R32 stock sound system

[G-rig]

I have an RNS510 inputting into an arc audio ks mini 125.4 amp that is neatly fitted under the passenger seat in my R. It's a good amp.... clean and clear. Splits are Alpine SPX17REFs... sounds fine.

I can second the Arc Mini Amps, fantastic sound and speaker line input is very clean and great combo with the RNS-510.. No hiss or noise whatsoever!

Those reference series speakers seem good too, Matthew @ Northfield had them and i think has the Pros in his Tiburon. Most 3-way sets will be a bit expensive but worth the spend.

I don't have any experience with the Audison unit, but I've never been a big fan of electronic wizardry messing with the sound. If the head unit is good enough (when I get the RNS-510) I'd be happy to get a simple but good quality conservatively rated amp and some high end speakers.

I'm not usually a fan of it either but for car audio it's more necessary than home audio etc, as you're dealing with crappy acoustics and the stock locations of the speakers aren't that favorable. It doesn't mess with the sound but makes it more hi-fidelity and better for the driver as well. But it's kind of the last thing you'd do so see how you go first with the other upgrades.

[Lukey13]

What (if any) improvements in audio quality does one achieve by replacing the standard R32 head unit with RNS-510?

And also, what would be the minimum cost of replacing the standard R32 speakers to achieve a noticeable improvement? Obviously there's little end to how much one can spend, but what's the minimum for a noticeable improvement?

[G-rig]

What (if any) improvements in audio quality does one achieve by replacing the standard R32 head unit with RNS-510?

Hard to say, I can't remember if they are made by different manufacturer's (ie Blaupunkt/VDO) or if the IC chip is the same, but don't expect much/any difference. I upgraded it for the extra features, and newer touch screen look.

And also, what would be the minimum cost of replacing the standard R32 speakers to achieve a noticeable improvement? Obviously there's little end to how much one can spend, but what's the minimum for a noticeable improvement?

Hard to say, the thing with car audio seems to be that you upgrade one thing then the rest of the system is held back (ie only as good as the weakest link).

However some say that the stock speakers aren't actually bad once properly amped, may not sound super exciting but would be better and you can always upgrade the speakers later. Still not sure how that would work as the OEM crossovers are incorporated in the amp box.

[gmk2]

What (if any) improvements in audio quality does one achieve by replacing the standard R32 head unit with RNS-510?

And also, what would be the minimum cost of replacing the standard R32 speakers to achieve a noticeable improvement? Obviously there's little end to how much one can spend, but what's the minimum for a noticeable improvement?

Important note with swapping in an RNS-510 is you will need it to be coded properly. The dealers are (in my albeit limited experience) woefull and get the coding wrong and ignore fault codes. I have seen a dealer set an RNS-510 in a R32 for a four speaker (without amp) configuration, sounded like crap Its not that hard.. After proper configuration it is a reasonable improvement over the base head unit.

There are additional benefits of the unit beyond just audio - the sat nav is great, the media control is great (load up some mp3's)... and thats before you look at rear camera / parking sensor integration. Lots of options.

[Lukey13]

Yeah, I only see any audio improvement of the RNS-510 as being an added bonus.

The main factor for me is the way it transforms the interior. I'm also used to large touchscreen displays in cars controlling things and I like them. Sat-nav is also very useful.

How well does the RNS-510 integrate with the OEM parking sensors? Is it also easy to fit a reversing camera like on the MkVI to be integrated with the parking sensors?

[gmk2]

Fitting the mkVI camera requires some cutting of the tailgate and 'editting' of the wiper motor mounts.. google will find guides for you. Certainly can be done, not cheap given VW spare parts prices.

Integration with parking sensors varies between simple and tricky depending on the specific components installed in your car. Newer cars have less issues as they have the newer gateways and sensors etc. Older cars will require more components to be upgraded to support integration. Once done, the unit takes inputs from the steering to project a reversing path onto the screen - looks pretty cool.

[Lukey13]

Important note with swapping in an RNS-510 is you will need it to be coded properly. The dealers are (in my albeit limited experience) woefull and get the coding wrong and ignore fault codes. I have seen a dealer set an RNS-510 in a R32 for a four speaker (without amp) configuration, sounded like crap Its not that hard.. After proper configuration it is a reasonable improvement over the base head unit.

There are additional benefits of the unit beyond just audio - the sat nav is great, the media control is great (load up some mp3's)... and thats before you look at rear camera / parking sensor integration. Lots of options.

What does "coding" involve - is it done through the menu settings, or is it something to do with the wiring or the back of the unit?

[gmk2]

coding = use of VW / aftermarket device to connect via HEX or CAN to the car and change internal settings - google vagcomm as an example.