Group Buy / EOI new generation DNS head units (RNS-510 alternative)

[thedriver]

Hi,
I'm new here, I just got my Passat MY12 wagon last week.
This seems like a great deal and I think I'd like in on this please. Hoping it is not too late.

But I do have some questions... I don't even know what model head unit I have (think it is RCD510) or which model I will need. I'd like the DNS810 but not sure if it will fit? Just trying to learn about that now.

Sorry if these have already been asked. I have only just seen this thread and am keen to get in on it, I haven't had a chance to read all 75 pages yet!

My first question is... what is better about this compared to an RNS510 / 810?

Mu secondary questions are:
Will the BT handsfree be equal quality to the factory unit?
Will the optical drive support CD / DVD / BluRay?
Is there built-in HDD storage like the factory RNS series?
Is there a full set of specs for these units? e.g resolution, sound output, etc??? I had a quick look at the ANS thread, but there doesn't seem to be specs there either, just a feature list.
You mentioned support for lossless audio playback? Is that FLAC format? I really want this.
Given the numbers being ordered, is future firmware development likely?
I want to use this with a reversing camera (which I don't have yet). I'm considering buying an OEM, but don't know if it will have the dynamic path option... yet. Can the accessory module (RGB RVC adapter) be decided later?
Are there specs on the different camera accessories you are offering?

Sorry to be a pain... think I may have some more questions tomorrow.

[DkN]

Sorry guys, I am overseas on family business and will be back in about a week. The early batch order has been sorted on Tuesday and is being produced as we speak. Those overseas customers will actually get it earlier, as they will get direct shipment from the factory.

As for the list, I'm sorry I haven't managed to confirm with everyone but my inbox was quite flooded after I sent out that notice. Everyone who opted in before Tuesday are on the list, rest assured.

Hi,
I'm new here, I just got my Passat MY12 wagon last week.
This seems like a great deal and I think I'd like in on this please. Hoping it is not too late.

But I do have some questions... I don't even know what model head unit I have (think it is RCD510) or which model I will need. I'd like the DNS810 but not sure if it will fit? Just trying to learn about that now.

Sorry if these have already been asked. I have only just seen this thread and am keen to get in on it, I haven't had a chance to read all 75 pages yet!

My first question is... what is better about this compared to an RNS510 / 810?

Mu secondary questions are:
Will the BT handsfree be equal quality to the factory unit?
Will the optical drive support CD / DVD / BluRay?
Is there built-in HDD storage like the factory RNS series?
Is there a full set of specs for these units? e.g resolution, sound output, etc??? I had a quick look at the ANS thread, but there doesn't seem to be specs there either, just a feature list.
You mentioned support for lossless audio playback? Is that FLAC format? I really want this.
Given the numbers being ordered, is future firmware development likely?
I want to use this with a reversing camera (which I don't have yet). I'm considering buying an OEM, but don't know if it will have the dynamic path option... yet. Can the accessory module (RGB RVC adapter) be decided later?
Are there specs on the different camera accessories you are offering?

Sorry to be a pain... think I may have some more questions tomorrow.

What kind of specs are you after? I listed most of them out in the first post. I do try and consolidate information best as I can in the first post as more questions are asked. Regarding your questions:

I have to test FLAC myself, but being the most common lossless codec I would think it is supported.

Future firmware development will continue for quite some time, especially since there are some planned features that aren't yet implemented in the initial release.

BT Mic quality is average, but streaming sound quality is good.

The drive supports CD and DVD.

There is no built in HDD, it supports up to 64GB SDHC or USB at present.

Accessories can be purchased later, though I don't recommend the OEM camera. With the CCD sensors that the Audiosources cameras have, the quality is already pretty good, but if you get an OEM camera and use the RGB adapter, any quality advantage that the OEM camera might have would be lost in the conversion process, and you would have paid several hundred dollars more.

[kwalsh24]

awesome! Thanks for the update!

[raymondtrudeau]

hi Sandy I have a question I got the DNS 810 coming soon..I just bought the focal ifvw golf 6 speakers and they're pretty good. But I was thinking of getting a sub now. have you heard of subs that go under the seat.? If I get a sub can I just run it to the DNS 810?without an amplifier? Will the DNS 810 be able to run the sub? Here's the link to the sub.

Underseat Subwoofers | Car Audio Centre

[Tobes_WIR35]

I have a Focal BUS25 which is an underseat 10" sub and amp combo. Goes pretty well considering the compact size of it.

[thedriver]

Thanks DkN. You answered most of my queries, and I've done some more research now too. I have a few more if you have the answers:

What kind of specs are you after?

The two I mentioned would be good - screen resolution and sound/amp output?
CODEC support?
External connections / inputs? e.g. ... (1* CANBUS, 2* USB, 1* FAKRA antenna, 1* RGB, etc, etc)...

drive supports CD and DVD

Is this a stacker or does it only accept one disc at a time?

I have to test FLAC myself, but being the most common lossless codec I would think it is supported

This is really the must have for me. I rip all my CDs to FLAC and converting them to MP3 is just a waste of time. Would like to know for sure if possible? See above.

BT Mic quality is average

Would you say it is worse than the factory RCD510? Is there anyway of improving this later, e.g. an add on mic or replacement mic?

I don't recommend the OEM camera.

I like the reversing lines of the OEM camera. Do any of the Audiosources cameras offer that?

the Audiosources cameras have, the quality is already pretty good

Do you know what the resolution are for the different Audiosources camera models?
I assume I can use another brand camera?

Can maps be updated by the user?
Are the maps Sygic or iGo? You mentioned both in you OP.

Will it connect to the inbuilt MDI interface?

Any DAB+ support? Or planned optional module?

How many additional modules will it accept?

surpassing its competitors as well as even the OEM RNS-510

Are you able to give me an idea of why this is better compared to a factory RNS510 / 810?
I don't know the features well enough yet, so I guess I need a bit of a sales pitch as to why this outshines the OEM RNS product. What does it have the RNS doesn't?

Thanks.

[Tobes_WIR35]

A lot of your questions will be answered throughout this thread and on the demo video

[thedriver]

A lot of your questions will be answered throughout this thread and on the demo video

It's not very easy having to trawl through 750+ posts though. I have watched the demo videos already and if they'd answered my questions I wouldn't have asked. I ave also been through a lot of the pages (not all), but haven't found the answers.

I note some dissatisfaction with the previous ANS series. That product looks like it had potential and the new DNS series looks like it has a lot of potential too. I know I have come into this late, but I am concerned though, like others seem to be, the bugs may never be ironed out and the promises not delivered upon.

PS. Anyone know if I can fit a DNS810 in a MY12 Passat? If not, anyone know which sizes can I use?

[raymondtrudeau]

I have a Focal BUS25 which is an underseat 10" sub and amp combo. Goes pretty well considering the compact size of it.

Ok I was thinking. Of the bazooka BTA8100. Is this a good match. thanks

[Tobes_WIR35]

It's not very easy having to trawl through 750+ posts though.

Agreed, but there has been some good discussion take place and probably worth the read if you're considering buying this unit. You'll also find answers to about half of your questions. Think of it as an exercise to keep the analytical and researching part of your brain active and healthy