MINI2

Arbil · May 29th, 2007, 06:53 AM

Hi all,

I am just about to place an order for a MCSC, but have a couple of questions regarding the stereo.

I have seen a lot of threads here for something called Ice (I gather they are not talking about crystal meth!), but as far as I can tell this is not an option on Aus spec. Other countries also seem to have different specs for the stereo in general and cables available that can be connected to the back of the stereo if you pull the car apart!

I tried to get some details from MINI Aus, but I just got sent a brochure, which has next to nothing relating to the stereo.
Can anyone help me with the following?

What are the specs of the standard stereo?
What are the specs of the HK stereo?
Is the HK stereo upgrade worth it?
Does either stereo play mp3 discs?
Does either stereo have an input aux jack? This seems to depend on which dealer I ask!
I see that there is an iPod interface if you have something called Radio Boost. Is this JUST iPod? How much is it? The MINI website says how wonderful this is but no details or prices.
What is Radio Boost?
What is this Ice option?
What are my options for neatly connecting a NON iPod mp3 player to the stereo in a new MCSC Aus spec

Cheers!

MickyD · May 29th, 2007, 07:08 AM

ICE is a generic term for In Car Entertainment.
Personally I think the HK upgrade is well worth it - it's probably my favorite option on the car. Yes you could probably do better by spending the same amount aftermarket, but it could also be a big stuff around.

Radio Boost standard in australia. The HK uses the same head unit, and there an amp in the boot and better speakers.
There is no Aux input standard, but they are (relatively) easy to retrofit.

im_dave · May 29th, 2007, 07:14 AM

No-one ever told me this and it's not mentioned in any brochure/catalog that I ever read, but I figured out that the revised headunit on 05+ MINIs play MP3 CD discs.

As to your other questions...! No idea - apart from that the HK has 320W output... and it does sound pretty good!

Paul_T · May 29th, 2007, 07:15 AM

The Harman Kardon stereo is unfortunately not an option on the R56... the R56 Premium sound package pales in comparison to the R53's HK...

Arbil · May 29th, 2007, 07:33 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by MickyD (original)

There is no Aux input standard, but they are (relatively) easy to retrofit.

Thanks... Any ideas on where would get this & fitted?

Robot Features · May 30th, 2007, 02:08 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul_T (original)

The Harman Kardon stereo is unfortunately not an option on the R56... the R56 Premium sound package pales in comparison to the R53's HK...

Hey Paul T

I must say i was a big fan of the HK in my 2004 MCS. That sound system pumped pretty hard! However, the constant door and speaker rattles used to annoy the hell out of me. Especially if you were listening to something with plenty of Bass and not necessarily heavy.
I actually never got a proper chance to listen to the Mini HIFI in my R56. Its currently on order. Is it really that bad??? To be honest i'm a little concerned. Sound is very important me. I guess its too late.. but i'm just curious to know what its like?

Thanks

Mic

Paul_T · May 31st, 2007, 12:06 AM

Robot Features - One of our suppliers that comes in from time to time has a R56 cooper with the premium hifi package - it doesn't have the bass, or clarity, or sound projection of the H/K.

On top of that too, I don't believe the 335i with the premium sound package was as good as the MINI's H/K.

There has been a lot of people saying the same thing in the UK who have gone from R53 with H/K to R56 with HiFi and said it's a real step backward.

mamba · May 31st, 2007, 12:43 AM

Hey Mic

The premium HIFI sounds pretty good to me... mind you I don't pump my music all that loud.
I'm coming from a 05MCS with standard boost.

Dan

Robot Features · May 31st, 2007, 09:35 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Paul_T (original)

Robot Features - One of our suppliers that comes in from time to time has a R56 cooper with the premium hifi package - it doesn't have the bass, or clarity, or sound projection of the H/K.

On top of that too, I don't believe the 335i with the premium sound package was as good as the MINI's H/K.

There has been a lot of people saying the same thing in the UK who have gone from R53 with H/K to R56 with HiFi and said it's a real step backward.

Wow that's a shame. And i love my sound. Hmmm so my only option would be is to upgrade the amp and maybe the speakers. That's dissapointing. This car is such a massive improvement from my old R50 and one of the most important things to me is now a step down.

My mate just bought a mazda sp23, he reckons the Bose in it cranks hard!

May 29th, 2007, 06:53 AM	#1
Arbil "Sable" Black Sidewalk S Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Sydney Local Time: 06:09 AM Posts: 28 Offline	Aus Stereo specs & help Hi all, I am just about to place an order for a MCSC, but have a couple of questions regarding the stereo. I have seen a lot of threads here for something called Ice (I gather they are not talking about crystal meth!), but as far as I can tell this is not an option on Aus spec. Other countries also seem to have different specs for the stereo in general and cables available that can be connected to the back of the stereo if you pull the car apart! I tried to get some details from MINI Aus, but I just got sent a brochure, which has next to nothing relating to the stereo. Can anyone help me with the following? What are the specs of the standard stereo? What are the specs of the HK stereo? Is the HK stereo upgrade worth it? Does either stereo play mp3 discs? Does either stereo have an input aux jack? This seems to depend on which dealer I ask! I see that there is an iPod interface if you have something called Radio Boost. Is this JUST iPod? How much is it? The MINI website says how wonderful this is but no details or prices. What is Radio Boost? What is this Ice option? What are my options for neatly connecting a NON iPod mp3 player to the stereo in a new MCSC Aus spec Cheers!

May 29th, 2007, 07:14 AM	#3 (permalink)
im_dave trust me, I'm a doctor... Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Melbourne Local Time: 07:09 AM Posts: 245 Offline	No-one ever told me this and it's not mentioned in any brochure/catalog that I ever read, but I figured out that the revised headunit on 05+ MINIs play MP3 CD discs. As to your other questions...! No idea - apart from that the HK has 320W output... and it does sound pretty good! long live the supercharger

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May 29th, 2007, 07:08 AM	#2 (permalink)
MickyD MINI2 Master Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Melbourne, Australia Local Time: 07:09 AM Posts: 3,628 Offline	ICE is a generic term for In Car Entertainment. Personally I think the HK upgrade is well worth it - it's probably my favorite option on the car. Yes you could probably do better by spending the same amount aftermarket, but it could also be a big stuff around. Radio Boost standard in australia. The HK uses the same head unit, and there an amp in the boot and better speakers. There is no Aux input standard, but they are (relatively) easy to retrofit.

May 29th, 2007, 07:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
Paul_T MCS Chilli Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Australia Local Time: 06:09 AM Posts: 339 Offline	The Harman Kardon stereo is unfortunately not an option on the R56... the R56 Premium sound package pales in comparison to the R53's HK...

May 29th, 2007, 07:33 AM	#5 (permalink)
Arbil "Sable" Black Sidewalk S Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Sydney Local Time: 06:09 AM Posts: 28 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by MickyD (original) There is no Aux input standard, but they are (relatively) easy to retrofit. Thanks... Any ideas on where would get this & fitted?

May 30th, 2007, 02:08 PM	#6 (permalink)
Robot Features Sparkling Silver R56 My Classifieds Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Sydney Local Time: 07:09 AM Posts: 303 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Paul_T (original) The Harman Kardon stereo is unfortunately not an option on the R56... the R56 Premium sound package pales in comparison to the R53's HK... Hey Paul T I must say i was a big fan of the HK in my 2004 MCS. That sound system pumped pretty hard! However, the constant door and speaker rattles used to annoy the hell out of me. Especially if you were listening to something with plenty of Bass and not necessarily heavy. I actually never got a proper chance to listen to the Mini HIFI in my R56. Its currently on order. Is it really that bad??? To be honest i'm a little concerned. Sound is very important me. I guess its too late.. but i'm just curious to know what its like? Thanks Mic

May 31st, 2007, 12:06 AM	#7 (permalink)
Paul_T MCS Chilli Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Australia Local Time: 06:09 AM Posts: 339 Offline	Robot Features - One of our suppliers that comes in from time to time has a R56 cooper with the premium hifi package - it doesn't have the bass, or clarity, or sound projection of the H/K. On top of that too, I don't believe the 335i with the premium sound package was as good as the MINI's H/K. There has been a lot of people saying the same thing in the UK who have gone from R53 with H/K to R56 with HiFi and said it's a real step backward.

May 31st, 2007, 12:43 AM	#8 (permalink)
mamba _________________________ Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: sydney Local Time: 06:09 AM Posts: 483 Offline	Hey Mic The premium HIFI sounds pretty good to me... mind you I don't pump my music all that loud. I'm coming from a 05MCS with standard boost. Dan

May 31st, 2007, 09:35 AM	#9 (permalink)
Robot Features Sparkling Silver R56 My Classifieds Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Sydney Local Time: 07:09 AM Posts: 303 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Paul_T (original) Robot Features - One of our suppliers that comes in from time to time has a R56 cooper with the premium hifi package - it doesn't have the bass, or clarity, or sound projection of the H/K. On top of that too, I don't believe the 335i with the premium sound package was as good as the MINI's H/K. There has been a lot of people saying the same thing in the UK who have gone from R53 with H/K to R56 with HiFi and said it's a real step backward. Wow that's a shame. And i love my sound. Hmmm so my only option would be is to upgrade the amp and maybe the speakers. That's dissapointing. This car is such a massive improvement from my old R50 and one of the most important things to me is now a step down. My mate just bought a mazda sp23, he reckons the Bose in it cranks hard!

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