gti audio really that bad

[matthewsimone]

hi just a quick 1 as im confused as ive read on quite a few threads on here that the standard mk5 gti sound system is total pants,
but ive had my gti 2 months now and i think the sound system is one of the best ive heard, and ive owned many cars with uprated systems etc, unless the only other thing that i can think of is that mine has optional extra better components or something but i dont think it has anything like that no sat nav etc 

[Jkctr]

Its a fantastic standard system. An ok aftermarket sytem will be better though. Its an upgrade for me in the future for sure!

[SteveS]

i thought the gti one was ok, not great

[DanoGTI]

I can only speak from my own standards. As a record producer and engineer,  I set em pretty high

Suffice to say, on both of my VW test drives (08 GTI & Scirocco), I had to turn the stereo off, it was that bad.
My current Audi has a Bose system, and well, it's rather good!!

My conclusions are that in comparison with most marques, the VW is average at best. My Scoob's were just as awful too.

Suffice to say, as soon as I get my Golf, either a Pioneer F900 or Kenwood DNX5220 will replace the OEM unit. I'll allso be changing the speakers and I've got a rather nice 12" sub to fit in the wheel arch in the boot

Each to their own though - I personally think that the OEM system is pants.

Dan

[matthewsimone]

hmmm after speaking to a good friend he seems to think i may have a bose sound upgrade, which is a optional extra apparantly, im going to speak to dealer and scroll through some of the purchase paperwork from the original owner as i never bought it from new its a 2006 plate, but after what you guys have said, there is no way it can be a standard system as it really is spot on and as ive said ive had many cars with subs/amps etc etc so think my standards are quite high lol and friends have also commented on the sound quality also especialy with prodigy on it 

[ub7rm]

There was an optional 'vw soundpack' which I think basically involved an amp and a sub.  I don't have it so could be wrong on the sub front but have a look under your front seats for the amp - I believe its under a plastic cover.  If you've got it - 

I think VW speakers are generaly pretty decent, its often the HU that lets the system down.

[Jkctr]

Mines ok in the 32, im getting some focals though and the rns510 

[matthewsimone]

yeah now i think of it ive actually seen a black plastic box under the passenger seat, il have to have a look tommorrow and let you no and yeah thats what my mate said earlier a optional sound pack bose or sumit cheers, 

[Hurdy]

The optional soundpack on the MKV isn't a BOSE system. The newer VW cars have an option of the Dynaudio upgrade, but I don't think this was offered with the Golf MKV.

The soundpack upgrade is at best adequate. Even a well set-up, cheap-ish aftermarket system would blow the VW upgrade into the weeds.

If you are happy with the sound, then that is all you need

You need to directly compare back-to-back for a real feel for the difference in sound set-ups

[Egbutt Wash]

The GTI audio is terrible.
High frequencies are so wrong it's funny.

The Harmann Kardon system in the Jag was just superb, I miss it.