Good Morning!

I am looking to upgrade the ICE in my Octy. I am currently owning a 2018 MK3 model. Would like to do one of the following:

 

Either upgrade HU so that it turns out to be an audiophile grade one with excellent SQ. I don't want any of the existing features to be lost - meaning steering controls and the likes and no errors as well.

 

OR

 

Retain the OE HU and then and have a Raspberry Pi (RasPi) as the source. But I am not sure on how the wiring should be done for connecting the RasPi (since this uses 5v USB for power can also think of running a separate powerline and connect it to accessories fuse).

 

I am planning a 3-Way active setup and hence will add DSP, required Amp(s) as well as upgrade our OE speakers. Speakers may get fabricated on the "A Pillar" or I may use the existing OE positions; this has not been decided by me.

Giving a quick bump to this thread so that it can grab attention of the stalwarts. 

Another bump for someone to answer.

If nobody has answered after 2 bumps, then maybe you would be better asking on a dedicated ICE website?

True.. Will check dedicated ICE website. Any suggestion you have on which forum to check? Thanks in advance.

Tagging @pab567 and @SashaGrace. Any pointers would be of great help. Thanks in advance.

I always recommend usage of OEM HUs. In your case I can see three possibilities (I have not focused on amps and speakers, just HU and DSP):

1. retain your current Bolero system, add DSP to enable subwoofer control (and center speaker if you want one)

2. replace your current Bolero with especially reworked (startup logo, HMI) SEAT MEDIA SYSTEM or NAVI SYSTEM (both are technisat / preh units), this gives you possibility to play CDs and drive directly 6 channels (4 doors, subwoofer, central speaker) from the HU, with subwoofer control on HU screen (such setup is possible only for Technisat / Preh units made for SEAT as they have additional power amplifier IC for subwoofer and central speaker, this is known as "SEAT SOUND SYSTEM").

3. replace your current Bolero with especially reworked COLUMBUS (either MIB2 or, if you want to retrofit AID in the future, MIB2.5) this gives you possibility to play CDs, DVDs and other digital video files (e.g. mp4) and drive directly either 4 (doors) or 6 channels (4 doors, subwoofer, central speaker) from the HU, with subwoofer control on HU screen (such setup is possible for every Harman unit as all of them have 6 channels power amplifier onboard, however only SEAT has such setup, know as "SEAT SOUND SYSTEM" in the offer, SKODA and VW require external amps, controlled via MOST optical bus, to enable 6 channels)

 

Of course in versions 2 and 3 you can still add DSP.

 

+5V power supply (max 1A) can be taken directly from the HU (it is used to deliver power to USB in cars with single USB socket and to wake up USB hubs in cars with multiple USB sockets).

13 minutes ago, pab567 said:

I always recommend usage of OEM HUs. In your case I can see three possibilities (I have not focused on amps and speakers, just HU and DSP):

1. retain your current Bolero system, add DSP to enable subwoofer control (and center speaker if you want one)

 

Thanks @pab567

 

I would like to go with this option. Does the Bolero HU have a preout?

Edited 10 March, 20206 yr by livelyyoungman

No, none of OEM HUs used in Octavia (or even more generally - in VAG cars) has dedicated preout. But you can change coding in byte 11 to to 05 - this will change speakers output lines into something you can call "pre-out".

Once again thanks @pab567. What do you mean by this statement - 

this will change speakers output lines into something you can call "pre-out".

 

If you can explain a bit more in detail it will help me. Asking as I am currently running a 3 way active setup in my other car - Fiat Linea. 

 

Output level is cut down.

OH oke. Thanks @pab567