An OE looking deck that does not suck...maybe.

[StereoInstaller1]

Lol at the fact that I am installing it tomorrow?

[jd_e30]

Anxiously awaiting results.

Say, would all of the sticky threads that I have seen regarding stereo stuff contain enough info for a competent car audio novice to do the install on his own?

[jd_e30]

:popcorn:

[BlackSpeed66]

Lol at the fact that I am installing it tomorrow?

Let me know how the input/gain levels turn out for the speaker wiring. I did fiddle with mine using a voltmeter so I think they're in the ballpark. Contemplating picking up a cheap oscilloscope on craigslist so I can really see what the levels are doing since I have absolutely no idea what any of the output specs are for this unit. Haven't had a chance to finish wiring to the speakers yet....


FYI.... for those folks looking at this unit - it appears as though it does not actually have any pre-outs. The pins are present for the connector but no voltage coming from any of them when a test tone is playing. Unless of course, I am missing something.... Luke feel free to chime in with your findings after the install.

[jd_e30]

Just found this... Bummer

Post #28

http://forums.fourtitude.com/showthread.php?5920558-RMT200-European-Radio-with-Bluetooth-249-99&

This will not pre amp outputs as it is a Genuine VW radio. For this reason they do not offer the Amp output specs or an EQ either.

We have the inputs listed.

I hope this helps clear things up. This unit is more intended for people looking to keep the OEM look and feel in their car but have some newer technology like the bluetooth, SD card, USB and Aux jack. If an audio system with subs an EQ and full adjustability is important to you this unit might not be the one for you.

[StereoInstaller1]

I swear, all head units suck in one way or another.

This one is useless for people intent on a system.

As a deck only choice, I like it overall, but not amplified.

[BlackSpeed66]

Crap.




Guess I'll hear what mine sounds like in a day or two...

[jd_e30]

I think the sound quality is fine. It just doesn't have pre outs. It's more of am oem replacement vs aftermarket/sub system

[BlackSpeed66]

Well, I finally hooked up my speakers today and let 'er rip. I didn't burn down the garage or the car, and none of my speakers melted into goo.

The sound isn't completely appalling and damn that sucker can get loud. The amp I'm using is an MB Quart 1100.5 five channel amp. I've got the gains fairly low on the amp and still can barely turn the volume on the head unit past '10'. I'm guessing this is since the amp is getting full speaker level signal directly from the outs on the unit (this is per Luke's recommendation once I found there were in fact no pre-outs). The quality of the stock 5.25" premium sound speakers was fairly clean, but the sound from the tweeters was extremely crisp. And this is coming from a guy with hearing loss. I haven't played around much with the crossovers and filters on the amp since there's no sub yet, but the head unit does have a 3-band EQ that I used to notch down the treble slightly.

The Bluetooth streaming paired with my iPhone fine and seems to sound decent. Still need to get used to the menus on this thing. I found out I may have the Switched & Constant power wires in the wrong order since the unit "forgets" the security code when I turn the car off and powers back up in 'safe' mode.


Any insight from your experience on the install you did Luke? Suggestions?

I'm still planning on buying a 10" box from you, btw.

[StereoInstaller1]

Nothing useful, thats for sure.

One thing i did do is measure the amp turn on lead that was in the pre-out harness. First, it has a huge turn-off delay and second, it is 5V. I grabbed a 5V microrelay and wired it in so that it handles remote duties properly.

Did you ever find a menu that allows you to shut off the "beep", especially the one at minimum volume?

[BlackSpeed66]

Oh wow, so your remote out measured 5V too? That makes me feel better since I thought I might have fried something on mine. What kind of relay did you use and where might I find one?

That beeping is quite annoying, especially since my volume is so sensitive. Whereabouts did you wind up setting your gains?

[StereoInstaller1]

Oh wow, so your remote out measured 5V too? That makes me feel better since I thought I might have fried something on mine. What kind of relay did you use and where might I find one?

That beeping is quite annoying, especially since my volume is so sensitive. Whereabouts did you wind up setting your gains?

First, it will help that sensitivity a whole bunch if you change your input scheme a little. Use the speaker positive as the center pin of the RCAs and use chassis ground as the outer shield. That will drop your input to roughly 4V from the roughly 10V you have right now if you are using the speaker negatives as RCA shield. When you do this make sure you simply insulate the decks speaker negatives.

As far as the micro-relay, any 5VDC SPST relay will work. I used a http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2062480

[BlackSpeed66]

Awesome. Thank you for the help Luke!

[CurrusDei]

So now that a few of us have been using this for a while, what are impressions on the quality and performance of this unit?

I went to a local car audio shop asking about a wiring harness and they all swore this was a crappy no-name unit that would have bad sound quality (interference, noise, etc) and would break in no time. They then (surprise!) suggested I buy an Alpine unit. The one they suggested does change color so it can match the amber, but I just hate hate hate how it sticks out a bit. That and most aftermarket units look like space ships, not in line with an 80s OEM look.

So, what's this unit been like to live with? I'm not looking to build a system, just put a head in. Most of what i listen to (when i listen to anything driving the E30) is audiobooks, so I dont need amazing performance here. Just looking for reliability, modern features, ease of use, and stock appearance.

[BlackSpeed66]

Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to "live with it" yet since I haven't completed the whole install. I'm currently battling noise issues from the speakers while the car is running but I'm not sure if that is necessarily the fault of the unit itself (I'm installing an aftermarket amp too). Hopefully I can have another crack at it this weekend to see what the deal is with the noise... going to play with the cable routing and take a closer look at my grounds.