Modifying the sound system on a T5

[rrpalma]

Greetings from Peru!

Just got a brand new LHD T5. It has the RCD 310, with 8 speakers. It came with 160 mm mids in the front doors, and tweeters on the dashboard. Apparently, in the rear it would seem there is a 3 way component on the right side, and a small "subwoofer" on the left (when I fader all the output to the front, I can still hear that "subwoofer").

Since the RCD 310 only has FR, FL, RR, RL speaker outputs, is there an amp somewehre?

My plan is to have a Zapco DSP-Z8 take the FR and FL speaker outputs, and from there feed one amp to power front 2-way Morel components, and another mono amp to power a 10 in Alpine subwoofer to go under the non-driving seat. However, if there's some money left, would like to replace whatever's in the back with some inexpensive Morel coaxials, to get a better rear fill.

Thanks for reading and your comments.

[Sunny43.5]

Greetings to you from us here in Australia , question are the speaker connections on the RCD310 just speaker wires or do they have RCA type connections ? I would suggest that maybe the best idea to get full control of your set up would be to install amplifiers that have high end inputs or fit one of these LC7i - AudioControl we have models similar to these in three of our VW vans . You can connect this unit directly from the head unit speaker outputs and then run the RCA cables to multiple amplifiers if desired . As we have fitted aftermarket head units we can use RCA connections for a higher quality sound signal through this unit Matrix Plus - AudioControl . These units give you the ability to increase the pre amp output to maximise the bass and sound levels to give a gain of up to 24DB . My work van has two 12 inch pioneer subwoofers plus Pioneer components in the doors and tweeters in the dash , these are powered by two separate amplifiers one for the subs and one for the front speakers and it is LOUD . Hope this helps oh and you can order the Audio Control units from the US or from this company in Lima AUDIO PERU CORP. S.A.C.
ISLA LA ESPANOLA
162 URB. LOS CEDROS CHORRILLO, LIMA
PERU

511 2745078
Good luck and let us know how it goes and keep us updated on VW things in Peru .

[rrpalma]

Greetings to you from us here in Australia , question are the speaker connections on the RCD310 just speaker wires or do they have RCA type connections ? I would suggest that maybe the best idea to get full control of your set up would be to install amplifiers that have high end inputs or fit one of these LC7i - AudioControl we have models similar to these in three of our VW vans . You can connect this unit directly from the head unit speaker outputs and then run the RCA cables to multiple amplifiers if desired . As we have fitted aftermarket head units we can use RCA connections for a higher quality sound signal through this unit Matrix Plus - AudioControl . These units give you the ability to increase the pre amp output to maximise the bass and sound levels to give a gain of up to 24DB . My work van has two 12 inch pioneer subwoofers plus Pioneer components in the doors and tweeters in the dash , these are powered by two separate amplifiers one for the subs and one for the front speakers and it is LOUD . Hope this helps oh and you can order the Audio Control units from the US or from this company in Lima AUDIO PERU CORP. S.A.C.
ISLA LA ESPANOLA
162 URB. LOS CEDROS CHORRILLO, LIMA
PERU

511 2745078
Good luck and let us know how it goes and keep us updated on VW things in Peru .

Thank you Sunny for your welcome and comments.

Yes, I'm very familiar with the AudioControl units. As a matter of fact, my other car has a DQL-8 sound processor, which takes speaker level inputs. On a previous installation, I also used AudioControl -- the LC2i line converter. The do make extraordinary products. On this installation for the T5, I plan on using a Zapco DSP-Z8, which is functionally similar to the now discontinued DQL-8. What puzzles me though, is that the RCD-310 has full range speaker outputs for front and rear, but on the rear I have, FROM THE FACTORY, a 3 way speaker on the passenger side, and a "subwoofer" on the driver's side. Regardless of the fader, this subwoofer will output sound. So, my questions are:
1. How are they driving the rear speakers? Is there an amp somewhere?
2. Should I install the line converter and amp only for the front stage, plus a separate mono amp for a 10 in subwoofer, and leave the rear as is, or should I also mess with the rear OEM setup.

[rrpalma]

The photo is not mine, but this is what I have in the rear, FROM THE FACTORY: One panel has a 3-way speaker system, and the other has the woofer (not the 3 way, as in the picture).

[Sunny43.5]

Unusual setup I would have thought they would have at least matching rear components . I am not sure about there being some sort of amplifier in the system maybe someone else might be a blt to help with that one . Check you fuse box card to see if its listed , but I do hope unlike here in Australia where they don't supply a fuse card for the T5 from around 2010 something to do with ongoing developments a bit of a crock if you ask me . Is there any control for the subwoofer in the head unit menu ? seems strange that it stays on when you turn down the fader . Personally I would ditch the whole factory unit , I did a Google search and found this Volkswagen RCD 310 DAB Radio . It seems that the 310 is a fairly basic unit with BUILT in amplifiers as they recommend upgrading to the 510 series which has better built in amplifiers . So it seems that's the answer to the Amp question . There are lots of original VW head units which are able to be sourced from different sites . These have extra functions like built in GPS but you would need to make sure you can country specific mapping . I am not totally familiar with all the VW models . I use a replacement head unit like this one Erisin ES9405A Android Car DVD Player It has multiple RCA outputs and inputs for additional sources dedicated subwoofer output plus built in GPS Bluetooth plays all formats including DVD reverse camera and so much more than the VW ones .BUT please remember the original VW ones do need coding if you change the head unit to another VW model with upgraded features . The Chinese ones just plug in and work straight away no coding , naturally some people will pour scorn on the Chinese for some perceived lack of quality over the genuine VW ones so it's your choice .

[rrpalma]

Unusual setup I would have thought they would have at least matching rear components . I am not sure about there being some sort of amplifier in the system maybe someone else might be a blt to help with that one . Check you fuse box card to see if its listed , but I do hope unlike here in Australia where they don't supply a fuse card for the T5 from around 2010 something to do with ongoing developments a bit of a crock if you ask me . Is there any control for the subwoofer in the head unit menu ? seems strange that it stays on when you turn down the fader . Personally I would ditch the whole factory unit , I did a Google search and found this VolkswagenÂ*RCD 310 DAB Radio . It seems that the 310 is a fairly basic unit with BUILT in amplifiers as they recommend upgrading to the 510 series which has better built in amplifiers . So it seems that's the answer to the Amp question . There are lots of original VW head units which are able to be sourced from different sites . These have extra functions like built in GPS but you would need to make sure you can country specific mapping . I am not totally familiar with all the VW models . I use a replacement head unit like this one Erisin ES9405A Android Car DVD Player It has multiple RCA outputs and inputs for additional sources dedicated subwoofer output plus built in GPS Bluetooth plays all formats including DVD reverse camera and so much more than the VW ones .BUT please remember the original VW ones do need coding if you change the head unit to another VW model with upgraded features . The Chinese ones just plug in and work straight away no coding , naturally some people will pour scorn on the Chinese for some perceived lack of quality over the genuine VW ones so it's your choice .

Thanks Sunny. That Erisin HU might be what I need. Doesn´t show the price, though (?). Is that the website where you buy them from?

[Sunny43.5]

Here you go this is the one Erisin ES9405A 8 HD Android 4.4.2 Car DVD GPS VW PASSAT GOLF TOURAN CADDY JETTA SEAT [ES9405A] - US$353.00 : erisin.com

[beluga]

Hi guys, I've got 2012 t5 Caravelle with only speakers in the front. ( I suspect it is a basic model). I have retrofitted rcd510 and 9w7 Bluetooth kit together with mfsw from a mk6 golf. I want to get some rear speakers for the kids, who are always complaining the music is too low, when my eardrums are already popping out. What is the simplest (on a budget) solution? What will I need? Pictures would be great too. Thanks in advance.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sunny43.5]

I could suggest a pair of two way speakers mounted into the roof trim as a starting point , you would have to run the speaker wires up to the front and connect at the multi connector behind the head unit . If the original only had the front speakers I would imagine that the connector plug would have 4 extra wires for rear speakers . Did you notice how many wires were in each side of the plug were there four that were not going to matching wires in the connector ? If not then I would suggest a small amplifier that has 4 output so you could then run the whole lot from the amp . But the head units built in amp should be enough if your on a budget .If you look here at the 3rd photo you can see where I mounted our extra speakers .New T5 Project