Sound quality: RCD310 vs RNS510

[mortygt140]

Snoop I'm no audiophile but it sounded like the low down tones where a lot stronger the bass was more punchy low down even though both units where setup at the same level.

Also the RNS had to be turned up that little bit more to get the same sort of sound.

Nice to see you again Asker we'll keep in touch

Darren

[am1w]

What you need to do is get a lone of a good 60band +  RTA and measure the speaker lead output of each unit with pink noise. To see if its VW added frequency responce shapping to one or both of the units.
I wonder if the RCD510 is similar to the RCD310 for the frequency responce or more like the RNS510?
Can you describe what your hearing?
Does it by any chance sound like a reduction of frequency level at 200Hz Yes and below as you turn it up and maybe a dip in the responce at ~5Khz? Yes

Some answers in red.
Others below:
(1) The RNS does not seem to produce as much bass as the RCD. The RCD goes deeper and bass drums can be felt.
(2) There seems to be better attack with classical music with the RCD.
(3) The RCD seems to have cleaner high frequencies which seem to extend further. Triangles and cymbals sound cleaner and clearer.
(4) The RCD seems to sound cleaner when loud.
(5) The stereo effect seems greater with the RCD.
(6) The soundstage has great width with the RCD.

I think I can get as close to the RCD sound fiddling with the tone controls, though they can only do so much.
It seems the fader can improve things by moving it more towards the front loudspeakers.

It is pretty good now and I am reasonably happy with the way it sounds.

[am1w]

Darren: Nice to see you + family.
Glad you arrived safely.

[Snoopy]

What you need to do is get a lone of a good 60band +  RTA and measure the speaker lead output of each unit with pink noise. To see if its VW added frequency responce shapping to one or both of the units.
I wonder if the RCD510 is similar to the RCD310 for the frequency responce or more like the RNS510?
Can you describe what your hearing?
Does it by any chance sound like a reduction of frequency level at 200Hz Yes and below as you turn it up and maybe a dip in the responce at ~5Khz? Yes

Some answers in red.
Others below:
(1) The RNS does not seem to produce as much bass as the RCD. The RCD goes deeper and bass drums can be felt.
(2) There seems to be better attack with classical music with the RCD.
(3) The RCD seems to have cleaner high frequencies which seem to extend further. Triangles and cymbals sound cleaner and clearer.
(4) The RCD seems to sound cleaner when loud.
(5) The stereo effect seems greater with the RCD.
(6) The soundstage has great width with the RCD.

I think I can get as close to the RCD sound fiddling with the tone controls, though they can only do so much.
It seems the fader can improve things by moving it more towards the front loudspeakers.

It is pretty good now and I am reasonably happy with the way it sounds.

Asker, Everything you describe sounds like a frequency responce related sound similar to what i posted which meens it probably has the older VW frequency responce shaping preamp stage in.

The only way to make sure is to RTA it.
Most good ICE dealers have an audiocontrol 30 band RTA they could connect up to compare but that would be costly. You can also build your own with free software and a high quality input card to a labtop but again not cheap.

It all depends if it chages the sound all the time or gradual as you turn the volume up.
Also check the manual for anythig you may have on by mistake as it may have some form of frequency shaping you can turn off.
If its a perminent frequency responce difference and not effected by volume control there is units out there to correct it and even improve the overall frequency reponce output from the speakers but there not cheap.

[am1w]

While we have been posting I went back and listened. Pretty good now and seems nearly there.
No difference on pop but some difference 'yes' on classical.
I can nearly live with this!
Bloody ears, too discerning.

[Snoopy]

If its a perminent frequency responce difference and not effected by volume control there is units out there to correct it and even improve the overall frequency reponce output from the speakers but there not cheap. Something like the JBL MS-8 would improve things tonally for you alot imo and even fit under the passenger seat 

You do realise you have put me off the satnav now.

[gizzywizzy]

Oh bloody hell

Darren is coming next Sunday to take out my RCD510 and is fitting my new RNS510 mine is paired with the dynaudio so Asker do you think it will sound ok?

I'm getting my LEDs fitted and a reverse camera too, ee I can hardly wait

Gizzy

[p3asa]

Darren came down today (bless!) and changed my RNS510 for another one as mine did not sound very good. The new one is better sounding but simply does not compare with the RCD310 in sound quality. It might improve once it's run-in as most electronics do.

For gods sake don't be using it while driving. Once is an accident, twice is stupidity 

[am1w]

Oh bloody hell
Darren is coming next Sunday to take out my RCD510 and is fitting my new RNS510 mine is paired with the dynaudio so Asker do you think it will sound ok?
I'm getting my LEDs fitted and a reverse camera too, ee I can hardly wait
Gizzy

Gizzy:
Don't worry. Darren will check it carefully. As you have the Dynaudio it will not be a problem, I think. Compare it with your RCD510. Easily done. Darren is an angel, well as close as humanly possible!
Mine sounds pretty good now and I am very happy. Looks the business.
You are really tarting Bonnie to the hilt. Wolgang cannot keep up anymore.

[am1w]

If its a perminent frequency responce difference and not effected by volume control there is units out there to correct it and even improve the overall frequency reponce output from the speakers but there not cheap. Something like the JBL MS-8 would improve things tonally for you alot imo and even fit under the passenger seat 
You do realise you have put me off the satnav now.

I have had a good listen and fiddle with the tone controls and fader.
It's pretty good and only really lacks a bit of width in the soundstage and bass extension.
Yes, the JBL MS-8 will address both the above.
Don't let it put you off. It's still a pretty good sound but it's certainly not quite an RCD310 and this only on heavy orchestral classical music.
I would still buy one if I had to do it all over again.