Query re Clarion MX509A and Pioneer AVIC F910-BT

[geoffp]

Hi,

I'm looking at trading in my 07 Jetta with an AVIC HD3BT install - original install link here.

I will probably be getting a 125TDi Passat Wagon and wish to have the same functionality as the AVIC as I have been very happy with its performance.

I was looking at the new AVIC F910-BT or the Clarion MX509A.

Both have reversing cameras, can utilise the iPhone 3GS as an Ipod (VERY important) and have BT for phone usage as well.

I have to confirm with my local Autobarn installer as to wether the Clarion is compatible with the steering wheel controls on the 2009 Passat - their web site doesn't seem to indicate this.

Has anyone any experience with the Clarion NX509 or the AVIC F910-BT.

Any feedback would be great appreciated.

NB: I am not really interested in the VW nav and car kits - cost too much compared to the 3rd party manufacturers.

NBNB: May even go the route of the invisible car bra I have on the Jetta as well - original install link

Thanks,
GeoffP.

[SharifE]

Hi, I think ull have issues installing these system..
From what I can see the pioneer system is is a perfect rectangle with sharp corners. Whereas the RNS510 or RCD510 have curved edges with sloped vertical margins. Its not a standard rectangle double DIN slot so wont look good as u might need special bracket or cut interior..Let me know how u go with installers opinion..

[BI65ND]

There is a fascia kit available for the 06-08 Passat, not sure though if there's any differences in that model to the new one. But one thing you'll have to check is if there are any adaptors available too for the CANBUS system in it.

I would personally go for the Pioneer model over the Clarion. Pioneer units in general are a lot easier to navigate where the Clarions are pretty complex, and also the quality is a lot better too. We sell car audio in our store, and we see quite a few clarion head units come back (and amps as well, speakers have been pretty good so far) but rarely have an issue with a Pioneer. I think the only one we've really had come back was an AVIC F900BT, where the Nav in it froze on a grey screen for whatever reason.

[geoffp]

Hi, I think ull have issues installing these system..
From what I can see the pioneer system is is a perfect rectangle with sharp corners. Whereas the RNS510 or RCD510 have curved edges with sloped vertical margins. Its not a standard rectangle double DIN slot so wont look good as u might need special bracket or cut interior..Let me know how u go with installers opinion..

There is a fascia kit available for the 06-08 Passat, not sure though if there's any differences in that model to the new one. But one thing you'll have to check is if there are any adaptors available too for the CANBUS system in it.

Yep, have a quote for the install including the CANBUS interface for steering wheel control.

Same as my Pioneer AVIC install, there are facia kits for the VW's.

I would personally go for the Pioneer model over the Clarion. Pioneer units in general are a lot easier to navigate where the Clarions are pretty complex, and also the quality is a lot better too. We sell car audio in our store, and we see quite a few clarion head units come back (and amps as well, speakers have been pretty good so far) but rarely have an issue with a Pioneer. I think the only one we've really had come back was an AVIC F900BT, where the Nav in it froze on a grey screen for whatever reason.

Having run the AVIC in my car, and then looking at the Pioneer AVIC F900BT or the Clarion I found the Clarion a bit faster and the general UI appealed to me.

I will probably go the VX709A with the NP509A.

I think the VX709A has a better multimedia front end than the NX509A, plus the VX already has BT support and a microphone for the phone interface.

Another plus is the Clarion has speed camera locations, the Pioneer doesn't.

Hopefully the Clarion will be reliable, but that is what warranty is for anyway

Thanks for your input guys.

[G-rig]

How will you hook up an after market head unit to the stock speakers, given that the crossovers are in the stock amp box? Just another thing to look in to (bit pointless as far as audio gains to run a new HU and stock speakers).

[geoffp]

How will you hook up an after market head unit to the stock speakers, given that the crossovers are in the stock amp box? Just another thing to look in to (bit pointless as far as audio gains to run a new HU and stock speakers).

Thanks G-rig,
I will ask the Autobarn guys - the technical side of the connections, etc is not my field.

My main purpose is to have an integrated control of radio/cd/dvd/gps/ipod integrated to the steering wheel controls.

I know the VW setup will do this, just not sure if it will do it as eloquently as a 3rd party setup. I am basing this comment after using my Pioneer AVIC which provided me the functionality I needed (minus the speed camera locations unfortunately).

If there was somewhere I could see all the above working properly in a VW, I might have a rethink - not a VW dealership, I would prefer to talk to someone who has actually used the system(s), not a car salesman who has no idea.

NB: Does the RNS-510 do speed camera location warnings?

[Maverick]

Thanks G-rig,
I will ask the Autobarn guys - the technical side of the connections, etc is not my field.

My main purpose is to have an integrated control of radio/cd/dvd/gps/ipod integrated to the steering wheel controls.

I know the VW setup will do this, just not sure if it will do it as eloquently as a 3rd party setup. I am basing this comment after using my Pioneer AVIC which provided me the functionality I needed (minus the speed camera locations unfortunately).

I'm not sure what you mean? A third party setup is not going to send anything to the MFD which includes navigation instructions, a compass and all your phone integration. Why would you think that a third party setup would

The radio will never work as well as the oem either because the VW headunit has an inbuilt diversity function for the twin antennas which the aftermarket units don't support.

If there was somewhere I could see all the above working properly in a VW, I might have a rethink - not a VW dealership, I would prefer to talk to someone who has actually used the system(s), not a car salesman who has no idea.

There are heaps of people on here and markv with the RNS 510, MDI and Skoda Bluetooth. There are thousands of videos on youtube showing the operation.

NB: Does the RNS-510 do speed camera location warnings?

You can add them yourself using a third party product. Version 3 maps will tell you speed the area is.