HK sound system worth the premium???

[Hornswoggler]

So...

How would you guys rate the base CD sound system in the Mini when compared to the $550 Harmon Kardon option?

How easy is it to install a comparable aftermarket sound system? (considering this route)

Thanks in advance!

[Doctor Wha]

Ah, now will begin a furious debate over sound systems!

It's largely - okay, almost entirely - personal choice, but as far as my own personal choice, I found the HK system to be well worth the money. Suffice to say that I'm and audio pro & purist, and actually made an appointment to spend about an hour in the showroom just doing side-by-side testing of the stock & HK sound systems. I used sample CDs from several different types of music, be it techno, hard rock, pop, jazz, brass, classical, and even marching bands. There was simply no comparison. The stock MINI system was weak and anemic, with surprisingly poor performance in some very important area in the frequency range.

The HK, on the other hand, was far better, all across the range of musical styles and sounds. Even with the volume cranked to near-discomfort, the clarity of the sound never suffered. When it comes to stereo "effect," the channel separation is remarkable. Even my wife has noticed that her 3-series "Business CD" system doesn't have anything near the distinct separation of the HK. The HK also offers more flexibility in customizing the feel of the sound to your tastes via its pre-set filters, or simple bass/treble adjustments.

It's a perfectly reasonable cost/benefit balance as well, since you'd likely spend a good deal more than $550 for comparable sound from aftermarket gear, and that's not even counting the time and cost of installation. So in the end, I've been quite pleased with it, and consider my money well-spent.

The ease or difficulty of installing our own system depends largely on your technical proficiency, but most folks with basic mechanical skills and the ability to follow directions shouldn't have any problem. You will be removing several interior panels to do so, so keep careful track of your fasteners! There may also have to be some cutting and/or trimming of door panels done to fit different speaker types you might want, so consider that carefully. And of course, remember that anything you do won't be un-done or fixed by any warranty coverage.

Another thing to consider when it comes to aftermarket systems is compatibility with the multi-function steering wheel (MFSW). Some systems will allow you to "rig" your wheel to work with an IR remote, but that means another gadget you'd need to leave in your interior somewhere, usually in one of the cupholders. Having gotten used to the ease and safety advantages of the MFSW, I can tell you I'll never go back to a non-integrated system. Except to turn the power on and off with the main knob, I hardly ever touch the head unit any more.

Now, to the personal choice part of things: The HK is not lacking in power or volume, but by NO means is it a bumpin', bouncin' "yo, yo, muthaf#kka!" type of sound system. If you want to roll through your 'hood rattling windows loose and getting the attention of "da laydeez," just take the stock system, then rip it out and install something designed for sheer loudness.

But the HK is designed for clarity, depth of sound field, and good representation of the sound across the frequency range, and it delivers in excellent form. If you enjoy music more as a listening art, as opposed to a social accessory, I think you'll be pleased.

Good luck!
DW

[Hornswoggler]

Thanks for the insight DW, very helpful!

I know there is a little "yo, yo, muthaf#kka!" in all of us, but I think I will take your advice, and convince the wife to get the upgraded HK stereo system. It's not very often I roll through the 'hood anyways.

Thanks again! :cool

[Doctor Wha]

You're quite welcome! Enjoy the new "toy!" They're great little machines.

DW

[Knuhrme1]

Has anyone here ever replaced the head unit on an 03 mcs with the HK system? I am trying to swap one out for a customer and there is no info on it, what i have found so far is there is a data wire that turns on the amp and i should just be able to float the positive speakers to give it a signal. Any one have info on the turn on would be great.

[beken]

My car has the factory boost system and it's not bad for a factory stock system. However, everybody that I've talked to say the HK system is well worth the money if listening to music in your car is what you want. If you go to the aftermarket, it's going to cost you a lot more than $550 to better that sound.

My car is supercharged and I like the soundtrack of the engine. So great audiophile quality music was not top priority for me in my car.

On some of the MINI forums, there are some people who have replaced their pre-2005 model year stereo head units with the 2005/2006 headunit. I believe the 2005+ units played MP3 CDs, CD-RWs along with music CDs, and also allowed easily plugging in an AUX jack. From the new models (R56), I don't know.

[thebillsman]

i dont have the HK system and i'm perfectly fine with it.. i don't think its super necessary unless your going to be turning the volume all the way up, the bass still bumps