RNS510 vs Kenwood DNX520VBT / DNX521DAB

[ThomWalker]

Hi guys,

In the market for replacing the horrible standard head unit (RCD 300).

I like the look of the RNS510 but thinking the bluetooth/hands free is a bit of a minefield - very complicated and expensive. Thinking as an alternative either of the approved Kenwood units.

Can anyone suggest any useful information or experience to consider? 

   

[Leebo310]

What spec do you want/need mate?
Is sat nav a must?
How much is your budget?

[SI-R32]

I'm assuming here from what I've seen at VW, the approved units are around 1k.

Rns plus Bluetooth around 750 to 800

If you have full red display add an adaptor (100 quid) to the cost to use newer Bluetooth units. That will also give you bt audio sreaming or buy the older more expensive skoda bt unit.

If you only have half red display bt won't work in it anyway.

So you ultimately quids in still for all OEM setup

[JackG]

I went Kenwood route due too cost...
heres how I added it up..
kenwood is cheaper out the box (can be had for -500 now)
blue tooth etc from go is a plus..
dvds and ipod interface from the word go too..
soubds quality
and the look and customisable screen

minus points for me..
radio station doesn't show on the mfd...its just says kenwood, doesnt bother me too much too be honest
stands out pretty well in the car so may be more appealing too steal?

I sold the unit and now im keeping my car so need another again..
im looking at the rns 510 now as I find the rear vw badge camera badge funky, it might be able too work on the kenwood tho?
The OEM look I like


despite all this I still want the kenwood back again, rns 510 just doesn't justify the money in my eyes

jack

[skard]

I recently put a DNX920VBT in my mates T5.1 van and would recommend a Zenec NC2010 (or newer 2011D) over it all day long. It has all of the features pkus more, full MFD integration etc.
Of course Kenwood are better if doing an ICE install but both have better SQ than the RNS510.

I suspect the 921 Kenwood will have rectified all the niggles that make the 920 a bit dated.

[ThomWalker]

I’m really after the works, nav/hand free/iPod/DVD etc.

Think I’m swaying more towards the Kenwood, thinking getting the Bluetooth set up with the RNS is too much a faff. As well as my budget being around £400 (second hand ebay jobby - i think)

Never heard of the Zenec before - features look good. You’ve just thrown something else in to the mix.

Also don’t know if anyone can tell me, for both the Kenwood and Zenec is the microphone built in to the unit or as an external device. Not sure what would be better for call quality but either way don’t really fancy running a mic lead and sticking a tacky a mic up unless I have to. I know the external mic is good because I had one in my mk4, no experience with integral ones.

[skard]

The Zenec has an integrated Parrot module with a very good built in mic just above the DVD slot or you can run an external mic too.
The 920VBT as far as I know is only an external mic.

I understand as when I bought a FISCON bluetooth I got an OEM style hidden mic, a clip on mic looks out of place.

If you do a search for 'nc2010' you will find a thread I once put up some pics on, not saying to go buy ome but if spending that kind of money for your requirements you should definitely consider it.

[ThomWalker]

Starting to really like the Zenec - looks smarter and less in your face than the Kenwood.

I understand that with the golf there is only 2 constant power feeds to the head unit, no intermittent. Aftermarket head unit have to take the power from an intermittent power feed i.e. the 12V cigarette lighter. Is this the case with the Zenec or is it literally plug in - job done? 

[skard]

Zenec is a Swiss firm (I believe) and these stereos were a dealer fit option in some places, designed specifically for the mk5. It has a CAN interface so links up to MFSW, MFD and CAN based functions like auto dimming. There is no battery drain issue like OEM HU's and it goes on and off with ignition.

I had our stereo in a mk5 and now an Altea, my satnav is 'adapted' for newest maps and speed camera warnings. Reverse camera automatically switches in reverse, charges the iphone, or plug in USB, bluetooth streaming blah blah. The best part is all attachments (except SD) come from a small hub plugged into the rear, no sticking out USB sticks which I think lets the 920VBT down.

It's a great stereo with a tonne of rear inputs and dual zone capability (radio in front, DVD in rear for kids etc).
I'd look at the NC2011D though, newer and a bit better, though the NC2010 is brilliant, good sound too.

[ThomWalker]

Cheers mate, now just need to save the pennies

 

[JackG]

what maps do zenec use?

[skard]

what maps do zenec use?

Igo system and Navteq maps, can use TeleAtlas ones as well. I use the pocketgpsworld speed camera database so it beeps as well as gives visual warnings...puts the RNS510 to shame really.

[JackG]

what maps do zenec use?

Igo system and Navteq maps, can use TeleAtlas ones as well. I use the pocketgpsworld speed camera database so it beeps as well as gives visual warnings...puts the RNS510 to shame really.

doesn't get better than navteq too! they do the garmin stuff, gps devises for aircrafts etc...
sounds a good option to he fair. ive never heard of them,  think it put me off trying too be a little like the rns look wise...
seems this is worth a try then! 
thanks 
and also dam you for helping me spend more money 

[Bigjimknickers]

Does the Dnx520 support Bluetooth audio streaming via an iPhone 6+ & a 5 (the wife's)?

[xjay1337]

No bluetooth audio streaming on the kenwood
Can take a while to boot up
Not the nicest looking operating system in the world.

But it is a better head unit in terms of audio quality than an RNS510. also has preouts on the back (great for me and my amps)
Bluetooth is fine on it just no streaming of audio (hey ho would be nice.)

if i could i'd go back to the pioneer AVH range of head units as they were fantastic and really nice to use, but the built in nav of the Kenwood is hard to beat as i hate sticking tom toms on your dash (you look like a pikey who can't afford in built nav) or using your phone (drains battery)
the nav option on the pioneer AVH range was an extra £300 and not as good as the garmin on the kenwood.