??Harmon Kardon??

[h3nn18]

This may have been asked before but looked everywhere.

I just wondered what is the Harmon Kardon system is and if i had it in my car (if yes, where would i find it?) also if i havent got it where can i get it from???

[MarkW19]

Your front lower speakers will be a different shape, and have "harmon/kardon" engraved around them.

If you want the system retro-fitted, it's very expensive.

I'd speak to Mikey (newministuff.com) about getting a third-party solution instead

[Faz]

Harmon Kardon is an upgrade to the MINI's standard stereo speaker system.

You'd know if you have it if you bought your MINI from new as its an optional extra (about £350 if I remember rightly). If your not the first owner you can tell if its got the upgrade by looking at the speakers in the doors, they'll have an aluminium surround that says 'Harmon Kardon' around it.

["Reedy"]

Quote: Originally Posted by h3nn18

This may have been asked before but looked everywhere.

I just wondered what is the Harmon Kardon system is and if i had it in my car (if yes, where would i find it?) also if i havent got it where can i get it from???

Its the upgraded stereo system, including better speakers and an amp.
The speaker grills look like this.



It is very expensive to retrofit from ur dealer...

[GBMINI]

I know one car that had the H/K speaker grilles, but not the system!
To be certain, press the mode button repeatedly on your stereo - as well as bass / treble / etc, you will get a H/K mode display like "MINI H/K"/"ELECTRONIC"/"SPATIAL" etc if the H/K is fitted.

[h3nn18]

Is it worth buying or should i just buy a sub and amp??

[MarkW19]

It'll be very expensive to retro-fit it.

For the same money aftermarket you can probably get a much better system. Speak to mikeythemini

[S33BBY]

Quote: Originally Posted by h3nn18

Is it worth buying or should i just buy a sub and amp??

If you're speaking with regards to retro-fitting, I'd say no. If you mean on a new MINI, then it depends. On my current MINI One, I fitted an Alpine head unit and Phoenix Gold speakers, and am delighted with the results. On my newly-ordered Cooper, I have specced the Harman Kardon. I know many do not think the HK system is that good, but I've heard it and thought it was fantastic. For that reason and for £350, I see it as far less hassle than fitting an after-market system. So in this respect, I'd say go for it. On the other hand, you can get after-market systems that probably would provide better sound for a similar price. At the end of the day, it depends what you want from an audio system.

[mc_stl]

I specced it on my 06 MCS that I just ordered -- but I believe it depends on your personal preferences. Do you have the time and want the control to install your own aftermarket system? You will most likely end up with a better (some might say only slightly) system for your $550 US (~320 GBP), but you'll be relying now on the installer/manufacturer's warranty, not Mini's. On the positive side, you would have more bass I think with most similar aftermarket systems. On the negative, you're going to have to wait a little while to get it installed when you pick up your car...I suppose if you have done all your research and know a good place to do it, or if you DIY that will only be a day or three, but for most people it's a question of when do you get around to it?

I agree with Sebby, I see it as far less hassle than fitting an aftermarket system, but the HK is enough for my needs right now. It feels like a $550 system from what I heard playing with it yesterday. If I had an extra $1K to put in to it, to be honest I would put that into performance mods probably, or some spare wheels

To each his own. I'm delighted to hear from many folk (and mini folk) that overall it's well received and thought of for a factory-installed sys. I think you would be happy either way as long as you avoid the dodgy stereo stores when you go aftermarket. Shop around and find a quality staff that cares about you and your car, not just your $$$.

peace,
MC

[gmb126]

I'm a bit of an audiophile (for the types of music I crave) and haven't been overly impressed with the H/K system, for what it cost to get that upgrade.

It's a good system, no question, for coming from the factory (sorry for the qualification there). The complaint(s) I have about it are the same as many you'll see here - there's precious little extra functionality on the head unit, and the volume isn't always adequate.

The functionality is basic, and provides all you'd expect in a stock-based system, but if you're not a fan of the preset sound fields they provide, you can't do much. I wish it could play MP3 encoded CDs or display the CD-TEXT..

Regarding the volume - I believe the system achieves a very good balance of all frequencies, from 20Hz to 20Khz, and tries to keep them all equally represented regardless of your volume level. It does this by limiting the volume before the amp can clip out, or before the speakers have reached their physical limitations on producing those frequencies.

If you don't need loud music when you're on the highway with the windows down/top open, the H/K is a nice system. If you want something that handles the peaks, ranges, and changes of electronic, urban, eclectic, or music otherwise heavy with samples, you may want something more after-market.

[Just one man's opinion, don't forget to do your research!]