MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Modifications & Technical Area => Sat Nav and Car Audio => Topic started by: Boothy on July 06, 2009, 06:16:36 pm

Title: Head unit stays on?
Post by: Boothy on July 06, 2009, 06:16:36 pm: I have an Alpine head unit thats 50w x4 and was hoping to use this with some new speakers. Unfortunately the finances don't run to it at the moment so was going to use the Alpine with the original 10 speaker system. I'm curious as to what the original RCD300 output is and what the original speakers can take. Will I be pushing them too hard with the Alpine head unit and end up with a poorer sound quality? I realise that 50w x 4 isn't huge power but I'm also sure it dwarfs the speakers handling capabilities.

Has anyone run the a similar set up that can tell me whether its worth doing?
Title: Re: Watt?
Post by: DanoGTI on July 06, 2009, 06:40:44 pm: Would be interested to know - but fwiw, the head unit is usually THE weakest link. In particular, the amp stage.
Change this (a la the Alpine) and you could dramatically improve the sound.

FOUND THS on the Blaupunkt site - click on the "Technical Details"

http://www.blaupunkt.com/de/7642223360_main.asp (http://www.blaupunkt.com/de/7642223360_main.asp)

4 x 20watts - says it all really!!LOL!! :grin:

Dan :smiley:
Title: Re: Watt?
Post by: Alexander on July 06, 2009, 07:41:16 pm: my headunit is pushing 50w into the standard speakers and its fine. A big improvement over the standard headunit still not amazing sound though without a sub
Title: Re: Watt?
Post by: Boothy on July 08, 2009, 05:06:06 pm: Sounds like its worth a try. I'll order the new fascia from VW asap. :happy2:
Title: Re: Watt?
Post by: Boothy on July 11, 2009, 04:47:07 pm: Well I've managed to get my Alpine head unit it and it sounds pretty good. The only problem is the radio doesn't turn on and off with the ignition? I purchased the proper connection leads etc but it just stays on when you remove the key?

Any ideas?
Title: Re: Head unit stays on?
Post by: SteveP on July 11, 2009, 04:53:11 pm: When you say you purchased the proper connection leads do you mean a CAN BUS Adapter??

Have you checked with a volt meter that the switched and ignition live wires are the correct way around??
Title: Re: Head unit stays on?
Post by: Boothy on July 11, 2009, 05:14:14 pm: Erm? I'm not sure Steve. The guy in the car audio shop said it was the right one but when it didn't work and I returned he said I need to splice a wire under the dash or something? He did mention CAN-BUS as being the problem but said it could only be sorted but messing with a black and yellow wire thats somewhere under the dash? Should there be a specific adapter that does it what I want? No idea what this CAN-BUS thing is. :sad:
Title: Re: Head unit stays on?
Post by: SteveP on July 11, 2009, 07:41:45 pm: Ok, this adapter will save you having to cut/run extra wires - http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/8115.html

But it can be made to work with the adapter you have.

You will need to run an ignition switched 12v live from a spare point on the fuse box across to the back of the head unit.

Once you have run the wire (which I would add an extra fuse near the fuse box end) it will need to be connected to the switched live input on the back of the headunit (probably the yellow wire). The 12v permanent live on the loom/adapter should then go to the red live wire on the headunit.

Not sure what part of the country your located in? If you local I would be happy to help :happy2:
Title: Re: Head unit stays on?
Post by: Boothy on July 12, 2009, 11:55:16 am: I'm near Leeds Steve so not sure if that's local or not to you? Had a look at the adapter on the link address and its Ã‚Â£50. I'd pay that if required but the guy in the shop will do it for Ã‚Â£20 which seems more wallet friendly. If you are local though Steve and you can assist I'll come and meet you. :wink:
Title: Re: Head unit stays on?
Post by: SteveP on July 12, 2009, 05:59:09 pm: Sorry mate, I am not local :smiley:

But for Ã‚Â£20 it sounds like they are going to add the extra wire for the ignition switched live which will sort out the problem :happy2:
Title: Re: Head unit stays on?
Post by: Andy on July 12, 2009, 07:01:44 pm: when i put my alpine header unit in i ran a wire into the fuse box-it turns of & on with the ignition
Title: Re: Head unit stays on?
Post by: Boothy on July 12, 2009, 10:18:44 pm: Cheers folks. I'll let the pro's sort it on Saturday I think. :smiley:
Title: Re: Head unit stays on?
Post by: Pyrocam on August 03, 2009, 10:51:37 pm: Interesting read... I'm fitting my pioneer head unit tomorrw. One of my mates did mention to get the correct canbus wiring harness but if i couldn't that the general harness adaptor would make do with a little alteration.. :smiley:
Title: Re: Head unit stays on?
Post by: Boothy on August 04, 2009, 05:04:18 pm: It appears there's a few ways of doing depending on your knowledge and wallet. In the end I used a wiring harness for Ã‚Â£15 and then it cost me Ã‚Â£20 to have the wire run from under the dash to the headunit. Works spot on now and I have to say that it has greatly improved the sound. I'd even go as far as saying you could turn the bass right down and run a powered sub with just the standard speakers.