Can anyone help? I have a 57 plate Skoda octavia VRS Tdi and the current stereo has very poor radio reception. It doesn't even pick radio 1 up all of the time. I am thinking about changing it for something else but I also have a CD changer fitted in the boot. Is there any direct replacement upgrade stereos available for my car that have mp3 capability and will allow the CD changer to still be used?

I have been looking around on the forum and the Bolero seems to be mentioned a lot although there are mixed views on how good it is.

Any help will be appreciated.

Have you checked the antenna booster at the top of the windscreen? Do a search cause if I remember correctly Mike Holyrood had issues with his and worked out how to test it.

Tom

this should do it give them a call

http://www.caraudiodiscount.com/stereo-mp3-players-mc5600-all-one-dvd-touchscreen-100-skoda-custom-fit-p-17093.html

what about these http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VW-Golf-Skoda-Octavia-Car-DVD-GPS-DVB-T-PIP-TMC-3D-HD-/300537944697?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item45f9751a79

what about these http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VW-Golf-Skoda-Octavia-Car-DVD-GPS-DVB-T-PIP-TMC-3D-HD-/300537944697?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item45f9751a79

Do you know if these systems are any good? I have never heard of the make or seen them before. They look and sound great from the description.

Do not buy those cheap chinese knockoffs, so many on here have bitten and got burnt, and fitting one will not fix the poor radio reception.

Usual cause of poor radio reception is the aerial base, basically water gets in and corrodes the inside resulting in failure of the aerial. Replace the base and all will be good again, replacing is dead easy and the parts are cheap.

Do not buy those cheap chinese knockoffs, so many on here have bitten and got burnt, and fitting one will not fix the poor radio reception.

Usual cause of poor radio reception is the aerial base, basically water gets in and corrodes the inside resulting in failure of the aerial. Replace the base and all will be good again, replacing is dead easy and the parts are cheap.

What stereo would you go for then as an upgrade to the stream. I would like something like the Bolero. But I have heard mixed reviews about them on here so not sure about getting one.

I have the Bolero in my TSi ad I love it. It has plenty of volume and is a very clear sound.

I spend a lot of time in my car and this system is much better than the BMW I had last year.

Bolero is a great headunit, but if the aerial base is faulty then you will still have poor reception.

I thought the Bolero with sd card unit is only for new shape Skoda 2009 onwards, can these be fitted to earlier shape/models ? i.e. 2006 ? is it straight fit ... take one out plug new one in ? and will my current 6 cd changer in boot still work with it ?

I think im right in saying its not a straight forward swap. I think for your car you will have to update the can gateway. This is a module behind the glovebox. It needs to be updated to a newer version otherwise your battery will go flat overnight. Im sure this needs to be done then it needs to be coded in. Its not a straight forward swap but I dont think its a difficult job. Saying that they cost between 80 to 130pounds so thats another thing to consider. Im sure somebody with more knowledge than me could shed more light on this.

You'd need to get your car scanned by VCDS to determine which revision of CAN gateway you have, anything pre K version will cause the issues that Broady has mentioned. As yours is an 06 model I'm pretty sure you'd have a pre K gateway.

I thought the Bolero with sd card unit is only for new shape Skoda 2009 onwards, can these be fitted to earlier shape/models ? i.e. 2006 ? is it straight fit ... take one out plug new one in ? and will my current 6 cd changer in boot still work with it ?

Please search the forum for information about this

After reading all the comments I am no nearer finding a decent replacement stereo. What are VCD's? My Octavia is a 57 plate so will a bolero fit or is there another unit that anyone recommends?

Just fitted my new aerial and amplifier unit. Took about an hour if you dont include waiting for mate to come a give me a hand.

Nice one daz , has it improved your radio reception ?

As regards the Bolero head unit the later units are excellent but they are a double din unit like the stream so it would fit nicely in the dash, a new facia , and as previously mentioned probably have to have the Canbus updated. by VCDS.

VCDS is the computer system used by VAG to scan for faults etc, can also be used to activate, de-activate certain things on VAG cars. Hope this helps and good luck.

Eh? The Stream is a double-din and (depending on which version you get) is the same shape as the Bolero.

Eh? The Stream is a double-din and (depending on which version you get) is the same shape as the Bolero.

oops my bad, thought it was a single din, will alter my previous post appropriately :(

Nice one daz , has it improved your radio reception ?

As regards the Bolero head unit the later units are excellent but they are a double din unit like the stream so it would fit nicely in the dash, a new facia , and as previously mentioned probably have to have the Canbus updated. by VCDS.

VCDS is the computer system used by VAG to scan for faults etc, can also be used to activate, de-activate certain things on VAG cars. Hope this helps and good luck.

Yes its loads better now. Just finished a 480 mile drive to Scotland and it was fine all the way up here. As regards the stereo, I am still considering the options. I do like the sound of the Bolero but will have to find out if anyone has a VCD thing so I can get it installed. Cheers for your help.