[kmpowell]

Quote: Originally Posted by Simz (original)

try hold off judgement until you have heard the systems in person. The standard boost system is weak but the hi-fi is good quality and worth every penny of the £320 upgrade price.

Agree 100%! On my test drive I commented on how excellent the speaker system sounded for standard and the saleswoman said it had the 10 spkr Hi-Fi upgrade. When I asked if it was worth the extra she said it was without a shadow of a doubt, and she would demonstrate why back at the showroom. When w got back we went out to the forecourt to a non Hi-fi car and played the same CD as she had on in her demo car. I made sure the same setting numbers for Bass, Treble and Fade were selected to ensure it was a fair comparison, the difference was mind-blowing! The standard setup is ****-poor, zero bass and it sounds very distant. I ticked the option box instantly for Hi-Fi after that demo.

[neilobe]

Quote: Originally Posted by Simz (original)

try hold off judgement until you have heard the systems in person. The standard boost system is weak but the hi-fi is good quality and worth every penny of the £320 upgrade price.

there have been rumbles about the hi-fi distorting badly at high volume, but this tends to be at very high volume and at a level most people would not use, plus there have been cases of faulty speaker units.

On the whole, and I can speak from experience, the hi-fi systems delivers a quality sound with crisp treble, deep warm bass and it can go loud enough without distortion for 99% of owners

go to a dealer and listen for yourself - take a cd or two to test

Just been to the dealers today and listened to both systems, one with hi fi and one without, have to say that there is a much better defined bass sound to the upgrade, but having had the HK in my last mini, its not as good as that, but then that upgrade was twice the price..

Think will be adding that to the list and getting a decent exhaust added, enough sound for me

[KenL]

Quote: Originally Posted by drbsheffield (original)

I think that there seems to be 'two different' systems in the hifi upgrade. I understand that some people are saying that their's is great but the system that I had in mine was horrendous!
Like Popey, mine distorted at any volume and was by far the worse system in any car that I have had.
I had the HK system in my old MINI which was superb and later the standard Boost in my Checkmate which was in a different league to the Hifi upgrade in my R56. I think that we are kind of talking about two versions of the same system rather than discussing on a level playing field as no one would describe mine as acceptable - even for nothing let alone £320!

I don't think there are 2 versions, I think your's was faulty!

[T-bone S]

Hi-Fi upgrade is a must imo - quite good value for money - you get the extra speakers in the better locations. Might not be as good as the old HK system but for most people will be good enough - especially if you bought the Mini more for driving and less for posing!! -LOL.

I've specced it to my new car.


ps - Mikey will a fantastic job in the upgrades too

[mikeythemini]

Quote: Originally Posted by KenL (original)

I don't think there are 2 versions, I think your's was faulty!

I think there must be a lot of faulty ones out there

[Washy]

I think the hi fi option is poor and not a patch on the old HK offering. At any kind of volume it sounds realy harsh it irritates me so much I hardly bother to use it and for me no music in the car is living hell....
I am fairly certain it is due to rubbish speakers, not sure if they can be upgraded at all....

[T-bone S]

Mikey upgrade package for HiFI replaces the speakers as well as adding an Amp to drive them iirc

[mikeythemini]

Please see our offer on an upgrade
http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-i...2-members.html

[Jaydash]

...yeah, but Clarion aren't exactly known for producing top kit these days, maybe 20 years ago. Now if Mikey was offering Infinity, Alpine, something like that...

Not that I'm knocking his kit though as many seem happy with it and obviously I haven't heard it, and of course it's just my preference to want different brands. Is there any reason why you've chosen to mix brands with the speakers Mikey? Also, if I was thinking about opting for your kit, does that mean speccing HiFi is pointless, or does HiFi get something else needed? Lastly, what would Mikey's speakers sound like without the amp - I'm not sure if HiFi gives a more powerful amp in the the head unit and so would therefore be required, but what I'm effectively saying is, "I'm not keen to cut-up or drill into a new car to mount Mikey's amp, so would the speaker upgrade alone improve things?" Have you tried it Mikey?

[mikeythemini]

Those Clarions are the best 16.5cm components I have heard. I have them in my car
Havnt put my speakers onto the hifi amp as they are a different impedance

[ASTON]

come and listen to mine and i think you may change your mind about clarion. mine sounds amazing.

[Washy]

Quote: Originally Posted by mikeythemini (original)

Those Clarions are the best 16.5cm components I have heard. I have them in my car
Havnt put my speakers onto the hifi amp as they are a different impedance

So I am right there is not just a simple speaker swap available...

[mikeythemini]

I think one of the guys in the USA has done it with good results (will look for you) but I would worry about frying the amp & the warranty issues that result

[Washy]

Quote: Originally Posted by mikeythemini (original)

I think one of the guys in the USA has done it with good results (will look for you) but I would worry about frying the amp & the warranty issues that result

My stupid fault...I was in two minds about the hi fi or getting you to work your magic. In the end went for the lazy option and specced the hi fi...

[mikeythemini]

Quote: Originally Posted by Washy (original)

My stupid fault...I was in two minds about the hi fi or getting you to work your magic. In the end went for the lazy option and specced the hi fi...

Had 2 people on the phone this morning with the same problem

[robble]

I'm one of the first people who did just a speaker upgrade (have since done much more).

I started with the HiFi system

I used focal polyglass 3-way components for the fronts and focal 6x9 in the back. Both sets were powered off the stock hifi amp. The difference was phenomenal. The stock amp had plenty power to push the focals to a pretty loud volume while remaining clear and crisp. I think it's probably louder than most would want. The amp does run out of juice at really high volumes.

Being that I am not most I eventually added aftermarket amps and a subwoofer in a false deck. The system is now absolutely incredible.

This thread on NAM pretty much explains everything you would want/need to know for upgrading your system.

MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring - R56 Speaker Replacement how-to

Several people on NAM have since installed the Focal speakers and all have been extremely pleased.

Replacing the speakers only is easy. If you want to add amps you should see Mikey.