Recommend me an RCD300 replacement

**GarJE** · 08-10-2008,12:15 AM

that I can plug an Ipod directly into and looks OEM.

Looking to change the unit (due to rubbish sound) soon, but want to keep the OEM look.

Cheers!

**CMcK** · 08-10-2008,05:17 PM

You could buy a RCD 500, uprate the speakers and buy a Dension (or similar) iPod adaptor.

The standard car speakers will probably be the weakest link anyway. It might be advisable for you to do the speakers first then buy the iPod adaptor which will probably fit both the 300 and 500 series headunits.

I'm waiting on my Golf arriving but when it does the RCD 300 is getting whipped out and replaced by this:

It's a Pioneer AVIC-F700BT - http://www.pioneer.co.uk/uk/products...0BT/index.html

I also intend to upgrade the speakers as well. Doesn't look totally factory fit but it's not bad at all.

**GDEvans** · 08-10-2008,10:22 PM

As far as I'm aware the only difference between the RCD300 and RCD500 is the in dash multichanger. So upgrading to it won't improve the sound.

New speakers are definitely the first step. I've done a How To guide on this: https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...ad.php?t=49024

None of the older VW head units will display ipod tracks and artists. I'm not sure about the new ones, but they are ridiculously expensive! Another How To guide - I fitted an ipod cradle on my dash and hooked it up to my RCD300. https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...ad.php?t=47283

I think the only way you will really improve the sound is to move away from the VW headunits which don't match so well and attract the scumbags that sell them in the pub for a tenner! I'm sticking with the RCD300 for the time being - work well now I've upgraded the speakers, added the ipod cradle and also a hands free kit.

**CMcK** · 08-10-2008,11:45 PM

Which speakers did you use for the upgrade? And how many did your car have to start with?

Personally I think the RCD300 isn't too bad but I suspect the speakers are the weak spot in the car. How much of a difference did the new speakers make?

**GDEvans** · 09-10-2008,07:01 PM

I had 3 speakers in each front door and 2 in each rear door. Upgraded the front speakers to some old Pioneer 2 way component speakers that I've had for quite a while. I may buy some better ones as I think they are a bit worn out - they have had a lot of use in about 4 cars!

The RCD300 gets quite a lot of bad press by I don't think it's that bad. All of the VW head units are way overpriced for what they are though.

The speakers make quite a big difference. Personally I wouldn't spend a fortune on in car audio since you are compromised by speaker positioning and all the other engine, road and traffic noise. That's why I'm happy using better quality MP3s on my ipod, whereas an MP3 wouldn't get within 5m of my home hifi!!!

**GarJE** · 09-10-2008,10:59 PM

Originally Posted by CMcK

You could buy a RCD 500, uprate the speakers and buy a Dension (or similar) iPod adaptor.

The standard car speakers will probably be the weakest link anyway. It might be advisable for you to do the speakers first then buy the iPod adaptor which will probably fit both the 300 and 500 series headunits.

I'm waiting on my Golf arriving but when it does the RCD 300 is getting whipped out and replaced by this:

It's a Pioneer AVIC-F700BT - http://www.pioneer.co.uk/uk/products...0BT/index.html

I also intend to upgrade the speakers as well. Doesn't look totally factory fit but it's not bad at all.

Does no-one do right-hand drive models of head units? It does my head in having to reach across all the time.

Nice H/U BTW. Although I'm not after a nav unit.

**CMcK** · 13-10-2008,10:23 AM

Originally Posted by GDEvans

I had 3 speakers in each front door and 2 in each rear door. Upgraded the front speakers to some old Pioneer 2 way component speakers that I've had for quite a while. I may buy some better ones as I think they are a bit worn out - they have had a lot of use in about 4 cars!

The RCD300 gets quite a lot of bad press by I don't think it's that bad. All of the VW head units are way overpriced for what they are though.

The speakers make quite a big difference. Personally I wouldn't spend a fortune on in car audio since you are compromised by speaker positioning and all the other engine, road and traffic noise. That's why I'm happy using better quality MP3s on my ipod, whereas an MP3 wouldn't get within 5m of my home hifi!!!

I'm one fussy beggar when it comes to music even in the car. All my tunes are encoded in the Apple Lossless format and I've always uprated the speakers in my cars. The Nakamichi head unit I installed in my Mk 2 Golf was worth almost as much as the car!
My Boxster has the full Bose kit which actually sounds pretty good albeit with slightly flabby bass. It would be great to get similar quality in our mk 5.

Having spent 9 hours on the M6 this weekend it's painfully clear how poor the RCD300 is.

**GDEvans** · 13-10-2008,06:47 PM

The Bose car systems seem to get pretty good press - but I wouldn't allow Bose inside my house! Certainly not what I consider to be hi-fi!!!

Do you still have the original speakers? They are the weakest link. The RCD300 is certainly better than the headunit supplied with my last car - Ford Focus.

**CMcK** · 14-10-2008,09:21 AM

I wouldn't have a Bose system in the house either. Hi-fi for the house should be British anyway.

The Golf GT we have just now is a courtesy car until our mk V estate arrives.= so I can't make any mods until then. The GT has the eight speaker set up which is the same as the estate. This uprgrade is going to get costly.

**GarJE** · 19-10-2008,12:38 AM

Just ordered a pioneer unit. It's not got nav, but it's got bluetooth/phone handfree and full ipod/USB stick control.

Should suit my needs perfectly. Cheers for the help. Will post up some photos of it once it's in. Wasn't cheap to order though. Came to £350 including all the adaptors and delivery.