Best head unit

[Mitch1980]

Any recommendations on head unit must have sat nav ,iPod connection ,would like one that is easy to install and that won't drain the battery.would also like one with blue light option so it matches the standard blue dials and hopefully one that have a Vw start up screen .any recommendations please

[numec]

Kenwood dnx series?

[theminty1]

Alpine w925. Connects 2 fitting kit. Polo 6R DAB mount + aerial. Sorted 

[Jonnyed30]

Are the above mentioned head units better that a rns510. Is there any advantage to go with an aftermarket one over oem. Sorry to jump in but I'm in the market for a head unit too and unsure which route to take. Thanks

[theminty1]

It depends on what you actually want. Going aftermarket will make your car a potential target for thieves. If you are unhappy about that stay OEM. The Alpine does have a removable portion. Aftermarket also allows you to expand your system in the future. Aftermarket will be more expensive you want nav etc. There are different fascias available. The VW one looks the best and not expensive.
Do some snooping on the net to help you out :)

[Jonnyed30]

Thanks for the advice I hadn't actually thought about the risk of thieves. So the rns510 is the better bet. Which is the best version and is there one to avoid I see so many versions of it for sale on eBay it can get a little confusing knowing what's what.

[Greenman]

Does anyone know if the RNS510 has RCA outputs for an amp?

[Adam0604]

I'd say one of the Pioneer's or Kenwood DNX series

I'm personally going to go for one of Pioneer's when funds allow.
Couldn't fault the double DIN one I had in my Astra.

[shail]

If ipod connection is important id recommend testing it out first.  I bought a Kenwood ddx4015 a while back, and its ipod integration is crap.   It's very slow - changing tracks takes ages as there is a pause every time you press a button.  Scrolling through artist and album is also painful. 

[mk5Eire]

If your getting the rns510 be aware of issues with battery drain on pre 2007 cars. For the new versions of the rns I think you need an updated canbus gateway. A quick search on here and I'm sure you'll find a couple of threads on it


Sent from my iPhone that holds battery for 48 minutes

[Hedge]

Does anyone know if the RNS510 has RCA outputs for an amp?

Nope.

[pudding]

Does anyone know if the RNS510 has RCA outputs for an amp?

Nope.  You'll need an Aux loom and take the signals from that.

If your getting the rns510 be aware of issues with battery drain on pre 2007 cars. For the new versions of the rns I think you need an updated canbus gateway. A quick search on here and I'm sure you'll find a couple of threads on it

In my 2007 Ed30 I've got an RNS510 revision Q, which has anti-drain software in it.  Didn't need a newer gateway.  You might need a newer gateway to get track names and things appearing on the highline dash though, not sure.  I don't care about that stuff.

[Jonnyed30]

So if iv got an 08 car some of the radios may still not be a straight plug and play jobbie?

[mk5Eire]

Does anyone know if the RNS510 has RCA outputs for an amp?

Nope.  You'll need an Aux loom and take the signals from that.

If your getting the rns510 be aware of issues with battery drain on pre 2007 cars. For the new versions of the rns I think you need an updated canbus gateway. A quick search on here and I'm sure you'll find a couple of threads on it

In my 2007 Ed30 I've got an RNS510 revision Q, which has anti-drain software in it.  Didn't need a newer gateway.  You might need a newer gateway to get track names and things appearing on the highline dash though, not sure.  I don't care about that stuff.

Your car being 2007 you more than likely got away with it. I was mainly referring to 2005,2006 cars i know for certain people have experienced battery drain after installing the rns510.

So if iv got an 08 car some of the radios may still not be a straight plug and play jobbie?

Depends what headunit you are upgrading to. Many are plug and play and have canbus software built in to avoid battery drain.

[Jonnyed30]

Cheers for the info very helpful mate