Audio upgrade

[Rawhide]

I will be watching this thead with interest.  I am shocked at how bad the audio is when playing via MDI from my ipod.  I was using spotify or some songs in the itunes library and constantly had to keep turning the volume down to prevent the sound breaking up.  Even my 6 year old son asked what was wrong.  It was slightly better when playing voice audio via tunein radio but still really down on quality compared to my other cars which are a Landrover Discovery with Logic sound system and Volvo v70 with it's well respected audio system. (both use a factory amp I believe)

I really want a plug and play type option like the OP.  I'm not after top quality but just want to be able to play music loud enough for the kids to enjoy without distortion.  However I'm hearing that an amp is really required as the RNS510 simply doesn't have much power.

[AJP]

Bit of info here:

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=171368.0

Mentions the JBL MS-8 processor, which seems to come up alot in similar discussions. Silly money though, if it's even still produced.

Seems the right kind of solution though.

[loop]

Would just amping the stock speakers be an option worth exploring and would this result in much of an improvement? RNS-amp-OEM speakers? Is there a special adapter needed to connect the RNS to an amp? Thanks


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[AJP]

Would just amping the stock speakers be an option worth exploring and would this result in much of an improvement? RNS-amp-OEM speakers? Is there a special adapter needed to connect the RNS to an amp? Thanks


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Yes, I think so. I'd bet my ballsack you'd get much better results than fitting fancy speakers and expecting the low wattage of an OEM headunit to do them any justice.

As for connecting it up, I'm not entirely sure. But one thing you'll definitely need in the circuit is some form of processing; to achieve some sort of passable sound quality you'll need to dial out the oddball OEM EQ. Amps with this feature built in are available, but at a cost.

[loop]

Would just amping the stock speakers be an option worth exploring and would this result in much of an improvement? RNS-amp-OEM speakers? Is there a special adapter needed to connect the RNS to an amp? Thanks


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Yes, I think so. I'd bet my ballsack you'd get much better results than fitting fancy speakers and expecting the low wattage of an OEM headunit to do them any justice.

As for connecting it up, I'm not entirely sure. But one thing you'll definitely need in the circuit is some form of processing; to achieve some sort of passable sound quality you'll need to dial out the oddball OEM EQ. Amps with this feature built in are available, but at a cost.

It's funny you should say that as I've just bought an Audison Bit Ten for exactly that purpose.  Now I have to find a small but reasonable amp to pair it up with and work out how to install them! :) 


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[AJP]

Would just amping the stock speakers be an option worth exploring and would this result in much of an improvement? RNS-amp-OEM speakers? Is there a special adapter needed to connect the RNS to an amp? Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, I think so. I'd bet my ballsack you'd get much better results than fitting fancy speakers and expecting the low wattage of an OEM headunit to do them any justice.

As for connecting it up, I'm not entirely sure. But one thing you'll definitely need in the circuit is some form of processing; to achieve some sort of passable sound quality you'll need to dial out the oddball OEM EQ. Amps with this feature built in are available, but at a cost.

It's funny you should say that as I've just bought an Audison Bit Ten for exactly that purpose.  Now I have to find a small but reasonable amp to pair it up with and work out how to install them! :) 


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I've just had a read up on that - sounds like a lovely piece of kit.

Any ideas on the amp you'll be using?

Keep us updated mate. There are a few of us who'll be keen to hear how you go about this.

[pudding]

Nice!  I didn't know such a thing existed.  That should definitely improve the dulcet tones the RNS belches out.

Agreed on amping the factory speakers.  I can tell they have decent enough extension in the bass and a keen mid / top end, but they just lack a decent punch from the shonky RNS to carry it through.  The metaphorical equivalent of needing a HPFP    But we all know this is a deliberate ploy from VW to get buyers to tick the "Premium audio" option box.  My mate has the Dynaudio package in his MK6 and it's epic.  They must do something to the doors / door cards as well because there is zero rattle and vibration at max chat.

I think it's the thought of running 0 gauge down the car and screwing amp boards to the back seats again that's putting me off     I did all that 10+ years ago and can't really be arsed with all that again, hence a nice OEM solution would be cool.

[loop]

Would just amping the stock speakers be an option worth exploring and would this result in much of an improvement? RNS-amp-OEM speakers? Is there a special adapter needed to connect the RNS to an amp? Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, I think so. I'd bet my ballsack you'd get much better results than fitting fancy speakers and expecting the low wattage of an OEM headunit to do them any justice.

As for connecting it up, I'm not entirely sure. But one thing you'll definitely need in the circuit is some form of processing; to achieve some sort of passable sound quality you'll need to dial out the oddball OEM EQ. Amps with this feature built in are available, but at a cost.

It's funny you should say that as I've just bought an Audison Bit Ten for exactly that purpose.  Now I have to find a small but reasonable amp to pair it up with and work out how to install them! :) 


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I've just had a read up on that - sounds like a lovely piece of kit.

Any ideas on the amp you'll be using?

Keep us updated mate. There are a few of us who'll be keen to hear how you go about this.

Absolutely no idea yet, just want something small and not too expensive as I'm sticking with the OEM speakers for the time being. Any suggestions welcome. Yes I will update the thread once it's all installed with my views on how it sounds etc.


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[loop]

Might try the Audison Sr4 amp, a bit bigger than I would like but hoping it matches up easily with the Bit Ten. I think I will change the front speakers too, playing around with the fader/balance settings this morning the stocks sound terrible when you just play front right/front left etc so I think the new kit would probably only be fully utilised with better speakers.
Potentially looking at the MB Quart/Gladen Audio drop in sets once funds allow.


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[Christiank]

Also did some search on this to upgrade my VW 10 speaker system.  (I've got a 5 door that has 3 speakers each front door and 2 in each rear door) - Actually play fine but they are getting old these days and since I'm doing everything else to upgrade the car why not upgrade the speaker system hehe..

didn't find any that swapped over directly though ..

Was looking at a complete set from a german brand named Rainbow? - Anyone know what they are like?

[neilw]

Also did some search on this to upgrade my VW 10 speaker system.  (I've got a 5 door that has 3 speakers each front door and 2 in each rear door) - Actually play fine but they are getting old these days and since I'm doing everything else to upgrade the car why not upgrade the speaker system hehe..

didn't find any that swapped over directly though ..

Was looking at a complete set from a german brand named Rainbow? - Anyone know what they are like?

I had Rainbow speakers in my old Polo. They are very well regarded, and make some really high end stuff as well.

[loop]

Also did some search on this to upgrade my VW 10 speaker system.  (I've got a 5 door that has 3 speakers each front door and 2 in each rear door) - Actually play fine but they are getting old these days and since I'm doing everything else to upgrade the car why not upgrade the speaker system hehe..

didn't find any that swapped over directly though ..

Was looking at a complete set from a german brand named Rainbow? - Anyone know what they are like?

You can get a direct fit replacement from Eton, but you might have to order from a German website.
Also MB Quart and Gladen do front sets that fit the exact speaker size, they just have different crossovers.
The Rainbow set you mention is very expensive, and the speakers they use are only the base model from their range, but would still be much better than the VW equivalents.



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