Talk to me about Radios

[dubber36]

In a few weeks I am hoping to be ordering a new GT TDI and am debating what audio to go for.

The demo car I drove had a RCD 510 with a rear view camara. I much prefered the look of that over the 310, but wouldn't order the camara, so what else does the 510 do other than look better?

What have you all had and why? Also, has anyone gone for aftermarket?

[am1w]

In a few weeks I am hoping to be ordering a new GT TDI and am debating what audio to go for.
The demo car I drove had a RCD 510 with a rear view camara. I much prefered the look of that over the 310, but wouldn't order the camara, so what else does the 510 do other than look better?
What have you all had and why? Also, has anyone gone for aftermarket?

It looks better but sounds worse.

[dubber36]

Sounds worse than a 310???

[am1w]

Sounds worse than a 310???

Yep, much worse. I know, been there, heard them all.
If you go for the RCD/RNS510 you'll need a sub-woofer and a seperate amp. So if you go this route of RCD/RNS510 go with the Dynaudio as it's good value. But you'll still need a sub-woofer.
Did not feel the need for a sub-woofer or amplifier with the RCD310. And just one more thing, the RNS510 sounds very slightly worse than the RCD510.

EDIT: The RCD310 is not very pretty and I'm glad I got rid off the eyesore.

[simonpolly]

I choose the rcd 510 with the added dynaudio package it sounds far superior to the standard 310 set up .IMO
P.s cant see/hear why you would need seperate subwoofer.

[am1w]

I choose the rcd 510 with the added dynaudio package it sounds far superior to the standard 310 set up .IMO

I agree it will sound better, but the need to have this was not desperately essential with the RCD310. It is now for me, with the RNS510. I've got the sub installed which improved the sound no end. On Monday/Tuesday coming, I will install a Genesis power amplifier.

[Hartside]

I chose the RCD510 for the display information and superior look over the std one. Also so that the parking sensor display looked as good as it could. I didn't hear the std RCD310 so cannot comment on the sound difference, but for me it's good enough.

[am1w]

I chose the RCD510 for the display information and superior look over the std one. Also so that the parking sensor display looked as good as it could. I didn't hear the std RCD310 so cannot comment on the sound difference, but for me it's good enough.

The RCD510 has much better bass delivery than the RNS510. Hence the sub with the RNS510. It was/is pants. I don't think I have heard anything as bad for bass delivery as the RNS510.

When I talk about bass delivery, I mean clarity and musicality. Not the boom-boom or thumping effects.

[mac7]

I went for the RCD510 because I wanted the rear view camera, bluetooth phone interface and it looks better in the dash. It also allows you to play from 6 CD's, ipod or SD card. I ticked Dynaudio because it sounded better.

[am1w]

I went for the RCD510 because I wanted the rear view camera, bluetooth phone interface and it looks better in the dash. It also allows you to play from 6 CD's, ipod or SD card. I ticked Dynaudio because it sounded better.

That is something I miss. I'll have to install a CD changer but wish to have a bigger storage facility than 6. So it will have to be in the boot. I agree with all your points.