Mk5 Golf Head Unit Upgrade - OEM vs ANS vs Alpine

Hi all,
I'm having difficulty deciding on the various options out there, so just looking for some extra input.
I'm keen on upgrading the factory installed RCD300 in my 2007 (MY08) mk5 Golf. I'm aware that there may be power drain issues and require a gateway upgrade + the Red MFD is apparently less compatible with a lot of units in comparison to cars with the White MFD.
I need something that works well out of the box, full BT functionality with iPhone & quality sound. I'm not interested in Navigation or RVC.
With that in mind I'm considering three options:

1. RCD-510 + BT Module. Good integration, slightly better sound quality, seamless fit into dash. However because of the Red MFD I'm told the only compatible BT kit is the hard to find (and expensive) 9W3 unit.

2. ANS/DNS. Lots of features and good value + built in BT. Although reading the forums here it seems like there a still software bugs being ironed out. Radio reception/quality isn't great and BT sound quality isn't the best.

3. Alpine (IVE-W535ABT). Great sound quality, BT included. But requires a custom dash kit, iPhone compatibility is a little questionable and integration with steering controls may be limited compared to options 1 & 2.

So far, I'm leaning towards the Alpine unit - has anyone got/used one of these?

Any advice much appreciated!

Zenec


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Originally Posted by Barbaros

Zenec


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They look great, but a little pricey. Trying to keep total cost under $1000

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Originally Posted by lincoln

1. RCD-510 + BT Module. Good integration, slightly better sound quality, seamless fit into dash. However because of the Red MFD I'm told the only compatible BT kit is the hard to find (and expensive) 9W3 unit.

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If you have the full height MFD you shouldn't have the power drain issue. The BT is going to be the sticking point, but should be able to get both for under $650. Like this one: VW Bluetooth KIT 7P6035730M - Retrofit - Newest Version

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2. ANS/DNS. Lots of features and good value + built in BT. Although reading the forums here it seems like there a still software bugs being ironed out. Radio reception/quality isn't great and BT sound quality isn't the best.

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You said it

3. Alpine (IVE-W535ABT). Great sound quality, BT included. But requires a custom dash kit, iPhone compatibility is a little questionable and integration with steering controls may be limited compared to options 1 & 2.

So far, I'm leaning towards the Alpine unit - has anyone got/used one of these?

Any advice much appreciated![/QUOTE]
I had an Alpine HU with a connects 2 dash kit and interface, and as I only had the half height MFD I had full steering wheel functionality. Alpine make a very schmick dash kit with power and control interface - but by locally as they can be touchy. Alpine will give you the best of everything IMO, but if you have a full height MFD you will not be able to do much with the steering wheel and MFD.

If you have the full height display in the instrument panel (not a divided display), it is my understanding that is OK for not having the battery drain issue. The canbus can be purchased at a reasonable cost from various sources. It is up to you what way you go. There is the clone units with everything built in which are a good option to get Bluetooth and nav in one unit without extra modules. I have the RNS510 with MDI and Bluetooth interfaces. It also integrates the rear camera.

Is it true that no aftermarket head unit has a dual antenna? Apparently this is required for the best radio reception, yet only VW OEM units have it.


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Originally Posted by lincoln

Is it true that no aftermarket head unit has a dual antenna? Apparently this is required for the best radio reception, yet only VW OEM units have it.


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DNS is the only aftermarket unit with the dual fakra oem antenna connector, all others use an adapter which reduces reception/quality (chinese aftermarket will be worse than euros like zenec/pioneer though).

The reception in my DNS is fine, onpar with the OEM units frankly, BT is also fine. The software is still pretty buggy/far from complete, so its not a ready solution just yet.

If you don't want GPS/RVC, imo just go and get the BT module and RCD and go OEM. Will save a bunch of hassle/fussing with the aftermarket units. Dunno why you wouldn't want GPS though, it's such an awesome feature, no need to have silly GPS units hanging off your windscreen etc.

IMO the zenec unit is too expensive, you may as well just go and buy the RNS510.

My 2c.

My android unit only had the one input, plugged one antenna into it and can't tell any difference from the standard FM reception. I understand you can get the combiner plug for this situation from ebay for very little $$$ if worried.

Appreciate the advice guys. I've also spotted this:
VW Bluetooth Premium Kit RNS 510 RCD 510 9WZ â–º Red MFD 9WZ VW BT FIS Link | eBay

Anyone used one of these before?

hey mate, how did you go?

Considering this unit for my MKV (with half-height MFD). Just want to be able to stream Pandora...
Alpine Electronics of Australia

Got a rough price of $900 installed