Stereo & speaker overhaul - a few questions!

RICKY D · #1 28th June 2015, 07:15 PM

Afternoon all,

I want to remove the RNS D and Bose system from my 2002 S8 and replace it with something better. Ive installed full on sound systems back in the day for my mates and myself but this was on mk2 and mk3 golfs - the D2's seem far more complicated. I've done a little research on here and I understand there will be a few hurdles.

The plan is to replace the head unit with a newer aftermarket one with Sat Nav capability. Modifying an A6 fascia seems to be the first thing to sort out but, will an aftermarket Sat Nav system work ok with the existing receiver on the boot?

As I've got the Bose system I understand the system is fully amped already. I want to remove all this and replace the speakers with a component set front and rear and have them running off an amp. Will removing any of this throw up any issues with software/CANBUS elsewhere?

Finally there is a phone in my S8 and a horrible antenna on the nears side rear quarter. My last A8 didn't have this but did have the same Bose setup. Can I presume this is for the phone and removing won't interfere with the radio antenna? Where is the radio antenna on a D2 anyway????

Any advice appreciated.

Cheers
Rich

HPsauce · #2 28th June 2015, 07:22 PM

I'm not sure many people here will recommend any of that, other than just maybe replacing the RNS-D with an RNS-E.

Radio (and TV) antennae are usually in/around the rear window, but just disconnect the whip aerial in the boot and see what difference it makes.

andycaca · #3 29th June 2015, 07:04 AM

the whip antenna is for the phone kit
as mentioned, the tv/radio aerials are in the rear screen.

i upgraded from RNS-D to RNS-E (car already has bose) and its brilliant. i really doubt you will be able to improve on the setup by chucking generic aftermarket gear at it, but each to his own...

RICKY D · #4 29th June 2015, 09:15 AM

Thanks for the pointers and feedback - especially regarding the telephone mast

I haven't fully discounted the RNS E - I like the fact it looks more factory than an aftermarket unit, but doesn't have RCA outputs and I'm not a fan of speaker to RCA converters for the eventual sub-woofer that will follow.

This is the second D2 I've had with Bose and I just don't rate them....they're OK, maybe they were considered great 10+ years ago, but that's just my take on them. My old A6 Avant had an Audi concert unit which wiped the floor with the BOSE system in the A8/S8.....it actually had base too

HPsauce · #5 29th June 2015, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RICKY D

My old A6 Avant had an Audi concert unit which wiped the floor with the BOSE system in the A8/S8.....it actually had base too

Are you sure you don't have a fault or blown fuse, or an incorrect setting in the RNS-D unit?

RICKY D · #6 29th June 2015, 11:26 AM

100% working correctly.

I initially thought my Bose setup in my old 2.8 was faulty because everyone raved about how good it was. It was ok but not as brilliant as everyone had made out. Maybe my expectations were too high?

The S8 is exactly the same as the A8 in terms of sound.

HPsauce · #7 29th June 2015, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RICKY D

The S8 is exactly the same as the A8 in terms of sound.

If both had Bose they will be.

Sadly my first S8 had Bose, the current one doesn't.

Titan · #8 9th July 2015, 07:03 PM

Totally agree with your A6 Concert comments. Amazed that my old C5 model A6 avant with the basic Concert system is so much better than RNS-D with Bose. Not heard the RNS-E upgrade but only read good things so did consider it but reluctant to spend the money though when I don't use Satnav etc. Just listen to music.
I assume its the head unit that's pants and not the speakers? If only you could stretch a Concert into an RNS-D space........ it would be much cheaper as well!

IT · #9 24th July 2015, 11:22 PM

I do agree the RNS-D was always a bit underwhelming audio wise. The RNS-E is a bit better, but the dedicated audio units always come out on top.

I've seen far too many D2's that have been 'improved' by hacking away at the factory audio and making it 'better' - They have all failed miserably. Alternator whine seems to be a big issue, and to be honest so is sound quality. Then there's usually a nasty Halfords aftermarket feel to it all too.

Even though I'm a purist, I do agree the D2 bose setup is dated by todays standards now, so if you pull it off, it would be good to see a D2 with some decent ice in it.