Is it worth upgrading to a RCD310

[Tony_Essex]

I have a standard RCD300 in my 06 passat, and the sound quality is really begining to irritate me. I am not looking for a system with a huge subwoofer, I am simply wanting something that can do a reasonable job for listening to the Radio and CDs, which the RCD300 plainly can't do. The system sounds like the amplifier doesnt have the power to drive the speakers properly.

The RCD 310 is an option, as it will maintain the standard vw look in the cabin... sorry again no desire for a light show on my dashboard (god I sound old and boring) Anyway, I understand that the 310 has a better amplifier, but is it actually a significant improvement over the 300? Does anyone have any experience of the difference between the two head units and could make some objective comments.

Thanks

[james_tiger_woo]

I've had a Passat and now on a Golf so I've had both.

I can honestly say that I don't believe that you'll get the sound improvement you're looking for by going to an RCD310. You'll be able to play MP3s on a CD and you'll probably be able to get it working easier with an iPod but will it drive the speakers better? No, I sincerely doubt it.

I'm no "modder" or "tuner" but I got rid of the RCD300 (and an RCD310 in the Golf) as I didn't like the sounds that the OEM stereo gave. I'm no fan of a light show either and although it's a long way from looking OEM, what I have (and had in the Passat) wasn't/isn't a big, garish, lightshow.

What you could always consider is a non-OEM touch screen stereo as you'll probably get the sound improvement without something that you don't like the look of.

To give you an idea, this is what I did:

Passat before:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_dhNvt8h5OeE/SDhGW69qCHI/AAAAAAAABKI/OErjmPZLHzk/s800/SL740135.JPG

Passat after:

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_dhNvt8h5OeE/SDhHAK9qCNI/AAAAAAAABK4/Wrdx9JVLX7g/s800/SL740142.JPG

Golf before:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_dhNvt8h5OeE/SeznvVZatiI/AAAAAAAAB9M/rP9A-BjrcVk/s800/DSC_2161.jpg

Golf after:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_dhNvt8h5OeE/Sf_nErc7NtI/AAAAAAAACCM/qIaD6amGzpg/s800/05052009314.jpg

As you can see, I'm not lightshow fan - the Radio 2 shot there is genuine - I have, now, actually more switched to Radio 4. How old and boring does that sound?!?!

[Tony_Essex]

Many thanks...yes I suspected that the amplifier improvement would be minor, so it doesnt sound like the 310 is the right option for me...

If I was to fit an alternative double din stereo, what parts would I need? Also if you dont mind me asking what is the model of clarion you have fitted?

Thanks again

Tony

[james_tiger_woo]

This should cover your questions - it's a thread that covers what I bought to fit the stereo and how I did it:

http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=38059

It is, by the way, a Clarion - model DUZ388RMP - I'm not sure if Clarion do it any more either, but you can get it here - http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/clarion-duz388rmp.html

ETA - I don't think it does cover what you need... You'll need - a FAKRA (ariel) adapter, a CAN BUS adapter (don't get the cheaper convertor) and the fascia kit.

Another link that may help: http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=70838

[Tony_Essex]

Many thanks for all the information!...:beerchug:

I think I'll take a good look around at he available head units.....and then give it a go

[kodkod.84]

I like the look of the Clarion unit- and it even has white mono display like the DIS on the Golf which makes it fit in more :)

[james_tiger_woo]

The nice thing with the Clarion is that it's got "256" colour options which means I can blend it in with the Passat or the Golf's interior:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_dhNvt8h5OeE/SEOvt69qCUI/AAAAAAAABMU/pV7rk3aeQ6U/s800/SL740153.JPG

Or white (as you can see above) - Or green, pink, etc....