I am hoping this question makes sense but hear goes:

 

is there a 'hierachy' to the stereos in octavia

 

e.g.

 

-Stream (Budget)

-Stream Mp3 (next step up)

 

and are all of these interchangeable with all other skodas

as I have a standard stream I want to connect my ipod could I install a higher spec stereo so I can connect my ipod or iphone 5

 

sorry if this isnt a very straight forward questions

To connect an iPod to any head unit you'll need either BT (to stream the music) or MDI (to physically connect to it and gain more control as well as charging).

MDI kits are readily available and pretty easy to fit (no chopping of wires) for about £130 on eBay.

As for stereo hierarchy since c.2005, it's probably:

Stream

Stream MP3

Swing

Bolero

Amundsen

Amundsen+

Columbus

Columbus DAB (and now DAB+)

Anything from Bolero upwards will have no issue with an MDI kit. Not sure about the Swing & Stream MP3 though. Fairly sure the standard Stream won't.

As you have a Stream fitted, I guess you have a pre-FL Octavia which will need a CAN gateway upgrade if you fit Amundsen or above possibly the Bolero as well.

HTH

What is the CAN gateway? And how do u upgrade?

If your car is early 2007 or older you'll need a new CAN gateway to avoid battery drain (or a Columbus with modified firmware).

Basically it's the central computer on your car that communicates with all other controllers.

It's located behind the glovebox (2006 or earlier) or above the relays above the drivers right foot (late 2007 onwards).

Early 2007 could be in either location and may have a new enough gateway ('L' suffix or later) fitted.

Don't forget the nexus , has the Aux-in port.

Forgot the Audience h/u. It would fit in below the Bolero.

What I did was fit a stream mp3 into my Octy 2 disconnected my cd changer

Bought this wire off eBay number : 251623646510

Fitted it in an empty slot next to the airbag off light

and sound quality is amazing

I am going to buy a 2012 Amundsen+ but will I need a fascia surround or anything to make it fit?

Can't remember what it is, but I'm 100% sure there's something about the Amundsen and pre facelift cars that is incompatible, so I'd be checking that out before you buy one!

Yes you are correct. It works as a head unit fine but it won't work with maxidot if you have that due it using only the BAP communication protocol. PreFL cars use something called DDP. The Columbus supports both protocols so does work in a preFL maxidot.

Yup, that was it.

What is maxidot and how do I know the only info I get on my instrument cluster is outside temp, ave speed, ave mpg, current mpg and miles in the tank sorry if I look thick just not in the know with these things

Maxidot is the premium instrument level cluster display - it sounds like you haven't got it.  To be sure, if when you open the door and there a picture of the car with the door open then it is maxidot, otherwise it is the basic display.  Maxidot allows the navigation instructions to be displayed at eye level as well as read out by the head unit.