Isn't the H/K system already in the 'space allowed'? What are the implications of this? Our car has the H/K system (delivery at the end of the month) so color me curious.
>>

I didn't realize that MINI was finally delivering the H/K system. That's good very good news.

It was delayed so long that many people, myself included, had pretty much written it off as vaporware. I had actually considered delaying my November build a month to get the H/K system, and my dealer basically said "Don't count on it being available in December, either."

The engineer that I spoke to was not affiliated with H/K, he was just relating what he had heard through the industry grapevine. Not surprisingly, the grapevine must not have had the latest news.

I hope they didn't cut any corners getting the stereo to fit. I'll look forward to your review of the system, after you take delivery!

 

There was a strand on Mini2 from a guy in GB who took delivery in early Dec. w/the H/K system. He posted some pics and gave initial (positive) impressions. I haven't heard/read from anyone else but know the system is officially 'in play' (installed and shipped). I'll give you my $.02 at the end of the month. In the meantime, I'm curious to hear from anyone about any aspect of the system/installation.

 

>>There was a strand on Mini2 from a guy in GB who took delivery in early Dec. w/the H/K system. He posted some pics and gave initial (positive) impressions. I haven't heard/read from anyone else but know the system is officially 'in play' (installed and shipped). I'll give you my $.02 at the end of the month. In the meantime, I'm curious to hear from anyone about any aspect of the system/installation.
>>

I have seen the HK at my dealer here in Holland,
I does not take extra space at all.
The speakers are in the same place as the factory ones,
the amp is put in a sidepanel in the boot.
And the factory cd player has had an upgrade to HK standards.

So, i don't think there would be any problems with the HK audio

Greetzzz MiniHolland

 

I saw a thread somewhere on these boards by a fellow who had the HK system. He said it was great but there was a problem:

It competed with the sweet supercharger sound from the bonnet and he found himself turning the sound system down to enjoy the engine. Hmmm.

 

>>they can embed electronics into the cross-car beam (a tube in the floorpan) that will save a lot of space in the dash/interior of the car

Sounds like it would be a nightmare if one had to repair any of these electronics....

 

I was lucky enough to just take delivery of a new MCS with the HK stereo system. Mine was the first car delivered to the MINI dealer in Mentor, OH, and even before I got there to pick up the car, I had heard reviews of how good the system was from the dealership staff. I also got the new leather wrapped stearing wheel, and new pedals. I wanted a good stereo and keep the stock look, and that is exactly what I got. It sounds great, but you do have to turn it down to hear the blower

 

The H/K system does sound good, but I have to admit the stock system sounds plenty good for the times I actually turn it on. Hi my name is David, and I am a supercharger sound junkie.