Hi guys, I'm about to pull the trigger on my first MCS (convertible, lots of goodies and options) for my wife (and me!) And am very excited. I am hearing a lot of varied opinions on the audio, and really do appreciate good sound in my cars. I had a 2006 Z4 M Roadster with the Carver system and it was amazing. I don't expect the same level from this, but am wondering if the Hi-Fi system in the 2011 is exactly the same as the 08,09 or earlier models, or if Mini has made any improvements that might at least make the hi-fi system bearable.

I appreciate any insight on this!

Adam

 

Do yourself a favor and order the HK system. They used to have something called "Hi-Fi" which my car has and it's a far inferior setup. The amp and speakers are different. I believe they began putting them back in the cars in 2010, so mine which is 2009 did not have that option and has the "Hi-fi" which has paper coned speakers and is by no means hi fidelity.

 

Yep get the HK system. I am pretty pleased with mine and especially for a convertable it has decent bass, mids, and highs with the top down

 

HK is decent but to could go with some Dayton Audio drivers to replace the HiFi drivers and be betterthan the HK setup and youd still be under $100 out of pocket.

 

Do you mean $1000? $100 would be an awfully cheap sound system.

 

No, I mean $100. Dayton drivers are INCREDIBLY inexpensive (partsexpress.com) and sound awesome. Once you learn who actually makes the drivers in your favorite brands' set you can spend far less money and buy them right from the OEM themselves. Vifa is HUGE supplier of drivers to "manufacturers", for example. Dayton RS-100s (a 4" mid) are $27 each. The RS180 (a 7" midbass) is $37 per driver. So my quick estimate was off. The RS100s and the RS180s would have you at $128 + shipping. Add in a pair of SEAS Prestige 27TAFNC/G (madisound.com) at $33 each and you're at a grand total of $194 + shipping for speakers that will absolutely spank the HK setup.

I've been in car audio, at all levels from the retail to manufacturing, for a little over 20 years and what I've learned is, it's NOT about how much you spend or the brands you use. It's what you DO with what you have that makes all the difference in the world.

 

Hi Quality_Sound,

Have you actually installed these in the R57? Do they fit without problems? Are they any louder than the stock speakers?

I am looking at replacing only the speakers in my 2009 R57 with Hi-Fi stereo. I am hoping for better clarity and maybe a little more volume.