Car audio upgrade

[99_FGT]

Correct you don't need CAN gateway upgrades.

I did forget about the connects2 modules but those are 3rd party add-ons, I'm not sure how much they cost. I meant Alpine, Pioneer etc themselves don't offer CAN-Bus integration unless you buy the $2k+ models, and at that price range you would go OEM or Zenec.

As far as I'm aware though connects2 modules or similar only retain steering wheel controls and don't offer any further CAN-Bus integration. If you have a half screen MFD though the benefits of further CAN-Bus integration is limited.

Don't forget the sat nav bonus the map will be better, more up to date and more flexible than VW OEM, and Alpine and Pioneer well there won't be any comparison.

Sat Nav and BT is definitely a bonus. If you want Nav you can not go past these, spend the leftover money on new splits for the doors and an amp to run them through...
Correct, the can-bus functionality of the Connects2 modules is limited to switching and SWI, but with the early golf's you got very little more than that anyway. With the later models and the full height MFD's there is a lot more functianility (ability to select track, source and playlist)

[Mishy]

I'm going to bombard you with a lot of questions. Firstly, what's the bluetooth like? Currently I have a Parrot and it's not bad, but it's pretty quiet with some people. Are you able to install an external mic for the BT?
What unit would you recommend for me?
There's no power draining issues with it? Everything that you need to install is included? I currently have an RCD300.
From what I said before, my issue is that I need a LPF; I'll be able to install an external one easy enough?

Sorry if there's a lot of questions and if they're basic, I just like doing my homework before buying something.

[DkN]

I'm going to bombard you with a lot of questions. Firstly, what's the bluetooth like? Currently I have a Parrot and it's not bad, but it's pretty quiet with some people. Are you able to install an external mic for the BT?
What unit would you recommend for me?
There's no power draining issues with it? Everything that you need to install is included? I currently have an RCD300.
From what I said before, my issue is that I need a LPF; I'll be able to install an external one easy enough?

Sorry if there's a lot of questions and if they're basic, I just like doing my homework before buying something.

I always thought Parrot had good BT. There is no option for an external mic in the ANS units, the built-in mic is good but nothing special. It will sound like you are on speaker, but I haven't really had anyone complain about the sound quality. There is no power drain issue and everything you need is included to get it installed.

Had a quick look at your current amp, the JL XD200/2 can be configured with an LPF, see here:

JL Audio XD200/2 2-Channel Class D Full-Range Amplifier | GPS & Car Sound, Car Amps : JB HI-FI

Upon more thinking, this is something that an amplifier should deal with. Therefore in the line-level outputs for the ANS units the signal should be pure and unadjusted, if LPF is activated it should only be in the built-in amplifier anyway. An external LPF filter should also be available yes, but it looks like your amp is already capable of it.

[Mishy]

The Parrot is good, but the cable that connects to it is getting dodgy and giving me static =/

I'm interested in buying one; what sort of stock do you have? I'd buy within the next 3-4 weeks. I don't know what size I'd be looking at though, any suggestions?

[99_FGT]

Upon more thinking, this is something that an amplifier should deal with. Therefore in the line-level outputs for the ANS units the signal should be pure and unadjusted, if LPF is activated it should only be in the built-in amplifier anyway. An external LPF filter should also be available yes, but it looks like your amp is already capable of it.

Yes, the LPF in the amp will attenuate the higher frequencies so the sub doesn't have to deal with them, but you need a built in HPF (or in line) to attenuate the bass in the door speakers, as this is where most of the distortion comes from (especially when driving them hard)
Frankly, if you like the functionailty of your HU, get a 4 channel amp with line level inputs and HPF/LPF and run from the HU to the amp, and run the sub and front speakers off this.
Al..