RCD 510 Upgrade to RCD300/500 GTI Standard sound system

[NewGolf]

Has anyone seen one of these installed in a GTI, apparently its from the Tiguan and may fit straight in without modifications, but give a good sound upgrade? Its even meant to be compatible with the iPod armrest dock.

"RCD 510 touch-screen radio system with ‘Dynaudio’ soundpack – including dash-mounted MP3 compatible 6 CD autochanger with 8 speakers and AUX-in socket in front centre console (not available with DVD navigation/radio system)"

I have the standard RCD300 and iPod armrest dock, and it is a bit weak, I want to upgrade but preferably easy and without ripping off any door panels or doing any wiring/drilling. If it were possible to fit this easily and it did sound better, I'd look to get one.
 

Appreciate any info if you can find any. I'm trying to find one, none on fleabay.

[Cass]

Do a search on RNS510 - links on forum.

Starter for ten here (scroll down through thread):

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=82810.0

or try here:

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=82810.0

Cass

[NewGolf]

But the unit I want is the NON Sat Nav version, a standard fit in the Tiguan? The model is RCD 510, not the RNS510? Its meant to be a decent inexpensive upgrade to the RCD300 or 500 and accept the iPod adapter.

[Bolle]

RCD510 is the new radio, looks like a non-nav version of the RNS510.



Haven't seem them around yet. But I suspect it is a straight and easy replacement for the RCD300.

What are you looking at exactly regarding the iPod dock? The RCD510 will still not be able to show artist/title etc. For that you'll need the RNS/RCD510 and the new Media Device Interface.

[NewGolf]

Hi Bolle
I just want a better sound than the standard RCD300 without having to do any cutting/drilling or removing door trims. I'd like the car to look as OEM as possible, and keep the iPod connectivity. I dont have the name or song title, at the moment, just 6 playlists, but not really fussed about that to be honest.
Any idea where to get one of these, and how to remove-install them without damaging the dash? Do I need special removal tools?

[Hurdy]

I doubt that you will get any better sound from upgrading

Aftermarket is the only way to go if you want decent sound quality.

See my project thread link below for my reasons to change.

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=76660.0

[NewGolf]

Nice write up Hurdy. It does look good and I bet it sounds great!

But.....

Having to make a fake front to hide the aftermarket stereo is exactly why I want a "standard" type head unit. I tend to tour Europe a few times per year to give the car a good run, theres a 35mph speed limit where I live and its easy to pop over to St Malo. Having any visible "extras" such as Sat Nav or high spec head units would make the car a big target. Friends of mine have had horror stories where their dashboards have been ripped apart taking out iPod adapters, head units and Sat Navs 

I want to be able to leave the car in hotel carparks without drawing any reason for a thief to break in. I have a £100 Tomtom One that does a fantastic job, and pops into my pocket each time I leave the car. I leave the parcel shelf off, glove box open and armrest up so anyone looking in can see there is nothing to take. 

I'm not after any top sound quality, just a bit better than the stock. I sat in a Tiguan yesterday and the standard speakers with the RCD 510 sounded a lot better than the one in my GTI. The dealer stated that the speakers were the same, it was the HU making the difference. Plus its a 6 CD upgrade to my RCD300! 

[Hurdy]

Hmm,

It maybe that the power rating of the HU is higher in the new RCD510 than the RCD300 and that would give you a slightly better output. Did the Tiguan have an 8 or 10 speaker set up? also did it have the soundpack fitted?

The speaker locations may also contribute to a better sound. For example the rear tweeters (if fitted) are right behind your head in the Golf, which can give the effect of the sound being "tinny" and in the Tiguan they maybe elsewhere.

[NewGolf]

The Tiguan had standard speakers with no extras or soundpack, I think it had 8 speakers. The dealer guy thinks that the h/u does push more power out as VW upgraded the sound system due to complaints about the RCD300. He agrees that the standard setup in the GTI is weak. I'm going to see if I can find one and be a guinea pig to see if its worth the hassle.

Now I wonder if they'd notice me changing it while taking the Tiguan out on a test drive.....

(only kidding!)

[182_blue]

RCD510 is the new radio, looks like a non-nav version of the RNS510.



Haven't seem them around yet. But I suspect it is a straight and easy replacement for the RCD300.

What are you looking at exactly regarding the iPod dock? The RCD510 will still not be able to show artist/title etc. For that you'll need the RNS/RCD510 and the new Media Device Interface.

does look quite good that