Who here runs an aftermarket Double Din Stero Receiver? And what are your thoughts?

[Iamdoinitrite]

As my eBay cart continues to grow with future purchases, I figured I would select a new receiver seeing as how I like to use my phone to play music. Not too soon after starting my search I found that most (if not, all) double dins require a kit (not an issue). I have seen people running the RNS-E in the C5, which was stock in later years IIRC. So whoever runs an aftermarket double din I would like to know your thoughts, reccomendations, pros, and cons. Thanks!

[vlangs]

rns-e doesn't require a kit as it's the same size as the symphony ii (which i assume you have)

if you want an aftermarket kit then there's a couple companies that make em, I personally prefer a stock look.

Also there are some chinese companies that make android head units that look like RNS-Es, I've heard some good things about those (in other makes but it's the same computer different faceplate) and if you have a hotspot on your phone or something it'd be pretty trick getting youtube and google play and apple music and spotify and the like on there like that

[BStim]

I picked up a double din kit from crutchfield.com and installed it into my 03 A6 C5. Install was kind of a pain as they messed up and sent me the wrong stuff, but their customer service is outstanding. They made it right and walked me through the install when I was bashing my head against the dash from frustration. I was looking at a Sony, but went with a Jensen as it was about half the price and offered everything I needed. Ive got the car taken apart right now to fix the engine, but once it is up I will post some photos. Ive bought a bunch of stuff from crutchfield and never had any issues they couldnt fix. Great company in my opinion, but that is just based off my own experiences.

[heartmys4]

I have a Pioneer AVH-X3600BHS in my Allroad. Installation wasn't really that difficult. I used a Scosche dash kit, and I think it fits pretty well in the dash.

[1thenaton1]

I have a pioneer kit (avh 2500bt) from the PO and the radio reception blows. Quite nice to have the bluetooth but if you listen to the radio often you may not be annoyed

[Iamdoinitrite]

rns-e doesn't require a kit as it's the same size as the symphony ii (which i assume you have)

if you want an aftermarket kit then there's a couple companies that make em, I personally prefer a stock look.

Also there are some chinese companies that make android head units that look like RNS-Es, I've heard some good things about those (in other makes but it's the same computer different faceplate) and if you have a hotspot on your phone or something it'd be pretty trick getting youtube and google play and apple music and spotify and the like on there like that

I picked up a double din kit from crutchfield.com and installed it into my 03 A6 C5. Install was kind of a pain as they messed up and sent me the wrong stuff, but their customer service is outstanding. They made it right and walked me through the install when I was bashing my head against the dash from frustration. I was looking at a Sony, but went with a Jensen as it was about half the price and offered everything I needed. Ive got the car taken apart right now to fix the engine, but once it is up I will post some photos. Ive bought a bunch of stuff from crutchfield and never had any issues they couldnt fix. Great company in my opinion, but that is just based off my own experiences.

Yes, I'm running the Symphony II. You're right in saying RNS-e doesn't need a kit as it is stock. That being said, I was reading up on its retro fit to a c5. Within that I saw that several things were needed to get it to work with the cluster, and some other things. So I decided I would just get a clean OEM-looking aftermarket radio with more options.

Crutchfield is pretty good with their stuff. Glad to know that if I order from them again I won't be disappointed by their CS.

[Iamdoinitrite]

I have a Pioneer AVH-X3600BHS in my Allroad. Installation wasn't really that difficult. I used a Scosche dash kit, and I think it fits pretty well in the dash.

I picked up a double din kit from crutchfield.com and installed it into my 03 A6 C5. Install was kind of a pain as they messed up and sent me the wrong stuff, but their customer service is outstanding. They made it right and walked me through the install when I was bashing my head against the dash from frustration. I was looking at a Sony, but went with a Jensen as it was about half the price and offered everything I needed. Ive got the car taken apart right now to fix the engine, but once it is up I will post some photos. Ive bought a bunch of stuff from crutchfield and never had any issues they couldnt fix. Great company in my opinion, but that is just based off my own experiences.

The kit for Audi's is the Scosthe AU2380 no? There is so many options for me to chose, I want to make sure the one I pick fits well and looks well.

[8520]

I have a pioneer kit (avh 2500bt) from the PO and the radio reception blows. Quite nice to have the bluetooth but if you listen to the radio often you may not be annoyed

They used the wrong antenna adapter.

[bpark1210]

Is there any reason to drop 1k on an RNS-e unit these days when you can get the latest Android capable touch screen for less than 1/2 the price?

I'm really considering the China unit as an alternative due to the capabilities of the unit. It's essentially an Android tablet w/ touch screen at high resolution that you can update firmware, add infiinite functionality (adding the torque app, F&R cameras, TV, DVD, Nav, aux hookups, plus any app and wifi).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Quad-Core-AU...MAAOSwQYZWxqpi

Does anybody know if the A4 has the same radio fitment at the C5?

[Kaane]

Is there any reason to drop 1k on an RNS-e unit these days when you can get the latest Android capable touch screen for less than 1/2 the price?

I'm really considering the China unit as an alternative due to the capabilities of the unit. It's essentially an Android tablet w/ touch screen at high resolution that you can update firmware, add infiinite functionality (adding the torque app, F&R cameras, TV, DVD, Nav, aux hookups, plus any app and wifi).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Quad-Core-AU...MAAOSwQYZWxqpi

Does anybody know if the A4 has the same radio fitment at the C5?

I agree, RNSE is just outdated and stupid expensive, I am looking at the android based units as well.

[Kaane]

The face plate for A4 and A6 RNSE units is different, so you will need to find a A6 specific unit.

[1thenaton1]

They used the wrong antenna adapter.

I thought maybe bad install but brought it to a stereo shop and they said 'O yea the radio reception will never be as good as stock' ...
Any idea what the right antenna adapter would be in this case?
Cheers

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[Iamdoinitrite]

Is there any reason to drop 1k on an RNS-e unit these days when you can get the latest Android capable touch screen for less than 1/2 the price?

I'm really considering the China unit as an alternative due to the capabilities of the unit. It's essentially an Android tablet w/ touch screen at high resolution that you can update firmware, add infiinite functionality (adding the torque app, F&R cameras, TV, DVD, Nav, aux hookups, plus any app and wifi).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Quad-Core-AU...MAAOSwQYZWxqpi

Does anybody know if the A4 has the same radio fitment at the C5?

There honestly isn't. I was looking around at a Couple of older Kenwood's and Pioneer's but I would like to get a new receiver. Found this and thought it looked nice. http://ebay.com/itm?itemId=251948090321 and I believe you need a differnet kit for the a6 from the a4.

[8520]

I thought maybe bad install but brought it to a stereo shop and they said 'O yea the radio reception will never be as good as stock' ...
Any idea what the right antenna adapter would be in this case?
Cheers

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Metra 40vw53, with the blue wire connected.

[A6C5V842]

These units are great quality but woefully outdated on specs and facilities. I changed the head unit in my last C5 but never liked the look or the hassle of getting it all to work with the MFSW and dash readout.

So when I got this car I put an adapter where the CD changer was plugged in. Everything works like a dream. I have BT phone plus all features of voice controlled apps. I have an AUX input on 3.5mm jack for "guest" connections - I have a lot of music people in my car - and I've got a USB power cord running from the unit through the center vent to charge my phone whenever it's in the mount.

Best off all it looks totally stock.

[vlangs]

Is there any reason to drop 1k on an RNS-e unit these days when you can get the latest Android capable touch screen for less than 1/2 the price?

I'm really considering the China unit as an alternative due to the capabilities of the unit. It's essentially an Android tablet w/ touch screen at high resolution that you can update firmware, add infiinite functionality (adding the torque app, F&R cameras, TV, DVD, Nav, aux hookups, plus any app and wifi).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Quad-Core-AU...MAAOSwQYZWxqpi

Does anybody know if the A4 has the same radio fitment at the C5?

having known a couple friends with these units in their car, the only reason would be you want the stock unit (which is totally legit)

If these android units could run apple carplay i'd probably jump on it, but being able to sync torque and dash cmd directly to the headunit would be amazing and native google maps support is the tits

[1thenaton1]

Metra 40vw53, with the blue wire connected.

Thank you

[Eurylo]

Android 2din Tablet 25/8/366!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Newest-Ouku-...EAAOSw7NNT3uIJ

The only one I can see

[vlangs]

Android 2din Tablet 25/8/366!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Newest-Ouku-...EAAOSw7NNT3uIJ

The only one I can see

http://www.ebay.com/itm/S160-1080P-Q...kAAOSwAKxWanTV

it's shaped like an RNS-D (which is a curious choice) but it's the newest of these type of in dash units and has a quad core mediatek processor

but it works with mirror link and cast and what not and it's pretty responsive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KU4JWyQBwg

[Eurylo]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/S160-1080P-Q...kAAOSwAKxWanTV

it's shaped like an RNS-D (which is a curious choice) but it's the newest of these type of in dash units and has a quad core mediatek processor

but it works with mirror link and cast and what not and it's pretty responsive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KU4JWyQBwg

Not a tablet and no USB... Still cool though!

[Kaane]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/S160-1080P-Q...kAAOSwAKxWanTV

it's shaped like an RNS-D (which is a curious choice) but it's the newest of these type of in dash units and has a quad core mediatek processor

but it works with mirror link and cast and what not and it's pretty responsive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KU4JWyQBwg

No 1080P display, the first one posted is the best by far, but no A6 version :(

[4rings2turbos]

Yes, I'm running the Symphony II. You're right in saying RNS-e doesn't need a kit as it is stock. That being said, I was reading up on its retro fit to a c5. Within that I saw that several things were needed to get it to work with the cluster, and some other things.

Order from the right person and it's 99% plug and play: remove symphony, attach quad lock harness, attach RNS-E, insert back in place- for DIS operation the cluster does need to be coded though. But just find someone with VCDS and it takes approx 30 seconds.

Is there any reason to drop 1k on an RNS-e unit these days when you can get the latest Android capable touch screen for less than 1/2 the price?

I'm really considering the China unit as an alternative due to the capabilities of the unit. It's essentially an Android tablet w/ touch screen at high resolution that you can update firmware, add infiinite functionality (adding the torque app, F&R cameras, TV, DVD, Nav, aux hookups, plus any app and wifi).

Probably the biggest reason you spend the money on an RNS-E is because everything else looks like and/or feels like garbage both hardware and software. Here's my personal reasons: I wanted matching soft touch, matching font, matching back lighting and full integration to all speakers for bluetooth and navigation, steering wheel controls and DIS radio information, navigation information and to be able to place and end phone calls from the steering wheel. What I didn't want was cheap plastic that was a different color with mismatched red back-lighting and incorrect fonts and cartoon characters for icons.

The argument is valid that there is some additional features available for aftermarket units but the RNS-E offers cameras, live traffic updates with automatic route changes, DVD, video gaming, bluetooth, aux input, integrated music library and satellite TV radio.

Sure there can be more functionality at a cheaper cost (kind of sounds like buying a used Toyota over a used Audi of the same price- gonna be many years newer so they'll be some additional tech.) What's not taken into consideration is the quality and depth of integration of the tech.

I think this tells a bit more of the whole story. There are two valid trains of thought: more gadgets but sacrifice integration and OEM look (and indeed some standard features like speaker, multi-function wheel and DIS integration. Or OEM look, quality and integration, but sacrifice some of the features that only aftermarket units can afford.

I agree, RNSE is just outdated and stupid expensive, I am looking at the android based units as well.

Which way is it outdated? I could probably help clear up some misconception if there is one. Gen II is quite fast, robust and full featured.

[vlangs]

Not a tablet and no USB... Still cool though!

It's got usb but I like the integrated look of the non tablet version. I mean it's a crappy chinese tablet, outside of auto use what're you gonna use it for?

No 1080P display, the first one posted is the best by far, but no A6 version :(

aha you're mistaken my man, that one actually has an 800x480 display...which if you can gather is NOTH 1080p haha

The one I posted is 1280x800 so it's higher res. On a display this small in the car it's actually not that big a deal to get less than HD. They can display HD content and they're so small that you'll hardly notice the difference.

[bpark1210]

Highly considering this model now:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/In-Dash-Car-...dWrGQX&vxp=mtr

It doesn't have the RNS-e look but I can live w/o the OEM look for functionality sake. It's 1024x600 display is good enough for me. The huge attraction for me over an RNS-e is that it's essentially a computer in the car. It has the ability to update firmware, run apps, save to a HD (hook up and record dash cam), stream music, Sat TV, GPS, run Wifi etc. Plus it's running Android which I've grown to love over iOS recently. This could possibly be the last radio I will ever need to buy.

[vlangs]

bpark, that machine is manufactured by Witson

a chinese company that essentially makes all of these model specific look a likes. As 4rings said, the shape will fit but the material will likely be different. if that's ok with you (I know it is with me) then check out the witson site for videos of it running. the new mediatek chip in these S160 models seem to run VERY well

also save yourself some money and buy it direct from witson on Aliexpress

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/7-2DI...0-b9fb1078a887

[vlangs]

oh! and since you're already paying for shipping...do yourself a HUGE favor and pay a few bucks more for DHL/UPS/FedEx

EMS will take a month to get here while those three will take roughly a week

[Eurylo]

[QUOTE=vlangs;11458458]It's got usb but I like the integrated look of the non tablet version. I mean it's a crappy chinese tablet, outside of auto use what're you gonna use it for?

Didn't see the USB, nice!
My Chinese Android Phone fairs just fine, I'm sure that 2din Tablet would as well.
As many apps as there are on the app market and third party software launchers, I am sure I could come up with a good use for it.
Same goes for the one you pointed out, listless possibilities and still cooler than the RNS-E in my subjective opinion.
Close to the last thing on my list, but I will get one eventually

[vlangs]

yeah i mean there's even an android auto launcher now, so having an android headunit is extremely useful

[Kaane]

It's got usb but I like the integrated look of the non tablet version. I mean it's a crappy chinese tablet, outside of auto use what're you gonna use it for?


aha you're mistaken my man, that one actually has an 800x480 display...which if you can gather is NOTH 1080p haha

The one I posted is 1280x800 so it's higher res. On a display this small in the car it's actually not that big a deal to get less than HD. They can display HD content and they're so small that you'll hardly notice the difference.

Haha, you are right, 1080p is a pipe dream, read the real specs. So who is going to buy one first and do a real review?

[bpark1210]

bpark, that machine is manufactured by Witson

a chinese company that essentially makes all of these model specific look a likes. As 4rings said, the shape will fit but the material will likely be different. if that's ok with you (I know it is with me) then check out the witson site for videos of it running. the new mediatek chip in these S160 models seem to run VERY well

also save yourself some money and buy it direct from witson on Aliexpress

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/7-2DI...0-b9fb1078a887

oh! and since you're already paying for shipping...do yourself a HUGE favor and pay a few bucks more for DHL/UPS/FedEx

EMS will take a month to get here while those three will take roughly a week

Awesome info, will make note of it

[Iamdoinitrite]

Order from the right person and it's 99% plug and play: remove symphony, attach quad lock harness, attach RNS-E, insert back in place- for DIS operation the cluster does need to be coded though. But just find someone with VCDS and it takes approx 30 seconds.

I have no issue ordering of it and istallation, more so the use if vcds and changing it to work. I would rather use the vcds on and aftermarket receiver and get more out of it while sacrificing the OEM look (even though some of these radios getting linked here are pretty close to OEM looking IMO). All whilst while I think I'll be able to save more monies.

Highly considering this model now:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/In-Dash-Car-...dWrGQX&vxp=mtr

It doesn't have the RNS-e look but I can live w/o the OEM look for functionality sake. It's 1024x600 display is good enough for me. The huge attraction for me over an RNS-e is that it's essentially a computer in the car. It has the ability to update firmware, run apps, save to a HD (hook up and record dash cam), stream music, Sat TV, GPS, run Wifi etc. Plus it's running Android which I've grown to love over iOS recently. This could possibly be the last radio I will ever need to buy.

I like this. And everything else that's been added to my cart lol.

[bpark1210]

Looks like you'll be the first to report back. Let us know how it works

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

[Kaane]

Only thing I don't like about these is boot time. 25-30 seconds.

[vlangs]

Kaane if you want to save money order it from aliexpress like i linked. And pay for dhl instead of ems and youll have it within the week

[Iamdoinitrite]

Looks like you'll be the first to report back. Let us know how it works

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk

Not quite unfortunately, seeing as how I'm still gathering money for my timing belt job to get done. The only reason I'm not deciding on a reciever now is because with my luck, my timing belt would snap the minute I put that new receiver in lol. When I do buy it though, I will let you all know how it went!

[4rings2turbos]

I have no issue ordering of it and istallation, more so the use if vcds and changing it to work. Sacrificing the OEM look. All whilst while I think I'll be able to save more monies.

I'll reiterate for others that may find this thread in the future, RNS-E does not require VCDS to work if you purchase from most reputable sellers. They come pre-coded and are plug and play.

Agree with you though, for those that are OEM look anal an aftermarket won't work. However those that like those monies in the pocket or spent elsewhere aftermarket is cheaper and sometimes much, much cheaper.

By the way, what applications are you guys running on your headunit? Maybe I'm a twenty-something dinosaur, but I can't imagine much beyond music, nav and telephone.

[vlangs]

if you had an android headunit, you could get your torque/dash cmd data from your obd port

you can hardwire your dash cam and have it record directly to the SD card on your headunit

obviously it'll play videos, if you were seriously crazy you could use bluetooth (or hardwire usb) controllers and play games

The possibilities are pretty endless, but what really matters is how well the unit fits and how it looks. I HIGHLY doubt it'll have soft touch, but if it looks better than generic double din units it might be worth it

[Chris_s1]

So we've got a ton of units linked here. I have a pioneer (Avh-2600BT) but I haven't installed yet. I got it about six months ago but I'm liking the look of it less and less and it has no nav. We've got a few units linked here... which is the best?

I was considering RNS-E before but I'm reconsidering..

[Robsa6]

I had A Poineer AVH-3600 I believe it was before the Kenwood Excelon I've got now. The Pioneer never really impressed me with the sound and the buttons across the bottom failed so I've got an expensive DVD player that is remote only and I can't seem to concentrate enough to watch a movie anyhow... The kenwood color adjustment fits the rest of the dash red perfectly but has no screen which I don't care about anyhow.

[Chris_s1]

I want a double din for sure. I've got a sound system hooked up as well with all aftermarket amps. I just want the OEM color matching on the buttons as well as Bluetooth, usb, nav, etc. The dvd player or lack thereof doesn't do much for me personally. Like I said I had considered an RNSE but maybe if someone reviews one of these I'll change my mind.