[1rabbit]

Hi...A newbee here(ex-pat), so pls excuse me if my questions sound very ordinary to you guys. Here in Sweden, the sales people are absolutely hopeless, and getting any answers is impossible...God knows how I found this forum!
I am ordering a new Cooper S shortly and I am decided on all extras apart from the sound system, and this is where I need your advice. I have been reading through many threads regarding the Karmon Kardon HiFi System, and I need some clarification and advice if its worth purchasing...
I have read that its an 8 speaker system...does it include a different CD player from the Standard, and does it also come with an amp? I have a very new Alpine Stereo (with a iPod Interface) and was considerring changing them round after taking delivery of the car...Would this improve sound quality or hinder? And can you actually use the Alpine with the HK Speaker System?
In one of the threads, I remember someone who installed a Dension Ice Link...would this be an easier option instead of going to the trouble of changing to the Alpine? (I wish a hassle free life)...Thx in advance...

[mikeythemini]

The HK has the same cd player but with a seperate amp.
I is possible to fit your Alpine with the HK but a special interface is required
If you are going to go aftermarket - Alpines aftermarket stereos are far better than the factory unit then I woudnt go for HK.

Save the money & either upgrade the speakers or add a sub

[1rabbit]

Hi Mike...Thanks for your advice...
The special interface you mention, is it readily for sale at the dealer? I wish to give the HK system a chance first along with the Alpine head unit and if I like it I may stick with it. I would not wish to change the whole system. Of course it depends on sound quality, and having read a few threads from persons who have the HK, this sounds like a good option. Do you think running the Alpine with the HK system also a good option and is the sound improvement noticable?
Over here in the winter, we need to drive on special tyres which have these steel studs embedded within the tyre. Although they provide very good grip in the icy conditions, they are very noisy. Would you think the Alpine-HK combination could disguise the noise?

[mikeythemini]

You will get a small quality improvement, the main think you will gain is features.
The dealers still claim it is not possible to change the stereo with the hk system. TheHK enabler is available here www.newministuff.com

[1rabbit]

Yes, just been reading about that...I suppose they just want to sell there own products! I think I found the 'enabler' you mention...the HK interface. Thank you for pointing me in this direction...
There are 4 options...I doont understand what mfsw means...any idea? Or do I just need the HK with mode adjust? http://www.newministuff.com/new/shop...uctshow&id=116
Thanks again for your advice, much appreciated.

[mikeythemini]

If your car has the mfsw & your alpine has an input for a wheel adaptor then you need the upgrade & then a mfsw adaptor what is the model of your alpine

[1rabbit]

Sorry for the slight delay...had to run down to the car thru stacks of snow and check...Its the CDA-9830R... All this technical stuff is mind blowing... So the mfsw is an adaptor at the back for connection to the steering wheel? This will not interfere with the iPod interface KDA-420i?