Replacing or installing rear speakers ŠKODA Rapid 2019 is a challenge that many owners face when trying to improve the sound of their stock audio system. Even in top trim levels Acoustics "Rapida" leaves much to be desired: there is no bass depth, mid frequencies sound muffled, and distortion appears at high volumes. In this article we will analyze the entire process - from selecting speakers to connecting and setting them up - taking into account the electrical and design features Rapid 2019 model year.
It is important to understand that installing rear speakers requires not only technical skills, but also knowledge of the nuances: for example, in ŠKODA Rapid the rear shelf has limited space for installation, and the standard wiring may not withstand the power of the new speakers. We will go into detail on these points so that you avoid common mistakes and get high-quality sound without the risk of damaging your car’s electronics.
Why do the stock speakers of the ŠKODA Rapid 2019 need to be replaced?
Standard audio system Rapid (even with Style or Sportline) uses speakers in the low and mid-price segment. Their main disadvantages:
- 🔊 Weak bass: standard speakers with a diameter of 16–17 cm are physically unable to reproduce low frequencies below 80–100 Hz, which makes the sound “flat”.
- 🎛️ Distortion at high volumes: When the sound level increases above 70%, wheezing and rattling appears, especially noticeable in the rear speakers.
- 🔧 Low quality materials: paper cones and weak magnets wear out quickly, losing sound clarity after 2-3 years of use.
- 🚗 Poor sound insulation: Vibrations from the speakers are transmitted to the body, creating extraneous noise.
In addition, in Rapid The 2019 rear shelf does not have factory training for large diameter speakers (e.g. 6×9 inches), which limits the choice of acoustics. However, this does not mean that it is impossible to improve the sound – the main thing is to choose the right components and take into account the features of the installation.
- Staff size (16-17 cm)
- 6×9 inches (with the shelf rework)
- Component system (with remote tweeters)
- Subwoofer + standard speakers
Selection of rear speakers: which will be suitable for the ŠKODA Rapid 2019?
When selecting acoustics for Rapid consider three key parameters: size, power and system type. Staff seats in the rear shelf are designed for speakers with a diameter 16-17 cm 6.5 inches, but many owners install 6x9 inches (Oval), after the mountings have been perfected.
Here are the recommended models depending on budget and requirements:
| Speaker type | Model | Power (RMS) | Frequency range | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (16–17 cm) | Pioneer TS-A1670F | 30 W | 35–32 000 Hz | Good price/quality ratio, easy installation |
| Mid-segment (6×9) | JBL GTO939 | 75 W | 40-21 000 Hz | Deep bass, requires reworking the shelf |
| Premium (component) | Focal Performance PS 165 | 60 W | 60–20,000 Hz | High quality sound, remote tweeters |
| For bass (with subwoofer) | Alpine S-S65C | 80 W | 65-29,000 Hz. | Ideal for amplifier systems |
If you are planning to install the dynamics 6x9 inchesPlease note that this will be required:
- 🔨 Cut holes in the back shelf (use a template from the speaker manufacturer).
- 🔧 Reinforce the shelf with a vibrating material (for example, StP Vibro) to avoid rattles.
- 🔌 Check compatibility with standard wiring – at power above 50 W you will need an amplifier.
⚠️ Attention: Speakers over 60 W (RMS) cannot be connected directly to a standard radio recorder. Rapid This will lead to overheating and failure of the reinforcing cascade. In such cases, be sure to use an external amplifier.
Before buying speakers, check the depth of the seat in the back shelf. Rapid - it is only 6-7 cm. Many models with deep magnets may not fit without improvements.
Installation Tools and Materials
For the installation of rear speakers on ŠKODA Rapid 2019 you will need to:
Screwdriver T20 and T25 (to remove the skin)
Plastic mounting spatulas (to avoid damaging the clips)
Soldering iron or terminals for connecting wires
Multimeter (to check polarity)
Vibro-absorbing material (e.g., Bitumast)
Drill with nozzles (if you install 6×9 inches)
Template for marking holes (usually comes with speakers)->
Also prepare:
- 🧰 Fission or shrinkage to isolate connections.
- 🔌 Transmitters for wiring (If the newer speakers are not available)
- 📏 Ruler or caliper for accurate measurement of seats.
If you're setting up the dynamics 6x9 inches, you will also need:
- 🔪 Hacksaw for metal Or an electric jigsaw to cut the shelf.
- 🖌️ File for processing the edges of holes.
- 🎨 Paint or anticor to protect the metal from rust.
⚠️ Attention: When cutting back shelf Rapid Do not touch the fuel lines that pass under it in the area of the right rear wing. Before starting work, turn off the battery's minus terminal!
Step-by-step instruction: removal of the skin and access to the seats
To get to the regular speakers or prepare a place for new ones, you need to remove the rear skin. V ŠKODA Rapid 2019 it is mounted on plastic clips and two bolts under the end key T25.
Procedure:
- Open the trunk and remove the lid of the shelf (it is held on the latches - pull up with effort).
- Unscrew two bolts
T25in the lower part of the skin (near the rear lights). - Carefully tuck plastic clips with a mounting shovel, starting from the upper corners. Be careful - the clips are fragile!
- Disconnect the wiring connectors from the standard speakers (if any) and remove the skin completely.
After removing the casing you will see:
- 🔈 Landing seats for speakers (if installed from the factory).
- 🔌 Wiring with connectors (usually black and gray wires - "minus" and "plus" respectively).
- 🔧 Hole for fastening (may require modification for new speakers).
If you install speakers for the first time, you will have to cut holes in the skin. For this:
- Apply the template (from the set of speakers) to the skin and circle the marker.
- Drill the hole with a drill inside the markings and cut the outline with a hacksaw.
- Treat the edges with a file and paint for corrosion protection.
How to avoid squeaks after installation?
So that the skin does not creak when moving, before installing it, stick it on the places of contact with the body. scrubbing-pad (for example, 3M Bumpon). Also treat the clips with silicone lubricant for plastic.
Connecting speakers: polarity, wiring and verification
Incorrect connection of speakers can lead to phase distortion (when the sound is smeared) or short circuit. B Rapid 2019 polarity of wiring is standard:
- 🔴 Red or gray wire - "plus" (
+). - ⚫ Black wire - "minus" (
–).
How to connect the speakers:
- If the connectors of the standard wiring do not fit the new speakers, cut them and clean the wires by 5-7 mm.
- Seal the speaker wires to the standard wiring or use the "mama-dad" terminals.
- Insulate connections with heat shrink or electrical tape.
- Check the polarity with a multimeter (in diode check mode): with the correct connection, the device will show a resistance of 3-8 Ohms.
If you set the speakers with power 50 wattsThe wiring may not be able to withstand the load. In this case:
- 🔌 Make sure that you have separate wires at least
1.5 mm²from a head unit or amplifier. - 🔋 Connect them through the fuse (rated 10-15% higher than the maximum current of the speakers).
- 🎛️ Use capacitor (for example,
1 Farad) for protection against power surges.
⚠️ Attention: B ŠKODA Rapid 2019 head unit Swing or Bolero It automatically turns off speakers when a short circuit is detected. If there is no sound after connecting, check the fuse F37 (10 A) in the fuse box under the steering wheel.
Always check the sound of the speakers before the final skin assembly. If the polarity is confused, the bass will “go away” from the cabin, and the sound will become fuzzy.
Speaker installation and assembly: nuances for ŠKODA Rapid
After connecting the speakers, it remains to fix them and assemble the skin. Depending on the type of acoustics, the process may differ:
For standard size (16-17 cm):
- 🔧 Secure the speakers to regular seats with screws (usually)
M4x16 mm). - 🔈 Wear decorative grilles (if any)
- 🔄 Set the skin in reverse order, starting with the top clips.
For 6×9 inches:
- 🔨 Fix the speakers to the prepared holes with the help of universal (for example, Dynamat).
- 🔧 Use rubber gaskets between the speaker and the shelf to quench vibrations.
- 🔌 Make sure that the wires do not touch moving parts (such as the trunk lock).
After assembly:
- Connect the battery and check the sound at different frequencies.
- Adjust the balance and fader in the head unit settings (
Settings → Sound → Balance). - If the sound is “deaf”, check the tightness of the speaker attachment – the slits can spoil the acoustics.
To improve sound insulation, stick on the inside of the skin vibration absorber (for example, StP Aero). This will reduce extraneous noise and improve the clarity of the bass.
Customization of sound after installation: balance, equalizer and amplifier
Even the best speakers will not reach their potential without the right setup. V ŠKODA Rapid 2019 The following options are available:
The settings of the standard radio recorder (Swing/Bolero):
- 🎚️ Equalizer: select preset
RockorPopto amplify the average frequencies. - 🔄 Balance/fader: Set the rear speakers to level
+2…+4relative to the front. - 🔊 Loudness: Turn on this feature to compensate for low frequencies at low volumes.
If you are using external amplifierPlease adjust further:
- 🎛️ Level of gains: set so that the sound does not distort at maximum volume.
- 🔇 Low frequency filter (LPF): for rear speakers recommended
80–100 Hz. - 🔊 Crossover: if there is a subwoofer, cut the low frequencies from the rear speakers (
HPF 100 Hz).
B Rapid 2019 with a tape-tape Amundsen (navigation) an extended equalizer with 10 bands is available - use it to fine-tune the sound to your preferences.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners make mistakes when installing rear speakers. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:
| Error | Consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong polarity | Lack of bass, "smeared" sound | Check with a multimeter or test connection |
| Using regular wiring for powerful speakers | Overheating, insulation melting, short circuit | Lay individual wires in a cross section ≥ 1.5 mm2 |
| Lack of sound insulation | Freaks, extraneous noise, vibrations | Use vibration absorbers (StP, Dynamat) |
| Unsealed speaker attachment | Loss of sound clarity, creaking | Seal the joints with foam or rubber pads |
Another typical problem is impedance incompatibility. If the resistance of the speakers (4 ohm) lower than the support of the head unit (2 ohm), this may cause it to overheat. Always check the technical specifications!
What to do if after installing the dynamics wheeze?
Wheezing usually occurs due to:
1) Insufficient power amplifier - Check the settings. gains.
2) Bad contact in the wiring - recheck all connections.
3) Mechanical vibrations Make sure the speakers are tightly fixed.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions
Can you set the speakers 6×9 inches without cutting the shelf?
No, the regular back shelf. Rapid 2019 has no holes under oval speakers. We'll have to cut the seats out according to the pattern. The alternative is to use adapter rings for larger diameter round speakers (e.g. 18 cm), but this is less effective for basses.
Do I need to change the tape for new speakers?
If the speakers have power up to 50 W (RMS), standard radio Swing or Bolero I'll be fine. More powerful acoustics will be required. amplifier or replacing the head unit with a model with an output of 4 channels (for example, Pioneer AVH-X5800DAB).
How to check if the speakers are working after installation?
Turn on the test signal in the settings of the head unit (Settings → Sound → Test of speakers). If the sound is silent or distorted, check:
- Connection polarity.
- The quality of the contacts in the connectors.
- Equalizer settings (possibly low or high frequencies cut off).
How much does it cost to install rear speakers in the service?
The cost of work depends on the complexity:
- Replacement of standard speakers (16–17 cm): 1,500–2,500 rubles.
- Installation 6x9 inches (from the sharp shelf): 3000–5,000 rubles.
- Full sound insulation + speakers: 8 000–12 000 ₽.
Independent installation will cost only the cost of materials (dynamics, wires, sound insulation).
Can the rear speakers be connected directly to the subwoofer?
No, this will lead to misallocation of frequencies and overloading the speakers. The rear columns shall be connected to:
- Or to the standard head unit (if the power is up to 50 W).
- Or to single-channel with the crossover setup.
The subwoofer is connected separately, through LOW-LEVEL Amplifier input.