Anyone changed HK head unit to aftermarket?

[Adam81]

Hi ive got a 05 cooper s convertible with Harmon Kardon Fitted im not to impressed with it to be honest and would like to change the headunit to see what sort of difference this would make.
I no in my hard top s when i changed the normal headunit to a aftermarket unit there was quite an improvement in sound quality from the stock speakers would this be the same case with the HK system ?
Ive noticed the kit you can buy from new mini stuff to allow you to make the change in headunit but i dont wanna spend £70 on wiring for it not to be much better.

All help much appreciated !!!

Adam

[James]

I changed to a kenwood 627 head unit from harmon kardon and the sound can definately go a lot louder however I wouldn't say the actual quality is much improved, just a little bit. The main advantage is having the added functionlity of an aftermarket head unit over the basic harmon kardon ones

[Adam81]

Well there is an improvement though which is what im after.
With there being 6 x 9s in the hardtop thats gonna make it sound a bit louder too im just wondering what it would be like in the convertible .........

Thanks for your input

[Jamesr022]

I changed my head unit to an Alpine 9850Ri with the ipod connection and the sound is much better with the HK than with the normal MINI head unit, sounds alot clearer and louder, the BASS is much better! and i have alot more functions on the alpine unit as well.

I know £70 is alot for the adapter, but its money well spent!!

[ScottyBoy]

quick question, i hace a JVC EXAD which i took from my cooper without HK and now have an S with HK, ive tried fitting it, it worked but no sound came from the speakers!

is that because i need a Special ISO connector??

cheers scott

[mikeythemini]

Thats because you need a HK enabler - NewMINIStuff.com

[Adam81]

Well sounds good from hard top owners any convertible owners made the change though ???

Thanks for the response so far

Adam

[Adam81]

Ok i got my HK enabler (from a fellow mini2er) i can hear the radio fine but when i play cds i cant hear any sound ????
Any ideas ????

Thanks Alot
Adam

[Adam81]

Its ok sorted now