RCD 310 vs RNS510

[ben9790]

i have the RCD 310 with 8 speakers and i want to get the RNS510.
does anyone know if the sound quality is any better the 310?
thanks ben

[Buck]

Feedback is a mixed bag. Some say good others say it's poor.

Wait for Asker (am1w) to come along. He'll tell you his story. 

[quinnii]

I think the sound output from the rns510 is shocking! The rns510 itself is a far better system though

[am1w]

The RNS 510 looks good, sounds bad.
The RCD 310 sounds good, looks bad.
The RCD310 sounds incomparably superior.

If you do have an RNS 510 spec it with Dynaudio and add a sub-woofer. It needs all the help it can get in the sound department. If you have not specced Dynaudio (which is very good value for money), then you need to buy a separate amp + sub-woofer as I did. Not cheap to go this route.

Lots of threads about this on this forum.

[gizzywizzy]

RCD510 has very good sound and if you only want music would be the first choice for me, actually I had one in my car which I specced.  Bought RNS510 from Darren as I really wanted the sat nav but didn't want to pay dealer prices.

[Jimmymature]

RCD510 has very good sound and if you only want music would be the first choice for me, actually I had one in my car which I specced.  Bought RNS510 from Darren as I really wanted the sat nav but didn't want to pay dealer prices.

I can't speak about the other units but I think the RCD510 sound is extremely poor. If it weren't for the rearview camera and cool looking touchscreen I'd be more disappointed than I am now.

It lacks midrange, depth and bass. I hate it!!!


Jim

[gizzywizzy]

RCD510 has very good sound and if you only want music would be the first choice for me, actually I had one in my car which I specced.  Bought RNS510 from Darren as I really wanted the sat nav but didn't want to pay dealer prices.

I can't speak about the other units but I think the RCD510 sound is extremely poor. If it weren't for the rearview camera and cool looking touchscreen I'd be more disappointed than I am now.

It lacks midrange, depth and bass. I hate it!!!


Jim

Have you tried changing the midrange, depth and bass? seriously my unit was very good sound wise, loads better than the RNS510.  Maybe you've got a cr*p unit.

[am1w]

Jim is right.

Both the RCD 510 and RNS 510 sound utterly awful on their own without the help of Dynaudio (which Gizzy has) or  a separate amplifier.
I have said this many times and wish it can be accepted as gospel.
These units on their own sound CRAP.
Additionally, even with Dynaudio or separate amplification, a sub-woofer is mandatory.

Question: Why do you think VW offer Dynaudio with the RNS/RCD 510 units and not with the RCD 310?
Answer: Because VW know that they sound rubbish without Dynaudio.

QED.

[mac7]

The RCD310 can be ordered with Dynaudio in Germany, but then they only get an RCD210 as standard - one step up from a gramophone 

Sound quality is all a bit subjective though, I think. Some say the RCD310/510 with or without Dynaudio all sound the same. I can't help wondering that if the VW headunit is crap in the first place, isn't the Dynaudio/aftermarket amp just making that crap signal louder?

[Snoopy]

Not if it corrects the frequency responce.