Anyone got Harmon Kardon speakers?

[alfi]

Anyone have this speaker upgrade and know if it is worth £350. I have already ordered the radio boost and cd but dont think it will be loud enough for me at 4x15W. This upgrade is 320W. Also will I still be able to add it to the order (it gets built next month) or did I have to put it on the original order?

[Bezza]

You can normally change the options on your order upto 8 weeks before the build date, but this is at the dealers discretion.

I've ordered the HK option on mine that arrives later this year. I'm changing from a car thats got JL components and sub, and i think I'll be more than happy with the HK system, it produces good levels of bass.

Another benefit on the HK system is that it puts a tweeter next to the door handles that helps improve the sound of the system.

[kapps]

The stock system has that tweeter too. The H/K ads a btter head unit with more EQ controls and an amp. I'm not sure if the speakers are upgraded. I don't have it on my MINI but I've heard it in another and it does have more bass but it still seems like it's not as crispy on the highs. I want a "flat" system that reproduces the sound the way it's meant to be heard. My other car has Infinity Kappa's and an upgraded headunit and sounds pretty sweet.

[Restyle]

Quote: Originally Posted by kapps

The H/K ads a btter head unit with more EQ controls and an amp. I'm not sure if the speakers are upgraded.

This is Not what I was told by the Dealer, quite the opposite in fact
The dealer told me that the HK upgrade was basically Just changing the original Goodmans units for HK Speakers, while the CD / Radio unit remains as standard.

[GBMINI]

HK system:
Boost head unit unchanged. But the front left/right speaker level outputs are sent to a separate amp which digitizes, manipulates and amplifies the levels then sends them to uprated speakers.
The tweeter in each door is replaced with a mid/tweeter combo.
The rear 6x9s are now dual voice coil to handle more power.

The HK "modes" (spatial, festival, etc) give you some MINI-acoustic-customized effects.

You can find some pics of the different speakers, amp, etc here:
http://gbmini.net/gallery/StereoPics?page=2

[boothy]

i have h/k in my mini and it does sound better (my opion not everbodys) then the boost in my sisters mini its more sharper cleraer and distinct. it is very nice and i think when the interface to able a aftermarket h/u is availible it will be exceptional.
but the best thing you could do is fined a demo car with h/k fitted and have a play with it
hope this helps

[Restyle]

Thanks GBMINI, HK Layout roughly as I thought.

[GBMINI]

Quote: Originally Posted by boothy

i have h/k in my mini and it does sound better ... more sharper cleraer and distinct

My opinion too.
A number of times in the last year I have heard sounds on music I never heard before - when I went back and checked the original CD indoors, it *was* there but just never noticed before.

Quote: Originally Posted by boothy

... i think when the interface to able a aftermarket h/u is availible it will be exceptional ...

Should be available - I know Mikey received the batch a couple of weeks ago ... mine works fine

[TomH]

I have HK and I think it sounds great.

There is a good review of the system here

[minibat]

I have the H/K upgrade in my Mini to be. However, I do plan on taking out the stock stereo and putting in my Alpine. Guess I am going to re-read this page tomorrow to see how I can hook up the stereo, use the amp that was provided with the upgrade and also use my sub amp.

Motor on

[joeinitaly]

I have the upgrade, but I did not know how good it was until I put the new Beastie Boys CD in and cranked it up. Had someone with the stock stereo sit in it and they were blown away.

[GBMINI]

Minibat,
Be very careful about your plan to start with HK and change parts - lots of understanding is required.
See for example:
http://www.gbmini.net/mtblog/archive/000405.shtml
and all my pages linked from that one ...

[Parc77]

I like to hear good quality sound coming from my speakers and was suprised how good the standard speaks are - but only discovered this after changing the head unit, the standard tape player/radio that comes with the car does not do the speakers any justice. After listening to HK in someone elses Mini with the factory standard head unit in I did think that there was a nice crisp sound there but after taking the head unit out of my old car and putting it in my MCS (with standard speakers in) I was very suprised that mine actually sounded better (no distorsion and fantastic Bas ) - several people have asked what speakers are in the car and think im pulling there leg when I tell them there standard. I'm sure the H/K system would sound even better with a better head unit (than the standard) in, but im more than happy without it. Having said this if I didnt have the expensive head unit from another car id probably have gone for the HK.

[StevePSB]

Quote: Originally Posted by TomH

I have HK and I think it sounds great.

My thoughts exactly Tom. You also have the same good taste as myself when it comes to CD changer connected to HK, as we both already know.

[Restyle]

Quote: Originally Posted by TomH

There is a good review of the system here

Thats a Great Link which I think Everyone either thinking of getting a Harmon Kardon system or just want to know how it all works should Read