rcd310 vs rcd510 sound quality etc

[jcb]

I am trying to work out if an RCD310 with MDI is a better option (and cheaper) than going for the RCD510 with a large SD card. can anyone advise on the following please

1) how does the sound quality of the two units compare ?
2) does the MDI work with a non-powered USB stick and what is the max capacity ?
3) does the rcd510 accept SDHC cards of 16GB ?
4) if i am not going to go with the reverse camera what is the advantage of the RCD510 other than the touch screen (i dont spend huge amounts of time in my car and often listen to the radio
5) how well does the navigation of folders/tracks work with the MDI on a rcd310 (i know it works really well on the 510 as i have an RNS510 in my current skoda.

I am trying to keep the cost of the options list down and dont want to over spec the car as you dont get it back when you sell it however i dont want to have to live with an inferior system for a few years. I am thinking maybe starting with the standard fit 310 (SE model) with MDI and then upgrading in the future to 510 from fleabay if i feel the need.

you advice and experience would be most welcomed.
cheers

[p3asa]

1) not sure as I have only heard the RCD510 which is fantastic sounding. I'm sure I have read from folk that have upgraded from the 310 to the 510 that the sound was better but it was just the odd post and just a subjective view point, otherwise loads of folk would be saying the same.
2) you can plug hard drives into the mdi of any size apparently. I've read of folk using 500Gb
3) 32Gb SDHC but folk report it takes ages for the head unit to access that size of card.
4) 6 disc CD player. Does the 310 have a SD card I can't remember? Better looking display.
5) not sure

Are you trading in the Skoda? You could just swap over the headunits.

[james_tiger_woo]

1. Can't comment
2. Yes - I don't think there's a max
3. Can't comment
4. The 510 looks nicer
5. Pretty well as I've tried it with the 310

I've said this before but the standard speakers in the Golf are pretty good, but the 310 doesn't seem to have a decent built in amp to power it which is a consideration.

I considered a 510, but it was an expensive upgrade for, what I felt, was little benefit - I did, however, change to a non standard stereo that gives me all the benefits of a 510 for a lot less money. However, I can't retrofit a camera as my stereo doesn't have the screen, but I'm not too bothered about even contemplating that anyway.

Go to a dealer and try them both and decide from there.

As you're in Lincoln - I'd be more than willing to demo my stereo to you if you like as I'm up the road in Brigg

[DaveB666]

james can you post details of your clarion head unit please?

[james_tiger_woo]

Can do - it's a Clarion DUZ388RMP - http://www.clarion.com/gb/en/product...387306400.html

* CD-R/RW ready
* MP3, WMA and iTunes® AAC compatible with ID3-TAG display
* Rear USB connector
* WMDRM 10 playback via supported MTP device
* 18 FM, 6 MW/LW station presets
* iPod® control via USB
* Z-Enhancer Plus sound customisation
* MAGNA BASS EX dynamic bass enhancement
* 4-channel × 50 watts
* 728-variable colour display and Illuminated keys
* High visibility 2-line display with Screensavers
* Rotary volume control
* Phone mute
* CeNET control of Bluetooth interface adaptor ready for hands-free calls and 6 disc CD Changer
* Front AUX input
* 4-channel audio pre-out
* OEM steering wheel remote wired interface capability

[DaveB666]

Christ thats a lot of unit for £150!

Are the CAN interface and dash surround extra?

[james_tiger_woo]

Christ thats a lot of unit for £150!

Are the CAN interface and dash surround extra?

Yes and yes

https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...ad.php?t=68897

https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...ad.php?t=38059

About covers it - It'd probably be cheaper now by now....

[DaveB666]

Thanks James, I'll definately take a look at this.

[percymon]

1) how does the sound quality of the two units compare ? - Probably not a lot in it, givent hey are both Blaupunkt units and they use the same speakers

4) if i am not going to go with the reverse camera what is the advantage of the RCD510 other than the touch screen (i dont spend huge amounts of time in my car and often listen to the radio. The touch screen shows loads of fingerprints, i'd be forever cleaning it, and the 6CD changer function is so old hat these days.


5) how well does the navigation of folders/tracks work with the MDI on a rcd310 (i know it works really well on the 510 as i have an RNS510 in my current skoda. As P3ASA already stated, take the sat nav unit from your Skoda assuming its a compatible firmware

[jcb]

1) how does the sound quality of the two units compare ? - Probably not a lot in it, givent hey are both Blaupunkt units and they use the same speakers

4) if i am not going to go with the reverse camera what is the advantage of the RCD510 other than the touch screen (i dont spend huge amounts of time in my car and often listen to the radio. The touch screen shows loads of fingerprints, i'd be forever cleaning it, and the 6CD changer function is so old hat these days.


5) how well does the navigation of folders/tracks work with the MDI on a rcd310 (i know it works really well on the 510 as i have an RNS510 in my current skoda. As P3ASA already stated, take the sat nav unit from your Skoda assuming its a compatible firmware

as i am selling the skoda and as the "columbus" unit (RNS510) is standard fitment on the elegance model then I need to leave it in place.
I will investigate the clarion unit i think.