After market audio upgrades for the Tig

[Sharkie]

2 x RCD510 6CD units available for $500 incl postage .....

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=35857&page=2

Its a very good upgrade for those with RCD310s ...... much cheaper than the factory optional upgrades ....

[clip]

WARNING - this may cause distress to some viewers

Well, after the unfortunate demise of my last head unit (that had more to do with my brother-in-law than anything else), I had to replace my AVC9000.

I came very close to biting the bullet and going for an RNS510. Problem is that, forgetting price for a moment (and the implications of you get what you pay for) it still didn't give me the functions that I wanted e.g. bluetooth connectivity. But it did have a good display and a hard drive. The display was a big point as the 9000 wasn't crash hot in that respect, especially in bright conditions. Anyway, I contacted Auspack and spoke to Rob and ended up the next day with an avc9000-1.

First up, have to give big kudos to Rob at Auspack. He's up front, helpful and service is fantastic (ordered it pm in Melbourne, delivered am in Mooloolaba next day!).

So, to the unit:
~ Looks great, courtesy of a bit of high gloss black plastic and chrome.
~ Plugged straight in, fired straight up.
~ NAV is very quick to start (faster processor than the other?, and that was no slouch!)
~ GUI, while not as interesting visually, is so much better practically
~ reverse camera mutes the audio (which I missed from the old OEM unit as I still like to hear the beeps)
~ Unlike the last unit, when using USB or SD card for audio playback, after switch off and switch on, it starts playing from last point again.
~ mute button that mutes the NAV audio (this is great!!)

BUT, and here's the killer, there are three significant things that have blown me away.

First, and most importantly, the audio quality is particularly impressive. This is better than the OEM unit and the 9000 unit. I know my German Maestros (and I know Dynaudios too - have them at home), and they respond dramatically to better signals. When I slotted in a real CD, I was very relieved, and very pleased. For those that love music and are particular about audio reproduction, I wish I could audition it for you. It's sounding very impressive (how they achieve this for the price I don't know).

Secondly, the new screen on this unit is awesome. Resolution is up and I reckon daytime visibility is now equal to the RNS. The difference is dramatic.

Thirdly, it is fully integrated with steering wheel controls (both sides!) and interfaces with the MFD. While the MFD is not a biggy for me (do I really need another place to see what radio station I'm tuned to?), but the use of the right hand steering wheel controls is great to have back.

There are plenty of other bits that have impressed me with this unit too. So all up, very impressed. Value for money? unquestionable. Will it survive the duration? I'm betting it will.

[suparockin]

Let us know if you have any issues with the cars battery, aparently some peoples non-OEM headunits are draining their battery if left idle for a long time.

Other than that it sounds like a great unit!

[clip]

Let us know if you have any issues with the cars battery, aparently some peoples non-OEM headunits are draining their battery if left idle for a long time

I'm monitoring this at moment. Rob is very particular about this and has a fix should it happen. Mind you, after all the drama and talk about this problem, he says that out of all the units he's sold, he's actually only had a couple that have caused the battery drain problem. S it's not a given that you will have the problem. BTW, I didn't have it with the avc9000.

Just checked my voltage from 6pm last night (12.69v) to 8am this morning (12.38v). A drop 0.31 volts. Considering it was only 5 minutes after stopping the car when I checked it last night and the car/battery was still hot, I would expect at least that drop. So at this stage I'm not thinking I have a problem.

[Transporter]

I'm monitoring this at moment. Rob is very particular about this and has a fix should it happen. Mind you, after all the drama and talk about this problem, he says that out of all the units he's sold, he's actually only had a couple that have caused the battery drain problem. S it's not a given that you will have the problem. BTW, I didn't have it with the avc9000.

Just checked my voltage from 6pm last night (12.69v) to 8am this morning (12.38v). A drop 0.31 volts. Considering it was only 5 minutes after stopping the car when I checked it last night and the car/battery was still hot, I would expect at least that drop. So at this stage I'm not thinking I have a problem.

Hi Clip,
12.38V drop is no good.

See this:

Battery state of charge test:
1. Turn the ignition to OFF position
2. Turn the head lights ON for 30 seconds to dissipate the surface charge. (this step is very important)
3. Turn the lights and accessories OFF

Battery voltage:
12.6V or above fully charged
12.4V – 12.5V 50 – 70 % charged
Under 12.3V needs charging

Test should be done at 25 deg.C if outside temperature is well over 30 deg.C repeat test when the weather cools down a bit.

[Transporter]

Secondly, the new screen on this unit is awesome. Resolution is up and I reckon daytime visibility is now equal to the RNS. The difference is dramatic.

For everyone considering the unit and worried about the screen I just found out from Rob that:

The AVC 9000-1 has been upgraded with a digital TFT screen and offers the user a better image in all light conditions. So to answer your question the AVC9000-1 is much better in terms of screen image quality than the Gen V model, which has an analogue display.

So, the daytime visibility shouldn't be an issue anymore.

[clip]

Battery voltage:
12.6V or above fully charged
12.4V – 12.5V 50 – 70 % charged
Under 12.3V needs charging

Thanks Transporter, much appreciated.

It's currently reading 12.75. I'll be checking it again tomorrow morning.

[suparockin]

Current plan for audio upgrade -

Everything Dynamat'ed (sound deadening all round).

Fronts - Focal 6.5" splits

http://www.focal-fr.com/catalogue-docs/EN/14/files/2235.pdf

Rears - leaving stock

Amplifier - Audison Srx 3

http://www.audison.eu/index_main.php?Section=SRX3

Sub - Focal 30A1-DB

http://www.focalaustralia.com.au/pdfs/acc_30A1-DB%20flier.pdf

Am guessing I might need a second battery, construct a sealed custom box in one side of the boot for the sub plus all the wiring etc.

Am hoping it all can be done for less than $2500, no idea if that's realistic yet am waiting till I get my Tig and bring it down to Marty @ FHRX.

Only other idea is to get another two channels and run some splits in the rear as well, I know most people do without new speakers in the back as most of the time you're in the car by yourself but previously I've found putting something decent back there gives the car a more 'full' sound?

Ideas? Suggestions? Comments?

[Pullstarter]

You shouldn't need an extra battery, my set up has almost the same specs and no issues with power at all.

If you want more channels you could try one of these;

http://www.hifonicsusa.com/Hifonics_OEM_Integration_MX1.html

Especially designed for OEM integration. Not the cheapest around but apparently the bomb

[suparockin]

Re: After market audio upgrades for the Tig

Ok been to see Marty @ FHRX, organised the following -

Diamond Audio 6.5" splits
Audison Bit1 processor
Diamond Audio D3 12" sub
Sealed box for the sub
Arc audio 4 channel amplifier
Dynamat x 5

It's not cheap and not even roughly in budget but what the heck, all organised now so no way of backing out now!

[Tensixty6]

Thanks Transporter, much appreciated.

It's currently reading 12.75. I'll be checking it again tomorrow morning.

It's been approx. 2 weeks since your last report on the AVC 9000-1....how is it going? Any battery issues or other problems?

I'd love to buy this unit, but, since it appears to be based on the "problem ridden" Waywell WD6050, I'm loathe to take the risk. I sent an email to Rob last week, asking his opinion, but got no reply, which is disappointing.

[suparockin]

Ok been to see Marty @ FHRX, organised the following -

Diamond Audio 6.5" splits
Audison Bit1 processor
Diamond Audio D3 12" sub
Sealed box for the sub
Arc audio 4 channel amplifier
Dynamat x 5

It's not cheap and not even roughly in budget but what the heck, all organised now so no way of backing out now!

Bah just decided to add a monoblock amp to power the sub, freeing up the other Arc amp to be bridged for the fronts.

That budget really went out the window.

[Pullstarter]

Bah just decided to add a monoblock amp to power the sub, freeing up the other Arc amp to be bridged for the fronts.

That budget really went out the window.

Cha-ching $$$!!!

[clip]

It's been approx. 2 weeks since your last report on the AVC 9000-1....how is it going? Any battery issues or other problems

As posted before, my voltage did drop, but evidently nothing like others have experienced when fitting either aftermarket units or retrofitting RNS510's. It seems to be very much the luck of the draw, and no consistency between same models - some do it, some don't. Regardless though, after speaking with Auspack, they have happily and readily (overnight service) supplied the alternate harness.

As for other problems, haven't had any so far.

Things that I prefer over the others are blue tooth with access to my contacts/phone book. The MFD integration (and to be honest although I said at the beginning that that wasn't a biggy, I do actually look there now more than at the unit - it's great at night when I turn off the unit display, I've still got the info on the MFD).

But again, as I said before, the biggest thing - over all the others that I've heard - is the sound quality. It is better, and interestingly, it sounds much, much better playing MP3's. I don't know if they are using a different chip for the decoding, but it's significantly better than 9000.

It also has a SUB out plus comprehensive audio customisation beyond just the normal EQ.

How long will it last though - a week, a year, ten years? Anyone's guess I'm thinking.

[suparockin]

Cha-ching $$$!!!

Yup, I think I can afford a case of beer with the change from $5k but it should deliver some quality sound.