[cosmic68]

Hello all,
it's my 1st post, just ordered my MINI cooper and have spent a fortune on speccing it up, but have now run out of money and the only bit that got looked over was the HIFI. I know there has been other discussions on here along the lines of standard vs upgrade, but what I wanted to know was, are there any standard users out there that are actually happy with the product. I wont be spending a lot of time in the car and i won't be wanting the music to play really loudly..I just possibly need to reconsider if the stereo sounds like a cat being sick in a tin can.
Many thanks.

[ScottyBoy]

I was happy with it in my cooper but i upgraded so cud play MP3's and now bought an MCS with HK and ill be keeping it like that for a while! i reckon its fine IMO!

[cosmic68]

Thanks for speedy response!
I didn't quite understand all your abbreviations (newbie-sorry), so you now got a MCS with or without the standard HIFI?
Ta.

[ScottyBoy]

you mean HIFI as in the head unit? i had a cooper and was happy with it sound wise, upgraded so i cud play mp3's, bought a cooper s with HK (Harmon Kardon) which is still BMW hi fi but you get an amp etc better speakers etc.. and now im happy with that!

[Purple Dave]

Quote: Originally Posted by cosmic68 (original)

Hello all,
it's my 1st post, just ordered my MINI cooper and have spent a fortune on speccing it up, but have now run out of money and the only bit that got looked over was the HIFI. I know there has been other discussions on here along the lines of standard vs upgrade, but what I wanted to know was, are there any standard users out there that are actually happy with the product. I wont be spending a lot of time in the car and i won't be wanting the music to play really loudly..I just possibly need to reconsider if the stereo sounds like a cat being sick in a tin can.
Many thanks.

I had a courtesy R56 Cooper for a couple of days and I didn't think the standard Boost was that bad.
It just lacks a little bass.

I have the HiFi upgrade in my R56 MCS and it is miles better but it did cost £320 - so it should be better.

If music is not your priority then I don't think you'll be too disappointed.

However, you should listen to it yourself to be sure. Any mini dealer should have the standard stereo for you to listen to.

[cosmic68]

Ok,
Thanks. My money went on lounge leather and a sunroof (amongst other things), but still have time to intercept and change the order..
Anyone out there happy with the standard hifi? Discuss.

[RonBurgundy]

I've ordered the HIFI upgrade simply based upon listeing to both in the dealership. OK, so I haven't lived with both as yet but I felt the difference was well worth the upgrade. I guess it all comes down to £££ and how much you love your music.

By the way, Cosmic68, are you a Rodney Trotter fan?

[cosmic68]

Hi Ron,
Thanks for input. Rodney Trotter? Is that slang for some obscure sexual practice?? I'm scared to say "yes"...Tell me more.

Cos

[RonBurgundy]

Lol! I'm pleased to say it's not! I take it you weren't a fan of the 1980's popular comedy series "Only fools and horses"? Rodney Trotter used to say "cosmic" in a typicallu Roder's sarcastic fashion. It was pretty funny.

Anyway, I'll get my coat......

p.s. In my opinion go for the HIFI upgrade. I think you might kick yourself if you don't. Only my opinion though.

[eggtruck]

The standard ICE in the R56 is a pile of ***p and not a patch on the standard R53 system.

I have have been in contact with Mini UK with my complaint and they have arranged for me to have the car looked at next week - I doubt they will offer any kind of resolution, but i want them to admit the new one is poorer quality. We will have my old R53 there so we can do a direct comparison.

I cant believe you have to pay £300+ for the upgrade just because the standard fit system is so rubbish - but it is the only option especially as you cant retro fit it.

[cosmic68]

Loved "Only Fools and Horses". got the joke now and remeber old Rodders saying that. My mum thought she was really being a hip chick when she named me (i was born in 1968-hippy time, remember?), so my 1st name is Cos and my 2nd name is, Mick. How cute...retch.
Ok, I may well go for the upgrade-will hold out for a day or two, to see if any other semi-enthusiastic hifi people (like myself) are happy with standard kit...anyone out there...?

[thrud]

I was initially disappointed with the BOOST stereo in my R56 S. It was no where as good as the BOOST in my old 52 Cooper. However, messing about with the settings helped and I am now reasonably happy with it. Maybe I have just become used to it. It just lacks slightly in the bass department and the treble is not as clear as with the old BOOST.

Paul

[eggtruck]

P.S. my previous employment was with Denon and Yamaha Audio so I do know a little bit about audio quality

[sel]

Im happy with the standard unit-i just adjust the bass level if i turn my music up!! - not brilliant with deep based music-but ok all in all.

...and i dont have to change the unit back to its 'original' when i sell her.

[eggtruck]

er..pink car?

[Vinnies' Mini]

I too speced as much as I could till I came to a point....said i was spending enough on it... I too went the roof option.... to be honest...the last two days I've been driving about with it open and no hifi on....The new wind deflector is the biz.....

But the hifi....I'm happy with the standard one..didn't know there was an option to upgrade.... but at £320 (more than likely €550 in Ireland) I would not have gone for it....might like to be able to turn the volume up a bit more alright...but guess that will save my ear drums in the long run......

(The R56 is my first Mini so can't compair to R53)....

[sel]

Quote: Originally Posted by eggtruck (original)

er..pink car?

well actually...........shes Pure Silver with a lot of 'classy' pink
Shes called beanie

[ONED]

Quote: Originally Posted by Yellow_Mini_Scott (original)

you mean HIFI as in the head unit? i had a cooper and was happy with it sound wise, upgraded so i cud play mp3's, bought a cooper s with HK (Harmon Kardon) which is still BMW hi fi but you get an amp etc better speakers etc.. and now im happy with that!

I take it that you aren't talking about a new R56 model car, as Harmon Kardon is not available on it?? only Boost or Hi-Fi!

[eggtruck]

Quote: Originally Posted by sel (original)

Im happy with the standard unit-i just adjust the bass level if i turn my music up!! - not brilliant with deep based music-but ok all in all.

...and i dont have to change the unit back to its 'original' when i sell her.

Phew! I thought you painted you Mini pink!!

[Rob PLCPR]

I had a standard stereo in my PL and found it to be spot on for what i wanted out of it, infact people who sat in the back sometimes used to say ''is this an upgraded hifi or summit in here?'' and it was completly basic. So, when i ordered my r56 i never thought of upgrading cos the last one was okish. I now have my r56 cooper and it does lack bass compared to my old PL cooper. On the plus side, i can now play mp3 CD's and plug my ipod in!!!