Sound Quality - RNS510 or Aftermarket

[AJP]

A big job on my never ending list is the sound system. Currently got the bog standard CD player, no ipod/usb connections anywhere from what I can see. It does have a shark fin, whether that affects potential DAB/Nav I'm not sure. It's possibly had a different HU at some point - the facia has a couple of tell-tale removal marks. Car is a 2007 3dr GTI.

Now what I want is:

Touchscreen
Display track names
USB/SD card input
Good sound quality

What would be a nice bonus:

Satnav
DAB

I've got to admit, after doing my own speaker/hu work on my old mk4, the more I read about the mk5, the more confusing it becomes. I'm not that fussed about a sub, but I am fussed about SQ.

Are the OEM units still dialled in with weird eq's like older dubs? Is say an RNS510 a good starting point, or would I be better going aftermarket? Do 20cm mids fit in the front? Is USB/SD storage a better option than ipod? What's the deal with canbus, battery drain etc?

I've got a thousand more questions in my head but I honestly don't know where to start.

Any links, info from experience will be very helpful!

[white91]

I've gone aftermarket, cheaper if you want Bluetooth and hands free, and no annoying bass reduction at high volumes VW units have!

The latest Pioneer seems to integrate and iPhone perfectly for music, messages, phone calls and even iPhone based sat nav.

Never looks as it should belong in the dash like OEM units tho

[AJP]

Cheers for the reply.

I should have said - I'm not in any way interested in any kind of phone connectivity. Not bothered about streaming, bluetooth etc.

Just something with a slick interface for viewing and selecting tracks, with it's own storage (sd etc) that I can update from my laptop.

And speakers... I had 8" in the front of an old mk4 using an adaptor ring, which worked really well. Is this possible in the front of a mk5?

[shail]

Have a look at Dynavin N6 VW.  Looks OEM and seems to offer a good amount of functions. 

USSR interface looks good too. 

[AJP]

Have a look at Dynavin N6 VW.  Looks OEM and seems to offer a good amount of functions. 

USSR interface looks good too.

Cheers mate, will have a read

[shail]

It's more expensive than the OEM looking android ones on eBay but:

- IPod integration looks much better
- online reviews if the brand are quite good

There is a good YouTube video on it.
-

[Rossimac]

Is there no way to remove the bass reduction at high volumes in the RNS 510?

[white91]

Seems like a missed opportunity not to have Bluetooth, as I couldn't live without a hands free kit these days. The Kenwwod units look very OEM, in regards to speakers, yes you can upgrade them, but you won't get the most from them without an amp. Another point is sat nav, I've got a tomtom but would much rather have it all built in


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[AJP]

Seems like a missed opportunity not to have Bluetooth, as I couldn't live without a hands free kit these days. The Kenwwod units look very OEM, in regards to speakers, yes you can upgrade them, but you won't get the most from them without an amp. Another point is sat nav, I've got a tomtom but would much rather have it all built in


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I've never got on with the idea of mixing driving and talking on the phone, whether it's in my hand or not. If it rings in my pocket I ignore it.

There isn't a single conversation that won't wait til I've stopped the car and got out. Personally, I'm not missing a thing if I don't have Bluetooth and all that business.

But anyway, will also check out Kenwoods. Appreciate the info!

[hlcst]

You can find pretty cheap used Kenwood dnx521dab. I've got the dnx520vbt as I didn't want dab and the sound quality is a big improvement just need to play around with the settings