Comments on: GBMINI stereo – Kenwood head unit & Keg installed

By: Faron

Faron — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 21:08:44 +0000

I need to replace a blown 6×9 HK rear speaker in a 2006 Mini Convertible I just purchased. What is the exact model of this speaker and where can I find one?

Faron

By: Ian C.

Ian C. — Sat, 03 Jun 2006 14:52:29 +0000

Nick, Having an MCS I've never needed to do this but I've read what others have done and basically you have to force an wire through an existing grommet - there are a couple for the cars factory wiring ... I recommend you visit the audio sections on North American Motoring and/or MINI2 and search there, or ask for more help

By: Nick

Nick — Sat, 03 Jun 2006 13:38:56 +0000

Hi there, could someone please tell me the best way of running the power cable from the battery in the engine bay to the boot for an amp, i can’t see any gromets in the fire wall and thers now way to drill one.
plez help,
Many Thanks

By: Ian C.

Ian C. — Wed, 13 Jul 2005 01:06:18 +0000

(my reply to Jeff):
The HKenabler allows use of the HK amp with an aftermarket head unit and still allows the HK modes (spatial, electronic, etc) to be used. The only disadvantage of the HKenabler is that it runs the HK amp at maximum amplification all the time (so that the aftermarket head volume works); this results in slight noise (hiss) which can be heard when the music & the car are quiet. By the way, the HKenabler can be bought (from https://www.newministuff.com/new/shop.php?action=productshow&id=116)

But if you think you might want to go aftermarket, the HK upgrade is probably not where you should be thinking! You need to think of the “HK system” – if you like the system, great. But if any part of the system is not what you want, then consider going fully aftermarket instead as I did in my new MINI.

With my HKenabler it is possible to change the head unit if you eventually conclude you have to, but if you plan from the outset to have an aftermarket head unit, then go with aftermarket amp & speakers too – you will probably get a better overall system (but it will cost you more than the $550 HK upgrade).

In my opinion:
HK pluses – clarity of sound and simplicity of installation (no install at all!)
HK minuses – not enough sub-bass and (for some people) not enough volume.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 12 Jul 2005 22:52:16 +0000

Don’t worry about how you set it up- I read the other article about how you made the little circuit but I don’t think I can do such a thing so I guess I’ll just have the MINI deck. I guess it doesn’t look that bad and I don’t want to sacrifice sound quality and more importantly, warranty or something just to have a cool deck. But what are your views on ways to introduce a nice deck?

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 12 Jul 2005 22:49:43 +0000

Hello there, I wanted to ask (because I couldn’t understand entirely from your post) as to the actual setup of your MINI sound system. Did you still have to leave your MINI deck wired between the Kenwood head and the HK Amp, or did you remove the HK Amp as well? I’m also wondering what happens to all the fine-tuning and EQ settings available in the HK amp if you can no longer control them without the Mini head? I’m intending to buy the HK upgrade, but worry that I’ll never be able to change the head unit without losing sound quality- and I figured, Sound quality is more important than a pretty deck. Any insight?
Thanks
jeff.

By: Ian C.

Ian C. — Thu, 28 Apr 2005 00:28:54 +0000

Joey,
The MINIs factory stereos do not have line level outputs – but it is possible to use converters from the speaker level; please see this information about an upgrade that Paul did to his MINI.

By: Joey O

Joey O — Wed, 27 Apr 2005 05:01:51 +0000

I have a ? .. Gary King told me to ask you if it would be hard to add a amp and a sub to the upgraded system in my mini… He told me you are the one to ask… or would it be easyer to add a new head unit with the out put for a amp and a sub?.. 3rd he said maybe if i had to do that you would maybe do the install for me…. hope to heir from you soon… and thank you… Joey O

By: Ian Cull

Ian Cull — Fri, 10 Sep 2004 13:21:00 +0000

Ray,
I noted this morning that my ’03 MCS has lighted vanity mirrors in both visors – I would therefore expect the ’05s to have this too, but I don’t know for certain.

By: Ray

Ray — Thu, 09 Sep 2004 18:18:29 +0000

Ian,
Thanks for the clarification.
The 8 speaker comment came straight from the Mini sales brochure which explains all behind each accessory (or so I thought!). It states, and I quote, “The harman/kardon HiFi speaker system offers an exceptional sound experience. With eight speakers with special harman/kardon grilles, impressively powerful bass and brilliant treble”. It does sound excellent but can be a bit flat if you are listening in the rear seats.
As an aside, my convertible was ordered with the interior lighting pack as an accessory, but the vanity mirrors are not illuminated agin in contradiction to the sales patter! Do you know if this is usual or have I got a “Friday night special”?
Ray