Author Topic: Upgrading RCD 300 Radio (Read 9828 times)

broomhead50 · « **on:** March 04, 2012, 07:59:42 pm »

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum after recently buying a 2007 Edition 30. I really pleased with the car but would like to upgrade the RCD 300 that is currently installed.

I've looked through the forum and realise that there are loads of posts relating to a stereo upgrade. It seems to be a bit of a minefield with lots of things to look out for, versions, software, battery drain to name a few.

I'd really appreciate any advice on what to look out for and perhaps some recommendations of where/who to buy from . I'd like a system that I can buy and install with not too much difficulty and also use the current steering wheel controls. The car also has a genuine VW Ipod connection that is in the arm rest, will this be compatible or would I not need it with certain newer stereos?

I'm looking for a VW sat Nav, here are a couple I have seen on ebay..
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170791048390?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_3279wt_1270
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/230743618238?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_2853wt_1270

Any advice would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks a lot.

Phil Miller · « **Reply #1 on:** March 04, 2012, 08:33:56 pm »

Hello mate the RNS 510 is a great bit of kit, and will work spot on with your MFSW and HIGHLINE cluster, you can change the ipod dock for an MDI dock instead which, ive heard is very good, the ipod dock is a bit crap TBH

stealthwolf · « **Reply #2 on:** March 04, 2012, 10:45:34 pm »

The RNS510 is good but there are a lot of head units out there that can do more for less, so do bear this in mind.

broomhead50 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 05, 2012, 03:11:51 pm »

Thanks stealth, Will.

Stealth, what do you recommend? I've had a look on bass junkies and seen a couple of units on there that are made for the golf, the Zenec ZE-NC2010 is one but its definatley not cheaper. Are there any others??

Thanks again

skard · « **Reply #4 on:** March 05, 2012, 03:17:38 pm »

I have a Zenec NC2010. If you want one then ebay.de has them much cheaper, but it depends if you want one new.

I recall when they came out late 2009 they were about £700 and they have only gone up in price since then, not down

Bear in mind that the NC2010 (and others) have integrated Bluetooth, ipod/usb and so on.

broomhead50 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 05, 2012, 04:49:31 pm »

Thanks scard

Can you update them like the vw units when roads change etc?? Also will a unit from eBay.de still fit straight in as a direct replacement?
What does in look like once fitted? They appear to look pretty similar to the Vw sat navs in the pics.

Sorry for the 101 questions.

Cheers

MrP · « **Reply #6 on:** March 05, 2012, 04:55:28 pm »

i'd like to know what these custom fit units sound like.

granted they have to be better than an RCD 300 (i think some string and a paper cup would be at times) but are they on a par with a decent pioneer or alpine unit??

also, what's the crossover and EQ parts of them like??

do they even have an EQ, if so is it just coarsely adjustable (ie sub at 60, 80 and 120hz) or more finely adjustable?

skard · « **Reply #7 on:** March 05, 2012, 05:10:20 pm »

I'm not saying go out and buy one of these as there looks like loads of excellent mk5 suited HU's now, but I can only go off my own experience and compared to the RCD300, well there's nothing to compare. Even compared to the previous Zenec model I had this one is streets ahead.

I have a Kenwood TS-WX77A flat sub and all of a sudden it actually sounds a bit punchy as this model allows you to tweak the audio more than just a rock/pop/classic type equaliser. To be honest this is as far as my audio skills go, so sorry I can't help more on that!

As for the satnav, well yes you can pay for updates for the pretty good Igo8, or you can get maps from other places...I have the up to date PocketGPSworld cameras as I have a subscription.

Yeh it doesn't matter where you purchase, worst case scenario you have to change the language (if you do buy used make sure it comes with the PIN code if they have changed it from default).

Some NC2010 pics for you guys with questions...