[VW_GTi]

My GTi requires some serious input of decent SQ - as the RCD500 is pants in there.

So I am thinking of either a Pioneer 991HVT setup as seen here -
http://www.pioneer-eur.com/eur/product_detail.jsp?product_id=10472&taxonomy_id=25-111

or Alpine IVA-D310R/RB with NVE-N099P -
http://www.alpine-europe.com/content/english/k87.Navigation-Systems_Alpine-leads-the-way--Alpine-Navigation-Systems.htm
+
http://www.alpine-europe.com/content/english/k14.Mobile-Media-Stations_New-dimensions-in-control-and-convenience-Music-for-your-eyes-Mobile-Media-Stations.htm

What do u guys think?

 

[SteveTDCi]

If it was my money, I'd go for the Alpine, Its a great package and is (apparently) very easy to use. The pulse touch screen being one of the best. I think price for them 2 units would be about ?1500. Another alternative to the Pioneer unit would be ...

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=4307&cadid=a32581358a7deff876b7fae49b9e6e4a

Its cheaper and has everything you need in one unit.

If money is no object then the Alpine would get my vote. Are you upgrading the rest of the system ?

 

[VW_GTi]

Thanks Steve - the only problem with the Pioneer X1R is that you have
to keep on taking the satnav dvd in and out when planning routes,
something I would prefer to avoid.

I am just off to a car audio centre to see if I can check the Pioneer
and Alpine out in real life. Ive had an Alpine (9815) before and it was
immense.

Any other opinions would also be appreciated - especially if u have one of these units fitted!

 

[SteveTDCi]

I've got the Alpine 9855 I decided that if I went Sat Nav I'd go for the TOM TOM or something, its just that I have 3 different cars. Halford stock the Pioneer and Alpine units although they are very expensive, but at least you can play with them. With the AVIX all you need to do is add a CD changer, www.cel-direct.com do a package for ?1200. I don't think any Pioneer units are MP3 compatible though. Although you could buy the Ipod interface for both units.

Go to www.talkaudio.co.uk and do a search on both units. I think you will find the Alpine comes out best.

 

[VW_GTi]

Just went to my local car audio dealer:

He suggested that the Alpine is the one to go for, although there isnt much in it:

Alpine IVA-D310R/RB with NVE-N099P

Lanzar speakers at the Front

Lanzar Amp in the back (vibe 210)

Fitting including Can Bus lead (???250)

All for ?2700

Do you think this is a fair price?

 

[SteveTDCi]

The HU is ?880 from CAD, I'll find a price on the DVD drive...

Or..

You can the 2 as a package ...

http://digitalsounddirect.co.uk/shop/product/products_id/1826.html

So thats ?1600

You will need some bits to install it with, Facia, Areial adaptor and Can Bus adaptor (for speed pulse sensor)

bits like this

http://www.bluespot.co.uk/install/vw.asp

Don't worry you can find them cheaper

also try

www.incartech.co.uk

Lanzar .... Id keep away from, you could get better, A decent set of speakers such as the Rainbows I'm arrangeing the group buy on (?170) and a decent amp (?200)

Do you intend to run a sub ?

 

[SteveTDCi]

don't forget ebay

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Alpine-IVAD310R-Touch-Screen-DVD-DVD-Navigation-System_W0QQitemZ5802211677QQcategoryZ32826QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[VW_GTi]

Thanks Steve - that gives me much insight.

Which rainbows are u doing the group buy on, are they just a set of two or for the entire car?

So really I shouldnt be paying more than ?2200 in total for that.

EDIT - just seen ur thread - going to order some 3 ways for the front
and 2 ways for the back. Any news on how easy they are to install?

 

[SteveTDCi]

They should be straight forward as they are designed for the Golf. I'll find out if the 2 ways fit the rear although you would be better off spending the money else where. You need all the sound to come from the front.

 

[VW_GTi]

Ill defo get a set for the front and the rear (if they fit). I know
that most of the sound should come from the front but it will be a 5.1
surround setup and some decent surround goes a long way.

This is what I have specced up so far:

The total price was quoted by caraudiodiscount i.e the ?2700 (Birmingham branch)...http://www.lanzar.co.uk/

From what I can tell I would be better off doing this:

Alpine IVA-D310R/RB with NVE-N099P - ?1600 (http://digitalsounddirect.co.uk/sho...ts_id/1826.html)

Rainbow 3 way components front - ?171 (http://car.rainbow-audio.de/product...=2&pro=1&lin=12)

Rainbow 2 way components back - ?81 (http://car.rainbow-audio.de/product...=2&pro=1&lin=12)

Can Bus Lead - ?89.99 (http://www.bluespot.co.uk/install/vw.asp)

Fascia adaptor - ?35

iPod Adaptor KCA-420i - ?70 (http://digitalsounddirect.co.uk/sho...ts_id/1698.html)

Amplifier - ?? Rainbow apparently recommend at least a 2x75watt RMS Amp for the speakers

Fitting charge - ??

Total: ?2047 + amp + fitting (but that also includes the ipod adaptor - something not included in the ?2700 I was quoted)!

 

[SteveTDCi]

I don't think the Alpine HU does 5.1, If you download the Alpine brochure you will see what you need. Also If you intend on spending that amount of money I'd email the guys at Car audio direct, you might eben get some discount. Also check with bluespot to make sure that adaptor works.

 

[VW_GTi]

Ur quite right Steve no 5.1 - unlike the Pioneer. Oh well, it would
have been nice but I am sure the SQ is amazing from the Alpine as is.

 

[SteveTDCi]

You can buy an Alpine Theatre amp that will run 4 speakers, then you need to buy the small amp with centre speaker and finally another amp to run the sub. It all depends on money and boot space []

 

[VW_GTi]

Thanks Steve. Yeah I've got the full Alpine brochure here. Not entirely
sure whether I need a 5.1 setup, though it would be nice, boot space is
key!

 

[silentandy]

Just wondered, if you upgrade the speakers (e.g. Rainbows) and amp them, do you need to rewire them or will the existing speaker cables be ok?

 

[SteveTDCi]

Ideally run new wires, although unless you are really aiming for the highest SQ then it probably won't matter too much. I think I'll re-wire mine to save cutting into the standard loom.

 

[gixer_1000]

I have the IVA D300R and the NVE NO99P installed in my car and I cant fault them in any area. The nav operation is very fast and never makes mistakes or suggest a bad route, unlike my old OEM nav unit! cant fault the touch screen or SQ of the head unit either, very impressive. Just waiting to install the digital theatre amp I have bought and all will be complete!

 

[VW_GTi]

I have the IVA D300R and the NVE NO99P
installed in my car and I cant fault them in any area. The nav
operation is very fast and never makes mistakes or suggest a bad route,
unlike my old OEM nav unit! cant fault the touch screen or SQ of the
head unit either, very impressive. Just waiting to install the digital
theatre amp I have bought and all will be complete!

Thanks for the input - thats very helpful!

Aye I am thinking of getting the digital 5.1 theatre amp - but it is a
very expensive piece of kit. If u dont mind me asking how much did u
pay for it?

 

[VW_GTi]

Hmm, the more I think theworst the situation gets.

Now I am thinking of doing the following:

VW MFD2 - The latest one with DVD - ?1294 http://www.autosound24.de/pd-422184...m?categoryId=20

VW DVD Software - ?136 http://www.autosound24.de/pd-149966...m?categoryId=23

VW IPOD Adaptor - ?81 http://www.conexx-video.de/SHOP/pd-1715691237.htm?defaultVariants={EOL}&categoryId=150

Alpine Digital Theatre AMP - ?570

http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/2857.html

Misc - GPS antenna etc - ?100

Subwoofer and box - ?300

Rainbow 3 way components front - ?171

Total: ?2652

1. How do u think this will sound with the v.expensive Alpine amp?

2. Would you recommend a better amp for that price?

3. This will give me Satnav, DVD, MP3, OEM look. Obviously it wont
sound as good as the Alpine would, but do you think it will sound good
enough?

4. Will I need amything else? Is the antenna for GPS pre-fitted to the 2006 spec models(i.e. beesting will do?)?

 

[SteveTDCi]

If I was going to pay ?2600 I'd go for the Alpine.