Owners of hatchback and liftback Skoda Octavia A7 Tour often encounter a situation where the standard audio system no longer meets the demands for sound quality. This is especially noticeable in the rear seats, where the sound can seem flat and lacking depth. The problem lies not only in the power of the amplifier, but also in the design features of the door panels, as well as in the lack of proper vibration isolation.
To correct the situation, it is necessary to take a comprehensive approach to the issue of replacing audio parts. Simply replacing speakers is often not enough if you do not prepare the seats first. In this article we will look at all the nuances of selecting, installing and configuring rear speakers for your car so that you get clear and powerful sound at no extra cost.
Features of the Skoda Octavia Tour acoustic system
Standard audio system in Octavia A7 Tour the basic version is often limited to two speakers in the front and two small tweeters in the mirrors, while the rear doors may have no speakers at all or only passive radiators. Even in configurations with an amplifier, the sound from the rear often suffers from the resonances of the plastic panels. Understanding this architecture is critical to a successful upgrade.
If you have the version with basic multimedia, most likely there are no active speakers at the back. In this case, you will need not just a replacement, but a complete wiring and installation of new components. For versions with multimedia Swing or Amundsen the situation is different: there are speakers, but their quality and power leave much to be desired.
- ๐ The standard size of the rear door speakers is 13 cm (130 mm) or 16.5 cm (165 mm) depending on the year of manufacture.
- ๐ Wire connectors are often uniquely shaped, requiring the use of adapters or re-soldering.
- ๐ Power supply for the rear speakers may not be available on standard wiring in the simplest configurations.
Criteria for choosing high-quality acoustics
When choosing new speakers for Skoda Octavia Tour Pay attention to sensitivity and power. The standard amplifiers in this model do not produce enormous power, so speakers with low sensitivity will sound quiet and inexpressive. The optimal choice would be components with sensitivity above 90 dB.
It is important to consider the seating depth of the speaker. In the back doors Octavia There are often restrictive elements that can prevent the installation of deep models. Measure your space before purchasing to avoid having to cut door panels or use odd-thickness spacers.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Do not buy speakers with a maximum power that significantly exceeds the capabilities of the stock amplifier. This will not increase the volume, but may lead to distortion at high volumes and overheating of the amplifier.
To obtain high-quality sound, 2-way coaxial speakers are best, since installing a separate tweeter in the rear door is often impossible due to lack of space.
- ๐ ๏ธ Look for models with soft surrounds for better bass response.
- ๐ฟ Check for a security grill that matches your door design.
- ๐ Make sure that the installation depth does not exceed 5-6 cm without using spacers.
Preparation for installation and necessary tools
Before starting work, you need to prepare a tool kit. You will need plastic spatulas to remove the trim to avoid damaging the clips, a set of screwdrivers, a Phillips screwdriver, and possibly a drill to widen the seat. You will also need a tester to check the presence of a signal on the wires.
If you plan to improve the sound quality, do not forget about noise insulation. Without it, the plastic door panels will resonate, turning the powerful bass into a rumble. The process of soundproofing rear doors requires care and time, but the result is worth it.
โ๏ธ Preparing for installation
โ ๏ธ Attention: When removing the door trim, be extremely careful with the opening handle latches and window lifter rods. One wrong move can lead to their breakdown and costly repairs.
- ๐ง Use only plastic tools to remove the panel.
- ๐งผ Clean the door surface from dust and dirt before gluing the materials.
- ๐ Make a template out of cardboard to precisely cut out the space for the speaker.
The process of dismantling and installing speakers
Start by carefully removing the door card. Unscrew the screws hidden under the decorative plugs in the armrest and around the opening handle. Use a plastic spatula to pry up the bottom of the panel and carefully unclip the latches around the perimeter.
After removing the trim, you will see the internal structure of the door. If there are already speakers there, unscrew them and disconnect the connectors. If there are no wires, you will have to run a new line from the radio, which will require dismantling the instrument panel and running the cable through the corrugation in the rack.
Difficulties in laying wires
Routing wires through the rack may be difficult due to the presence of airbags. It is necessary to disconnect the battery before starting any wiring work to avoid triggering the squibs.
Place the new speaker in the prepared area using the spacer ring for alignment. Connect the wires, observing the polarity (plus to plus, minus to minus), otherwise the phasing will be disrupted and the sound will become flat.
- ๐ฉ Tighten the screws evenly to prevent the speaker from vibrating.
- ๐ Securely secure the connectors with electrical tape or heat shrink.
- ๐ง Check the speaker operation before the door is fully assembled.
Proper speaker phasing is critical to maintaining low frequencies. If the sound becomes empty after replacement, swap the wires on one of the speakers.
Noise insulation and vibration damping of doors
For Octavia Tour Soundproofing the rear doors is not just an addition, but a necessity. The metal door panels have a significant area and when the speaker is in operation they begin to act like a membrane, creating extraneous noise.
Apply anti-vibration material to the inside metal of the door, covering a large area. This will reduce resonance and improve bass transmission. The second layer is a noise absorber, which is laid on top of the vibration insulation and covers the interior of the door.
| Material | Purpose | Layer thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Vibroplast Gold | Metal vibration suppression | 2 mm |
| Splen 4 mm | Heat and sound insulation | 4 mm |
| Bitoplast | Eliminating whistles and squeaks | 5-10 mm |
โ ๏ธ Attention: Do not block the technological openings responsible for ventilation and operation of the window regulators. This can lead to overheating of the mechanisms or fogging of the windows.
- Yes, completely
- Partially
- Speakers only
- No, I just installed new speakers
Adjusting sound and troubleshooting problems
After installing the speakers, you need to configure the audio system. Go to the audio settings menu on your head unit and check the balance. Make sure the sound is evenly distributed between the front and rear speakers. If the sound is quieter from behind, try increasing the volume on the rear channels.
Sometimes there is a problem with phasing or mismatch of the frequency range. If there is no bass, check to see if the speakers are connected out of phase. It's also worth turning off the equalizer to understand the actual sound quality, and then adjust it to your preferences.
- ๐๏ธ Adjust the Fader (front/back balance) to the middle or slightly forward.
- ๐๏ธ Set Bass Boost to minimum or off.
- ๐ Test your speakers at different volume levels.
Common mistakes when replacing acoustics
Many owners make the mistake of installing speakers that are too powerful without replacing the amplifier. This causes the amplifier to work at its limit, distorting the sound and quickly breaking down. They also often forget about sound insulation, which is why the sound remains โboomyโ even with expensive speakers.
Another common problem is the use of homemade adapters made of untreated plywood or plastic. Over time, such rings may dry out or begin to creak when the car moves, creating new extraneous noise.
Before final assembly of the door, connect the music and listen to the speakers on different tracks. This will identify phase or poor contact problems that are difficult to correct once the sheathing is installed.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Never use regular self-tapping screws without washers to attach speakers to thin metal doors. This may cause the speaker mounting lugs to break due to vibration.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
What speaker sizes are suitable for the rear doors of the Skoda Octavia Tour?
In most cases, the regular seat is designed for speakers of 13 cm (130 mm). However, in some trim levels and years of release (especially after facelift), it is possible to use 16.5 cm speakers, provided that the use of supply rings or a change in the seat.
Do I need to pull the wires if there are no rear speakers in the car?
Yes, if you have a basic configuration without rear speakers, there are no wires for them. You will need to remove the head unit, disassemble the instrument panel and lay new cables through the corrugated rod in the rack to the rear door. This is a complicated procedure that requires care.
Can you install speakers without noise insulation?
Technically possible, but the sound will be much worse. The plastic skin and thin metal of the door will resonate, creating a hum and distorting the bass. Noise insulation is required for high-quality sound in the back doors of the ล KODA OCTAVIA.
Are speakers from the ล KODA Octavia A7 without a Tour?
Yes, seating and speaker sizes in Octavia A7 Tour common Octavia A7 identical. You can use any speaker designed for this platform, including models from other brands of the VAG group, provided suitable adapters are available.
Proper installation and sound insulation of the rear speakers turn the rear row from a "quiet zone" into a full space for high-quality sound, significantly improving the overall impression of the audio system.