[Windshadow]

I expect this has already been reported here but since I could not find it I may as well put it up
Edmunds.com gave the MINI Harmon Kardon system one of it's 10 best sound systems in an under $30,000 car award this year
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/...7/article.html

Mini Cooper
Apart from the hard-to-grasp volume knob that is about the size of a small pencil's eraser, there is little to criticize with this Harman Kardon system. With eight high-grade speakers and plenty of power, it has no trouble filling the Mini's small cabin with big sound. There's plenty of punch to the bass, yet delicate highs come through crystal clear. Digital Sound Processing (DSP) breaks the music down into individual signals, allowing more accurate separation that keeps the sound from getting muddy when you tweak the volume. There's a choice of four preset equalized modes that allow you to tailor the settings for more realism whether you're listening to a live rock recording or a lush instrumental piece. A Driver Optimization mode focuses the sound around the driver at the touch of a button. If you order just one option on your new Cooper, make it this one and you'll be able to enjoy your Mini even when stuck in traffic.

I wonder if some folks dissatisfaction with the HK upgrade might not be due to their not being given a proper demo of all of its features and settings so that they can make it do what they want with the music they like?
When I had my test drives last fall the CVT Cooper did not have the HK but the MCS did so I was given a very good AB between the 2. I also had a mix CD of my favorite music to use in the comparison... not sitting on the lot but during part of the 1 hour drive that MINI of Peabody gave me in each car... for me there was no question that the HK was for me but I like Classical, old fashond Jazz and traditional folk music not heavy metal rock... so perhaps that is the issue for some?

[the W'rkncacnter]

Sweet! Now I'm really glad I ordered it. I'm trying to decide the first song that I'll play on it. I'm thinking "Ain't Nothin But a G Thang" to give it a sort of classic test

[Martin L]

Quote: Originally Posted by Windshadow

I wonder if some folks dissatisfaction with the HK upgrade might not be due to their not being given a proper demo of all of its features and settings so that they can make it do what they want with the music they like?

As a non-believer in the HK hype I was given a full demo of how it all works.
The strenghs of a truely good system are that it will require no tweaking or DSP to "enhance" the sound. A good system should duplicate how the music was recorded without any need to manipulate the sound
Admittedly the sound coming out of it is acurate and undistorted but the HKs biggest failing in my mind is that it fails miserably to create depth and a soundstange
The system when set at neutral cannot fill the car with sound and it requires he DSP to recreate this. Shame it only happens in "concert" or "catherdrial" mode or whatever it's called....

[Washy]

Quote: Originally Posted by Martin L

As a non-believer in the HK hype I was given a full demo of how it all works.
The strenghs of a truely good system are that it will require no tweaking or DSP to "enhance" the sound. A good system should duplicate how the music was recorded without any need to manipulate the sound
Admittedly the sound coming out of it is acurate and undistorted but the HKs biggest failing in my mind is that it fails miserably to create depth and a soundstange
The system when set at neutral cannot fill the car with sound and it requires he DSP to recreate this. Shame it only happens in "concert" or "catherdrial" mode or whatever it's called....

You're just spoiled by your home HI FI....