Skoda Octavia Canton Subwoofer Upgrade

[1loud1]

Hi all,

First of all sorry for the lack of photos and light and clarity in them.

 

It has been well documented about the Canton subwoofer upgrade and the disappointment it has had on most Octavia owners, as I’m no different I decided to do something about mine.

As I have been an audio installer for over a decade I thought I’d share some information about my install and the Canton audio system on our Skoda's

 

 

About the Canton System:

The canton system is a 10 speaker stereo system powered by an 11 channel 570W amplifier (the subwoofer uses 2 channels), the factory subwoofer claims to be 200w with a frequency response of 50HZ to 120 HZ (that’s approximate and purely from listening, don’t quote me on that) it’s also a 6” woofer so my doubt is it can’t get close to 50HZ.

The factory amp is located under the left seat (I’m Australian so it’s my passengers side) under the plastic cover

When the factory audio system reaches ¾ volume it attenuates the bass to avoid overdriving the subwoofer causing damage. (Skoda don’t want to be replacing subwoofers under warranty), I believe on the later ones this has been removed as I have driven the newer Octavia’s and at low mileage the subwoofers all sounded blown (I believe this is because clients have turned the subwoofer level and the bass level to +9, and turned the Canton EQ to Rock, this leads to overdriving the subwoofer causing it to prematurely fail, (I’m not sure if this is covered under warranty). Remember it’s like any stereo system it needs a good 100 hours of wear in time.

 

 

What did I want out of this?

Like most Skoda owners I wanted more bass, it has also been well documented that “cabin Boom” is common in the Octavias too, at the same time I also wanted to reduce cabin road noise and make it quieter like its more expensive brother the Audi A4. Australian roads are not as good as the Europeans (this is why I went through a pair of continental tyres in less than 10,000 kms) and at $300 a tyre I decided to go for something harder wearing which of course has made the road noise so much worse due to the harder rubber.

I also wanted to keep the car as factory as possible I didn’t spend a stack of cash on a car to then plonk a subwoofer next to a factory subwoofer, I also wanted a subwoofer upgrade that didn’t take up any boot space (I know we have the biggest boot in our class of car but I use almost every inch of it)

What Equipment did I use?

2. Skoda Octavia 3 Custom Subwoofer box (surprisingly these can be purchased off the shelf from www.basser.pl) http://sklep.basser.pl/en/fit-box-enclosure/501-skoda-octavia-3-fit-box-subwoofer-enclosure.html it cost me just under 600 Zlotty delivered to Australia (approx. $200.00 AUD) it took 5 days to get here too!.
3. 
   
4. JL Audio A2150 2 Channel amplifier (150W RMS bridged), I know what you are thinking its 50W less than the original, I kept in mind that I have no intention to change the speakers and tweeters, I like the sound the speakers output and I love the soundstage the system provides, I didn’t want to come out of this having a subwoofer that was drowning out the mids and highs, it’s not what I’m about, I just wanted depth to the bass that the original woofer can’t provide.
5. 
   
6. JL Audio 10 “ Subwoofer 10w0v3-4, perfectly matched to the amp as it wants 150W RMS and only requires 18 litres of space to work (the box is 15 litres but I used Dacron to give the subwoofer the illusion it is in a bigger box)
7. 
   
8.  JL audio Matching subwoofer grill
9. 
   
10. Stinger Australia 8-gauge amp wiring kit
11. 
    
12. Stinger Australia “Roadkill” Sound deadener (36 Square Feet)
13. 
    
14. 0.5 Watt Resistors (you will need them see below)
15. 
    
16. Close braided wrap (to make exposed cable look original)
17. 
    
18. Audio control LC2i Line out converter, I used this one as I find it the best for high end audio upgrades it also accepts up to 400W RMS and has Accubass (this stops the bass rolling off at high volumes, which is why I’m doing the upgrade to begin with) it outputs 8 Volts through its pre-outs, signal sensing turn on (so you can still use the subwoofer with the car off and has a remote output (for the amp)
19. 
    

 

(Amp and LC2i not pictured they were still on their way)

 

 

Where to start:

Skoda uses Torx Screws (my advice is investing in a set of small to large Torx bits), they will come in handy when working on the car

I started with the sound deadening, this involved stripping out pretty much everything from the rear seats back, stripping out the car isn’t as difficult as some think (remember I’ve done this for a long time so I know what I’m doing), my advice is to be careful when pulling things apart things will only come off one way, also take note as to what order things come apart so you know what order they will go back on, check the back of each panel removed to ensure that clips aren’t broken or damaged making it harder to put back on later.

To sound deaden the rear end properly I removed the whole back seat, the bottom is fairly easy as it unclips and with a bit of jiggling it comes out, the top looks harder than it is. Between the 40/60 split is a plastic trim cover, this unclips and under it is a Torx screw which holds a metal clasp on, removing this will allow easy removal if the back seats, to totally remove the 60 split you will need to unbolt the centre belt from the floor pan. (re-fitment is done in reverse, that plastic cover is a pain to get back on)

Removing the back seat gives easy access to being able to remove the boot lining for sound deadening, you will also need to remove the cream c pillar covers and the suspension tower covers (that hold the parcel tray in) there’s a clip that is extremely stiff a lot force was needed to get it off (there is also a Torx screw in there too), once the left side liner is off you will find the 2 bolts holding the factory canton subwoofer enclosure in, unplug the speaker terminals from the subwoofer. The boot lights and power socket will need to be unplugged as well, they are fairly straight forward.

 

I used pretty much all 9 sheets of sound deadening for the boot, I didn’t go overboard with it as I don’t think it’s needed, I also didn’t want to kill my cars fuel economy. I also did the boot lid.

I put my amplifier under the right side of the front seat (Drivers side), I chose my amp because the dimensions fitted the space underneath the seat.

 

 

 

 

Wiring in the Amplifier,

I Started by disconnecting the battery (I usually don’t however the grommet through the firewall is behind the battery next to the ABS module), its easily accessible when the battery is removed. Under the main loom is a blank grommet I put my power cable through, it could easily take a 4 gauge however my amp only needed 8 gauge. I covered my power cable in the closed braided wrap so it looked factory.

 

 

 

I Fitted my amp fuse in the factory engine bay fuse box, this added to the factory finish, it was a little bit of a faff but it looks better then it bolted to the outside

 

 

 

 

 

Wiring the LC2i:

I Put my LC2i in the left rear quarter panel (above the suspension tower), this makes perfect sense as here I can utilize the original subwoofer leads, and the LC2i needs constant power which I got from the power socket wiring. ( I didn’t refit the light or the power socket as I don’t have a need for them, the shopping hook also got culled too)

 

 

From the Canton subwoofer you will have 4 wires

White/ Red +

White/Brown -

Grey/Red +

Grey/Brown -

From experience and working on German cars Brown is usually ground.

 

NOTE: over each speaker – and + you will need to put a 0.5W resistor the reason is, when the canton subwoofer is plugged in the amplifier sees a load, when the subwoofer is unplugged the amp doesn’t see any load and shuts down the subwoofer channel putting the resistors on the leads creates a dummy load so the subwoofer channels are still active (and you can use the subwoofer level control in the head unit.

 

 

From here All I then need to do I run my remote cable, RCA’s and subwoofer wire to the amp.

 

 

 

Fitting the subwoofer:

This doesn’t take a degree to do but a little common sense, Once the boot lining was in I offered up the subwoofer box and screwed it in to the floor (be careful as the muffler mount is under there and I missed mine by a bee’s ****), after that’s bolted in the subwoofer can be fitted to the box, again be careful as the last thing you want to do is put a hole in the cone)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Connecting the Amplifier:

Connecting the amplifier is as normal, I Close braided all of my wiring to complete my factory look,

To mount my amp and run my cable to under the seat, I unbolted my driver’s seat, be careful of the original wiring (as airbag wiring is in there), removing the kick trims isn’t rocket science however I managed to tuck the wiring in without lifting them (I have it down to a science), I screwed my amp into the carpet but not through the steel floor (I didn’t want to hit something under the chassis and cause damage like brake lines)

 

 

The Home stretch:

Once everything is connected its time to turn on and test

There are specific videos on You Tube showing you how to tune the LC2i (including the Accubass feature)

From my experience I found it best to

Lower the bass to -3

Turn the subwoofer level to +5 ( I don’t go any higher myself)

(both of these settings are in the head unit)

 

Keep the gain on the LC2i high and lower the gain on the amp

 

I don’t use any bass boost settings on the amp as it only ever boosts 1 frequency

I have my crossover level at 100HZ (but each to their own.

 

Use good judgement, with your own equipment. And what sounds good to you.

 

 

Re-fit your interior and enjoy the better bass.

 

Any questions im happy to answer.

[manamp27]

Mate that's a fantastic guide - thanks. I'm based in inner city Sydney and wish you were too. Is there any installer you'd recommend in Sydney that could carry out this work?

[norsko]

Nice guide.

I just want to mention that the Canton amp is 10 channel, not 11. I belive there is 2 channels for the center speaker, 2 for the front tweeters, 2 for the front bass speakers, 2 for the subwoofer and 2 for the speakers in rear door, that has passive crossovers.

And the original Canton subwoofer plays way lower than 50 hz - in car. Because of cabin gain it starts to roll of at 30 hz (ish).

I my 2016 there is no attenuate of the sub at higher volume, but beyond 3/4 its starts to make a great deal of distortion if you set the subwoofer level higher than 0.

 

The Canton amp is capable of driving two bigger subwoofers if they have good sensitivity, and has 8 ohm impedance.

[1loud1]

Mate that's a fantastic guide - thanks. I'm based in inner city Sydney and wish you were too. Is there any installer you'd recommend in Sydney that could carry out this work?

I come up to Sydney often but usually don't get time to do installs, I have fitters in Wollongong but I have lost touch with a most of them in Sydney as the company I worked for has disbanded. most decent places should be able to do it, I just wouldn't recommend JB or Strathfield.

[1loud1]

Nice guide.

I just want to mention that the Canton amp is 10 channel, not 11. I belive there is 2 channels for the center speaker, 2 for the front tweeters, 2 for the front bass speakers, 2 for the subwoofer and 2 for the speakers in rear door, that has passive crossovers.

And the original Canton subwoofer plays way lower than 50 hz - in car. Because of cabin gain it starts to roll of at 30 hz (ish).

I my 2016 there is no attenuate of the sub at higher volume, but beyond 3/4 its starts to make a great deal of distortion if you set the subwoofer level higher than 0.

 

The Canton amp is capable of driving two bigger subwoofers if they have good sensitivity, and has 8 ohm impedance.

from what I could find it ran 2 channels to the subwoofer but they may be common closer to the amp or even in the amp, as I haven't pulled the centre channel out (only pulled off the grill to fit foam to stop the rattle), I don't know if it is SVC or DVC, most centre channels are DVC so you're most probably right there. it makes sense what you are saying about the rear doors (woofers common to their tweeters) I assumed that the rear splits had their own channels like the fronts.

 

 

Frequency response info was based on the specification sheet I got a hold of (and now can't find) , and as it is only a 6" subwoofer it realistically can't play much lower,

it may be different for the sedan VS the wagon , I have found the wagon sounds lower in comparison to my sedan, I'm not sure if they are a different subwoofer (in terms of size/box capacity)

 

I did notice a lack of roll off in the later models which I have mixed emotions on that on one hand I want mine to not attenuate at high volumes (even though I have fixed that with accubass) and on the other hand I think Skoda was stupid in doing that as it is putting the factory subwoofer in such a position it can be overdriven to the point of distortion.

 

I noticed that the loan cars I get when mines getting fixed all of the subwoofers sound blown because customers play with the settings and increase all of the gains.

Edited 5 August, 2016 by 1loud1

[h3srr]

Hi

Many thanks for the great fitment guide. I too have noticed a lack of bass with the system. Like the idea of sound deading the rear.

My question is - as you are the expert - could just remove the Canton sub and replace it with the enclosure with the new sub? What extra does the additional amp and the LC2i add to the system?

Many thanks

Steve

[norsko]

You can use the Canton amp, and just change out the subwoofer. Problem is like mentioned earlier that the Canton subwoofer has two voice coils, each with a impedance of 8 ohm. And that is something you wont find I'm afraid.

You will find subwoofers with dual voice coil of 4 ohm, and then you can use two of them.

The box of 15 Litres are a little to small for two woofers.

[1loud1]

Hi

Many thanks for the great fitment guide. I too have noticed a lack of bass with the system. Like the idea of sound deading the rear.

My question is - as you are the expert - could just remove the Canton sub and replace it with the enclosure with the new sub? What extra does the additional amp and the LC2i add to the system?

Many thanks

Steve

its been touched on above about the factory amp and the woofer impedance, I looked into replacing just the woofer in the original canton box, but I knew it would be a band aid on the situation,

 

What I wanted was depth in my bass (and a 6" woofer will never give you that) and bass at high volumes (I like music loud)  the other issue is to date I haven't found a dual voice coil subwoofer (well besides the factory),

 

The LC2I has Accubass which means when I turn the stereo past 3/4 volume, I still get bass as it has a compensation mechanism that can be set up so at the high volumes it doesn't attenuate the bass like Canton and Skoda intended.

 

I didn't want to just connect a new subwoofer to the factory amp for 2 reasons,

1. it wouldn't have enough power and the final impedance would be too low for the amp

2, I didn't want to risk blowing the factory amp (my dealer already hates me for the modifications I've done, and they can tell as they run it on their scanner and see the fault codes) and it wouldn't be covered under warranty,

[h3srr]

Hi

Many thanks - I now see and understand. On checking the web, it seems that the LC2i does not seem to be available here in the UK. But there must be something similar.

[1loud1]

Hi

Many thanks - I now see and understand. On checking the web, it seems that the LC2i does not seem to be available here in the UK. But there must be something similar.

 

 

they are for sale on eBay,  but I don't know if they are deliverable world wide, just don't purchase a cheap one as most cheapies only accept 50w max input from a factory stereo.

 

it may be best speaking worth your local audio shop to see what they recommend would also work, I only use Audiocontrol line out converters or PAC line out converters (for my tight arse clients)

[leonsskoda]

Hi 1loud1,

 

Fantastic guide, exactly what I have been looking for. I have a MY16 Octavia however doesn't have the Canton system. I would like to know your thoughts on how best to connect the LC2i to the Columbus for a subamp? Without splicing any wires, would it be best to a bluetooth wiring harness from the headunit or connect via the DVD player in the glovebox? 

 

Cheers,

Leon

[1loud1]

Hey Leon,

I haven't played with a standard Octavia but I have played with the mk7 golfs (same thing electrically), of I'm doing sub installs on golfs I go off the back of the DVD module in the glove box, I can't remember the wiring colour but Skoda does put a pin out diagram on top of the units, just be careful pulling the players out as the antenna cable is short and can be easily broken.

Cheers,

Kraig

Hi 1loud1,

 

Fantastic guide, exactly what I have been looking for. I have a MY16 Octavia however doesn't have the Canton system. I would like to know your thoughts on how best to connect the LC2i to the Columbus for a subamp? Without splicing any wires, would it be best to a bluetooth wiring harness from the headunit or connect via the DVD player in the glovebox? 

 

Cheers,

Leon

[leonsskoda]

Excellent, thanks Kraig. I ordered the same box as yourself, plus a LC2i and will look at buying of the one Bluetooth harnesses to plug into the back of the DVD player and splice the rear speaker outputs for the high level inputs. A nice Alpine Type R with 1ohm powered from a Pioneer GM-D9601 should go nicely. Like you stated, the sound stage from the front speakers is already pretty good, so adding a bit of bass should complement the existing sound system nicely. I don't believe I need to make any VCD changes to the Columbus either for pre-outs etc... (I hope). 

 

Cheers,

Leon

[leonsskoda]

Hi Guys,

 

I purchased the same box as the OP and also used the LC2i to install subamp. I purchased the following harness http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/AERPRO-VOLKSWAGEN-GOLF-MK7-2013-ON-T-HARNESS-/272460278825?hash=item3f6fe5ec29:g:9vIAAOSwo4pYNZdE and used the rear speaker output to input into the LC2i - this went no existing wires were spliced into. All up, the bass compliments the existing stereo really well and I am extremely happy with the install.

 

Thanks to the OP for all this information as this assisted me greatly in getting some much needed bass into the MY16 Octy!

[Micks_address]

Hi I have a quick question on this. You said you used dacron to give the subwoofer the illusion of being in a bigger box. How do you mean? 

Thanks, 

Mick 

[marko]

11 hours ago, Micks_address said:

Hi I have a quick question on this. You said you used dacron to give the subwoofer the illusion of being in a bigger box. How do you mean? 

Thanks, 

Mick 

 

basically this stuff, gives the illusion that the sub is in a 10% larger enclosure..

 

[Micks_address]

50 minutes ago, marko said:

 

basically this stuff, gives the illusion that the sub is in a 10% larger enclosure..

 

Thanks so you line the enclosure with it? Do you have to attach or glue? 

[marko]

try not to line the top so it doesn't fall on sub, use a little spray glue or staple it..

[Micks_address]

Thanks I have a 2017 face-lift octavia on order with canton. I'll see how it sounds for a l few months but I can see myself adding a setup like yours.. Id also like to add the sound dampening. What percentage improvement would you say you got over the stock setup? 

Thanks, 

Mick 

[zigak]

hello

 

First great job, love how you explained everything  

 

Can you please tell me what kind of resistors did you use? 0,5W and how many Ω? And from where did you take signal for new amp, from all 4 wires? 

[GTR27]

Sorry for the grave dig, but I dont suppose you have somewhere to suggest in southern / south west sydney that could do this? When i demo'd a hatch with the canton, I thought it was decent, but ive been disappointed with my canton since new (we have a wagon) and want a better upgrade. The fronts / soundstage sound plenty good enough, just the sub sucks.

 

I gather its a "order it all yourself and hand to installer" type of deal, which i'm happy to do (and i'd pick JL subs also). I really just want someone who will pay as much care and attention as you have, without butchering the car, or putting self tapping screws everywhere (breaking the galvanizing seal). Drive in, drop car off, pick up that arvo kind of deal. I'd love the front doors deadened at the same time also if possible.

 

EDIT: im at picnic point

Edited 24 December, 2017 by GTR27

[1loud1]

On ‎24‎/‎12‎/‎2017 at 16:38, GTR27 said:

Sorry for the grave dig, but I dont suppose you have somewhere to suggest in southern / south west sydney that could do this? When i demo'd a hatch with the canton, I thought it was decent, but ive been disappointed with my canton since new (we have a wagon) and want a better upgrade. The fronts / soundstage sound plenty good enough, just the sub sucks.

 

I gather its a "order it all yourself and hand to installer" type of deal, which i'm happy to do (and i'd pick JL subs also). I really just want someone who will pay as much care and attention as you have, without butchering the car, or putting self tapping screws everywhere (breaking the galvanizing seal). Drive in, drop car off, pick up that arvo kind of deal. I'd love the front doors deadened at the same time also if possible.

 

EDIT: im at picnic point

 

Hey GTR27,

 

 

As I haven't lived in Sydney for a while I'm not too sure who's in the installing game and who's out (I'm still in the industry as a tech consultant and speak to installers regularly and can tell the good from the not so good) as for their workmanship I don't see it so can't comment, I can't name any specific companies not to touch but do your research, look at photos of their work, word of mouth etc, don't look at google reviews as some companies have stacks of 5 star reviews but the reviewer only has posted 1 review which usually means a fake review.  The only company I'd have touch my cars is Drivesound  (but there in Brisbane, and yes I'd drive there if I wasn't in the game).

 

Some Companies will supply and install the gear, the box for the car is custom built, there is now a wagon version available out of Poland even with shipping it works out cheaper then a local build, not that I don't like supporting local business but I was quoted $600 for what I got less than $200 delivered.

 

I wouldn't go sound deadening the doors, I know the steel is thing as **** thin in these cars, but the issue is getting the door trims off, and when trims come off in these panels rattle, and I've found this out the hard way when the Dip**** dealer in Melbourne (South Yarra Volkswagen) had to replace the door module and not only damaged my door (by using a screwdriver to remove panels, now I have gouges in my door card) it now has a rattle in there too.

If you're putting a better sub in you'd be cutting the bass out of the front speakers anyway.

 

As of a couple of days ago i pulled the upgrade out of my car and reverted it to factory as the cars been a ****box lemon and I've now traded it in because I'm sick of it living at the dealer not getting repaired (I wasn't going to take it in for a 20th attempt to get fixed)  reverting it to standard now I know why I put the upgraded sub in, and yes the audio equipment pulled out of the Octavia is up for sale.

 

 

 

Hope Yours runs better than mine.

 

Happy new year

[marko]

I've been busy over the holidays and finally starting to make some progress, still a lot to do but most of the wiring is done in the boot now... when done it will all be hidden under the secondary boot floor I specced the car up (for this very reason!)

 

[JohnnyType2]

3 hours ago, marko said:

I've been busy over the holidays and finally starting to make some progress, still a lot to do but most of the wiring is done in the boot now... when done it will all be hidden under the secondary boot floor I specced the car up (for this very reason!)

 

very nice!  but all that zero gauge for one 12" sub? where are you hiding the other 3? 

[marko]

5 hours ago, JohnnyType2 said:

very nice!  but all that zero gauge for one 12" sub? where are you hiding the other 3? 

 

that's 4G you see in that picture, the main cable is 1/0G! it's what I've always used so it went in, helps with voltage drop, the bigger the better!