MINI HK with aftermarket head unit – productionized!

Posted on by Ian C.

Long term readers will know of my terrible experiences with trying to upgrade GBMINIs stereo at Tweeter, and of my eventual solution to run an aftermarket (Kenwood) head unit with the Harmon Kardon amp & speakers. Originally I had the stock radio in the boot, connected to the HK amp, because the amp requires digital messages from the stock head unit to control volume, tone, and sound mode.
More recently I adapted one of my companies products to persuade the HK amp to run.

Now, after interest from MikeyTheMini who sells audio parts for the MINI (and other cars), I decided to make a “production version” which I have called the “HKenabler”; I plan to “pot” the HKenabler in a little box, with just the wires coming out – for maximum protection:

HKenabler circuit
Potting shell for HKenabler

This circuit connects to the car using the same adaptor harness sold by MikeyTheMini and used to connect the aftermarket head unit. Three wires (+, – and iBus) go from the car to the HKenabler – the + is the same + that turns on the HK amp, and comes from the “amp out” signal of the aftermarket HU.
When power is applied to the HKenabler, it communicates with the HK amp and instructs it to run with neutral balance, bass, treble, fade and a fixed almost full volume. Then the aftermarket HU volume control adjusts the overall sound level.

My experience and that of MikeyTheMini’s one test is that the HKenabler can get more volume out of the HK amp, and of course you benefit from the better features of the aftermarket head unit.

An optional extra two wires from the HKenabler allow a switch to be installed in the car which controls the sound mode of the HK amp (MINI H/K, SPATIAL, ELECTRONIC, INSTRUMENTAL, FESTIVAL); you can also control the “DRIVER MODE”. Even with no display you can easily recognize the “hollow” INSTRUMENTAL mode and the echoing FESTIVAL mode, so it is easy to figure what selection you have – or just choose the one that sounds best!

If anyone with the Harmon Kardon system is interested in replacing their head unit but keeping the amp and speakers, you can contact me or MikeyTheMini to learn more.

13 thoughts on “MINI HK with aftermarket head unit – productionized!”

  2. This rocks!
    I’ve ordered my Mini recently and waiting for delivery (early Sept.). When choosing options I was debating whether to go for the h/k or not as I thought about an aftermarket navigation. I dislike the Mini OEM one, as I just love the centre speedo.
    I finally went for a Boost with CD and the h/k and I will connect my iPod to the set up.
    An aftermarket navigation is still in my mind and with your solution I don’t have to ditch the h/k if I go for it. Great!

  5. I have a 2008 Mini Cooper S convertable with an HK sound system. I’m trying to change the radio and need your HK enabler. NewMiniStuff.Com shows the part out of stock and suggest contacting you. Is it still available through another website? I live in the US, if that matters to how I obtain the part. Thanks.

  9. hi,i have a 2003 cooper with tape head unit,cd changer and h/k sound system and want to change the head unit how do i get one of your wounderful leads?

  12. Is the hkenabler compatible with the R56 h/k amp? I have a 09 cooper base with h/k amp i would like to know if this would work with it

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