11 replies to this topic

[rfd]

Hi,

The Mini is my wife’s and for her birthday I’d like to find a replacement stereo. I’d like something that has good retro styling and comes with Bluetooth, hands free and DAB.

Not sure if the current radio was original or replaced in the mid 2000s, but its removable face plate and CD player is all a bit ugly and it doesn’t have decent features. No objections if I need to do a bit of rewiring to fit an new radio.

Does anyone have any good recommendations?

[Ethel]

There's likely to be better info on generic sites like Pistonheads.

 

There's nothing specific about fitting a radio to a Mini, other than having enough space especially if you want to fit it above the parcel shelf.

 

It'd be worth having a look at what's already there. Does it have iso connectors, or something that can convert with adapter lead? What impedance are the existing speakers, if you'd like to retain them? Chances are a half decent radio will be tolerant of 4 or 8 ohm speakers, but better to know before parting with your money. You'll also need to sort it out with a DAB antenna.

 

As is usual you tend to get what you pay for, but a recognised brand (Sony, Pioneer...) will have something suitable for reasonable money - they're pretty much just a box of chips now.

 

It could be a challenge finding something retro aesthetics that's also good value & well featured, but you could get round that with remote control, either via a phone app or hardware controls.

[MiniCarJack]

If the retro styling is particularly important to you, something like this might be worth looking at: https://www.classicc...ount-dab-radio/

 

I think they're made by Retrosound in the USA, you might be able to find other styles of theirs from other suppliers online as well. They're not cheap though, you'll save a fair bit of cash when looking at something more "conventional" like a Sony, Pioneer etc from any car audio retailer.

 

Alternatively you can get really cheap knock-off head units from the likes of Aliexpress with retro styling, but as for their quality and longevity, I couldn't say!

[fokko]

It depends from what year her Mini is and "how" retro you want the radio to be. Budget is also an issue I assume? If the Mini is 1991-on and budget is no issue, then this might be a fantastic retro option (https://www.blaupunk...s/single/19059/):
 

 

Also, there is a specific section on the forum for this type of questions: https://www.theminif...8-ice-security/, maybe somebody can help you if you post it there? Or a moderator can move this topic?

[Jase]

The Continental TR Series is also very retro.

 

[beardylondon]

Or you could do what I did:

https://www.theminif...en-audio/page-2

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

It depends from what year her Mini is and "how" retro you want the radio to be. Budget is also an issue I assume? If the Mini is 1991-on and budget is no issue, then this might be a fantastic retro option (https://www.blaupunk...s/single/19059/):
 

 

Also, there is a specific section on the forum for this type of questions: https://www.theminif...8-ice-security/, maybe somebody can help you if you post it there? Or a moderator can move this topic?

I can't explain how exciting I am finding this radio!  Takes me back to the nineties but with a modern twist.  If mine goes wrong this could be the replacement.

[beardylondon]

I like it to, but it’s not worth £400.

Edited by beardylondon, 11 March 2021 - 10:51 PM.

[unburntfuelinthemorning]

Blimey, I didn't see the price. 

[rfd]

If the retro styling is particularly important to you, something like this might be worth looking at: https://www.classicc...ount-dab-radio/

I think they're made by Retrosound in the USA, you might be able to find other styles of theirs from other suppliers online as well. They're not cheap though, you'll save a fair bit of cash when looking at something more "conventional" like a Sony, Pioneer etc from any car audio retailer.

Alternatively you can get really cheap knock-off head units from the likes of Aliexpress with retro styling, but as for their quality and longevity, I couldn't say!

[rfd]

I bought one of these in the end. Like you say it’s not that cheap looks great sitting in the walnut dash. I just need to improve the DAB antenna now

[Tornado99]

I have a pioneer cd player in my '88. Likely a mid 2000's style. No BT but guide booklet lists BT unit as an accessory. I wanted it but pioneer lists this for $200 and not readily available. So went to Amazon and found a knock off verison of BT for pioneer connection bus. Was about $15. Works very well, easy to connect. This same unit seems available for other headunits.

https://www.amazon.c...ob_b_asin_title

Edited by Tornado99, 05 April 2021 - 04:50 PM.