Jump to content

RCD 500 & Soundpack


r88per
 Share

Recommended Posts

I'm now trying to finalise my spec before I order my GTI next week smile.gif.

Just one question though - does anyone know what the difference is between the RCD 500 and the RCD 500 with Soundpack option. Apart from a few hundred £. I have opted for the RCD500 with Soundpack in my quote from Euroimports, however would like to hear anyones opinion on what its like. I've had a look at a couple of GTis in the local dealers but none of them had this specced.

I had the Bose option on my S3 and really missed the sound quality when I bought my Leon Cupra R, hence me putting it on the quotation. Just dont know what you get extra for your money.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

AFAIK the soundpack includes an Amplifier under the passenger seat and an upgrade to all 10 speakers.

I have this combination and it does sound good, although you should expect some vibration from the door pods with certain bass frequencies. Am going to try to get the dealer to sort this (some carefully placed velvet strips should do the job), as rattling does not befit the rest of the setup.

It's also worth mentioning you can adjust bass, mid and treble levels with the RCD500 - have never been able to adjust mid before with any OEM stereo.

A worthwhile upgrade if you intend to use the sound system regularly IMO - the head unit is the cheap part of the system so it's possible to drastically improve the sound again by doing a direct replacement later on.

HTH beerchug.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've been lucky to have had the RCD300 (poor) and now I have the RCD500 with soundpack(slighly better).

In my honest opinion, it's much better than the RCD300, however, I've read on here people putting in aftermarket ICE, which in my opinion will sound much better, and have more functions - MP3!!!

If I was to select again, I'd have neither of the VW options, and install my own ICE, and pocket some change - RCD500 is far too expensive for what it is.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[ QUOTE ]

If I was to select again, I'd have neither of the VW options, and install my own ICE, and pocket some change - RCD500 is far too expensive for what it is.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'd agree with most of this, although I like the way the in-dash CD frees up space in the armrest, and the amp/speaker "soundpack" would be much better with a high-end head unit.

The MK4 system with DSP was a better stock setup, again IMO, I think partly due to the more solid door pod construction & materials.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Soundpack adds 8 channel 250W Analogue amplifier, 2X20W & 6X25W and upgraded speakers.

I have the RCD500 + soundpack and think it's a significant improvement over the standard audio system. Not as good as a previous Audi A4's Bose system (which had a sub IIRC) but has good sound throughout the range.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

After having my RCD300 changed for the RCD500 I can confirm there is a definate difference in quality between these two units. The RCD500 also benefits from having a "mid" adjustment. I'm looking forward to doing some stealth upgrades to the audio now as the RCD500 has pre-outs (so I believe).

Bear in mind that even the RCD500 is a long way from the quality you can expect from a quality aftermarket setup. But for me I want to keep the OEM look and am happy with a bit of compromise, and I'm confident now that I have the RCD500 installed I can improve things considerably (amp, speaker upgrades).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[ QUOTE ]

I'm looking forward to doing some stealth upgrades to the audio now as the RCD500 has pre-outs (so I believe).

[/ QUOTE ]

If you can photo the pinout diagram on the back of the RCD500 i can tell you if it does or not and what to wire to were and were to get the parts from.

wink.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...