Radio Question

**carling650** · 17-05-2011,06:08 PM

Hi Everyone

Ive just upgraded to a Mk6 from a Mk4 and can say I am really enjoying the car, it really is an improvement over the Mk4, anyway, My car has an RCD 310 which is good but I quite fancy installing an RCD 510 if I can get one for a reasonable price.

Im ok with the actual installation of a new radio however my question is if I get a later RCD 510 with DAB, will I have to fit a new aerial for the DAB, if so is this a simple install and where can i get said aerial?

Also will my existing MDI be plug and play?

If anyone has any suggestions i would love to hear them.

Cheers

Craig

**Keithuk** · 17-05-2011,11:48 PM

Welcome to the forum Craig.

The MDI is still compatible.

Have a read and do a search in here Differences between the Volkswagen RCD 210, RCD 310, RNS 310, RCD 510 and the RNS 510

Aerial Information for Volkswagen Golf Mark VI

Just Google about the DAB aerial needed?

Add the site to your favorites as there is loads of useful info in there.

You could add some car spec to your signature as it will save users asking?

**carling650** · 18-05-2011,04:55 PM

Thanks Keith, im still toying with the idea of DAB, does anyone else have it in their car?

Also I have read that the sound quality on the RCD 510 is not as good as the RCD 310, does anyone have any real life use comments?

Signiture updated!

**Keithuk** · 18-05-2011,08:34 PM

These radios have been talked about on other forums.

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=173560.0

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=179133.0

**carling650** · 18-05-2011,09:10 PM

Brilliant, thanks alot for that Keith, it loos like the DAB is going to be a bit of a faff so might stick with a RCD 510 without the DAB module, the other issue now, after reading those threads is is the sound quality worse than an RCD 310!! AHHH haha!!!

**Keithuk** · 19-05-2011,01:04 AM

Well I haven't listened to an RCD510 but my RCD310 isn't that good as regards the quality of sound. I like plenty of treble and bass but the bass booms on full. The price of an RCD510 isn't cheap really at £740.

The thing is if you want DAB you can't have a rear view camera if you decide later.

Rear-view camera and DAB digital radio receiver cannot be specified in conjunction with each other.

I which the sales girl had mentioned the different radios but she was crap at her job. I would have had an RNS510 if I knew at the time.

**AxeMurderer** · 19-05-2011,10:35 PM

Have you considered an aftermarket RNS510 Keith? They are less than your RCD510 price on ebay. I haven't noticed that they sound better than an RCD310 though (our Golf had a 310 originally and has an RNS510 now). I wonder if you should have ordered Dynaudio with your GTD?

**Hughesynights** · 20-05-2011,04:24 PM

Originally Posted by carling650

Thanks Keith, im still toying with the idea of DAB, does anyone else have it in their car?

Also I have read that the sound quality on the RCD 510 is not as good as the RCD 310, does anyone have any real life use comments?

Signiture updated!

Now I have DAB, I really like it. First reason is the audio quality seems better. Secondly, I like to flick between channels, and now I have more to choose from! Especially good if you ever listen to Talk Sport or BBC 5 Live.

As for the sound quality on the RCD510, it is fine for me. I think it's the speakers that limit the quality, not the head unit. In any case, unless you listen to 'acutal' CDs or very high bit rate MP3s, it is more than good enough.