RCD300 doesn't sound that bad when listening to a CD

[lennard_D]

Just thought I post an observation I discovered on a drive this evening. I've got the standard RCD300 stereo in my 56 plate GTI and it sounds terrible. I've always listened to FM radio and also tried hooking up iPod/iPhone via FM transmitter. Never crackly but always sounded quite dull ( either the radio or connect iPod). Tonight I played a CD (does anyone remember these?!) for first time and the stereo sounded sooo much better. I heard the speakers seem to respond all around me. Was a standard CD nothing special. I actually thought the SQ was totally acceptable for my standards - I am by no means an audiophile nor someone who needs to get the windows vibrating! I just wish I could get iPod and radio to sound like that. If I could I would be happy with the stock stereo.

My question is whether with a RCD510/RNS510 do you get the same SQ as when using a CD with RCD300 or do you need aftermarket stereo to achieve the same result?

I guess the alternative is to burn loads of CDs. Does RCD300 accept MP3 type CDs and would SQ be the same?

[zed4]

I don't think the RCD300 will read MP3 CDs, but im not completely sure on that.

The later generation stereos, the RCD510 for example, is supposed to sound a lot better. I'll let you know how much when I fit mine next week!

[Shoduchi]

There are RCD-300 that are MP3 version and can read MP3 from CD. I previously had a RCD-500 MP3 and it sounded good with both radio and CD, well, a bit better with CD and MP3. I have the 10 speakers system that you should have too, I hope. It's enough for my needs.

With a RNS-510 with pre-amp off (VCDS coded) the radio sounds better, with a cleaner sound.

[lennard_D]

Thanks guys. What I was surprised about was the fact the stock speakers aren't as bad as the RCD300's radio performance would have you believe - the CD sound was totally acceptable. I just want that same SQ but through an iPod source and ideally radio maybe DAB. I'm not fussed about fancy touchscreens (in fact given where I sometimes park - the less flash the better!). I've read that RCD310/RNS315 might actually sound better than the newer RCD510/RNS510?! Can that be right?!

[Golf_GT_TDI]

I have the RCD500 with 10 speaker setup (non amplifed) not keen on the sound was hoping for much better, looking forward to upgrading to the RNS510

[lennard_D]

Would I get same CD SQ from iPod if fitted something like this http://www.connects2.co.uk/ProductInformation.aspx?id=11970&p=CTAVGIPOD009.2??

All I want is same decent sound but from ipod source.

[lennard_D]

Can anyone vouch for a Connect2 type iPod connection? Will it sound as good as a CD does?

[lennard_D]

Also much would it cost (part + fitting)?