[adamlondon]

I have ordered a Cooper S a few weeks back, but I was not really blown away with the standard system in the test car (although it was better than some other standard fit stereos Ive seen). The dealership did not have any cars with the H/K system installed so I did not get to test it. I have heard the H/K systems in BMWs and Range Rovers and they were pretty damn good, so I took a chance on the Mini H/K system.

I have still not had a chance to listen to it yet, but I have read some really mixed reviews on the web. Most seem to think the sound quality is good enough, but also that the system is underpowered. Now Im not one of these people who have their system all the way up, with their windows all the way down, but every now and again I enjoy a little blast. I have seen that alot of mini2 members have gone for the system, and I would really appreciate it if I could get some feedback on the system. Thanks.

All the best,

Adam

[MINIAC]

Quote: Originally Posted by adamlondon69

I have seen that alot of mini2 members have gone for the system, and I would really appreciate it if I could get some feedback on the system.

This site has a powerful search engine, which can be accessed from the navigation bar near the top of this forum.

ALL forum titles for kardon reveals several threads on this subject:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/search.php?searchid=240566

[adamlondon]

Thanks for the tip, I will have a look.

[Callaway]

I made sure to take the advice from one of the threads you probably have searched above...It said, "Just listen to both at the dealer before you decide."

After listening to the HK system (I'm not an audio buff either), I was sure it was a better route. You couldn’t get a nicer system for $550, that is both factory installed and covered by the warranty.

Just my 2 ¢

[Rich_IX]

I have HK installed its quite good although if you have treble and bass turned up to full it limits the ammount of volume throw out. The lower Treble / Bass the higher the volume.

[StevePSB]

It's a cracking system. I can barely fault it. Far, far better than Boost.

[shiredweller]

I like the HK a lot, but it is not without flaws. I feel it has far too much bass. The bass can be tuned out but that limits you'r max volume. But all in all a very good sounding system well worth the money.

[SteveS]

I'm no audiophile, but the HK is all I could hope for. Much better value than the DSC. It was money well spent.

[SteveM3]

If you do a search on this subject you'll see pretty split opinions including
mine criticising the HK. Now I've installed my own aftermarket system I
would say the main problem is with the Mini itself. It just doesn't take
volume without distortion so don't be worried by the HK's apparant lack.
I still think replacing the HU and keeping the stock speakers is a better
way of spending £500 but it's pretty marginal and the HK looks stock
so is less likely to be nicked, has excellent ergonomics and you only
have to get your dealer to tick a box which is easier than taking the old
HU out (but a lot less fun!).

[smiffy]

I have H/K in my S & I personally like the system

[dkstone]

I have the HK I waited 6 months for the car because I wanted the HK and I am not disappointed. I have tuned the HK to the way I like to listen to music its more than loud enough and I think its money well spent. I don,t think that any one could get the same quality in after market for that price. The MINI as a car will rattle with lots of earth shattering base so make sure to use some materials such as Dynamat to quieten it down then adjust the system to your ears. This is what I did, and I have all the volume and bass that I need. if thats not enough then add a sub to the system.

[adamlondon]

Thanks for the support guys. Im getting the feeling that Ive done the right thing, and I cant wait to get in the car and put on Black Betty by Ram Jam (for some reason I seem to think that it will suit our first outing together quite well!). Am almost looking forward to checking out the HK system more than driving the car. No, thats a lie...

All the best,

Adam

[Rich_IX]

You wont be dissapointed its a good system, not to mention its conpatible with most CD Changers and headunits.

[GBMINI]

The HK is much better than stock.
The HK is nowhere near as good as a good aftermarket system installed by an experienced (with the MINI) professional and costing 2 to 5 times as much money.

If you like music but don't like the hassle of going aftermarket, HK is a good compromise.
But it *IS* a compromise, compared with spending much more money for much more result.

[minisoopercooper]

[quote=iancull]The HK is much better than stock.
The HK is nowhere near as good as a good aftermarket system installed by an experienced (with the MINI) professional and costing 2 to 5 times as much money.

As always with ice it's up to you how far you go. I finally decided on an aftermarket system as I particularly wanted a LP MD HU that worked with MFSW. Although apparently the newest ones from MINI now do this they didn't when I ordered mine.

Basically I have decided to have a system form New Mini Stuff (Mikeythemini).He specialises in MINI's and supplies the MFSW adaptors. As for it costing 2-5 times more thats not true in this case. I am getting a better HU, similar cd changer and much better speakers and 2 amps for £130 less than the full MINI kit (boost, cd changer, HK and MD HU).

The only downside is I have to go to Liverpool to get it fitted but don't think I will mind driving my new MINI that far 2 days after I pick it up.

If your not sure give Mikeythemini a call for some good advice.

Paul

[adamlondon]

Cheers Paul, I'll keep that in mind. However, I cant see how Im going to have the cash for an aftermarket system for a little while, so I will see how I get on, and in 6 months if im not happy with it I might have a little wonder up to sunny Liverpool too...

[MiniDoug]

In a small car like the MINI the upgraded Boost system is pretty damned good.... more than deafening for me...... but I'm about to turn forty

[jasonfields007]

I'm not that impressed with the HK system. But it is better than Boost. Not sure if it's really worth it.

J

[Minimum]

I originally ordered my car with HK then removed it from the order at the last minute before the car was built. I have since replaced the speakers and added two amps. My changes cost about $600 after a lot of shopping for the best prices. The result probably sounds better than HK, but I spent around 40 hours installing the stuff and then another 10 hours troubleshooting a couple problems I encountered.

If I were to do it over again, I'd go with HK and save myself all the frustration.

[mcglothh]

Adam,

Good post and question. When you get your Mini, please report back on this thread your opinion on the HK.

As for me, the HK is one of the many things I absolutely love about mine. It rocks. Not only do I look forward to the driving of my car, but I also look forward to enjoying the awesome HK. It's all part of the motoring experience.

The other day, I grabbed a disc from my collection I hadn't heard in a long while; U2's 'Achtung Baby'. Track one: 'Zoo Station'. It is so unbelievable how good it sounds. It really kicks.

Delco Electronics/GM used to advertise some years back that their stereos were so good, that the owners would prefer to "live" in their vehicles. I'd say that the HK surpasses that boast by miles.

- Mitch