[Shamster]

Anyone know what the HK setup will consist of? Will it be 11 speakers + amp as in 'other' BMW's or something else? I already have it in my 3 and am pretty happy with it.

Quite a few of us have ordered it but I wonder if anyone actually knows what to expect.

[Bad Manners]

I've ordered it in blind faith that it will sound pretty special. I think I know what to expect

HK offers 8 speakers + DSP amp.

To be honest with you, the BOOST head unit is fairly loud, but hasn't the best hi-fi sound available. The speakers are adequate to handle its power, but aren't the best quality and you would benefit from swapping these out (especially the 5"ish ones in the front doors). I've left the speakers and head unit untouched in my Cooper. It's the best stereo system I've had in any of my cars. So far!

The MINI's standard 6 speakers will be replaced with 8 new speakers. One of the drivers will be co-axial, so these 8 new speakers will still fit in the traditional 6 speaker locations.

The BOOST headunit is kept, with access to the HK features available through the BOOST's Tone button. Each of the BOOST head unit's output channels is run to the back of MINI via balanced signal cables (I understand these are twisted pair cables that are resistant to interference).

Hidden behind one of the wheel arch covers in the boot area will be a custom designed/tuned multi-channel Harman-Kardon amplifier / DSP unit, and I guess there'll be a cable pair running from there to each of the speaker locations.

The DSP unit offers a feature that will centre the sound around the driver for the optimum solo listening experience. The Harman/Kardon system won't be the loudest on the block, but you can be sure that it offer exceptional clarity.

I've heard the HK amp itself specified at 10x40watts, but more recently at 4x25watts+4x28watts. Can anyone clarify this for me?

[Shamster]

Andy

I didn't bother listening to the standard setup as I knew I wanted HK based on current and previous experience. I've found that the additional speaker (i.e the sub) makes a big difference to the sound quality. Sounds (no pun intended!) like they are foregoing the option of the sub. I don't like advertising that I'm on my way round the corner by having unfriendly bass but its good to have that separate driver there. 10+1 which is what I have in the 3 sounds very good - but fingers crossed on the reduction to 8 speakers!

The DSP sounds like it could be interesting - as for the power outputs you've quoted are they peak or RMS ratings?

[Bad Manners]

Quote:

Originally posted by shamster
The DSP sounds like it could be interesting - as for the power outputs you've quoted are they peak or RMS ratings?

The BOOST can kick some mirror-blurring bass, you can feel the rear wing panels kick from the outside with the doors and windows closed.

I'm really not sure about the figures I have seen, but one would really hope they're RMS figures. It's not like we're buying a budget setup where the manufacturer has to quote PMPO to try get an edge over the competition. (Ever tried buying el-cheapo computer speakers? )

I'm hoping a HK expert can tell us more about the power output?

I'm also not sure the the co-ax speakers are going in the front or the rear?

[Shamster]

Mmm! You've whetted my apetite. Sounds like we are in for a treat based on what you say about BOOST! Roll on January!

[Bad Manners]

Quote:

Originally posted by shamster
Mmm! You've whetted my apetite. Sounds like we are in for a treat based on what you say about BOOST! Roll on January!

Roll on December!

Harman/Kardon is meant to be available from week 48 build; my S should be week 49 build, I've been quoted 17th Dec as the delivery date. Like most, I've not heard what I'm buying in to, and this is the only picture I've found.

So now, I'm asking for info on the amp power and more piccies and somebody's real world listening impressions too?

[Shamster]

Well - you're one of the first for wk 48. I don't think my build date is until beg Jan.

For obvious reasons I'd be keen to see and hear your system when it finally comes!

Anyone else out there who can help us out?