MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Modifications & Technical Area => Sat Nav and Car Audio => Topic started by: Meallbhan on September 13, 2015, 12:51:21 am

Title: RCD510 and external amp
Post by: Meallbhan on September 13, 2015, 12:51:21 am
Hi all, I have an RCD510 in my golf with the standard speakers. I'm thinking of upgrading the speakers to a direct fit alpine kit for front and rears I've seen on ebay.  I think I still will want a bit more bass too though.

Can you wire and amp to my head unit? I can't remember seeing red and white output sockets on the back for an output.
I'm thinking about an underseat all in one amp/sub for simplicity.
Thanks
Title: Re: RCD510 and external amp
Post by: Pashka on September 16, 2015, 10:38:59 am
Hi all, I have an RCD510 in my golf with the standard speakers. I'm thinking of upgrading the speakers to a direct fit alpine kit for front and rears I've seen on ebay.  I think I still will want a bit more bass too though.

Can you wire and amp to my head unit? I can't remember seeing red and white output sockets on the back for an output.
I'm thinking about an underseat all in one amp/sub for simplicity.
Thanks
There are 2 ways, because there are no red/white outputs on the OEM units. So the first way is to use Hi-Lo adapters. Secondly way,oem unit can be coded for active soundsystem, when the signal is being converted in the unit, but you have to solder/make an adapter with red/white plugs on the speakers outputs on the unit.
Title: Re: RCD510 and external amp
Post by: shail on September 16, 2015, 01:04:02 pm
Have you got a link to the Apline speakers you are thinking of buying?

I recently changed by RCD500 for a Kenwood headunit, but keeping the standard speakers, and adding a 'all in one' powered sub to the boot (Alpine SWE815).

Title: Re: RCD510 and external amp
Post by: Meallbhan on September 16, 2015, 06:21:01 pm
Thanks for your input Pasha,  I think I may just use one of the converter things, seems to be the most straight forward and least hassle.

Here's some links for the speakers
http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Alpine-SWE-1200-8-20cm-Under-Seat-Active-Amplified-Car-Subwoofer-Bass-Box-/371103160755?nav=SEARCH

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Golf-MK5-Rear-Door-speakers-Alpine-car-speaker-kit-with-Adapter-Pods-220W-/111490325411?nav=SEARCH

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Golf-MK5-Front-Door-speakers-Alpine-car-speaker-kit-with-Adapter-Pods-220W-/111479856978?nav=SEARCH
Title: Re: RCD510 and external amp
Post by: shail on September 16, 2015, 07:30:54 pm
I would suggest not buying those front and rear speakers. Unless your original speakers are broken, they will sound much better than those alpines.

Do you know how many speakers you have in the front doors?  You'll either have a 3 way set up or 2 way.  The speakers youblinked to have woofer and tweeter together in the one unit, rather than separate like the original.
Title: Re: RCD510 and external amp
Post by: Meallbhan on September 16, 2015, 08:15:21 pm
I have a 3 way setup as standard in my front doors and 2 way in each rear panel. 3 door car. I did wonder however if the alpine would sound better or worse. I'll  take ur advise. I want something that just has a better depth of sound over the standard speakers
Title: Re: RCD510 and external amp
Post by: shail on September 16, 2015, 09:38:51 pm
One of the reasons I went for a new headunit was it allowed me to set a high pass filter to stop the really deep bass coming from the door speakers and let the sub do the work.  Sounds pretty good to my ear.

If you went for the Alpine speakers you'd have the tweeter all the way at the bottom of the door, rather than at a higher level. 
Title: Re: RCD510 and external amp
Post by: Meallbhan on September 16, 2015, 09:53:46 pm
Yes very true. I've done a few installs in the past and like separate components best.
Have you had any experience with these under the seat subs? I'm not really wanting anything in the boot.
Title: Re: RCD510 and external amp
Post by: shail on September 16, 2015, 10:24:51 pm
I've not heard an under seat sub I'm afraid.  I went for an Alpine SWE815 as its really quite small, and whenever I need the whole boot it just easily unplugs.

 
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FMerlin18T%2FMobile_Uploads%2FIMG_20150826_165639_zpsgzynfn7c.jpg&hash=e56e165d04bfccec7c8905413701585d555b13ce)
Title: Re: RCD510 and external amp
Post by: Meallbhan on September 16, 2015, 11:09:53 pm
Looks pretty decent and not a bad price either. I've also seen the enclosures that fit in the side pockets of the boot too. Think I've a decision or two to make!