H/K and Different Head Unit

[smashmouse]

Hi

I've searched the forums but still can't find what I need to know, so hopefully I will get a easy answer.

I have a Harmon Kardon set up with the Boost Radio Cassette and CD Changer. From my searches, I understand that I can't just add a different head unit because it won't work with the H/K. However, what does "will not work" mean? Does it mean it won't work at all or does it mean you just can't use the extract H/K options, e.g. Sound Modes? I would like to fit a Sony CD/MP3 head unit and I'm not bothered about playing with the H/K settings, just as long as the head unit works with the speakers and amp would be fine.

Can this be done?

[mikeythemini]

The HK amp won't switch on if you change the radio. One person has fitted a Sony, but also had to keep the Original stereo connected to trigger the amp, maybe they moved it to the glove box.

[donald]

Hi, Maybe I can give some advise, I just fit a Sony CDXMP-70 with my Mini "S". One thing you have know is H/K system is a Link unit, HU, AMP and Speaker they all related by a wiring system, HU and AMP they cannot work independence, the sound effect is go through the bus control cable and output signal by 2 speaker wires and also I know think the H/K HU have no power output and also the AMP is only work with stock H/K HU. The speaker is 2ohm also can drive by the H/K Amp smoothly.

The bottom line is, if your Mini sound system is H/K upgrade version you cannot breakaway that means you want to fit a Sony Head Unit you have to switch all the other parts.

You can using the factory speaker wiring system for you new aftermarket system you can save more job. If you want any further details you can email me and I happy to share with you.

[StevePSB]

If you want to change the head unit but you still want an amp you'll need to get a head unit and amp and leave the HK amp unused.

If it's MP3 you're after then consider the same setup as what I have - H/K head unit connected to Sony MP3 6 disc CD changer in the boot via a Connects2 interface. It's a lovely setup!

See my gallery for pics - camera icon bottom left of this post.

I'd be happy to elaborate if you need to know more.

[GBMINI]

As described above, the HK amp has stereo left/right SPEAKER LEVEL signals for audio, and ALSO is connected by data bus to the HU.
The output of the HU is a fixed level - the HU sends volume, bass/treble/etc by data bus to control the HK amp.

I have a Kenwood HU running with the HK. I have a stripped down factory HU telling the amp what to do so that it turns on:
http://gbmini.minisontop.com/2003_08...40898053657597

I plan to make a circuit to control the HK amp - but it is not a simple solution for people to go this way ...

[donald]

Hope you can make it iancull, keep posting what you got, I want to copy what you did.

[GBMINI]

donald,
If I do what I plan I think it will be difficult for you to "copy"; I plan to adapt one of my companys products ...

Its basic function would be to tell the HK various bus commands to get it turned on, but I could use the display/keypad to configure the HK mode, etc.

[donald]

Is it a tools or is a part of your system? It...sound technical.

[smashmouse]

My head hurts.. why can't it be more simple? I had a bose system in an audi and I just needed a wiring adaptor / circuit to fit a different head unit.

[smashmouse]

Thanks for the replies but I have another question. I thought the HU used with the H/K system was the standard boost one, so can I just buy a CD or Mini Disc boost HU from dealer and fit it? Or does it have to be a specific one for H/K? I currently have tape HU which will never be used so would be nice to have CD or MiniDisc in front and then put a CD/MP3 changer in boot.

[StevePSB]

I think the head unit is the same and knows if the system is HK (don't quote me on that) but the head units are expensive here - £370 for CD, £405 for MD.

[donald]

First,make sure your H/K system is the one whcih come with the Amp.(sit inside the right rear side panel) see my gallery, if yes that is nothing you can match with the AMP beside the Stock HU
otherwise you can fit any brand of HU, just buy a wiring connector or ask mikeythemini about the car kit it including all you need.

[GBMINI]

smashmouse,
you could try to find a Boost CD HU on eBay ... the official line is that you need a 2003 HU to work with the HK.
I have the guts of a 2002 HU working with my HK - but sometimes they do not start up properly, so maybe there was a bug that got fixed later.

[smashmouse]

Thanks for your input. I guess I will need to find a stock hu on ebay or the mini2 for sale forum... there is no fekkin way I'm paying the dealer prices if its £400+ for a stock MD HU. My H/K is the one with the amp in rear right panel.

Anyone with a 2003 MD head unit want to swap for a radio cassette unit and cd changer?

[Keeno]

what about selling me that CD changer?? i am still looking for one as discussed before