Audio Upgrade - 57 Plate GT TDI

[mcscoobs]

Hi all,

Just looking for some advice/clarification on upgrading the audio in my car. Currently everything is standard. I want to upgrade the Head Unit to to the RCD330 6RD 035 187 B No Name: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Original-CarPlay-6-5-MIB-New-RCD330-Plus-for-VW-Stereo-6RD-035-187-B-Version-B/382113670201?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

I "think" I need to also get this aerial adaptor - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Antenna-Aerial-Adaptor-Single-Female-Right-Angle-Z-Fakra-to-Double-Male-Z-Fakra/121871361750?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

Also potentially a canbus? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Gateway-Canbus-530-Series-for-RCD510-RNS510-GOLF-CADDY-POLO-TIGUAN-CC-Touran/232551979022?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l9372

I think the speakers do need upgrading too... I've been quoted £540 for the following (without installation costs):
Gladen Audio 3-way Components in the front doors
Ground zero Mini Two Amp
Wiring Kit & Speaker Cable

Do I need a Sub if I'm getting components? Do I leave the rear speakers as is?

Thoughts...?

[Chesto18]

Just fitted an RCD 330 plus. It’s very good.

I have an ‘08 plate and Canbus was fine, no battery drain. Also, aerial adapter did very little to improve reception. With just the standard white aerial lead connected while I waited for the adapter to arrive, it was just fine. That said for £8 I’d still do it just to be neat and tidy- however the aerial leads only go one way around and aren’t marked or colour coded. So if after connecting up you have poor reception, (esp. on AM for me), swap them over!

[mcscoobs]

Is it possible to get DAB at all for these head units?

[spicypixel]

Nope. No DAB.

[4ndy]

RCD510 dab worth a look.

[mcscoobs]

Thanks all... anyone know if those components are any good? Or any recommendations for a decent set of components?

[willni]

Thanks all... anyone know if those components are any good? Or any recommendations for a decent set of components?

Gladen are a good brand of speakers, someone on the R32 forum fitted them as well as it's a good price with the amp. You'd be best listening to different speakers and it's hard to know without testing, but you've got a good brand at a good price.

A sub would be beneficial as it adds the 'impact' of the system, but it can be fitted at a later date if you just got them to run the wiring for it you could put it in yourself.

In regards to the rear speakers, I'd definitely keep them in as it creates a more balanced sound stage, best way to describe it is watching a movie in a cinema vs on a tv at home, when it surrounds you it sounds so much better.

[The Red Warrior]

I upgraded my speakers and head unit last year. It’s well detailed with lots of photos on this site under the ‘what did you do to your mk5 today’ thread. I’ll see if I can find it.

I only changed out the front speakers and disconnected the rears. I’m no audiophile but from what I researched this would sound best. I really like the result. I don’t like booming music and as such didn’t go with a sub woofer. I got Morel Virtus 3 way components for the front doors and a Morel 4 channel amp.

I’d rate this as my third best mod, behind my remap and Mk6 MFSW upgrade.

I also changed to the Desay RCD330 Plus at the same time. Really like it. As a bonus I now have push to talk (activates Siri) on my steering wheel.

[The Red Warrior]

Here’s the first link:

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,30806.msg1095365.html#msg1095365

And here’s the second:

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,30806.msg1096822.html#msg1096822

[mcscoobs]

Thanks for the info - What's the difference between Desay & No Name RCD330? Isn't one for Android and one for iOS or something? I'm an iPhone user...

[The Red Warrior]

The main difference is that the NoName one has upgradable software/firmware. The Desay does not, at least at this point.
The NoName ones seem to have more bugs and different bugs depending on which version you are running. Not that mine is without bugs though, but I can live with mine.
Both can have combinations of Android Auto, Baidu Car Life, MirrorLink or Apple CarPlay. Mine has the last 3. But I only use Apple CarPlay.
The Desay is the cheapest usually except for the NoName version A which has neither Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.