Any reason not to fit a double din aftermarket head unit?

[Kazman]

Hi all

I'm considering uprating the head unit on my edition 30.
My existing set up is the basic one with no sat nav, no Bluetooth, no steering controls, I have no high line display. Woe is me.
Given this, am I just as well off picking up an aftermarket double din and a loom adapter?
I know the majority of people go for the R510 (iirc), but I'm struggling to see what benefit this would give in my situation. I think I would rather go for a new installed from scratch that has dab+ and iPod connectivity and Bluetooth and external microphone.
Am I missing a drawback going this route? Is there any reason why an aftermarket hu is a no no on Mk golfs? Or is it just to keep it all original?
Is an aftermarket double din a complete arose to fit compared to fitting an uprated vw offering?

Sorry about all the question, just want to make sure I don't end up buying something I cant use!

Oh, and any recommendations appreciated.  Looking to spend about £300
Cheers

[Harz]

I changed mine. I was like you it was all basic. Think those who don't change prefer the OEM look. I'm not fussed about that. I got a Sony double din that has ipod connectivity. Bluetooth, hands free, option for reversing camera. And now I've got an android phone I can use the mirror link function and control phone apps from the headunit so can display satnav app on the screen. If you do change you may want to get a CTSVW002 canbus adapter otherwise your stereo will stay on unless you do a bit of wiring. The only negative I've found is the facia isn't a perfect fit and I'm currently looking for a better one.

[Kazman]

Thanks for the reply.

That sounds like a good set up. Like the idea of being able to miracast the android phone to the screen. You can actually control it from the HU also?
Did not realise you need a canbus adapter also. All starting to sound a touch confusing. Maybe I need to do a bit of additional research.

What model is your HU if you don't mind me asking?

[Harz]

Thanks for the reply.

That sounds like a good set up. Like the idea of being able to miracast the android phone to the screen. You can actually control it from the HU also?
Did not realise you need a canbus adapter also. All starting to sound a touch confusing. Maybe I need to do a bit of additional research.

What model is your HU if you don't mind me asking?

No worries. I didn't realize about the adapter until after. It's a simple plug in adapter. Otherwise it's running a wire to fuse box for a switched live.
My headunit is a Sony XAV-601BT.

[Harz]

You can control the apps from headunit, but sometimes the touch screen isn't as responsive as you'd like...

[Kazman]

Thanks mate, all sounds good 

[Wookie]

Ive just joined as the gf has just brought 1.  How did you get along with your research?  I ask as I cant see the big attration in the OEM (maybe a bit on the looks).  As surley the aftermarkets have even better sound and have RCA outs?  Surley this is better than converting the speaker wire?

I know the 510 is meant to sound better than the 500 but is the aftermarket even better?

Im usually an Alpine man as I have always found these to be far supiour.  Has anyone got any thoughts on the cheapo units you see on the bay as I will be running straight to an amp?

Thanks
David

[Wookie]

Oh forgot to ask do I need to upgrade the canbus if going aftermarket and I have now done a bit of searching to find you need to do this if you upgrade to another OEM unit?

[Kam88]

I have kenwood double din dab radio Bluetooth cd USB the works and it's perfect fascia is connects 2 fits perfectly aswell was good value for money under £300 for all of it 

[Rob.]

Oh forgot to ask do I need to upgrade the canbus if going aftermarket and I have now done a bit of searching to find you need to do this if you upgrade to another OEM unit?

No, you don't. I've been running a single-DIN Kenwood unit since I got the car, and never had issues with battery drain.

Regarding double-DIN, the whole lack of Android integration is a bit of an issue (hopefully it will improve when Google release Android Auto, assuming some aftermarket units include it!)

I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on one of these:

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/head-units/double-din/kenwood-ddx-5025dab-double-din

Though I'm a bit wary of how well the Android screen mirroring will work with my Galaxy S4, as there don't seem to be that many reviews online

[AndyBrown]

I've got a dodgy Chinese copy of the rns510
Don't need canbus upgrade. Cd radio sat nav dvd Bluetooth, sd card, USB iPod, works with my mfsw and looks oem.

The user interface isn't as nice as the oem units but it does everything I want, and for £100 second hand you can't complain.

[Andy]

I changed mine to a alpine ine s900r  double din

[GTIEagles]

I changed mine to a alpine ine s900r  double din

Are you still running standard speakers? Have you noticed much of a sound improvement?

[Andy]

No am running up graded speakers at the front and a sub in the boot

[sanj]

Do it,I have a top of the range 8" Alpine head unit and I have changed the front speaker's to a custom Focal MK6 set and a single amp and sub and it sound's fantastic.