I've recently updated to a Columbus which is excellent in every respect except one - the quality of the sound.

Since the sound produced by the MFD2 previously fitted was also dire, I assume it's the speakers. Having searched the forum for suggestions, I have seen that the Pioneer TS-A17Ci is a popular choice.

So, I have a couple of questions that hopefully people with greater knowledge can answer:

1) Are there any other speakers (which are reasonably priced) which merit consideration?

2) Can you run an amplifier with a Columbus easily? If yes, any recommendations for one which will power the door speakers initially but with the option to power a sub in the future?

If the Columbus is like the Bolero you should be able to code the Frequency response to suit the vehicle it is fitted to.

Is yours coded to the correct vehicle frequency response?

I prefer my Bolero on linear frequency response rather than the Octavia setting. The Superb and Roomster settings were even worse than the Octavia one to my ears.

I am surprised you are finding the Columbus worse than or as bad as a MFD2 - I had a MFD2 and everything I have fitted since has wiped the floor with it (Stream/Stream MP3/Bolero). The MFD2 had awful sound quality and was one of the worse OEM head units I have experienced.

If the Columbus is like the Bolero you should be able to code the Frequency response to suit the vehicle it is fitted to.

Is yours coded to the correct vehicle frequency response?

I prefer my Bolero on linear frequency response rather than the Octavia setting. The Superb and Roomster settings were even worse than the Octavia one to my ears.

I am surprised you are finding the Columbus worse than or as bad as a MFD2 - I had a MFD2 and everything I have fitted since has wiped the floor with it (Stream/Stream MP3/Bolero). The MFD2 had awful sound quality and was one of the worse OEM head units I have experienced.

How do I change the vehicle frequency response? Is it something you can change on the headunit, or do you need VDCS?

The sound quality of the Columbus is better than the MFD2, but it still comes up short when compared to the Bose unit in my Mazda 6.

You need VCDS and it is on one of the coding screens - there is a drop down box for the frequency response