A random questions before I switch over and create a "real" build thread.
Some searching of past forums here and elsewhere produced conflicting information as to whether one could use VAGCOM to change the outputs of the RCD510 HU to line level. Has this been proven to work? Does changing the level mean you have to feed the outputs to an amp that accepts balanced inputs (that was suggested in at least one place)? I was really surprised to be seeing this mentioned as a possibility for the first time. Seems like it should be in a sticky somewhere.
The Pioneer Class D amp I ordered ended up being out of stock at onlinecarstereo and pretty much everywhere else but it's replacement, the GM-D8604 with almost identical features and even a slightly lower price is around. But if I can reprogram the HU so I don't need an amp with speaker-level input, I'd like to look around a bit more before deciding. Maybe my impression is incorrect, but it seems like I'd be more likely to get a clean signal path by getting line out of the HU. If that makes sense, please suggest a 4 (or 5, though it's doubtful I'm going to be getting a sub) channel amp (preferably class d for less heat, more efficiency). I haven't definitely decided on the amp location, but I'd like it to be possible to mount under one of the front seats. Oh, and at least 75 watts into 4 ohms, preferably > 100.
Also over the weekend I ordered a pair or Morel Tempo 6 2-way component speakers. I feel really stupid buying speakers I've never heard, but based on web reports I finally concluded that the Focals were most likely brighter than I like. The Morels were described as not strictly accurate, but warm and open. I could be crazy but I get the idea that they are similar in sound to my Tannoy PBM 6.5 II's that I listen to all day at work. I'd be interested to hear if people think there is a better mounting location for the tweeters than in the stock sail panels. I guess if I can angle the tweeter within the panel so that it points at the opposite passenger (right points at the dirver, left points at the usually vacant passenger seat.
BTW, it was a pretty good Buy It Now Ebay deal on the Morels. $205.95 delivered. The average price I could find on the web was around $340. They're coming from Israel, where they're made, so it may be a wait, but the claim was that she would use EMS express shipping for this order. How difficult will it be to know if I get counterfeits?
Thanks as usual. Look for the premiere of the actual build thread shortly.
-- Chanthing