MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: G864TST on June 10, 2011, 06:31:37 pm

Title: RCD300 poor sound?
Post by: G864TST on June 10, 2011, 06:31:37 pm

I have the standard RCD300 and have always suspected it wasn't giving me the greatest sound ever (but didn't want to admit it)

Will I hear a huge difference if I go to the hassle of upgrading to a RCD310/510

How "standard" will a newer unit look - I'm slightly worried about the piano black shiny parts of it compared to the 300 I have just now.  Sounds trivial but I do love the totally standard look.

Cheers

Colin.

Title: Re: RCD300 poor sound?
Post by: james on June 10, 2011, 06:44:08 pm

i changed my rcd300 last month,   it looks fine

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myjunk.eclipse.co.uk%2Fnewcar%2Fbuild%2FRCD510p5.jpg&hash=b8b2d4cac25e312179f9ef7a89f7fc310bcedbb5)

Sound is far better :happy2:

Title: Re: RCD300 poor sound?
Post by: DelB on June 10, 2011, 07:10:07 pm

Quote from: james on June 10, 2011, 06:44:08 pm

Sound is far better :happy2:

+1.  :happy2:

Title: Re: RCD300 poor sound?
Post by: mogga69 on June 10, 2011, 08:18:40 pm

does it sound better even with the original speakers

Title: Re: RCD300 poor sound?
Post by: G864TST on June 10, 2011, 08:47:41 pm

Good point - do you get a decent improvement by just changing the unit, I don't plan upgrading my speakers
Thanks for quick replies

CT

Title: Re: RCD300 poor sound?
Post by: DelB on June 10, 2011, 09:06:11 pm

Quote from: mogga69 on June 10, 2011, 08:18:40 pm

does it sound better even with the original speakers

Yes, it most certainly does. I bought my 2006 car just over a year ago and decided within a matter of weeks that as I intend to keep it for 4 or 5 years there was no way I could put up with such piss poor sound for the entire length of my ownership!!! I put an RCD510 in and it's good with all kinds of music, but really seems to excel with dance type stuff.
 :laugh:

Title: Re: RCD300 poor sound?
Post by: gigolo456 on June 10, 2011, 09:30:05 pm

I changed my basic 2 an rns510, big difference, even with standard speakers, its all in the head unit. Not withstanding all the other extras that come with the rns510... Rempap 2 1 side, best buy so far..
Andrew

Title: Re: RCD300 poor sound?
Post by: Little_Dave on June 10, 2011, 09:33:27 pm

Yeah can confirm it sounds better with just changing the head unit  :party:

Upgraded from a RCD300 to a RNS510 C LED today and CD's sound alot better and the radio stations are transformed from dull quiet music to vibrant clear songs, one of the reasons i never bothered listening to the radio before cos it was so poor  :fighting:

Dave

Title: Re: RCD300 poor sound?
Post by: G864TST on June 10, 2011, 11:23:56 pm

Well I reckon i'll get myself a trim tool and shop around for a RCD510

I'v gone over a few of the threads detailing the process - shame it's not just a straight swap over but it definitely sounds worthwhile

Thanks again for the advice and info

CT

Title: Re: RCD300 poor sound?
Post by: Kalpsn2000 on June 11, 2011, 01:12:50 am

Just to confirm what everyone else had mentioned the upgrade from the 00's to the 10's is well worth it.

I swapped my RCD500 for a RNS510 and the difference in sound quality is great. Radio is better and the music from CD/SD card is brilliant, even with the standard speakers :happy2:

A good guide by Nick over on R32OC:

http://www.r32oc.com/tutorials-guides/18955-rns-510-mfd-install-how-guide-inc-pin-swap.html

Title: Re: RCD300 poor sound?
Post by: h4rdy on June 11, 2011, 01:25:30 am

Depending on your car you will need an aerial adaptor from VW too.

About £30.

From 2nd to 3rd generation.

Title: Re: RCD300 poor sound?
Post by: G864TST on June 11, 2011, 12:10:27 pm

Cheers

How do I go about identifying what I need - I have 07 reg in March

Is there a website I can check build dates on?

I'm guessing ebay is going to be my best bet for a RCD510 (don't need the satnav)

Thanks again

CT

Title: Re: RCD300 poor sound?
Post by: Little_Dave on June 11, 2011, 06:27:55 pm

Yeah you'll find some on ebay but like posted above check out Nick from R32OC, he supplied and fitted my RNS510 yesterday and might be able to get hold of the RCD510 too  :happy2: worth a look and takes the gamble of whether you'll get a decent one from ebay out of the equation  :scared: plus he'll supply the FM/AM aerial for £20

Dave

Title: Re: RCD300 poor sound?
Post by: h4rdy on June 11, 2011, 06:57:30 pm

There is an RNS510 for sale in the For Sale section.

If you wan that cable number for the aerial I will dig out the bag.