Stock system in the Mk6 Golf sounds worse than stock system in Mk5?

[slam]

I’ve just replaced my Mk5 Golf (RCD300 with 10 speakers) with a Mk6 Golf (RCD 510 with 8 speakers).

Both systems are stock, unmodified.

To my ears, the RCD510 with 8 speaker set up doesn’t seem to sound as good as the RCD300 with 10 speaker set up. (I’ve compared both with the same song on the same CD). The bass is not as punchy, and the vocal / treble is not as crisp and transparent.

Has anyone else noticed the same thing? Is this loss of quality due to the head unit, or is it because they’ve gone from a 3 way setup to a 2 way set up at the front?

I don’t want to spend a large amount of money upgrading the system in the Mk6 – I would have been happy if the system sounded similar to the RCD300 with 10 speaker system in the Mk5.

Has anyone replaced the front speakers in a Mk6 Golf without changing the head unit or adding an amp? Is there a noticeable improvement? Or will it not be worthwhile doing unless I add an amp as well?

[Qwertypants]

The RCD300 stock 10 speaker system is one of the best stock systems I've ever heard.
I can't comment on the mk6 because I haven't heard it, but to be honest, your easiest option is probably to install a sub if you're into that extra "kick." You can buy a sub with amp for 250$ these days, and it's well worth it.
I don't think the headunit will have anything to do with it. You could always just add a couple of speakers in say, your boot cover?
Probably more stylish than throwing in a sub. And the mk6 is a beautiful creature...

[slipshot]

Interesting comment - and something I have noticed as well is that the standard system is OK but not as good as I would like. Gievn I have the RNS510 though, it's far harder to justify replacing the head unit when you have a sat nav etc.

Thus next week I'm having an amp and new front components installed in mine and will report back on what difference it makes and how good or bad it is. I bought some decent speakers and the amp I had anyway, so once in I'll look forward to seeing the difference it makes. Leaving the rears as is given they are just fill-in ones anyway.

[walbjj]

I added fronts, amP and a bass tube. Total outlay was about $1k as I already owned the tube for a while. I'm happy. See my sig for my component list

[Ryan_R]

I assume you've gone into the Tone menu and adjusted the basic equalizer and fader/balance settings?

[hrb93]

The stock system in the MK5 Gti was the worst thing i ever heard.

I made my poor wife put up with it for 3 years.

I am getting a custom system done in her MK6 as a christmas present.

[HaydEn]

The stock system in the MK5 Gti was the worst thing i ever heard.

I made my poor wife put up with it for 3 years.

I am getting a custom system done in her MK6 as a christmas present.

Jason the mk5 sound system was great. You just didn't drive the car enough.

[Candyman]

The stock system in the MK5 Gti was the worst thing i ever heard.

I made my poor wife put up with it for 3 years.

I am getting a custom system done in her MK6 as a christmas present.

Agreed. Passable for talkback and that's all

Music, very average

Our R isn't better, if anything, worse

Disappointing really

[XTC838]

Agreed. Passable for talkback and that's all

Music, very average

Our R isn't better, if anything, worse

Disappointing really

I had a Mazda 3, let me tell you, the stock system in the Golf sounds way better than the Mazda. However, having said that, I like my music, hence I ticked the Dynaudio option.

[Candyman]

I had a Mazda 3, let me tell you, the stock system in the Golf sounds way better than the Mazda. However, having said that, I like my music, hence I ticked the Dynaudio option.

Comparing a Mazda 3 to top of the range Golf R ?

However, the wife's Fiesta has a stock sound system equal to the R in terms of audio and that cost 1/3rd the R.

As for the Dynaudio, aftermarket would have been a far better investment, it really isn't that good

[Ryan_R]

Aren't the stereo and speakers in the Golf R the same as the other Golf's, in which case it's comparing a Mazda 3 to a comparable Golf?

Maybe there's a difference in speakers for 3 door v 5 door.

[XTC838]

Comparing a Mazda 3 to top of the range Golf R ?

However, the wife's Fiesta has a stock sound system equal to the R in terms of audio and that cost 1/3rd the R.

As for the Dynaudio, aftermarket would have been a far better investment, it really isn't that good

I'm not even going to go into the argument of Dynaudio vs after market.

Also, I wasn't specifically comparing the 3 to the R, should have clarified that my experience is based on a GTI. However, I believe the speakers are the same throughout the Golf range, unless if Dynaudio was optioned.

[Candyman]

Aren't the stereo and speakers in the Golf R the same as the other Golf's, in which case it's comparing a Mazda 3 to a comparable Golf?

Maybe there's a difference in speakers for 3 door v 5 door.

True and my point

VW are selling a top of the range vehicle with a base model system

They offer an "option" which suckers some in.

Still, car audio is hardly passable because of the environment.

[AdamD]

They offer an "option" which suckers some in.

Slightly OT, but I personally think the Dynaudio offers excellent bang for buck, and improves what can be a very dull and bland stock system into something that has some real highlights. I doubt you'd be able to match it for quality with aftermarket gear at that price. (Considering new drivers all round, and a modest power amplifier.)

For those who may be contemplating it, bear in mind that the Dynaudio system needs time to run in before it'll produce anything like its best. I was fairly disappointed with the spend until I had ~50 hours on the drivers, and once it'd reached ~100 hours it was much more consistent and warm. It's still no fantastic system, but it's not bad.