Harmon/Kardon Question

[Redwytch]

We ordered the hk upgrade with the Cooper, before we'd even had a chance to listen to it (based on the reviews and what other folk have been saying about it), and finally got the chance to listen to it on Tuesday, and it is awesome, but one little question I'd like an answer to.

In one of the brochures it says hk is 8 speakers, as does the hk review in the product reviews on here, but my dealers tell me it is 6 speakers, special ones designed for the Mini and better than the standard, anyone any idea as to how many speakers there are, or are supposed to be in the hk system?

If ours sounds like the one we experienced the hk in the other day it wont bother me if it is 6 or 8, but it's got me wondering what the spec should be, anyone any ideas? Thanks in advance!

[btdoyle]

i think the tweeters each have two cones in them thereby making it 8 speakers compared to 6 cones... I may be wrong but I seem to recall reading this someplace.

[GTT 280]

Quote: Originally Posted by btdoyle

i think the tweeters each have two cones in them thereby making it 8 speakers compared to 6 cones... I may be wrong but I seem to recall reading this someplace.

I have HK. There are 6 physical speakers. Either the rears or th tweeters have dual cone.

I think you could do better than the HK settup, but for the style, it's OK.

For me, the rear speakers are not crisp enough.

Could have been better. Not trialed enough i think....

If i had of known - I'd have got the sound Modul !!!!! Can this be retro fitted anybody ?

[MrV]

The speaker next to the door handle is two speakers. A small midrange and a tweeter.

I second the opinion of the quality of the HK. To each his own, but I have a hard time understanding the need for more bass, or more volume. No, you are not going to blast the kid in the car next to you into oblivion, but it gets plenty loud enough for my tastes. The bass shakes the door and the rear view mirror pretty well, and I haven't touched the bass control from flat yet (I understand that the minute you do that, the unit limits volume in order to protect the speakers).

Maybe I'm just getting old though. Quality matters more than volume. Not that you can't get better quality (maybe even at this price/lower), but keeping the factory look to the dash, keeping the controls on the steering wheel, and not having to shop around and have some monkey in my car installing components means alot to me also. All considered I am glad I got the HK.

[Kaelaria]

I can understand all sides of the h/k discussions. I have had $15,000 systems, and I have had crappy stock. Coming from that background I can say the h/k system is above average for a stock system in volume and quality. It is not however nearly loud enough for all conditions, such as freeway driving witht he windows down and sunroof open. At full volume lyrics are almost undistinquishable. Compared to a Mach system in a ford it is 1/2 the volume needed.

With the sunroof closed, it is much better, and with the windows up it is more than enough volume for any speed.

I think people's comments about how they don't understand how someone else can say it's not loud enough - may depend on thier car's equipment, model and driving habits.

[rbcooper]

Speaking of Harmon Kardon does anyone know if it is possible for the steering wheel tuning control to be programmed to do a "seek or search" rather than just change stations. I find it ackward to use the buttons on the radio for this task.

Thanks

[SupeRub]

Quote: Originally Posted by rbcooper

Speaking of Harmon Kardon does anyone know if it is possible for the steering wheel tuning control to be programmed to do a "seek or search" rather than just change stations. I find it ackward to use the buttons on the radio for this task.

Thanks

Try pressing and holding the change station button and it should then seek instead of jump straight to presets.

Rub

[pyratio]

--I've read somewhere on this board that they received a stock head unit that could play mp3. Is this a european model? We haven't heard or seen anything like that in the U.S. but it would be a welcome change. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

-Oh on a side note when I test drove a MCSa with a harmon kardon, I actually turned down the stereo so I could hear the supercharger whine better. I swear it's just like my motorcycle. I listen to the engine as I'm driving and it's like music to my ears. She sings to me and lets me know what's going on and how she's doing. I respond by guiding her safely through a sea of SUVs and suicidal Lexus's.

But seriously yes the system is fully adequate for the car. Listening to rap and rock music was plenty loud and my current car has a bazooka in it and a MOSFET amp and I'd say the HK is comparable. One could play with replacing the HK's with more high end speakers like Infinity or Polk speakers and let us know which sound better. Any rich audiofiles out there willing to help? Please, please, please?

--pyratio

[pyratio]

--nevermind I found the post and here it is...

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...&highlight=mp3


Wow whadaya know? 2005 owners get something without paying for it! Free mp3 players for all new owners! Shhh! Nobody tell BMW. Man Mini rules!

--pyratio

[lightbody]

There are TEN speaker drivers in EIGHT speakers in SIX locations.

Mid, tweeter and bass in each front door, and a 6x9 with 2 drivers at each side of the back seat.

I agree it is fabulous - I'm *SO* glad I specified it on mine.