Is Dynaudio worth the wait?

[abacabdan]

My local dealer has a GTI optioned the way I want, except it does not have Dynaudio. I'm not thrilled with the sound of the stock system, but I'm impatient and don't want to order. Is Dynaudio noticeably better than the base system?

Thanks-
Dan

[Brandon@DCPerformance.com]

Can't compare it to a "stock" Mk6 headunit, but the Mk6 I did my extended test drive sounded noticeably better than the stock unit in the Mk5 GTIs... Sorry I couldn't be more exact but hope this helps

[jaxmini]

To be brief, yes it's worth the wait. You could not come close to duplicating the Dynaudio sound without spending alot more money with aftermarket equipment. Plus the knowledge that the interior has not been taken apart and that all of the equipment is under factory warranty, it's a no brainer.

[afrost]

Yeah I think it's best to get the best stock system possible....I really don't trust aftermarket guys digging in to my car. I'm also not sure what is out there for aftermarket but anything I've ever seen or heard is pretty much just junk trying to attract the "bling" crowd or people who think a million crappy watts of sound is better than a hundred very good watts.

edit: aftermarket car audio guys*


Modified by afrost at 9:22 PM 11-18-2009

[abacabdan]

I wouldn't be upgrading the base system any time soon, so the question is whether to settle. Sounds like the answer is no.

[dombey]

I tend to agree with the comments posted: 1) it's a good buy for the money, and 2) I don't trust aftermarket people digging into the car. That said, I am surprised that most owners seem to be impressed by the system. I find it good, but not particularly great. My previous daily driver, a 2006 Eclipse, came with a Rockford/Fosgate unit that was as different from the Dynaudio as night from day. Yes, it had a subwoofer, but it wasn't simply the bass. The Rockford/Fosgate sounded like a home stereo system, and the Dynaudio, while good, clearly sounds like a car radio. I have owned several cars with stock systems (not VWs) I have found better.

[drewnyc]

I have the TDI base system which sounds great - I would have gotten the dynaudio if I could have but did not want to wait - I plan to avoid listening to dynaudio - ignorance is bliss...

[liquid stereo]

I don't know if the GTI is getting the full Dynaudio treatment (it was close to $1000 in the Eos) but the Eos version is fantasmic.

Good luck.

[afrost]

Quote, originally posted by dombey »

I tend to agree with the comments posted: 1) it's a good buy for the money, and 2) I don't trust aftermarket people digging into the car. That said, I am surprised that most owners seem to be impressed by the system. I find it good, but not particularly great. My previous daily driver, a 2006 Eclipse, came with a Rockford/Fosgate unit that was as different from the Dynaudio as night from day. Yes, it had a subwoofer, but it wasn't simply the bass. The Rockford/Fosgate sounded like a home stereo system, and the Dynaudio, while good, clearly sounds like a car radio. I have owned several cars with stock systems (not VWs) I have found better.

I agree that the Dynaudio isn't amazing, merely decent. I would have gladly paid 1k to get the version in other VWs that people seem to really like.

[vwtool]

I would have gladly paid the $476 for the Dynaudio, but as dombey said, it's not life-threatening if you miss out on it. We had a "must have" list of options when we went looking for our GTI and a "nice to have" list, and the Dynaudio was on the 2nd list. My 10-year old Volvo system sounds better than the Dynaudio in the GTI.

[signal]

wait for the dynaudio. Do not compromise on your car for $349 or whatever it costs.

[Bourgeois]

Dan,

I couldn't hear a difference between the two. Glenn Beck and Michael Savage sound just as good on either system.

[oidoglr]

Quote, originally posted by Bourgeois »

Dan, I couldn't hear a difference between the two. Glenn Beck and Michael Savage sound just as -retarded on either system.

T,FTFY.

[feels_road]

On a side note, using average quality CDs for reference instead of those severely stunted MP3s some folks seem to abuse, Dynaudio is especially exhilarating in that wide and important mid-range (~200Hz to 4kHz). Of course, it is only about natural below that (no dedicated subwoofer, no artificially boosted base, which I absolutely loath), and in the so-easy 4K to 20K range it is just your average crisp replication. Yet, for people who have studied music and have reasonably good hearing, this Dynaudio is about as close to a natural replication as you can get, in an inexpensive OEM version.

[TTr250]

well stated ^^ but if u are like myself and typically change all components of ur stereo system i would recommend not getting the dyna. i purchased the dyna in my car hoping i wouldnt want to change anything and so far im not to satisfied. i will probably end up changing the head unit and ampimg all the speakers.... just my own opinion

[volsfan0911]

If you're ordering or it's available off the lot? At $476 I consider it a no-brainer. Would I wait 4 months on a special order just to get it? No.

[DBV]

I'm in a similar predicament at the moment. I had originally ordered a 2 DR United Gray with all the options, however a 4 DR version showed up. Someone messed up my order. Long story short, I am now getting a 2 DR with all my original options. I listened to both systems back to back, and I think that I can live with the stock if I add a stealthbox to it for some low end grunt. If I wait ANOTHER TWO MONTHS, I can get the car I originally ordered. Do I wait and get Dynaudio or get the standard stock equipped car and add a stealth box? Any input is appreciated!

EDIT: I've already been waiting 3 and a half months btw...


Modified by DBV at 12:36 AM 2-15-2010

[Draddog_nai]

Get the Dynaudio. It's worth the wait, especially for the money. I'm extremely happy with it but I do plan on adding a stealth sub in the future. The bass is good, but I prefer a little more punch to it (I listen to a lot of metal).

[DBV]

Quote, originally posted by Draddog_nai »

Get the Dynaudio. It's worth the wait, especially for the money. I'm extremely happy with it but I do plan on adding a stealth sub in the future. The bass is good, but I prefer a little more punch to it (I listen to a lot of metal).

I've already been waiting 3 and a half months though...

[Draddog_nai]

Quote, originally posted by DBV »

I've already been waiting 3 and a half months though...

I understand it sucks, but you've already waited this long so there's not point in compromising now. At least that's how I would look at it.

[bigshoulders]

Patience is a virtue.
Besides, you'll have another 3 mos. to build up a bigger down payment. I'm two weeks (into the 90 days) waiting on my GTI, and I'm doing just that.

[KAPSIG1]

Yes it was worth the wait for me

[pat_mkVI]

i had to wait for the car i wanted too. got the dynaudio. definetly worth the wait considering i really didnt want to rip into the system to change out the speakers for something aftermarket.


Modified by pat_mkVI at 6:07 PM 2-15-2010

[JTwGTI]

I think that the dynaudio system is good. Worth waiting? I'd say that what makes it worth the wait is that if you don't wait and get the stock system, you will always wonder and have it in the back of your mind. Second guessing sucks.

So even if the dynaudio system is not spectacular, the peice of mind you will get makes the wait worth it.

[sportriderseattle]

It is slightly better in my opinion, but not the nearly $500. I'd have to say in terms of money, I would be willing to pay an additional $200 at most for the Dynaudio. I sat in and listened to both standard stereo equipped car and the upgrade and noticed a very subtle difference. My sales-guy, a musician also agreed it was not worth the upgrade and said there was more noticeable "clipping". I thought it was rather surprising that a salesperson, of all persons would try and talk me out of a $500 option.

[JTwGTI]

I'm not defending the Dynaudio system by any means, but it until the speakers have broken in there is no way to do a good comparison between the two setups. Break in takes many hours.

[AfterAfx]

If the sound system is the same from the MKV's then the Dynaudio is better.
I play plenty of electronic and house music, and the difference is noticeable. Even more noticeable when you turn up the volume.

[zerostudio]

DEF worth the wait
If you don't and love great sound in your car - you can easily spend 1,500+ aftermarket - at the very least to get this sound

[sportriderseattle]

Quote, originally posted by JTwGTI »

I'm not defending the Dynaudio system by any means, but it until the speakers have broken in there is no way to do a good comparison between the two setups. Break in takes many hours.

Breaking-in of speakers??? Oh please explain this in a scientific manner.

I understand the breaking in of a engine but something electronic with no moving parts.....

[cleanmk2gti]

Simply put. I have heard both systems and I believe the Dynaudio is worth the wait. Of course this is merely an opinion and it is up to you whether or not it is worth it to wait. I know I would have waited.

[FoneTap]

I have a different conundrum.

I really want the Dynaudio but I am not 100% sold on Nav and unfortunately VW Canada bundled them together.

So valuing the Dynaudio at $500 I have to decide is it worth it to pay $1400 for the Nav...

Price a higher end standalone Garmin Nav unit at 400$ and you still have that $1000 to contend with.... bah.

[gtitrini]

Don't forget that the nav displays the turn instructions in the MFD (or at least that's what my MKV does).

I have nothing against those portable navs, but if I have the money, I would always try to get an integrated factory nav.

[dvcj]

Just a quick note on breaking in speakers. They are moving parts, as the movement of the speaker cone is what creates the sound. Hi end or audiophile speaker company all recommend a break in period and claim that speakers will get better after break in. Not sure this would matter as much in a car system but it is sound science. IMO...

[artinmoTTion]

for DBV,

My suggestion is to get a different dealer, or light a fire under their a$$. My car was redirected from Cali (sorry!) and got what I wanted in 1 month, including the dyn.

That said, my initial thoughts are that it's not that great, you do get what you pay for. I knew that and still got it because this is a leased commuter car, and a simple sub addition will be sufficient, if not amazing. I echo the comments that it sounds like a car stereo instead of a home setup, oversimplifying it. The stock headunit, for all its convenience with iPods/iPhones, really doesn't offer much adjustment and tuning capability. Will keep playing with it, we'll see...definitely better than stock, not as satisfying as I'd like. By all means, don't listen to just your mp3 player to decide, and if you use an iPod/iPhone, definitely connect via the dock connector, not the headphone jack, noticeable difference there.

[ScottyMKVI]

The dynaudio surely takes a while to break in. At first, the sound is a little abrasive and tinny... after a few weeks, the sound cleans up quite a bit. Seriously.