The Skoda Octavia A7, released between 2012 and 2020, is often criticized for the mediocre sound of the standard audio system, especially in basic trim levels. Many owners face a lack of depth in low frequencies and a "flat" sound at high revs. The problem lies not only in the speakers themselves, but also in the features of the standard amplifier and acoustic design of door cards.
For those who want to get a quality sound without resorting to a radical replacement of the entire head unit, there are several ways to solve it. This can be a simple replacement of regular speakers with more productive models or the installation of an additional active subwoofer. Understanding of design features Skoda Octavia A7 It will help to avoid errors in installation and maintain the aesthetics of the cabin.
Analysis of the regular audio system and its weaknesses
Standard audio system in Octavia A7 It can be presented in several variants: from the base system without an amplifier to an advanced system. Chorus, Amundsen or Bolero powered Fender (in top versions). The base system produces sound directly from the head unit, which often leads to overloading of speakers at high volume.
The main problem of regular speakers is their constructive simplicity and the use of cheap materials. LF speakers have a small suspension stroke and light diffusers, making them unable to produce a pure bass. In the door cards there are no hard inserts, which is why the plastic resonates and creates unnecessary sounds, โeatingโ the dynamics.
Owners often complain that the sound becomes "cartoon" when the volume increases. This is because the full-time head unit has a limited power reserve. Trying to squeeze the maximum out of a standard system often results in distortions that are not eliminated by the equalizer.
- ๐ Low sensitivity of regular LF speakers in the doors.
- ๐ Absence of deep bass without subwoofer installation.
- ๐ Limited power of the standard amplifier in complete sets with Fender.
- ๐ข Resonance of plastic door panels at medium frequencies.
Schema of the speakers and parameters of openings
For a successful upgrade, you need to know the exact size of the seats. V Octavia A7 staff seats for speakers are designed taking into account specific fasteners, which are not always universal. Before buying new acoustics, be sure to check the depth of the seat, as many quality speakers have a large magnetic frame.
The front panel is equipped with two RF speakers with a diameter of 160 mm (6.5 inches), located in the doors. The rear doors also have space for speakers, but their installation has nuances related to the wiring and space inside the door. In some trim levels, Twitterers are installed in the front panel (dashboard), and in the racks - medium frequencies.
It is important to note that in versions with navigation and amplifier Fender The standard speakers have a specific connector and may require adapters when replaced. Simply installing speakers from another model without adapters can result in no sound or amplifier damage.
Below is a table with the main parameters of the established installation sites:
| Location | Diameter (mm) | Speaker type | Installation features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front door | 160 | Low frequency (Midbas) | Requires a box ring to remove the glass |
| back door | 160 | Low frequency (Midbas) | Complex geometry, often requires a custom basket |
| Front pillar | 75-100 | HF speaker (Twitter) | In some versions, it is not required, requires a regular place. |
| Rear shelf | 160 | FF/MP (optional) | In the basic versions of the stub, in the rich โ speakers |
โ ๏ธ Note: When measuring the depth of the speaker in the doors of the Octavia A7, consider the distance to the glass. If the magnetic frame is too large, it can touch the glass when the car is moving, causing an unpleasant hum.
Selection of speakers for system upgrade
When choosing a replacement for standard speakers, you should focus on components with a sensitivity of at least 90 dB. This will allow you to get a loud and clear sound even from a regular head unit. For Octavia A7 Coaxial systems with an external crossover or component sets where the Twitter is installed separately are ideal.
The diffuser material plays a key role. Paper diffusers produce a warm but fuzzy sound that quickly loses quality at high volume. Synthetic materials such as polypropylene with added talc or fiberglass provide a tougher response and better detail.
For those who plan to install an external amplifier in the future, it is better to choose speakers with low sensitivity (88-90 dB) and high power. If the amplifier isnโt planned, look for models with 92-94 dB sensitivity to โsqueezeโ the maximum out of the head. Pay attention to brands specializing in autosound, such as Hertz, Morel or Alpine.
- ๐ต Coaxial speakers are a simple solution for quick replacement.
- ๐ผ Component systems are better sound, but harder to install.
- ๐ A reinforced magnet is important for operation without an external amplifier.
- ๐ก๏ธ Moisture protection is critical for front doors.
- Component
- Coaxial
- Just a subwoofer.
- Leave the staff.
Preparation of doors and installation of parsley rings
Installation of new speakers in Octavia A7 It requires careful preparation of the door. The regular seat is often too close to the glass, which eliminates the use of deep magnet speakers without additional measures. The MDF or plastic stacking rings (adapters) create the necessary space.
In addition, it is necessary to take care of vibration isolation. The metal part of the door is thin and resonates, and the plastic skin creates a hum. High-quality vibration insulation (vibroplast, bitoplast) on the inside of the door and on the plastic card itself will significantly improve sound, removing parasitic sounds.
The installation process includes dismantling the door map, removing the moisture shield film (or its neat gluing), installing the pads and installing the speaker. It is important to fix the speaker rigidly so that it does not vibrate along with the basket. Use screws or bolts, but do not drag them over so that the plastic of the expanse does not crack.
โ๏ธ Preparation of the door for installation
โ ๏ธ Note: Do not use too thick box rings unless you have the ability to change the speakerโs angle. In the Octavia A7, the angle of direction is important for the scene, and too low editing can worsen the stereo effect.
What to do with the wiring? | In the regular places of the Octavia A7, the wiring has already been completed. If you change the speakers to similar ones on the connector, it is enough to simply connect them. If the connector is different, use adapters or gently splice wires using shrinkage and soldering, avoiding twists without insulation.
Connection Nuances and Equalizer Settings
After the physical installation of the speakers, the adjustment stage begins. V Octavia A7 with multimedia system Amundsen or Bolero Basic sound control is available. The balance must be set so that the sound comes from the center, not from one of the doors.
If you have installed component acoustics with an external crossover, make sure the polarity is met. Incorrect phase connection will cause low frequencies to โeatโ when mixed with Twitter. Simple test.
Turn on a monophonic track with deep bass and turn off the speakers one by one - the bass should disappear or become quieter.
Setting up an equalizer in a regular system often has limitations. It is recommended to set low frequencies at +2 or +3, medium at 0, and high at +1 or +2. Avoid extreme values, as the standard amplifier can enter the clipping, which will spoil the sound and speakers.
For deeper customization, an external processor or amplifier may be required to connect. This will allow you to adjust the frequencies more accurately and add power. In this case, the standard amplifier can be bypassed by connecting the signal directly from the head unit through a high-level input.
Alternative solutions: subwoofers and active systems
If the replacement of the speakers in the doors did not give the desired effect in the low frequency area, the next step is to install a subwoofer. V Octavia A7 There are several popular places to install: under the seat, in the niche of the spare or in the form of a shelf above the trunk.
Active subwoofers under the seat are a popular solution for those who do not want to take up a seat in the trunk. They are compact, but require quality food and space for installation. It is important to choose the right place so that vibration is not transmitted to the body and does not create discomfort for passengers.
For lovers of high-quality sound, there are systems where the subwoofer is installed in a separate drawer in the trunk. This gives a deeper and more powerful bass, but takes up a significant portion of the volume. In any case, for the operation of the active subwoofer, a separate amplifier and laying of power cables from the battery will be required.
- ๐ Active subwoofer under the seat - saving space.
- ๐ผ A separate drawer in the trunk is the maximum depth of the bass.
- ๐ Laying power - necessarily through the fuse at the battery.
- ๐ Low frequency filter is required to separate the signal.
Upgrade of the audio system in the Octavia A7 gives the best result with an integrated approach: replacement of speakers, vibration insulation of doors and competent equalizer setting.
Common installation mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is to ignore the water protection. In the doorway Octavia A7 Moisture accumulates through the drain holes. If you do not restore the tightness of the film or do not use high-quality moisture-protective materials, the speakers can quickly fail due to oxidation of the contacts and membrane damage.
Another mistake is using too thin wires when connecting. The regular wiring may not be able to handle the currents of powerful speakers, especially if they are low resistance. It is recommended to use copper wires with a cross section of at least 2.5 mm2 for acoustics connection.
Incorrectly fastening the speakers also leads to problems. If the speaker is fixed only to screws without rubber pads, it will transmit vibration to the door, causing a resonance. Always use rubber seals between the speaker and the expanse.
Owners sometimes forget to adjust the balance after installation. Even expensive speakers will sound bad if the balance is shifted one way or the phases are confused. Careful inspection of all joints before final assembly will save time and nerves.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Never use screws with a sharp end without washers when attaching the speaker to the metal of the door. This can damage the insulation of the wire or the speaker membrane itself when vibrating.
FAQ: Answers to popular questions
Are the speakers suitable for the Skoda Octavia A5 or A6?
No, they don't fit directly. The landing dimensions and mountings in the A7 are different from previous generations. You will need to use transition rings or make them custom-made.
Do I need to refashion the head unit after changing the speakers?
In most cases, no. The magneto automatically adjusts the gain. However, if you have installed a very powerful acoustics and external amplifier, you may need to adjust through a diagnostic scanner (VCDS) to turn off the standard equalizer.
Can we put speakers with a resistance of 4 ohms instead of 2 ohms?
Yes, you can. The Octavia A7 is designed to work with different loads, but the sound can become slightly quieter. The main thing is not to put speakers with a resistance below 2 ohms, this can burn the amplifier.
Where is the best place to install Twitter in the Octavia A7?
The best place is the front pillars. This allows you to create a good sound scene. However, in the basic configurations there are no regular seats, you will need to make custom inserts.
Does the replacement of speakers affect the warranty of the car?
If the replacement was not made in the dealership and did not damage the regular wiring, the warranty for other components of the car is maintained. However, if there are problems with the electrician, the dealer may refuse the warranty on the audio system.