Hi All,

I'm seriously thinking of getting an Octavia VRS estate - I've currently got a Mini Cooper S Clubman, which was stolen and recovered. Probably looking at 6 - 12 months old. Everything that I've read is good, however, I have heard negative comments about the quality of the standard stereo. I was wondering how other people have found the quality on theirs?

Cheers,

Dave

I have the Stream MP3 stereo in my vRS. I find the sound to be a little "harsh" at times and have turned down the treble which seems to help. However I am no audiophile so I may be doing the wrong thing.

As head units go, the Stream is not too bad. I like the way it mutes the sound when the reverse parking sensors engage and the graphical display for the parking sensors is cool, but largely pointless. The display overall is not the easiest to read in bright daylight - its a shame that you can't get the backlight to stay on permanently.

Having said that, I am probably going to get the Stream taken out and replaced with an aftermarket HU, most likely the Alpine 103BT. Not for sound quality, but purely for the mobile phone/ipod functionality.

There are several threads on how to cope with treble "harshness" a-la DIY.

It is most due to limits to tweeter cheapness and poor filtering.

When paying something more, aftermarket speaker system or the Dynaudio option would definitely improve things things.

Hi All,

I'm seriously thinking of getting an Octavia VRS estate - I've currently got a Mini Cooper S Clubman, which was stolen and recovered. Probably looking at 6 - 12 months old. Everything that I've read is good, however, I have heard negative comments about the quality of the standard stereo. I was wondering how other people have found the quality on theirs?

Cheers,

Dave

Welcome to Briskoda!

Suggest you do a search on 'Stream' - there are several threads about it, its quality and foibles.

Personally, I find the Stream unit (and Dance unit in my wife's Roomster) somewhat lacking in sound quality and AM radio reception. I have replaced mine with an Alpine unit that I had previously fitted in a Fabia; difference is like chalk and cheese. Just don't turn the volume up too much as my Alpine (like many other aftermarket units) puts out 40W per channel and the Octavia speakers, the output of which is fine, are only rated IIRC to 20W.

Good luck.

I've currently got a Mini Cooper S Clubman

First recommendation is that you make sure that any Octy Estate you buy is fitted with satnav - you're going to need it to avoid getting lost inside the car in comparison with the Mini!

I have heard negative comments about the quality of the standard stereo. I was wondering how other people have found the quality on theirs?

Be aware that most of the negative comments on here are from audiophiles who are passing on info on their fixes/tweaks to like-minded others. Speaking as an 'ordinary' citizen, I have to say that one of the things that struck me favourably about my new VRS was the quality of the Stream. I like its looks; the display is very clear; there are oodles of presets; its programmability/menu systems are intuitive; and I happened to think the sound quality was really good for a non-premium car. Couple that with CD facility in the dash and multi-stacker in the boot, plus aux input in the jumbo box and I'm a very happy bunny.

In summary, what you're likely to save in excellent value on the overall package versus a premium brand offering you could always spend on an audio retrofit upgrade in the event you were disappointed? The car's the thing, innit?

I agree. I think the quality of my stream MP3 is outstanding. After a quick fiddle with the settings its top notch. Compared to alot of other standard cars stereos I think its one of the best i've heard. My last 2 cars had the optional BOSE upgrade and I think it stacks up favourably against even them.

Being an audiophile (albeit a home one) I've learned that B*£E is a synonym for marketing and for pure trash. The fact that Skoda offers Dynaudio (rather than others) upgrade is still more meaningful of Skoda respect for its buyers' ears.

That's really helpful - thanks.

I don't want to buy a new one. In terms of age, as my previous post stated, I was thinking about 6 - 12 months old. I know that they have just been facleifted, but in the past year or so, have there been any other changes to the standard specification, that is worth getting a newer one for?

I found the stereo in my vRS is one, if not ,the best car stereo I've ever owned. yes, it may seem a basic one compaired to some others out there, but it does me

hi,i note that a couple of people on this thread has mentioned a dynaudio upgrade available for the octy.i have looked on the skoda uk website,no mention of dynaudio upgrade anywhere. can you tell me where i can find more details.cheers john

Oops, I checked and beg your pardon. It seems that Dynaudio upgrade is available from factory only on VW (Dynaudio - Authentic Fidelity).

Sorry again.

I think the stereo is up to the average persons ears.

I did the capacitor mod on the fronts & it has improved noticeably. I've got to get around to doing the rears. $15 & an hours work will do the job.