Sizes of ŠKODA Octavia A7 speakers: standard parameters and choice of replacements

Replacing standard speakers with ŠKODA Octavia A7 (2013–2020) is one of the most popular audio system modifications among owners of this model. However, before purchasing new speakers, you need to know exactly their dimensions, type of mounting and electrical parameters. An error in selection will lead to installation problems, sound distortion, or even a short circuit.

In this article we will analyze in detail dimensions of all speakers in Octavia A7 (including the 2017 facelift), we will indicate their factory characteristics and give recommendations on the selection of analogues. We will pay special attention to the nuances of connection and compatibility with radios. Bolero, Amundsen and Columbus, as well as typical mistakes when upgrading an audio system.

Standard audio system Octavia A7: configurations and features

Depending on the configuration ŠKODA Octavia A7 was equipped with three types of audio systems:

• 🎵 Bolero — basic system with 6 or 8 speakers (without subwoofer). Uses analog signal, suitable for easy upgrade.
• 🎧 Amundsen — mid-level with 8 speakers + subwoofer (in configurations Style and RS). Supports digital audio, but requires adapters for replacement.
• 🎛️ Columbus — a top-end system with 10–12 speakers (including central and rear tweeters). It has a built-in amplifier, which makes modifications more difficult.

Important: in cars with Amundsen and Columbus The speakers are connected through an amplifier located in the trunk. If you replace speakers without taking this nuance into account, you risk burning out the new acoustics! More details about this can be found in the connection section.

Standard speakers in Octavia A7 have the following features:

• 🔊 Front wide: 165 mm (6.5") in the doors, but with a non-standard seat depth.
• 🔈 Tweeters: 25 mm (1"), integrated into the rear view mirrors (on versions with Columbus).
• 🔉 Rear: 165 mm (6.5") or 200 mm (8") depending on the body (liftback/station wagon).
• 📦 Subwoofer: only in Amundsen/Columbus, size 200 mm (8"), located in the trunk.

⚠️ Attention: In machines with a system Columbus rear speakers have separate amplifiers in door cards. Replacing them requires re-soldering the wiring or using adapters!

Octavia A7 (2013–2020) standard speaker size chart

Below are the exact dimensions of all speakers for ŠKODA Octavia A7 (including facelift 2017). The data is relevant for all body types: liftback (Liftback), station wagon (Combi) and RS.

Position	Size (diameter)	Seat depth	Resistance (Ohm)	Notes
Front broadband (doors)	165 mm (6.5")	60–65 mm	4 ohm	Fastening with 3 screws. B RS - reinforced magnets.
Front tweeters	25 mm (1")	20 mm	4 ohm	Only in Amundsen/Columbus, built into the mirrors.
Rear broadband (doors)	165 mm (6.5") or 200 mm (8")	50–70 mm	4 ohm	In the station wagon (Combi) often stand 8-inch.
Subwoofer (trunk)	200 mm (8")	80–90 mm	2 ohm	Only in Amundsen/Columbus, connected through an amplifier.
Center channel (dashboard)	100 mm (4")	30 mm	4 ohm	Only in Columbus, hidden under a decorative grille.

Critical nuance: the depth of the seat for the front speakers in the doors is limited by the design of the window lifter mechanism. The maximum permissible depth of the new acoustics is 65 mm, otherwise the speaker will touch the glass when opened!

How to determine the size of the speakers in your Octavia A7

If you are not sure which speakers are installed in your car, use one of three methods:

1. Check by VIN code. Go to the site ŠKODA, enter the VIN in the "My Car" → "Equipment" section. The audio system and number of speakers will be indicated there.
2. Visual inspection. Remove the decorative grilles (by carefully prying them up with a plastic spatula) and measure the diameter of the speaker with a caliper or ruler.
3. Checking the contents. If you have Octavia A7 RS or Style since 2017 - most likely worth it Columbus with 10–12 speakers.

To accurately determine the size of the rear speakers in a station wagon (Combi) pay attention to the presence of a subwoofer in the trunk:

• 🔊 If there is a subwoofer → rear speakers 200 mm (8").
• 🔈 If there is no subwoofer → most likely 165 mm (6.5").

⚠️ Attention: In machines with a system Bolero rear speakers are often connected directly to the radio, and in Amundsen/Columbus - through an amplifier. This influences the choice of replacement!

Speaker compatibility: which ones can be installed instead of standard ones

When choosing a replacement for Octavia A7 Consider not only the size, but also the following parameters:

• 🔧 Resistance (impedance). Standard speakers - 4 Ohms (except for the subwoofer - 2 Ohms). Installing 2-ohm speakers without modifications will lead to overheating of the amplifier.
• 🔊 Sensitivity (dB). Optimally 90–92 dB. More sensitive speakers (94+ dB) may distort at high volumes.
• 📏 Depth. The maximum for the front speakers is 65 mm. For the rear ones in a station wagon - up to 70 mm.
• 🔌 Mounting type. The stock speakers are secured with 3 screws (front) or 4 screws (rear). Many aftermarket models require adapters.

Recommended replacement brands:

• 🎵 Focal (series Access or Performance) - the best price/quality ratio.
• 🔊 Hertz (ruler Dieci) - ideal for systems Amundsen/Columbus.
• 🎧 Morel (series Tempo) - premium sound, but more expensive.
• 📦 JBL (ruler Club) - a budget option for Bolero.

Example of compatible models:

Position	Standard size	Recommended Replacement	Notes
Front wide	165 mm (6.5")	Focal Access 165 A1 or Hertz DCX 165.3	Depth up to 60 mm, resistance 4 ohms.
Back (wagon)	200 mm (8")	Morel Tempo Ultra 8 or JBL Club 8620	It requires an adapter to hold it.
Twitter	25 mm (1)	Focal TW 25 or Hertz HT 25	We need to drill new holes in the mirrors.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing speakers

Replacement of front speakers in doors Octavia A7 you will need:

• 🔧 Torx T20 and T25 screwdriver.
• 🔨 Plastic spatulas for removing trim.
• 🔌 The sleeve is a sleeve (if you need to change the sleeve).
• 📏 A rod for depth testing.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Removal of the door lining.
   1. Unscrew the screw under the decorative cap at the door handle.
   2. Remove the plastic lining at the mirror (plug the shoulder blade).
   3. Disconnect the connectors from the windows control buttons.
   4. Carefully remove the trim, starting from the bottom corner.
2. Dismantling the old speaker.
   1. Unscrew the 3 screws of the speaker mount (Torx T20).
   2. Disconnect the power connector (it may be necessary to squeeze the lock).
   3. Check the depth of the seat with a ruler.
3. Installation of a new speaker.
   1. If necessary, use an adapter for attachment.
   2. Connect the wires while observing polarity (+/-).
   3. Secure the speaker with screws and check the work before assembly.

For rear speakers in the station wagon (Combi) the process is similar, but the skin is removed differently: first, the trunk shelf is removed, then the clips of the door lining are snapped.

⚠️ Note: When replacing speakers in the system Columbus it's impossible Connecting new acoustics directly to the head unit will disable the amplifier! Use original connectors or adapters with preservation of impedance.

What if the new speaker doesn’t go deep?

If the depth of the new acoustics exceeds 65 mm, you can modify the door map:

1. Deepen the seat with a nap (carefully so as not to damage the window lift).

2. Use speakers with a remote magnet (for example, Focal IS 165).

3. Install a pad of foam to protect against vibrations.

Common mistakes when replacing speakers and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when upgrading the audio system Octavia A7. Here are the most common:

• 🔊 Impedance mismatch. Installing 2-ohm speakers in a system designed for 4 ohms leads to overheating of the amplifier. Solution: use speakers with a resistance of 4 ohms or buy resistors.
• 🔌 Wrong polarity. If you confuse the "+" and "-", the sound will be muffled, and at high frequencies there will be a wheezing. Solution: Check polarity with the tester before connecting.
• 📏 Ignoring depth. The speaker, protruding for the seat, blocks the window lift mechanism. SolutionMeasure the depth before buying.
• 🔧 Poor insulation of connections. The bare wires can be closed to the door body. Solution: use thermal shrinkage or insulation.

Problems often arise when replacing Twitter in the system. Columbus:

• 🔈 Twitter is connected via capacitors (high frequency filters). If they are removed, the speakers will burn from the low-frequency signal.
• 📍 To install new Twitterers, you will have to drill holes in mirrors or transfer them to racks.

How to improve sound without changing speakers

If you are not ready to spend money on new acoustics, but want to improve the sound, try these methods:

• 🎛️ Equalizer settings. In radios Amundsen/Columbus There are hidden sound settings. To open them, hold down the button SETUP for 5 seconds, then select Sound → Expert Settings.
• 🔊 Soundproofing the doors. Install the vibroplastic (StP A40) on the inside of the door map. It'll take the rattle off and improve the bass.
• 📻 Update of the head unit firmware. On the website ŠKODA have updates for Bolero/AmundsenThey improve sound processing.
• 🔌 Replacement of wiring. The wires are thin and lose their signal. Use a copper cable with a cross section of 1.5-2 mm2.

For systems Bolero The most effective upgrade is the installation of an external amplifier (for example, Alpine KTA-450). It connects to the standard head unit through ISO connector It allows you to make the most of the regular speakers.

If you have ColumbusTry to activate the hidden mode. DSP (Digital Sound Processor). For this:

1. Hold down the buttons MEDIA and TEL for 10 seconds.
2. Enter code 31254 (For European versions).
3. In the menu DSP Settings select mode Flat for neutral sound.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Octavia A7 speakers

Is it possible to install larger speakers than the stock ones?

No front doors, as the depth is limited (maximum 65 mm). Back doors of the station wagon (Combi) 200 mm (8) speakers can be installed instead of 165 mm, but you will need to widen the hole and use an adapter.

What resistance should the new speakers have?

For systems Bolero and Amundsen - strictly 4 ohms. For Columbus 2-4 ohms can be used with an amplifier, but you need to check compatibility with the amplifier (see the marking on it).

Do I need to change the wires when changing the speakers?

Not required, but recommended. Standard wiring in Octavia A7 thin (0.75 mm2), which leads to signal loss. It is optimal to use a copper cable with a cross section of 1.5-2 mm2 with silicone insulation.

How to check if the amplifier is working in the Columbus system?

Open the trunk and find the black box next to the subwoofer. It should have a green light bulb on it. You can also check the voltage on the speakers connectors with the head unit on (should be ~2-5 V).

Which speakers are best for bass in the Octavia A7?

To improve bass recommended:

• 🔊 Focal Access 165 A1 - balanced sound.
• 📦 JL Audio C2-650X - deep low frequencies.
• 🎵 Hertz DCX 165.3 Ideal for systems with amplifiers.

For maximum bass, install a subwoofer in the trunk (for example, Pioneer TS-WX120A).