Hello,

Just acquired a 2003 Octavia estate L&K and the front speakers didn't sound good at all when the bass was above 1 or 2 (Standard Symphony head unit) the bass was harsh and parpy for want of a better word! I changed the speakers out for some new ones and pretty much the same thing happens - it sounds ok from the rear speakers and the ones in the boot. I just wondered if this was a common issue and if there was any way to mount them better, perhaps clutching at straws a little?!

Many thanks,

Andy

I've had the same thing; the issue is the lack of proper rear enclosures. But don't cut the door membraines to fit deeper speakers or enclosures.

Changing the head unit will make more of a difference than changing the speakers, although you're going to struggle to get fantastic results.

Infinity do a set that are shallow mount and so do Vibe. Anything less than 50mm should fit.

I've got the same problem. Sounded like both the front 6.5's were blown so I bought a nice set of Pioneer components today, & it's just the same :(

So it must be something vibrating in the front doors, has anyone any idea what could be loose?

Yeah I bought some Alpine ones, not hugely expensive but disappointing that they sound as bad. I'm not sure there's a problem with the head unit as all the other speakers sound fine but I'm no expert. I don't need it to sound amazing, just not bad!

I'm not sure there's a problem with the head unit as all the other speakers sound fine but I'm no expert.

Neither am I, but I did change both the speakers and the headunit in my Octy - the headunit made a more noticeable difference to the quality of the sound.

The Octy already has an aftermarket Sony Xplod headunit fitted. At the moment I would say it's the worst sounding car stereo I've ever heard. Even the OEM VW Gamma system in the wife's Bora puts it to shame. :S

Looks like the door trims will be coming off today to investigate what's going on.

Ok couldn't get the drivers door card off. Never had a problem getting the off my any of my Golf mkiv's or our Bora before.

Undid the 4 torx screws, the 3 big screws behind the switch cluster, & the small phillips screw behind the handle, unclipped the bottom of the card, but it just wouldn't push up & off. :(

Just sold the Sony CDX s2000 head unit on ebay, & replaced it with a Pioneer DEH-55BT. Wow what difference, sounds absolutely great now Still got something vibrating in both front doors, but this is only noticeable at really low volume. Will attempt getting the door cards off again this weekend.

I know Ken has encouraged against it, but what some of you may be experiencing is the fact that the door membrane seals off the speaker from behind not allowing it to move around as much air as it would like to. This can end up with the membrane it's self vibrating with the speaker and making noises described above. Even changing speakers might not fix this, leaving the only way to remove the circular piece of membrane that sits behind the speaker.you will notice an improvement right away, it will go louder, sound clearer and produce deeper bass. However it can lead to water intrusion problems. If anyone finds a way to allow the speaker to breathe better without piercing the membrane then let me know!

Umm, that's interesting as I just got the passenger door card off & couldn't find anything loose.

Well I carefully peeled the speaker membrane away from the main membrane, & all the vibration has disappeared. There was no need to cut it as it has an adhesive on it that seems to stay sticky rather than harden. As Jcb has stated the low frequencies have tightened up, & volume seems to have increased.