upgraded factory sound system??

[safetyman]

Professional installs?

I had our HU replaced with a Kenwood GPS unit by a so called "reputable" dealer.

I had to return to get the rear DVD units wired the way that I had asked.
I also had no satellite reception and very poor radio reception.

After returning twice with crappy results, and having knowledge of car stereos myself, I fixed the job myself.
So, the gps antennae was moved to the location recommended by the radio's manufacturer.
A new fm antennae adapter fixed the reception issue.

As to what outputs are available on the original HU, the answer is none.
Output from the radio is via a factory plug which contains the Can Bus wiring and speaker outputs.
The radio can be used but an adapter plugs have to be used.

As for a reputable dealer, I believe the only one that i would trust in Sydney would be FHRX Studios in Caringbah.
fhrxstudios.com.au

They aren't cheap, but their quality of work is superb.

[Rambo]

I've had a bit of journey.
So the ICE guy apparently fitted a "Stinger" LOC (Line Output Convertor), and got me going in Stereo. Hallelujah. After some research it seems this is the only way to get a signal out of the RNS510 as there are no line level outputs.
Still not sounding right. Out comes my test CD and SPL meter. Strangely LH tweeter is about 8db down. Odd. Took back to ICE guy to check out (thinking he may have set an attenuating jumper on the crossover wrong). He reckons there was a dry/cracked joint in the crossover board. Kudos to him for sorting that out. Though, still disappointed he let a crappy install go out the door without checking it.
Sounding better but still not right.
So, I wiggle the switch's for fixed/variable input, and stereo/mono, and hey presto, crystal clear. Have since given them a spray of isopropyl to make sure.
So, the lesson is to be wary of old ICE components, and installers that are not so thorough.

[Twin_Dad]

Rambo,

If I'm not mistaken the Columbus head unit can be tweeked via VCDS to enable a line level output via the speaker wires. however I'm not sure whether this is just for the factory amp. I think romaniac has done an ICE upgrade and tried using the LOC but ended up with a digital signal processor.

[Tigger]

Hearing all those stories brings back bad memories of my own!!
I also had shonky guys stuff up a system in the past by running both channels in mono etc...
Idiots.

So how do we find GOOD places...not just places that say they are good....

[kamold]

Rambo,

If I'm not mistaken the Columbus head unit can be tweeked via VCDS to enable a line level output via the speaker wires. however I'm not sure whether this is just for the factory amp. I think romaniac has done an ICE upgrade and tried using the LOC but ended up with a digital signal processor.

Correct, you can use VCDS to change the outputs to line level. This is how the factory installed amps are able to use the same head unit. Just need to get someone with VCDS to change to the output to 'Volkswagen sound system' under address 37.

Some screenshots here:
Volkswagen RNS 510 coding when installing with a factory amplifier | my-gti.com

[joele]

for the audiophile the entire system needs to be removed and replaced, including the head unit which is definitely pretty ordinary .. and like others have said the RS needs lots of noise insulation.

Yes I tried upgrading without doing the head unit, i.e. using a good lineout converter before amp and it was not fantastic really.. Was better than before but not WOW with all styles of music. P.S. The installer did use VCDS to change output to line level, still wasn't the same quality as the Alpine..

Ended up going all out with the head unit putting an Alpine INE-Z928EI which is meant to have full MFD compatibility and steering wheel control compatibility.. Kind of not so much, MFD works OK to display track playing and phone number of caller, mute button works and track back and forward work... Phone answer button does not and neither does volume control.. They tried two modules and then involved Alpine who are 'trying' to solve it, no idea how that is going, will leave it a few weeks before pushing Alpine. They are saying it works in a UK Octavia, but I can't believe they use a different system here??

Otherwise FAR FAR better audio quality, I also have FOCAL amp, sub and Focal PS 165 component speakers and insulated front doors...

The Alping has better NAV as I get quarterly map updates (fancy that VW Aus) free for the first three years, and live Traffic condition updates which helps more just when driving but also factors into navigation... 8" screen is pretty nice too, and BT streaming quality is far better than RNS510..


The new HU was with the second installer who were really good, the first ones had three goes (freeway) and still when I took it to the second one the first thing he told me (got his tester out) was the front and back were out of phase.. LOL...

[Mysticality]

Sorry to go off topic, Tigger, but your first post says DIESEL.

Back on.
I have a LOC connected to the rear left and rear right speakers, and seems to work fantastically... Mind you I only have a 2-ch amp (wired up as monoblock) and a sub, so all you get is head-pounding bass... But thats not exactly a bad thing. Stock bass is nice, but you need a little more real stuff.
Complete self install, though, so I know it all works perfectly.
Man I hate the trim panels in the boot... -.-

[Tigger]

Sorry to go off topic, Tigger, but your first post says DIESEL.

Yes...you are correct...(I had forgotten I had written that!)
I had fully intended to get diesel back then, but no dealer had stock, nor with the options I wanted... If they had, we may have been diesel bros!!??

Dont get me wrong...I love the petrol now, but I would have gotten Double the economy if I had waited for a diesel....

[Mysticality]

I guess we'll just have to live with only being vRS-bro's for now!