Replacing speakers in a ŠKODA Octavia TUR: step-by-step instructions with photos and tips

Replacing speakers in ŠKODA Octavia TUR - a task faced by owners who want to improve the sound of a standard audio system. Even in top trim levels acoustics often leave much to be desired: Choppy highs, weak bass and distortion at high volumes. But before you run to the service, you should figure out whether you can handle it yourself.

In this article we will analyze the entire process in detail: from choosing speakers to the intricacies of connection. You will find out what speaker sizes suitable for Octavia TUR (and they are different from other generations!), how to properly remove door cards without breaking, and why not all speakers are compatible with the standard radio. We will also reveal the secrets of adjusting the sound after installation - this is no less important than the replacement itself.

What speakers are installed in the ŠKODA Octavia TUR from the factory?

Depending on the year of manufacture and configuration, in Octavia TUR (2013–2020) different acoustic systems were installed. Basic versions were equipped with speakers SEAT/Skoda with paper diffusers, and in top-end ones (for example, Sound Package or Canton) there were component systems with separate tweeters.

Standard speaker sizes:

• 🔊 Front: 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) - in the doors, seat depth ~60 mm
• 🔊 Rear: 13 cm (5.25 inches) - in rear doors or shelf, depth ~40 mm
• 🎵 Tweeters: 2.5 cm - in the A-pillars or mirrors (in configurations with component acoustics)

The standard speakers have resistance 4 ohms, but the power rarely exceeds 20–30 W RMS. This means that if upgrading to higher power speakers (eg 50-100W) you may need to amplifier or replacing the radio with a model with a higher power output.

How to choose replacement speakers: 5 criteria

Choosing new speakers is not only a matter of budget, but also compatibility with car electronics. Here's what to look for:

1. Size and depth. Even if the diameter is the same (for example, 6.5"), depth of the new speaker may not fit in the door. For Octavia TUR maximum depth of front speakers - 65 mm (including space for wiring).
2. Resistance. Optimal - 4 ohms. 2 Ohm speakers will put a large load on the standard amplifier of the radio, which will lead to overheating or distortion.
3. Sensitivity (dB). For a standard radio, choose models with sensitivity from 90 dB. Less sensitive speakers will sound quiet.
4. Diffuser material. Paper (standard) is cheaper, but reproduces high frequencies worse. Polypropylene or Kevlar more durable and produce clearer sound.
5. Component or coaxial system. Coaxial ("two-way" speakers) are easier to install, but component (with separate tweeters) provide better frequency separation.

Popular replacement brands: Alpine, Pioneer, JBL, Focal and Hertz. Suitable for a budget upgrade Morel Maximo or DLS R4, and for premium sound - Focal PS 165 or Hertz DCX 165.3.

Preparing for replacement: tools and safety

To replace speakers in Octavia TUR you will need:

• 🔧 Screwdriver set: T20, T25 (for plastic clips), cross and flat
• 🔨 Plastic spatulas for removing panels (to avoid damaging the clips)
• 🔌 Soldering iron or crimp terminals (if you are changing connectors)
• 📏 Vernier calipers or ruler (for measuring seats)
• 🎧 Tester or multimeter (to check wire polarity)

Important: before starting work disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. B Octavia TUR The speaker wires may be live even when the ignition is turned off (due to the CAN buses).

Disconnect the battery (negative terminal)

Take photos of the location of the wires and clips

Prepare a new speaker and adapter rings (if needed)

Check the polarity of the standard wires with a multimeter

Secure the workplace (lighting, no drafts) -->

If this is your first time removing door cards, practice on the back door - there is less risk of damaging the window lift mechanisms or control unit. Clips in Octavia TUR fragile, and replacing them will cost 200–500 rubles apiece.

Step-by-step instructions: replacing the front speakers

Front speakers in Octavia TUR located at the bottom of the door card. Replacing them requires care, since the power window wires and the control unit pass nearby.

1. Removing the door card:
   • Remove the two screws under the decorative door handle cap (use a screwdriver T20).
   • Pry up the plastic trim near the mirror (there is another screw hidden there).
   • Carefully unclip the clips around the perimeter of the card, starting from the bottom corner. Use plastic spatulas!
2. Removing the old speaker:
   • Disconnect the power connector (remember or take a photo of the polarity!).
   • Unscrew the 4 speaker mounting screws (usually T25).
   • If the speaker is glued, pry it off with a knife, after heating it with a hairdryer (the glue becomes elastic at 60–70°C).
3. Installing a new speaker:
   • If the new speaker is deeper than stock, you may need to spacer (ring made of MDF or plastic).
   • Connect the wires, observing the polarity (+ to +, − to −).
   • Secure the speaker with screws, but do not overtighten - you may break the threads in the door plastic.

After installation, check the speaker operation before assembling the door: Connect the battery and play music. If the sound is distorted or missing, check the polarity and reliability of the contacts.

What to do if the new speaker doesn't fit?

If the depth of the new speaker is greater than 65 mm, you can:

1. Deepen the seat with a drill and cutter (risk of damaging the inner door trim).

2. Use a speaker with a neodymium magnet - they are more compact than ferrite ones with the same power.

3. Move the speaker to the armrest (the plastic will need to be modified and new wires will be laid).

Replacing rear speakers and tweeters

Rear speakers in Octavia TUR located in the doors or on a shelf behind the seats (depending on the body). Replacing them is easier, but there are some nuances:

• 🔧 B sedans rear speakers are often mounted to a metal shelf. To access you need to remove the trunk trim.
• 🔧 B liftback/station wagon speakers may be in the rear doors (similar to the front doors, but without control units).
• 🎵 Tweeters (in configurations with component acoustics) are usually located in the A-pillars or rear-view mirrors. To replace them, you will need to remove the rack trim.

Attention: in some versions Octavia TUR rear speakers connected via amplifierlocated under the seat. If there is no sound after replacing, check the amplifier fuse (usually F37 at 10A in the block under the steering wheel).

Speaker type	Location	Replacement Difficulty (1–5)	Replacement time
Front wide	Door card	4	1–1.5 hours per side
Rear Wide	Rear door/shelf	3	30–40 minutes per side
Twitter	A-pillar/mirror	5	2 hours (removal of trim required)
Subwoofer (optional)	trunk	4	3–4 hours (laying wires)

Adjusting the sound after replacing speakers

Installing new speakers is only half the battle. Without proper settings, the sound may be worse than with standard speakers. Here's what to do:

1. Checking polarity. If the speakers are connected out of phase (one + to −), the bass will be weak. You can check it with a tester or by balancing the sound in the radio.
2. Equalizer settings. In the radio menu (Sound → Equalizer) reduce the high frequencies by 2-3 dB if you hear hiss (this is a sign of overloading the tweeters).
3. Balancing. B Octavia TUR There is often an imbalance between the front and rear acoustics. Set the rear speakers to 70-80% of the volume of the front speakers.
4. Noise reduction. If you hear extraneous vibrations, check the mounting of the speakers and the tightness of the doors. B Octavia TUR The plastic around the handle often vibrates - it can be glued vibroplast.

Attention: If, after replacing the speakers, the radio began to “stutter” or turn off, this is a sign amplifier overload. In this case, you will need to either turn down the volume or install an external amplifier.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing speakers. Here are the most common:

• ⚡ Reversed polarity. Will lead to "washed out" sound and lack of bass. Always check polarity with a multimeter: red probe to "+", black to "−" - resistance should be ~4 ohms.
• 🔧 Using self-tapping screws instead of standard screws. Self-tapping screws can damage the threads in the plastic of the door. If the screws are lost, buy similar ones from a hardware store (for example, M5×16 for front speakers).
• 🎛️ Lack of sound insulation. Without vibroplast or splenia the speakers will sound "dull". Minimum set: gluing the metal of the door around the speaker.
• 🔌 Bad contacts. Oxidized or loosely crimped terminals will cause cracking noise. Process contacts contact lubricant (for example, Kontakt 60).

Another typical problem is impedance incompatibility. If you install 2 ohm speakers in a 4 ohm system, the radio will overheat. In this case, either replacing the radio or installing linear converter (for example, DSP).

FAQ: answers to popular questions

Is it possible to install larger speakers, for example 18 cm instead of 16.5 cm?

Theoretically yes, but it will be necessary hole expansion in the metal of the door. This is a complex job that requires a cutter and corrosion protection. Much easier to use adapter rings for installing 16.5 cm speakers in a standard location. An alternative is a component system with a separate subwoofer in the trunk.

Do I need to change the radio when replacing the speakers?

Not necessary, but if you install speakers with power more than 50 W RMS, the standard radio may not reveal their potential. Optimal upgrade options:

• Pioneer SPH-DA130DAB - with Apple CarPlay support and 50 W x 4 output.
• Alpine iLX-W650 — compact but powerful (22 W×4, but with the ability to connect an amplifier).
• Sony XAV-AX5000 - good equalizer and FLAC support.

For a full-fledged audio system you will also need DSP processor (for example, Helix P Six DSP).

How can I check if my new speakers are working correctly?

Turn on the test signal (for example, sine waves at frequencies of 100 Hz, 1 kHz and 10 kHz) and listen to:

• 🔊 On 100 Hz There should be no rattling (a sign of poor sound insulation).
• 🔊 On 1 kHz the sound should be clear, without hissing (if there is, the tweeters are overloaded).
• 🔊 On 10 kHz There should be no distortion (a sign of low-quality tweeters).

Also check the balance: move the adjuster Fade (front/back) and Balance (left/right) - the sound should move smoothly between the speakers.

How much does it cost to replace speakers at a service center?

The cost of work depends on the region and complexity:

• 💰 Replacement of front speakers: 1,500–2,500 rubles per side.
• 💰 Replacement of rear speakers: 1,000–1,800 rubles per side.
• 💰 Installation of tweeters: 2,000–3,500 rubles (due to the difficulty of removing the casing).
• 💰 Complete replacement of acoustics (4 speakers + tweeters): 8,000–15,000 rubles.

You can save money if you remove the door cards yourself and prepare the wires, and only order the connection from the service center.

Is it possible to install a subwoofer in an Octavia TUR without damaging the trunk?

Yes, there are several options:

• 📦 Compact subwoofer (for example, JBL BassPro Nano) - placed under the seat or in the spare tire niche.
• 📦 Slim subwoofer (for example, Pioneer TS-WX130DA) - attached to the back of the rear seat.
• 📦 Active subwoofer in spare tire (for example, Alpine PWE-S8) - replaces the spare wheel (but requires modification of the mounts).

To connect you will need to stretch power cable (cross-section not less than 4 mm²) from the battery and control wire from the radio (REMOTE).