Harmon Kardon Vs Other setup

[SymesMiniLTD]

So, im debating what do i do for my mini, get a Harmon Kardon setup or has anyone else found a better solution?
Rob

[GBMINI]

Aftermarket, if you find a good enough installer and spend enough money, will beat the H/K.
The H/K is a good solution if you don't want to get involved in aftermarket, but want something better than stock.

Complaints generally are: not enough volume (with windows down at highway speeds), and too much or not enough bass (obviously depends on source / personal taste).


You really MUST go and listen to the H/K before buying it - take your favourite music CDs and check them out ... very much personal preference.

[DSapseid]

Speak to mikey at newministuff.com he'll sort you out

Dan

[S33BBY]

This is something that has been asked many times (I don't mean that in a bad way; I just mean that you will find a lot of debate concerning the HK, which you may find useful).

Personally, I went for the HK for a number of reasons. In my last MINI, I had quite an expensive setup, and I heard the HK in a friend's MINI and it easily beat it. The HK costs £350, which I feel is a good price. It means that you don't have to 'take the car apart' to fit after-market gear.

The real audiophiles are generally unimpressed by the HK, but I can honestly say that the sound blows me away. As someone else has suggested, it's worth having a listen at your local dealer too.

[wibbly]

I have HK, and am not greatly impressed with it tbh

Wouldn't spec it again, the best thing about it are the speaker grilles are far funkier than std grilles. I've even had my car sound deadened to increase the quality, but it still lacks overall punch, the bass and treble seperation is too drastic, and the power is too low.

Go aftermarket and you can get something pretty decent for the cost of HK

[UKC4]

I have the H/K and would spec it again in my next Mini. It is damm near perfect IMO, the only thing i would like to improve is the volume of the music so it's a smidge higher. But when cruising around stuting ya stuff it is more than capable.

[S33BBY]

I couldn't agree more with UKC4 (though I do think it's loud enough), but clearly it's down to personal choice, so your best bet would be to listen to it yourself.

[Hurst]

I bought the HK because I didnt want any aftermarket stuff in terms of resale.

Accordingly, I'm disapointed with it, but not to the point of going aftermarket (I can listen to music when I get home on my Grados via an XR-50)

[PMB]

I listened to it and decided against HK. I got the latest CD boost, replaced the speakers and put dynamat in the doors, and I would recommend this to anyone. Infinity 693.7 multi elements in the back (around £80 from e-bay) and Phoenix Gold comps in the front (£90) saved me a lot of money and sounds very, very good indeed.

If I could go back I would still not order HK, I woud prefer air con instead.

[cooper7]

My mum's car has got the Digital Sound Module and that packs quite a punch, might be worth looking at!

[S33BBY]

Quote: Originally Posted by cooper7

My mum's car has got the Digital Sound Module and that packs quite a punch, might be worth looking at!

A friend of mine is looking at getting that and we are going to have a go at installing it.

Glad to hear it's a decent system. I've never heard it myself, but I think the HK is amazing, so I can't even begin to imagine what the DPSM must be like!

[jamiebae]

JBL 75.4 amp - £100
Alpine SPS 171 component speakers - £90
JBL 8 inch sub - £40
Blaupunkt CD head unit - £100

That's a total of £330 and will definately sound better than the HK system. Obviously you need to buy the wiring and sub box and if you're paying an installer that'll add another £1-200 but for a DIY solution that's definately where my money would go

If you get your kit 2nd hand you can save money and get better stuff too and it also makes it easy to upgrade if you want a better front end, different sub etc.

I like playing around with stuff so it's a much more attractive idea to me than a factory fit option where I can't really tinker with it.

[Sweeney]

you might find the following useful: http://www.in2guitar.com/minihkreview.html

i purchased HK and have had various sound systems in and out cars, although the hk i believe is only 350/380watts it sounds a lot better than 500watt-1kw systems...

If your out to go cruising and blow everyones ear drums its not the system for you, if you want a system loud enough for the occupants to enjoy it then its fine.

as mentioned before me, it's personal preference, its your time and money not mine so im not going to spend your money for you.

[Benmk]

If you spec your mini from new then go for H/K. You will not be able to get thank much stuff for that price all fitted and ready to go. You also dont have to remove the facia every time you leave the car and both my friend and brother have it and it is definately worht £350 compared to my many after market systems i have had over the last few years.

If you are like me and you buy a few months old then read my DPSM reviews. It is louder and crisper than the hk and improves on every area where people may criticise it (not me, i still thinks its brilliant especially for the money).

Read my reviews on DPSM and some of the threads i have posted in if you want more info. Im approcahing 15 to 20 hours of play and its still getting better and louder.

If you do need a second opinion then speak to S33BBY. He is a friend and he's listened to my system.

Ben

[hugh1]

I was able to listen to the HK and non-HK side by side. I agree with anyone who says the HK is a decent sounding system; just not $600 US $ worth.

I've replaced my non-HK oem hu with an Alpine 9857 @ $349, and with the stock speakers, it already sounds better that the HK.

Now to decide whether to add power hungry speakers and an amp or find highly effecient speakers that will perform well off just the 18wpc head unit.

Does anyone have any suggestions for speakers powered by just my Alpine?