After checking out Minis, GTIs, A3s and TSXs I came to the conclusion that Mini has my name written all over it. So I'm hooked. I was planning on ordering late spring/early summer, however I just hit a major snag! As I am a semi-snobby musician, the car's audio system is one of the most important options for me. It's a critical part of the car's experience, not just icing on the cake.

So after laughing at the standard audio system during my first R56 test drive, I went back to the local dealer last weekend armed with four CDs ranging from acoustic to classical to blues and jazz. I was all excited about hearing the hifi audio upgrade . However, I'm more depressed now than I was after hearing the standard system . This so-called hifi system is truly pathetic. It cannot handle bass at all, and I'm not talking about at high volumes; maybe half way up with the tone set at flat. The tone is muddy, there were vibrations coming from the speakers there's just nothing about it that is worthwhile. I then sat in an '06 MCS with the HK system. Okay, now that's an upgrade, very far from the best mind you, but nonetheless, I'd be more than happy to pay extra for that.

So now what? I want the car, but I've heard that aftermarket audio upgrades are not a realistic possibility. Have I arrived at a dead-end or does somebody know something I may not? HELP!!!

Phil K

 

That's surprising and very depressing. Pathetic is not good. I ordered the hi-fi upgrade simply because I hoped "upgrade" meant "better" and Gabe and a few others thought it sounded better than the old h/k system.

All components of the upgrade system in the R56 are by Alpine. I'm pretty picky about sound too (I own a hi-fi shop) and have been impressed with the Alpine systems I've owned in the past, even the somewhat low-end ones. So its surprising that they would put something together that was pathetic.

It will be pretty much impossible to change out the head unit in the MINI, but swapping speakers should be easy enough.

Just when I thought I had nothing left to worry about ..............

Thanks for the post, Phil.

dean.

 

I am in the same boat. I love my audio. And the MIni's audio is pretty sad.

I figure I will be able to replace the head unit and speakers. I might have to fabricate some things, but the standard audio unit will be replaced. Sometimes it is nice being an electrical engineer who also has access to a metal shop and knows how to run a CNC rig. I can feel the Frankenstein coming out now. MUWHAHAHAHAHA!

 

Hi Dean

I am also keenly aware that audio is so subjective. It's possible that my 'pathetic' is somebody else's "hey Phil's nuts, I love it". I'm sure I'll come to some sort of peace with the audio since I do love the car so much. But right now I'm upset, ticked, etc. The standard audio system in the GTI, A3 and TSX were, to me, superior to the R56 hifi. But they just ain't as much fun, Grrrrrrrr!

 

This is distressing news. I'll visit my dealer and listen for myself in the next day or two. If the audio is pathetic, that just may be the end of the line for me, unless I see a way a non-engineer without a CNC rig can tune it up.

Of all the things that were worrying me, the audio system was the last thing on my mind. Most all standard systems sound good these days, so I figured the MINI would be no exception. The standard system in my 1999 Accord kicks butt.

dean.

 

Hey Skuzzy

After you figure out how to make the changes, howsa 'bout sharing the love. Let's see DC to Texas???

 

I opted for the standard "boost" stereo in my R56....I'll be able to give a better acoustic review after the system breaks in once I take delivery. However, during my test drive on an R56 that had a few hours on it, I thought the general quality of the standard system was on par with the relatively terrible R50's h/k upgrade stereo. Since you can't easily change out the head unit, I plan on replacing at least the drivers with excellent quality units, and if I'm lucky, source the pre-amp signal from the head unit and wire in good quality amplification too. I'll post my findings when I get there.

Cheers,
Ryan

 

That may be the ticket. I did that in my Civic Si. I added an amp and a pair of small a/d/s/ box speakers (L300) and the sound was absolutely wonderful.

dean.

 

Hey reelsmith, remember, you have to keep things in context. Let me lay it out, from my perspective. My home amp is a Yamaha DSP10 unit, driving a full complement of B&W speakers, with a MacIntosh MC7200 driving the dual B&W subs.

So, I have a pretty decent home audio system. I am spoiled by that, and expect no less in a car audio system. Of course, this is completely unreasonable to do, so I settle. My Lexus audio system is barely adequate for me, but much better than the Mini.

It really depends on what you are used to as to how you might express the quality of what you hear.
---

Phil K, I plan on taking many before and after pictures as I go through the interior of the car and replace things.

 

I didn't notice any problems w/ the bass at all.. I have the HiFi/Boost upgrade in my R56 and absolutely love it for a stock stereo. very rich sound playing everything from buffett to garth to run dmz..

 

Jsut my two cents: If you open up the hidden compartment in the passenger side dash, it appears to be a single din sized area. Why not just mount a aftermarket headunit there and then use a remote for your CD and i-pod library? Leaves the factory stack in place, but allows the audiophile to get the sound they need. Again, just my two cents. Seems a shame to walk away from a really fun and unique car.

Thanks again!

 

A couple of comments on the HIFI system on the UK R56 forum, pretty even mix of people happy with the HIFI system and people not happy - guess it comes down to expectations (some people will find the MCS fast and sufficiently powered, others can't wait for the Works HP-Boost).
http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-i...-hifi-not.html
or
http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-i...ade-worth.html

Another good link for upgrades to the HIFI:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-i...ades-pics.html

 

I have it and am very happy.

A couple of people people have reported a blown speaker, perhaps the example you heard had this fault

 

Integrating the stereo into the speedo was the most bone headed idea by the designers of the R56. To me the whole concept, from the perspective of the consumer, makes absolutely no sense. If the stereo goes, you need to replace the whole speedo assembly..WTF??

If the speedo goes, you have to replace the radio! Brilliant!

If you don't like the sound quality of the stock system, you are stuck!

Integrating the stereo into the speedo saves BMW lots of money during assembly but it is a PITA for the consumer.

Go to www.mini2.com and speak with poster "Mikeythemini". he is based in the UK but owns an aftermarket stereo shop. He recently bought a new R56. You may want to speak to him about what options you have at your disposal in terms of aftermarket components and such.

 

Always good to meet a fellow hi-fi nut. My home rig is pretty serious:

Pre-amp: Audio Research SP-9 MK III
Amp: Audio-Research D-300
CD: Audio Research CD-2
Turntable: Micro Seiki BL-51
Tonearm: Audioquest PT-9
Cartridge: Audio Technica AT33PTG
Speakers: Snell CV

My system spoils me silly.

I could live with the system in my wife's Lexus RX-330, while not as good as the one in my Accord, it would do. If the one in the MINI is not as good as the one in the Lexus ...well, that's a problem.

dean.

 

Thanks for the links ...and yes, it all comes down to expectations. The first link I went to had this comment from one of the posters: "I'm very happy with my hi-fi upgrade its tons better than the HK on my R53."

I had done my homework (or so I thought) and it was posts like that which got me to order the upgrade.

Enough speculation ...time to get off my lazy behind and go listen to it. Now, where did I leave that Little Feat disc?

dean.

 

I have read lukewarm reviews of the hifi option over at www.mini2.com. I would like to listen to the system before passing judgment. I have the HK in my '05 MCS and it is a very good sounding system to my ears.

 

I snipped your quote, but agree with you. I have an idea how to fix this problem (and I do consider it a problem) and I think it will look pretty good as well. Once I finally get mine, I will go to work on this immediately....well,..sheesh that is going to be in June I figure. Enough time for me to really layout the plan of attack though.

And Alta has a decent suggestion. I just want to take it to the next level. The engineer in me loathes jury rigging a solution. I see no reason why the solution cannot be done in a manner which looks like it came from the factory.

My Wife is used to me ripping apart new things and rebuilding them.

 

Ditch the stock door speakers, get Focal's, drop in a small amp for the front (bury it in the dash) and run a false floor in the back with a 8" JL sub with it's own amp...get the interior A pillar plastic trim from the cars with Boost upgrade and drop in some Focals to match the 2 sets in the doors....

maybe do something with the rears...

My home system #3 (of 3)

Nuforce 8.5's monoblocks
Nuforce AVP15
awaiting new DAC
Final Sound Electrostats
Sunfire 10" sub...
all running off a Sonos player
OR
Rega P1 turntable
Rega Apollo CD player

 

I was just frustrated and blowing off steam. After waiting 5 years to be able to buy one I'll deal with it.

dean.

 

Another alternative, pick up a 2006 sitting on a lot that has the regular Boost stereo, and have the DPSM upgrade installed. Problem solved.

Of course, the problem then is that you can't custom order your MINI any more...

...unless you decide to get a convertible, which is still the same. DPSM!

 

I am pretty upset at this too... after months of looking at the R53 I was now about to order an R56, only to hear the Hi-Fi and be super disappointed.

I don't know... maybe the one I heard had some blown speakers but it was distorting and vibrating really bad, so in comparison the standard was quite nice. BTW, I think the regular stereo is slightly better than the old one, IMHO.

It still pisses me off that I won't be able to do an aftermarket setup if someday I want one

 

reelsmith: Hey I understand completely! If I was going to drive it each day and being in your shoes, I would want the same thing! Good luck with the purchase!

 

My R56 MCS should be ready for me pick up within a week. The $550 HI FI upgrade was one of the "very" few options I picked after listening to the pathetic sound of the standard system in the 2006 MCS. So, for $550 I'm expecting the 10 spkr HI FI in the R56 to kick ***. I will be very disappointed if it is less than awesome and might have to contact and complain to Mini about it. But I hope I won't need to do it.

 

Thanks.

So, when do we get to hear that exhaust you folks have been working on?

I want my MINI to sound as good on the inside as it does on the outside.

dean.