Replacement of front speakers on the ŠKODA Octavia A7: instructions with photos and tips

Replacing the front speakers with ŠKODA Octavia A7 (including restyled versions of 2017-2020) is a challenge that many owners face after 5-7 years of operation. Standard. speaker systems from VW Group (most often SEAT or Panasonic) lose sound quality: wheezing, distortion at high frequencies or the complete absence of bass. The reasons can be different - from the natural wear of diffusers to moisture through door seals.

In this article you will find step by step instructions with photos and videos, how to replace speakers yourself, without contacting the service. We'll take it apart. Octavia A7 (2013–2020) in liftback and station wagon bodies, including versions with Bolero, Amundsen and Columbus audio systems. You will also learn which speakers are better to choose to replace, how to avoid connection errors and what to do if the sound becomes worse after installation.

What speakers are in the Octavia A7 in the front: dimensions and characteristics

In the front doors Octavia A7 There are two types of speakers:

• 🔊 Low frequency (woofer) size 165 mm (6.5"), resistance 4 ohm, landing depth to 60 mm. In the basic configurations are often SEAT 6R0 035 401/402 or analogues from Panasonic.
• 🎵 High frequency (twitter) size 25 mm (1"), resistance 4–6 ohmsIt is mounted on the rear-view mirror or at the top of the door. In systems Bolero/Amundsen model used 5E0 035 407.

It is important to note that in the versions of Premium Canton Audio System (optional 9W3) are high-power speakers: woofers 5E0 035 401 C (up to 50W RMS) and tweets 5E0 035 407 C with aluminum diffusers. Replacing them with standard ones will lead to an imbalance in sound.

Before buying new speakers, check their compatibility by the following parameters:

Parameter	Standard system	Canton (option 9W3)
Woofer size	165 mm (6.5")	165 mm (6.5")but with a reinforced magnet
Planting depth	Before 60 mm	Before 65 mm
RMS power	20–30 W	40–50 W
Resistance	4 ohm	2–4 ohms (depends on amplifier)
Twitter	25 mm (1")silk dome	25 mm (1"), aluminium dome

⚠️ Attention: If your Octavia A7 is equipped with CantonReplacement of speakers is better to trust professionals. Incorrect selection of components can lead to overloading of the amplifier and failure of the head unit!

Which speakers are better to choose for replacement: TOP-5 options

When choosing new speakers, focus on price/quality ratio Compatibility with your audio system. For Octavia A7 without Canton The following models are suitable:

• 🥇 Hertz DCX 165.3 The best choice for fans of clear sound. Power 60W RMS, Kevlar diffuser, depth 58 mm. Perfect for systems Amundsen/Columbus.
• 💰 Pioneer TS-A1676F - budget option (30 W RMS) with good bass. They are easily installed without modification.
• 🎶 Focal PS 165 - Premium sound for reasonable money. Polymer diffuser, power 50W RMS. You need equalizer settings.
• 🔧 Alpine SXE-1726S It is a universal option for any system. Depth. 55 mm, power 45 W RMS.
• 🔥 Morel Tempo Ultra 602 - Top choice for music lovers. Two-band system with separate filters, power 80 W RMS. Requires professional installation.

For systems Canton We recommend original speakers. ŠKODA 5E0 035 401 C (woofer) and 5E0 035 407 C (tweet) or analogues from Dynaudio (series Esotec). Cheap Chinese replacements will quickly fail due to the high power of the amplifier.

Tools and materials for replacement: complete list

For self-replacement of front speakers on Octavia A7 you will need:

TORX T20 and T25 screwdriver (for door attachment)

Plastic blades for removing the skin (2-3 pieces)

Key asterisk for speakers (usually 8 or 10)

Multimeter (to check polarity)

Electrical tape or heat shrink tubing (for insulating wires)

New speakers (woofer + tweeter)

Silicone grease (for seals)

Gloves (to avoid leaving fingerprints on the skin)

If you plan to improve the acoustics, you may additionally need:

• 🔧 Soundproofing (for example, StP Aero or Bitumast) for doors.
• 🔌 Transmitters for wiringIf the new speakers have a different connector.
• 🎛️ Crossover filters (For frequency separation, if you install a component system)

⚠️ Attention: When working with a door panel, be careful with pyro-cartridges (If you have them in your package) Do not turn off the connectors of the wire harness going to the side airbag!

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove door trim

The removal of the skin is the most important stage. If you damage clips or hooks, the door will rattle when moving. Follow the instructions:

1. Open the door and disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (This will prevent short circuits when working with wires).

2. Remove decorative overlay on the door handle (plastic blade on the bottom).

3. Remove two screws TORX T20 under the lining and one screw at the bottom of the door (under the plug).

4. Carefully tuck the skin around the perimeter, starting with bottom corner. The clips hold tightly, but break if too much force is used.

5. Disconnect the connectors lock-in, speakers and airbags (if any). Don't pull the wires!

After removing the casing you will see plastic-case speaker. It is mounted on 3-4 screws. TORX T20. Remove it to access the speaker.

What to do if the clip of the skin broke?

If the clip of the door lining broke, do not try to fix the skin on screws - this will lead to creaks. Buy a remake of clips for VW Group (article N 908 132 01 for plastic or N 908 132 02 for metallic. Install new clips only after the door is fully assembled so as not to lose them inside.

Installation of new speakers: connection and configuration

Before installing new speakers check polarity old so as not to confuse the wires. Usually on the connector. ŠKODA:

• 🔴 Red wire - plus (+).
• 🖤 Black wire - minus (−).

If the polarity is mixed up, the sound will be "smeared"without clear source location. To avoid mistakes:

1. Connect the new speaker to the wires without fixation in the seat.

2. Turn on the music on the tape and check the sound. If the basses go out, change the polarity.

3. Secure the speaker with screws (usually come in the kit). Don’t pull it over – it can deform the body!

For systems Canton additionally:

• 🔧 Use quintessential (5E0 035 401 C) so as not to lose the sound quality.
• 🎛️ After installation, run calibration via menu Settings → Sound → Setup of speakers.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

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

• 🔊 Ignoring soundproofing. Without it, basses will be deaf and high frequencies will be sharp. Minimum set: pasting the interior of the door vibroplast (for example, StP Gold).
• 🔌 Poor wire insulation. The bare contacts can be closed to the door body. Use a heat shrink tube or tape 3M Scotch.
• 🔧 Re-upholstery of fastenings. This deforms the speaker body and worsens the sound. Tighten the screws with effort 0.5–0.7 Nm.
• 🎵 Incompatibility with resistance. Speakers 2 ohm in a system designed for 4 ohmThis will cause the amplifier to overheat.

Another typical problem is squeaks after assembly. They occur if:

• The door is not well fixed (check the clips).
• The speaker touches the plastic casing (you need to put foam).
• The wires are clamped with the skin (sweep them before assembly).

⚠️ Attention: If after the replacement of the speakers, the head unit emits an error "Check Audio System"So you damaged the wiring or you connected the connectors incorrectly. Check the circuit with a multimeter in "vertebrae" mode.

Additional improvements: sound insulation and tuning

To make the sound really high-quality, it is not enough just to change the speakers. We recommend:

1. Soundproofing doors. Use a combination of materials:

   • 🟢 Vibroplast (for example, StP Gold) - to dampen metal vibrations.
   • 🟡 Noise-plastics (for example, Accent Premium) - to absorb external noise.
   • 🟤 Membrane (for example, Bimast Bomb) to improve the acoustics of the cabin.

   Plug it in. inside of the door (at least 70% of the area) and plastic-case speaker.

2. Equalizer settings. In systems Amundsen/Columbus Preliminary settings are available:

   • Rock High and medium frequencies are increased.
   • Jazz Balanced sound with an emphasis on bass.
   • Classic - soft sound without sharp tops.

For fine tuning use manual mode (Settings → Sound → Equalizer).

If you have installed a component system (with external crossovers), place them. as close to the speakers as possibleTo minimize signal loss. The best place is under the front panel or in the niche behind the glove compartment.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

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

Theoretically yes, but some improvements will be required:

• Expansion of the seat (metal milling).
• Replace the plastic casing with the speaker (if the new speaker is deeper).
• Reconfigure the equalizer (large speakers can "clog" high frequencies).

For Octavia A7 the best option is 16.5 cm with depth up to 65 mm. Speakers 18 cm It is only appropriate when the acoustics are completely reworked (with the installation of an amplifier).

How to check if a new speaker is working before installation?

Connect the speaker to 9-volt battery (Shortly!):

• Touch it. + battery + dynamics, and − to −.
• The diffuser must move. outward.
• If you move inward, change the polarity.

Do not keep the connection longer than 1-2 seconds, so as not to damage the speaker!

Do I need to change my Twitter account if I only change my Twitter account?

Not necessarily, but it is recommended. Old tweeters might:

• Distortion of sound due to the mismatch of frequency characteristics with new woofers.
• Be less powerful, which will lead to imbalance (woofers will “muffle” high frequencies).

If the budget is tight, choose tweeters of the same brand as woofers (e.g., Twitter). Hertz HT 25 for Hertz DCX 165.3).

What if after the replacement of the speakers there was noise (background hum)?

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Poor contact in connectors Check all compounds, clean the oxides.
• 📻 Wiring tips - lay audio cables away from the power wiring (for example, along the threshold).
• 🔋 Weight problems Check the attachment of the sub-conductor wire to the body (metal must be cleaned).
• 🔊 Incompatibility of resistance If new dynamics are present 2 ohm, and the radio is designed for 4 ohm, set up resistors.

Can you install speakers without removing the door lining?

Nope. Replacement of the front speakers with Octavia A7 scavenge, because:

• The speaker is attached to the metal door screws, access to which is closed with a plastic casing.
• The wires are connected through a connector hidden behind the skin.
• Without dismantling, it is impossible to check the state of sound insulation and fasteners.

Attempts to “push” the speaker through the technological holes will damage the skin or wiring.