MINI will be replacing the premium stereo option in the entire line for 2010. Gone is the often derided HiFi system and in it’s place will be the new Harmon Kardon system featuring digital signal processing. Both systems were creating by Harmon but the HiFi had some cost taken out and ultimately suffered for it.
As we’ve previously reported the new H/K branded system will feature a 480 digital watt (down 80 from the previous dealer installed DPSM system) and should include up to 10 speakers all told. MINI asked Harmon to create an this new system in 2007 designed in the same vein as the (now almost mythical) DPSM system available on the R50 generation. The result should be a huge bump in almost every aspect of sound produced. We can’t wait to hear it.
MINI Camden will come standard with the new system for 2010 and it will be an option on all other models for around the same cost as the HiFi system. Look for the new system to start production the first week of September.
<p>This is glorious news! I love my music, and this sound system will be perfect for my new MINI to come in 2010 or 2011!</p>
<p>Now, if only MINI could smarten up and keep a mechanical limited slip available….</p>
<p>I agree with Rosvick 100%. I have both options – Really love the sound and snow and ice was no problem with the limited slip differential.</p>
<p>Do you think upgrades be available to existing Minis?</p>
<p>As much as I want to be super excited about this, considering my R56 has the “HiFi System” I almost don’t listen to music anymore. Its just nice to hear the engine sing its own tune.</p>
<p>Who’s up for a 2nd Gen H/K vs. 1st Gen DPSM Shootout at MOTD next year? :)</p>
<p>MINI should have never abandoned the H/K branded stereos. The one found in my R53 S still rocks with crystal clear sound. I am looking forward to give this new one some ear time.</p>
<p>If the new H/K system is a couple of ticks below the DPSM but above the first gen. H/K system then I wouldn’t mind paying an extra $100 or so above the current HiFi system.</p>
<p>Not sure which HK I have in my ’04 S but it’s been good until recently, I’m getting a slight buzz when blasting Zepp.</p>
<p>So, what’s a digital watt? Never heard of it… No matter what DSP is running inside the thing, it still needs a D/A converter and an analog power stage….</p>
<p>Also, hope that the quality of the speakers, not just the number, increases….</p>
<p>Matt</p>
<p>“it will be an option on all other models for around the same cost as the HiFi system”</p>
<p>Does this mean it can be dealer installed on my ’07 MCS?!</p>
<p>I am sure they are using a class T or a class D amp in this system , either way count me out. Keep it stock and put in aftermarket speakers and amps , it will sound much better. 6 months from now people that get this will be complaining how they want better sound and now they can’t replace anything because the system has odd ohm and sensitivity rating on the factory speakers.</p>
<p>Save your money for the LSD option…oh wait.</p>
<p>One other thing to keep in mind. Pretty much every audio unit now uses DSPs. Only ones that don’t that I know of are little hobbiest kits and the very hyper-expensive audiophile stuff. Everything else is just a computer with A/D and D/A units. It’s a digital world now, and claiming to have a DSP in it’s heart is really just marketing hype.</p>
<p>Matt</p>
<p>I think that MINI should give the the current HIFI owners a free upgrade as the current HIFI is not in any way to be compared the the previous HK system.</p>
<p>I agree with Leo; the current R56 “HiFi system is pretty lame, and the “standard” stereo is an embarrassment for a car of this price. If I would have known that they were upgrading the sound system for 2010, I would have waited to buy, as sound quality is very important to me.</p>
<p>MINI should be ashamed for ever releasing the current “HiFi” system, and it further ticks me off that they are offering the new HK system for the same or slightly more $$ than the current piece of junk.</p>
<p>There won’t be any upgrades to current cars….</p>
<p>It doesn’t make any business sense. Also, we all had the chance to listen to audio choices before we bought, or should have had the chance…</p>
<p>Matt</p>
<p>“The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes with or without previous notice to the product”.</p>
<p>You have it spelled HarMON Kardon. It’s spelled HarMAN Kardon. (Harman Kardon)</p>
<p>PS. I love my Harman Kardon in my R53!</p>
<p>I am still skeptical about the new H/K system. I am supposed to get my clubman delivered next month here in the UK, and I was lucky to get the H/K option instead of the Hi-Fi…I can’t wait to hear what it sounds like.</p>
<p>I know this post is kinda last year but I just have to say I just upgraded mini’s from a 07 with hi fi to a 10 with HK and WOW. It is top notch and even better and LOUDER than the R-53 HK Which I had in my 05. I agree with everyone on here who said that Mini should have NEVER abandoned the HK!</p>