Scirocco (2011) - RCD 510 - Speaker upgrade advise needed

[timc]

Another update..

Using stock head unit - RCD 510

I wired the JBL crossovers in and took the feed straight from the amp on both sides - there is a definite improvement in sound quality, less tinny and more fuller sound, so in my experience, it is not a good idea to expect the VW wiring/crossovers to deliver an ideal sound with all speakers - so that's theory 1 proven in this case.

On to Theory 2 - I used the VCDS coding to enable low-level outputs on the RCD-510 and set the amp input level accordingly, personally I couldn't hear any improvement.

Ultimately though, after living with the sound quality for a week or so,I'm still not happy - it should be better sound and I've not scrimped on speakers or the amp.

So....

As per xjay1337 comment above, maybe the head unit is just not great (although it is 4x20w) and the DSP is just old-hat, OR, maybe the speakers aren't as good as I thought.

Cheapest way forward is to 'trial' a different component speaker set (JL Audio), which fortunately I can do at no cost - so I'll update once I've done that.....

[deano_123]

I guarantee you will see a dramatic improvement when you ditch the OE head unit

[Mr OCD]

I guarantee you will see a dramatic improvement when you ditch the OE head unit

Agreed.

Just swapping from RCD510 to RNS315 was a massive difference.

It's not just about the power but also the signal voltage from the head unit.

RCD510 might be 4x20w, but that isn't RMS!

Don't mess with the speakers until you've change head unit!

[timc]

I'm changing the headunit to the Kenwood DNX516DABS

Expensive, but will probably deliver on what I want....

[xjay1337]

Well yes, it will because it actually has proper outputs rather than having to use wiring adaptors.

I have a DNX520VBT and it's great.

It is frankly a bit arse-about-face getting all your speakers and stuff sorted out as you may have set your Amp up in a certain way but it'll all need to be redone.
not forgetting RCD output is like 4x5 or 4x10 or something and most aftermarket is 4x50.

[timc]

I'm redoing everything pretty much, but I don't mind because I just want it right. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but I truly didn't expect the RCD to be this shit

I'm not using any VW wiring whatsoever now, all high quality cabling - getting it through the doors is a pain (but worth the effort), but other than that it's all nice and easy to lay neatly.

Stereo lands with me tomorrow, bit of fiddling over the next few days - but I'll post the results

[rsmagee]

I'm redoing everything pretty much, but I don't mind because I just want it right. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but I truly didn't expect the RCD to be this shit

I'm not using any VW wiring whatsoever now, all high quality cabling - getting it through the doors is a pain (but worth the effort), but other than that it's all nice and easy to lay neatly.

Stereo lands with me tomorrow, bit of fiddling over the next few days - but I'll post the results

Any chance you could do a how to with getting the wiring through the door and mounting of the tweeters? I always stumble at that point!!

[timc]

Any chance you could do a how to with getting the wiring through the door and mounting of the tweeters? I always stumble at that point!!

Sure, I'll look to take some pics over the next few days.... until then, take a look at this thread as it helped me out with getting wires through the doors http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58372" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Tim.

[xjay1337]

We did all the wiring on the back of the headunit rather than through the doors, that's just a pain in the arse!

Tweeters just use a soldering iron and plastic weld them on

[timc]

Another update - everything is now installed 'properly', RCD510 gone, replace by a Kenwood DNX516DABS with JBL GTO 609C components powered by a JL Audio amp. No VW wiring / crossovers are being used for the front speakers - I have left the rear speakers powered by the head unit for now as I am still undecided whether to upgrade them or not.

The results are amazing, giving a massive improvement of audio fidelity. Considering the amount of time I spend in the car, this has been a very good purchase.

As an added bonus, I enabled 'navigation' on the gateway via VCDS and now all navigation instructions , turns, distance etc come up on the MFD too.


For anybody wanting to know how to get wires through the door, here's a little howto (note I've purposefully left out removing interior trim as that is easily found via search)

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[rsmagee]

Awesome guide! Thanks, always used vw wiring before as I couldn't work this out. Looks like i'll need to save up for some speakers!