[Ash92]

Hi all,

Ordered myself a cooper s with a lot of the options.

I'm unsure on whether or not to spend more and go for the optional upgraded stereo. How is the standard speaker system?

Thanks
Ash

 

[lorlux]

Hi all,

Ordered myself a cooper s with a lot of the options.

I'm unsure on whether or not to spend more and go for the optional upgraded stereo. How is the standard speaker system?

Thanks
Ash

Someone wrote a beautiful post about this on this forum and I can't seem to find it now, but the short of it is the H/K upgrade is a good investment as long as you're not expecting after-market quality.

My experience - I have the upgraded H/K and I'm admittedly not an audiophile but I love it. I forget the cost, but I'm glad I have it. It really depends on the source of the music though. Some songs will sound amazing and others are good. Volume is good and clarity is good, you don't get vibrating from the bass. I can't speak to the standard stereo.

 

[Ash92]

Thanks for the input.

I do like my music, however the standard stereo would have to be bad to justify the cost as the car is already quite pricey with the options I've chosen.

 

[Solar red]

I thought the radio quality was fine. Save the money, just get the visual boost.

 

[Hat]

Standard stereo is fine for me. It lacks a bit of depth but i can live with it happily enough

 

[MiloMini]

I ordered the HK upgrade and will find out more on Monday. I've spoken to a number of people who have compared the standard to the HK option and the standard is better than the last model.

However the HK is supposed to be very good indeed. You won't get studio or concert sound - it is a car after all - but the upgrade is well worth it according to a number of people who have it. I also have Media XL.

 

[Washy]

I specced it on Mrs W's F56 purely because the old R56 std system was so bad. She has told me she likes the stereo so much she is listening to a lot more music than before in the car so must be ok.

 

[DonaldD]

I've read that most car's standard stereo systems are sufficient. I'd save my money. If anything just grab a new sub-woofer or something, but a whole new system doesn't seem to make much sense. Just don't blow your speakers.

 

[Berty]

It all depends if you like your music. I have the harman kardon and I think it's totally worth the money. I have been listening to more music and it sounds great.

 

[Ash92]

Thanks - I'll look into adding this option.

 

[MiloMini]

Thanks - I'll look into adding this option.

I also like how the extra speakers at the front break things up, very classy.

 

[Kiwi]

If your music is not recorded in high quality I don't see the point in spending the money on HK speakers. The most important thing is the source as rubbish in is rubbish out. Lower end speakers can sound great with high quality recordings through a good player.

 

[Ash92]

Cheers for the info. I use high quality audio (downloaded through official apps such as deezer Google etc) so the upgraded speakers could come in handy.

In regards to the options, which are the other must haves?

Thanks
Ash

 

[jeremybingham]

I know it sounds sad ( no pun intended) but I ticked the Harmon kardon options list simply because of how gorgeous the speakers look in the doors/rear doors! Did a direct sound comparison to the visual boost which is 6 speakers and felt it JUST edged it but if you aren't a big music fan probably not worth the extra. Saying that I don't think the standard 4 speaker set up would be as good!

 

[Ash92]

Thanks Jeremy. I managed to spec it just in time as the car got locked out whatever that means! Can you show me some pictures of what you're talking about please?
Cheers
Ash

 

[GregoryK]

My understanding is the F56 is like the R56 HK system in that the amp controls the frequency that the substandard speakers produce. So...if you are not happy with it, it is very complicated to upgrade.
I have HK and am trying these speakers in the door - Focal IPBMW-S. These cost a small fortune but are designed for the BMW series 1 and 3 that have a similar setup. I've pulled the door trim and scoped the HK mids - They are crappy looking (can't imagine the stock ones!)
I am going to add an amp for the under-seat subs. Not sure how this will sound - but they are clearly underpowered at present.
The long and short of this is buy the stock stereo is you want to upgrade. The HK is too integrated and hard to mod.

 

[donnaj1dlh]

Personally, I can't see the point of the fancy stereo when you can't hear the S's pops and bangs for it.....

 

[MintMark]

I thought half the engine sounds were coming from the stereo on the S anyway

 

[Crimguy]

I thought half the engine sounds were coming from the stereo on the S anyway

Well, they'll sound that much better then, won't they?

;-)


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