Is the Harman/Kardon option worth the price?

[Freddo]

Hello!

I`m just about to order a MCS but I can`t decide if I would go for the H/K audio pak or just the ordinary Radio boost.

So my question is. Is the H/K option worth the extra cost or is i better to go for Radio boost and then install some aftermarket speakers?



Sorry about my english spelling!

[jammythart]

Nice one Freddo, I am thinking the same thing.

I went to my dealers at the weekend to try both out, it was still hard to tell. I personally would like to get more for that money, and not only that if you want CD it costs a lot more.

I went out in my mates cooper last night with standard stereo and that was loud wenough for me (it is a personal thing!) with no distortion.

One more thing, don't listen to me I am deaf in 1 ear so I can't even tell what is stereo!!!

Anyway the decision is yours

Tom

[ScoobyDoo]

Hyia. My Mom has the HK in her Cooper and while it is pretty good. It's not as loud as the aftermarket Kenwood head unit I have in my One (with standard speakers)
Had the option for HK on my 05 Cooper I just ordered (hurry up MINI ), but I'm swapping my own H/Unit instead

Hope this helps. BTW - Welcome to MINI2

[Freddo]

Hey thanks for the answers.

I think i just go for Radio Boost and then install a nice set of Polk Audio speakers instead.

How does it work with the multi function steeringwheel if i change the headunit? Can I get some aftermarker headunit that works together with the remotebuttons in the steeringwheel? If so is what make on the stereo? Otherwise it`s no idea to get the mfsw option.

[GBMINI]

Freddo,
There are adaptors to control aftermarket head units from the MFSW. The "simplest" produces an IR signal which mimics the IR remote that comes with the HU (assuming you get such a one).
In Europe some HUs have a connector in the rear - MikeyTheMini can help with connecting MFSW to such HUs. See the sticky in MINI2 ICE forum, which is maintained by Mikey ...


By the way.
The HK upgrade is reasonable value if you want better sound than stock, but no interest in going aftermarket. If you are happy to go aftermarket, stick with the base sound - less invested when you chuck it all away!

[jaspeh1]

YES!!!

It's worth it if you want to keep a stock look and have a great sounding stereo. I've had quite a few new cars and this is the first car that I've been happy with straight out of the box.

There's a pretty good review of the HK stereo on this website

http://www.motoringfile.com/2003/05/...ystem_reviewed

Read the review, try and listen to a HK stereo, and then decide. I've had the car for a little over a week and I'll tell you that I've never heard a stock stereo that sounds this good. Obviously there are people who want a specific type of sound, or are interested in having more bass, but those people are interested in aftermarket options in the first place. I'm a huge audiophile, my M3 HK system sucks, but it suffices, the Mini's HK is truly wonderful.

I will say that you should make the decision up front, don't buy it if you are willing to pay for an aftermarket stereo, amp, subs. Which is easily going to run you a good $1,000 if you want it to sound better then the HK, and even then that would be debatable.

If you want good quality sound, stock look, and no aftermarket headaches, (IE: the HK is supported and warrantied by BMW) then go with the HK.

Just my opinion of course.

[drfaulken]

I hate mine ... I've had an aftermarket stereo in every car I've owned for the last 13 years. As previously stated, if you have had aftermarket equipment before you may find the HK lacking. If you're used to stock equipment, I guess it's a good upgrade. It's the one and only thing I regret about my Cooper, and because I like to listen to music while I drive, it's a pretty sore spot with me.

Regardless, there's an extremely annoying "feature" and I'm not sure if all of the Cooper stereos share this or if it's just the HK. If you adjust the bass and/or treble, you cannot turn your stereo up as loudly as when both ranges are centered. I like deep bass, but there are times when I don't want as much or I want more highs. If you adjust the stereo, the volume level goes down. I drive with my windows down and sunroof open, and it's nigh impossible to hear the music @ 60mph+ with the HK. Sadness.

[RobHardyUK]

ive gone hk just to c wot its like, if its good ill keep sounds silly, but i like the fact the backlit amber colour of the std hu matches the rest of the interior, just a cosmetic thing. I might go aftermarket tho. always the way!

[boduk]

Hi all, I also went for the H/K option after demo-ing - I think you need to consider what you want... the system is superb, I have had several high end systems in both cars and home, ranging from BOSE to individual systems. The H/K system is suberb. If you want a loud syystem to annoy all other drivers go elsewhere but if you want an of the rack system with the best quality -<and dont forget still covered with full warrenty go for the H/K system. The sound quality is very good, lightly balenced with a neutral sound.
But i repeat, if you like it LOUD go elsewhere.

[Freddo]

well I realy don`t like it loud. Ok sometimes it can be nice to play loud music but i definitly don`t like deep bass. I`m more like a tweeter person.

But if the H/K system sounds that good like some of you guys says it`s probably worth $500 extra. The problem here in Sweden is that there is not a single Mini dealer ho has a car with the H/K system. So I can`t listen on it and then decide if I would go for it or not.

That`s the sad part with sweden, there`s only one real Mini dealer in the whole country. Otherwise it`s only BMW dealers who maybe just maybe have a Mini Cooper demo car far far away in the darkest coorner. If you are lucky.

[JoeDentist]

GBMINI has it right. If you want to go aftermarket, don't buy anything special. However, there is going to be a big market for MP3 enabled stock head units from 05's that people can plug into earlier cars. It may actually be worth your while to order a Boost HU and then sell it right out and add an aftermarket head unit. Its a real gamble, but it might pay off.

Also, try not to listen to people who compare stereos by how "loud" they are.

[Parc77]

Listened to the HK many times and had a more than decent head unit that was purchased a couple of years ago put in previous car and previous MCS, so without spending any extra money I just put the decent headunit in the car with standard speakers and there is no doubting the quality of the sound of HK but there is no doubt that my headunit in the car with standard speakers sounds somewhat better than the standard mini headunit with HK am sure the HK system would sound even better with a superior head unit.
If you already have a decent head unit stick with the standard speakers and install the headunit and rip the bog standard Mini one out.

[Rich_IX]

H/K has got a good Base system if I was to go with another mini id get H/K again,

[Parc77]

Quote: Originally Posted by Parc77

Listened to the HK many times and had a more than decent head unit that was purchased a couple of years ago put in previous car and previous MCS, so without spending any extra money I just put the decent headunit in the car with standard speakers and there is no doubting the quality of the sound of HK but there is no doubt that my headunit in the car with standard speakers sounds somewhat better than the standard mini headunit with HK am sure the HK system would sound even better with a superior head unit.
If you already have a decent head unit stick with the standard speakers and install the headunit and rip the bog standard Mini one out.

If I hadnt got such a good head unit i'd probably have gone with the HK though

[minicabrio]

Excuse my post, I am ed.........

I just bought an MCC but went for a dealer fit Sont system using standard speakers.... was cheaper than the standard MINI CD System........

I think its great, have turned up the bass and down the treble............

May upgrade speakers but not sure.........they sound fine........

I suppose it is up2u.... Some would think mine is &^%$", I think its great......

Check it out, insist on drivinga car with HK fitted to hear it!

Jon