RNS-E Way over rated

[vwdann0]

I recently picked up an RSN-E unit (2005) and I gotta say, aside from the OEM factor, its a pile of crap. Why do you guys go nuts for this thing? Before this unit I had an Android Audio/NAV unit and it is far superior, I'll be swapping it back in and selling the RNS-e. I get the technology gap between the 2 units but even the basic mp3 (SD card) function of the RNS-E is shit

[drdljones]

I totally agree; but, I hate the flat screen look of most of the after market units. Dynavin is the best looking uni IMO. Would love to hear from others that may have some experience with that Dynavin N6 unit, or others that look more OEM.

[vwdann0]

Below is what I replaced with the RNS-e unit. It's mad by Joying (JY-AL003N2) I really like it but the only downfall (for me in my area) is that the radio reception is crap. On my stock symphony II I had perfect reception. I'll be reinstalling my Android unit and selling my RNS-e.

[Christian@enfig]

I have never understood why anyone would do an RNS-E swap. I have banned the Chinese radios at the shop because of repeated issues. They aren’t all bad but it’s not worth risking my reputation on. After I do an install the Steering wheel controls don’t work, canbus box doesn’t work, Volume knob doesn’t work, screen has a line, Hissing noise in the background. One actually smoked after we plugged it in. At the end of the day our customers don’t know if they got a bad radio or if we did something wrong.

I still say our dash kit is the best on the market for B6/B7. And wow do I need a better image.

[MetalMan]

Kinda agree with you on the RNS-E not being totally worth it.
However the one in my 2004 A4 (came with the car) does work pretty well. SD card functions well but there's not a good way to sort through songs.
Navigation even works pretty well but I usually just use my phone anyways since I get live traffic info that way.

My other car (2001 A4) has a Nexus 7 tablet as the head unit. I much prefer that option though the RNS-E definitely looks more OEM.

[waiapasi2006]

Take a look Here.
A complete thread with aftermarket units.

[Doubleredrolex]

The RNS-e is junk. It was good 12 years ago, but then again so was a Nokia flip phone. Get the new Android oem looking head unit. For all the FM reception radio troubles simply run a piece of 14guage wire up the A pillar to the top of the windshield. Cut off an antenna plug and solder it to the 14 gauge wire. Perfect reception. Run a longer wire if you want up into the headliner. I gave up trying to make my factory powered antennas work on my S4. Best of all this solution was free.