GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: Mutley75 on 02 February 2019, 15:37
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I've added Dynaudio to my GTI (coming mid March) and wondered which media device has the best audio quality? The reason I'm asking is because my current Audi A3 (with standard audio) sounds ok on DAB or if I'm playing MP3s from either SD-Card or USB but if I stream audio from my iPhone via Bluetooth it sounds awful - it's much quieter for a start and if I crank the volume up the quality is really poor. It's better if using USB cable to the iPhone but still not great. Just wondered how the Golf fares on this front?
Audi's MMI is a bit quirky to say the least. One major annoyance is that it doesn't support album art unless each JPG is individually edited and re-saved at a certain image resolution. The Audi system also doesn't support all audio formats, so also keen to know how things stack up on that front with the GTI. Thanks.
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I might be a bit out of date with my opinion, but i've always thought of Bluetooth audio streaming as inferior to a wired connection regardless of which equipment it's played on. I've streamed mp3 files from my Android phone but find the quality noticeably worse than that of my old iPod Classic connected via the usb behind the gear stick. The iPod also does album artwork.
I don't have Dynaudio.
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I find the quality via bluetooth to be very good.
I get the occasional sound dropout but overall it's pretty impressive.
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I use Spotify through Android Auto and find the quality brilliant.
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I use Spotify through Android Auto and find the quality brilliant.
Connected via Bluetooth or USB?
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There’s a couple of variable parts of the answer to this;
Dynaudio is the amp (software and physical) and the speakers making 400w of power output (versus the standard 80w), it won’t however impact the bitrate of a song/tune being played, which is themes important part to everything, so if the song/tune is a low quality bitrate then it’ll sound inferior to a higher bitrate tune (On a Dynaudio equipped car it’ll always still sound infinitely better than a standard system though). The higher the bitrate, the better the sound. However, regardless if that tune is being streamed at a high bitrate or not, if the original digital tune being streamed is of a low bitrate then even if it's being streamed at a high bitrate it still won't sound as good, you normally find this with 80's/90's songs which have very compressed original bitrates. So in the car the Dynaudio simply allows the tune to sound at its best as it's being delivered with more power.
If you try to stream/play over Bluetooth (no wire), whatever you do it’ll sound worse than a wired/hard connection, this is because Bluetooth has to significantly compress the bitrate to get it into a compatible wireless state. There is new technology that uses a car's WiFi connection in conjunction with the bluetooth to help, but that's relatively new and confined to wireless CarPlay solutions. In short if you're streaming over bluetooth alone, then you are compressing your source hugely and it'll sound worse.
With the Golf, I always stream via CarPlay (which is hardwired) using the MixCloud, Amazon Music or Apple Music app, most of which run at 256AAC+. But even then the quality of some streams are noticeable even when using the same app. e.g...
This has a high source bitrate, and really allows the Dynaudio to show off its capabilities:
https://www.mixcloud.com/lucasandsteve/lucas-steve-present-skyline-sessions-109/
This is on the same app/platform, yet is of a lower bitrate, and it sounds inferior particularly on the vocals:
https://www.mixcloud.com/livesetd/calvin-harris-beats-1-one-mix-12-jan-2019/
To further complicate matters, Amazon Prime Music is 256kbps AAC, while Spotify Premium is 320kbps Ogg Vorbis. Amazon however do use a variable bitrate, so sometimes it can sound inferior, even though AAC should be superior.
I have found the Dynaudio is sensitive to the bitrate of the music I am playing, which I personally think is a good thing because if it's a good quality bitrate then it sounds epic, the mids really pop.
So to sum, up. Bluetooth music will sound sh!te, but it'll sound even worse if the original bitrate is low.
One thing's for sure though, the Dynaudio is mega and worth every penny, you'll have no regrets there (even if you will for not speccing DCC :wink: :grin: ).
HTH
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Excellent response, thanks. I’d noticed the different quality bitrate on a previous Audi which had Bose but that was an 11 plate so really old tech and incomparable. I didn’t realise CarPlay also used WIFI as well as Bluetooth. I think mine will have wireless charging so I’ll see what the quality is like over WIFI, otherwise I’ll just hook in the USB or (as I do with the current A3) dump all my music onto SD Card.
On a separate note, my music is a mush-mash of ITunes, Amazon and Google Play and a real pain to (legally) get all into one place (ideally the iPhone). Plus I can’t seem to delete crap music from Amazon that I wish I’d never bought. They also digitally store any CD you’ve purchased including some particularly dodgy crud from my younger days. Not to mention some hideous stuff I’d bought for other people on my account. Gah..
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I didn’t realise CarPlay also used WIFI as well as Bluetooth. I think mine will have wireless charging so I’ll see what the quality is like over WIFI, otherwise I’ll just hook in the USB or (as I do with the current A3) dump all my music onto SD Card.
CarPlay in the Golf isn't wireless, indeed only a couple of cars in the UK have wireless carplay (the new 3 series, new A7 and E-tron being a couple of them).
Wireless charging doesn't allow for Wireless CarPlay, it only takes the power wirelessly, not the sound sources or data. Carplay is thrown/streamed over the wired USB connection.
Oh and you won't have wireless charging on your Golf, that option was dropped across all VAG cars in mid 2018. It was found that the signal-boosting technology used in the option could receive signals from restricted sources and organisations that are ordinarily illegal to intercept. So VAG pulled the option across all their cars.
:smiley:
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That’s odd considering Audi have wireless charging in their new cars including the new A1. If CarPlay doesn’t work over wireless then it may as well charge being plugged to run CarPlay. I’m finding it tricky confirming the exact spec of mine. I specifically wanted High Beam Assist as I have it on the A3. It was an option on pre- WLTP GTIs but now dropped. Instead, I get Dynamic Curve as standard but no mention if this includes high beam assist. I know the matrix LED system goes one better by casting a shadow over oncoming cars. As that isn’t an available option anymore I’m not sure if that’s now standard. Dealer wasn’t 100% sure either.
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That’s odd considering Audi have wireless charging in their new cars including the new A1. If CarPlay doesn’t work over wireless then it may as well charge being plugged to run CarPlay. I’m finding it tricky confirming the exact spec of mine. I specifically wanted High Beam Assist as I have it on the A3. It was an option on pre- WLTP GTIs but now dropped. Instead, I get Dynamic Curve as standard but no mention if this includes high beam assist. I know the matrix LED system goes one better by casting a shadow over oncoming cars. As that isn’t an available option anymore I’m not sure if that’s now standard. Dealer wasn’t 100% sure either.
I think it’s now standard, but I’m in much the same boat as you are regarding what is now standard spec!
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The dynamic light assist used to be done with mechanical shutters on the Mk7 with Xenons.
Its now LED lights and done electronically rather than mechanically.
The option is standard on MY19 GTI's for sure, not sure about the R but I'd guess so. Its comes as part of the lane assist package and utilises the camera used for lane assist and traffic sign recognition.
Its still not the full Matrix system that you find on Audi's though, its something less...
It's also a bit prone to blinding other road users just by virtue of the camera not being able to see some things... so be prepared to get flashed. I had the old high beam assist on my Mk7, that only toggled the main beam, but the detection method was the same. Its particularly a problem on motorways and dual carriageways where it can not see the headlights of oncoming vehicles, but the driver is above the arnco... so they get blinded... trucks in particular.
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The dynamic light assist used to be done with mechanical shutters on the Mk7 with Xenons.
Its now LED lights and done electronically rather than mechanically.
The option is standard on MY19 GTI's for sure, not sure about the R but I'd guess so. Its comes as part of the lane assist package and utilises the camera used for lane assist and traffic sign recognition.
Its still not the full Matrix system that you find on Audi's though, its something less...
It's also a bit prone to blinding other road users just by virtue of the camera not being able to see some things... so be prepared to get flashed. I had the old high beam assist on my Mk7, that only toggled the main beam, but the detection method was the same. Its particularly a problem on motorways and dual carriageways where it can not see the headlights of oncoming vehicles, but the driver is above the arnco... so they get blinded... trucks in particular.
I have been using the dynamic light assist for the best part of two winters on a wide range of different road situations and have not been flashed once by oncoming traffic :huh:
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Agreed. Use it all the time on my A3 and works flawlessly. The only time it might not work that well is when a car is approaching from a side junction, but they’re not likely to be dazzled anyway. With automatic lights, high beam assist and rain sensing wipers, the only thing I’ve used the stalks for is to indicate. And as an Audi driver that’s an achievement in itself.
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That’s odd considering Audi have wireless charging in their new cars including the new A1.
That's a new generation phonebox with restrictive broadcast technology. It's only available on 'new' VAG models'. The 7.5 Golf no longer has the option, but if you intend to use Carplay then it's pointless anyway, because...
If CarPlay doesn’t work over wireless then it may as well charge being plugged to run CarPlay.
Yup, and you'll retain the better quality music output also as it's hardwired.
I’m finding it tricky confirming the exact spec of mine.
Spec is very straightforward, it's full GTI Performance MY19 spec, as per the current brochure. It's people who bought early MY19 cars where the spec is/was weird, as I found out. Your MY19 car should/will have RVC, Keyless and the Pack (DLA, LA and TSR) as standard.
It was an option on pre- WLTP GTIs but now dropped.
It's not been dropped, it's still there as an option for all other Golfs, but the package (DLA, LA and TSR) is now standard on the MY19 GTI Performance from BW 51(Mid December) onwards.
Instead, I get Dynamic Curve as standard but no mention if this includes high beam assist.
Dynamic curve is standard on all 7.5 LED headlight golfs. You don't get Dynamic assist with it, that's part of the aforementioned package.
:smiley:
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Thanks. High Beam Assist was a standalone option when I was looking at the configurator in December. Not there now. The full dynamic light assist is as you say, part of a bigger package.
I’m assuming RVC is remote voice control but What’s TSR? You’ll have to forgive me. My jargon is Audi-esque, rather than VW-ised.
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Thanks. High Beam Assist was a standalone option when I was looking at the configurator in December. Not there now. The full dynamic light assist is as you say, part of a bigger package.
That's easily explained.
Before the £650 package (which includes Dynamic Light Assist) became standard on the My19 GTI, you used to be able to order HBA on its own for £150. If you specced either of the two packages (£650 or £1225) you couldn't have HBA (for obvious reasons). Now you get the £650 package as standard the HBA option is no longer available for the GTI.
I’m assuming RVC is remote voice control but What’s TSR? You’ll have to forgive me. My jargon is Audi-esque, rather than VW-ised.
RVC = Rear View Camera, TSR = Traffic Sign Recognition.
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Thanks. High Beam Assist was a standalone option when I was looking at the configurator in December. Not there now.
HBA was deleted when the facelift came along!
I ordered my car January 2017 and it wasn't there then.... it went when the lights switched to LED.
It became part of the £650 lane assist package... which is now included for free.
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Thanks. High Beam Assist was a standalone option when I was looking at the configurator in December. Not there now.
HBA was deleted when the facelift came along!
It wasn't. On the GTI HBA was available to order all the way through to the MY19 changes, and still is for cars not fitted with Dynamic Light Assist. :smiley:
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Thats weird, it definitely wasn't available on the GTD...
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It was available in November on the GTI as a £150 option as I ticked it when playing with the configurator but disappeared once they came on sale again in the New Year. So I’m still unsure whether it’s part of the dynamic curve lighting (now standard) or not available without the full light assist package. I suspect the former as it was a standalone option on the A3 but if that was upgraded to Dynanic Curve, you couldn’t have it. I prefer HBA over the curve function but both are great features and infinitely better than halogens!
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It was available in November on the GTI as a £150 option as I ticked it when playing with the configurator but disappeared once they came on sale again in the New Year. So I’m still unsure whether it’s part of the dynamic curve lighting (now standard) or not available without the full light assist package. I suspect the former as it was a standalone option on the A3 but if that was upgraded to Dynanic Curve, you couldn’t have it. I prefer HBA over the curve function but both are great features and infinitely better than halogens!
It really is quite straight forward...
Curve lighting is standard on all 7.5 GTi's, it's part of the LED headlight setup. Curve has nothing to do with HBA or DLA, you get Curve regardless.
If a Golf GTI has Dynamic Light Assist(DLA), it won't/can't have High Beam Assist (HBA). All new MY19's(built mid December 18 onwards) have DLA as part of the package that became standard, therefore HBA was dropped as an option for the GTI.
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It was available in November on the GTI as a £150 option as I ticked it when playing with the configurator but disappeared once they came on sale again in the New Year. So I’m still unsure whether it’s part of the dynamic curve lighting (now standard) or not available without the full light assist package. I suspect the former as it was a standalone option on the A3 but if that was upgraded to Dynanic Curve, you couldn’t have it. I prefer HBA over the curve function but both are great features and infinitely better than halogens!
It really is quite straight forward...
Curve lighting is standard on all 7.5 GTi's, it's part of the LED headlight setup. Curve has nothing to do with HBA or DLA, you get Curve regardless.
If a Golf GTI has Dynamic Light Assist(DLA), it won't/can't have High Beam Assist (HBA). All new MY19's(built mid December 18 onwards) have DLA as part of the package that became standard, therefore HBA was dropped as an option for the GTI.
Thank you for the clarification.
I know HBA, DLA and Curve are all different things. I also knew you could not have HBA with Curve; and that DLA is an advancement of HBA thereby making it redundant. What I wasn't sure on, was whether or not DLA comes as standard. My spec sheet with my MY19 order says Curve is standard (ie: without HBA) and if I want DLA, it's a £1225 optional extra as part of the Lane Assist Plus with Dynamic Light Assist package.
Listed as standard equipment the website says "Dynamic headlight control and dynamic cornering light' so I am assuming the 'dynamic headlight control' element is for all intents and purposes the equivalent of HBA in all but name. The curve thing is where the lights turn with the steering wheel (had that on a previous car).
Are we signing from the same hymn sheet now? Cheers.
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I also knew you could not have HBA with Curve
Yes you could, curve was/is totally standard and independent from HBA and DLA. Curve lighting is not related or impacted by HBA/DLA. Curve is just part of the LED headlights which are standard. The only thing you could not have together is HBA and DLA. HBA was a £150 option, DLA was a £650/£1225 option (see below) which would wipe out HBA if previously selected.
What I wasn't sure on, was whether or not DLA comes as standard. My spec sheet with my MY19 order says Curve is standard (ie: without HBA) and if I want DLA, it's a £1225 optional extra as part of the Lane Assist Plus with Dynamic Light Assist package.
For MY19 (Mid December builds and onwards) HBA no longer exists because DLA comes as standard on the GTI Performance. DLA is part of two packs that are available on the Golf. The GTI Performance now gets the £650 pack fitted as standard...
Lane Assist with Dynamic, Light Assist including, Traffic Sign Recognition - £650
- Lane Assist, camera controlled warning system should the vehicle drift out of its lane.
- Dynamic Light Assist, automatic sensors detect other road users and cover part of the headlights appropriately. If dazzling other road users cannot be prevented, the light distribution is automatically set to dipped beam headlights.
- Traffic Sign Recognition, camera controlled system with visual warning for traffic and road signs.
Lane Assist Plus with Dynamic Light Assist, Emergency Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, Side Scan, Traffic Jam Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition - £1225
- Lane Assist, camera controlled warning system should the vehicle drift out of its lane.
- Dynamic Light Assist, automatic sensors detect other road users and cover part of the headlights appropriately. If dazzling other road users cannot be prevented, the light distribution is automatically set to dipped beam headlights.
- Emergency Assist, driver intervention should sensors detect the driver is incapable of driving. Automatic hazard light activation while bringing the vehicle to a controlled stop within its lane
- Rear Traffic Alert, monitors the area behind the vehicle during reversing manoeuvres, if another vehicle is getting too close the system alerts the driver by means of an audible and visual warning or brake intervention where a collision is imminent.
- Side scan, radar sensor controlled warning system for lane changing and blind spots with visual warning via light in door mirror housing.
- Traffic Jam Assist, camera and radar sensor controlled warning system to accelerate, brake and steer should the vehicle drift out of its lane, providing the driver’s hands are on the wheel.
- Traffic Sign Recognition, camera controlled system with visual warning for traffic and road signs.
It's the £650 pack that was missing from my car, which I was refunded the £650. :smiley: