Good aftermarket stereo for Mk6 golf

[MickeyTDi]

Im getting new wheels and tires some time in the next 6 months for my Mk6 TDi (mostly when i get the chance) and around that time i was thinking of purchasing an aftermarket system with a small sub (maybe 10" or 12 at the most). Any advice on what to look for/ links to good packages etc i would greatly appreciate as i am not really experienced in this area. Many thanks in advance

[Maverick]

Im getting new wheels and tires some time in the next 6 months for my Mk6 TDi (mostly when i get the chance) and around that time i was thinking of purchasing an aftermarket system with a small sub (maybe 10" or 12 at the most). Any advice on what to look for/ links to good packages etc i would greatly appreciate as i am not really experienced in this area. Many thanks in advance

Volkswagen RNS 510 if you want Sat Nav
Volkswagen RCD 510 if you don't want Sat Nav

Both integrate with the car, they work well, are available for a reasonable prices (cheaper than after market headunits which don't integrate properly) and are a perfect match for the car.

[jazd]

Volkswagen RCD 510 if you don't want Sat Nav

Both integrate with the car, they work well, are available for a reasonable prices (cheaper than after market headunits which don't integrate properly) and are a perfect match for the car.

What sort of integration do they have? Is it just the volume controls on the steering wheel? I assume they have pre outs for attaching to aftermarket amps.

Thanks.

[nikamichi]

I guess it depends on what you want, but I can given you the benefit of my experience. I have an RNS-510, which due to a dealer stuff up arrived without dynaudio.

I have gone through the pain and expense of having it connected to the best part of $4k worth of speakers and electronics, and the install cost $1700 worth of labour and ancillaries.

The front sound stage is Alpine's best the SPX-17PRO ($999) and the rear fill is Alpine SPX-13REF ($549). Amplification is via 2 x Alpine MRV-F345 Amps with the front and rear speakers receiving 75 Watts RMS of Class A/B Amplification and the Subs 2 x 200 Watts RMS. Subs are 2x Alpine 12 inch Type S DVC 2ohm + 2ohm in a factory Alpine Cab. So not the best gear in the world, but pretty damn good. It does not sound like a $7k system, and the major limiting factor is the RNS, followed by the factory mounting points in the front doors ( especially the tweeters). It is amazing as the rear fill, due to its axis position sounds better than the front.

The RNS is a great unit, and it does produce a clear signal for an OEM unit, but it definitely does not sound as good as a quality unit from Alpine et.al. I found the RNS when using the inbuilt amplifier with the factory speakers pretty dire. It does improve with amplification, but still isn't terrific. Apparently the Dynausio sounds pretty good , although a little lacking in bottom end.

The RNS doesn't have a true pre-out, but does allow for dropping the output level, but you are still advised to use a LOC.

I'm now at the point of putting in an Audiocontrol DQL-8, to see if it does the line level conversion more musically than the Stinger LOCs currently in place, and also to provide some equalisation.

If the car wasn't optioned with RVC, and OPS, I can tell you the RNS wouldn't still be in there.

Maybe an RNS, with one of the Blaupunkt plug and play amps might be a better solution.

[team_v]

I ran a Zenec Ze-NC2010 unit which has some extra functionality (inbuilt MDI, divx playback, 3d modelling available for maps etc) and it integrates more fluidly with the car than the VW system does.
The navigational software is more accurate (gives distances down to 1m accuracy) and the map udates are cheaper than the VW alternatives.

Just another option for you, however for the money, the Ebay UK RNS510 is a bargain.

[vwvroomm]

Does the ZE-NC2010 display anything on the MFD for Phone/BT functions? I know it does for Audio and Navigation.

With the RNS-315 and 9W7, the MFD displays phone name and operator name, with dynamic icons for battery and signal strength. Those icons are nice so we can see the battery and signal conditions, but the RNS-315 navigation features are pretty limited and not too user friendly.

[Gambit]

Has anyone installed an Alpine single din head unit into the centre console? is this an easy job (yes newbie question)