I'm currently scanning Autotrader and the like for a Superb. Sportline or L&K depending on various things such as colour, spec, engine etc etc.

Anyway, one of my "no compromise" criteria going into the search was it must have Canton system. 

However - its amazing how many vehicles I'm looking at that are ticking all the box's except that one. I can't understand paying for the Columbus upgrade but sticking with the standard sound system. Unless a lot of the dealers/sellers are overlooking the Canton and not mentioning it in the details. And I can't find anywhere to give me exact specs of vehicle based on reg or vin. 

 

Anyway, I guess I'm wondering if the Canton is something I can compromise on? 

So - does anyone have experience with and without? Is it worth it? Can you tell the difference? 

And - does anyone know can it be retro fitted or how difficult is it to upgrade speakers in the Superb - I know on a lot of cars these days you can forget about it.

 

I know sound is a bit subjective and this will probably get a mixed bag of responses but any feedback would be helpful. 

I currently have Canton in my VRS and I enjoy my music, not loud, just crisp and clear and with the proper base elements without rattle - and sure every now and then it gets a blast. But mostly I'd be around the 70% volume range I guess. 

I just think its a shame to have highly spec'd cars and let them go without a nicely spec'd sound system - I mean thats one of the most interactive elements of your driving experience. Who drives around in silence? 

Canton really is a good system - probably better in the Superb than the Octavia too.

 

As for your Autotrader search, have you seen the L&K recently advertised on here by @Gizmo?

I suspect most buyers don't care to much about music quality. Perhaps they listen to Radio 4 most of the time  like me

 

I should probably caveat this with the fact that I am partially deaf with a lot of lost frequencies in one ear, but I am completely happy with the standard kit in my 2018 Sportline. Maybe try and get a ride in a car without Canton?

 

I think the 'sub' speaker goes in the LHS storage notch int he boot so that might be an easier retrofit?

 

 

 

 

Thanks. I guessed that the Superb might benefit even more from the Canton. 

Thanks for the link also - but I'm looking more at the facelifts from 2019 on. 

Just now, edwards said:

I suspect most buyers don't care to much about music quality. Perhaps they listen to Radio 4 most of the time  like me

 

I should probably caveat this with the fact that I am partially deaf with a lot of lost frequencies in one ear, but I am completely happy with the standard kit in my 2018 Sportline. Maybe try and get a ride in a car without Canton?

 

I think the 'sub' speaker goes in the LHS storage notch int he boot so that might be an easier retrofit?

 

 

 

 

Thanks for reply. I did think of going for a spin in a non-canton car from local dealer - they have no canton in stock. Very small town in Ireland 🙂

But I think its one of those things were the standard system will sound perfectly acceptable, but then when you get a chance to hear the Canton, you didn't realise what you were missing. 

I'm kinda hoping someone is going to tell me they had the Canton in their old one and now don't (or vice versa) and they never really noticed the difference. But I don't think thats gonna be the case - I think its a genuine upgrade that makes a difference, not just some fancy tags that you are paying for. 

I'd happily go without the Columbus and get the Canton upgrade instead. 

 

 

My previous Octavia VRS didn't have it and I thought the sound was 'okay' but picked the SIII in an L&K trim as it was a better package overall. I know it's a hefty premium to add it as an extra but if the car already comes with it.........

4 minutes ago, AJAMESR said:

Thanks for reply. I did think of going for a spin in a non-canton car from local dealer - they have no canton in stock. Very small town in Ireland 🙂

But I think its one of those things were the standard system will sound perfectly acceptable, but then when you get a chance to hear the Canton, you didn't realise what you were missing. 

I'm kinda hoping someone is going to tell me they had the Canton in their old one and now don't (or vice versa) and they never really noticed the difference. But I don't think thats gonna be the case - I think its a genuine upgrade that makes a difference, not just some fancy tags that you are paying for. 

I'd happily go without the Columbus and get the Canton upgrade instead. 

 

 

 

I understand - one of those 'you don't know what you are missing' things.  My hearing is pretty messed up, so I never really even considered Canton, although you have got me thinking now that a better quality system might help get the most from what hearing I have! I shall continue to watch this thread as if there are some easy upgrades to be had for non-canton cars I might avail myself of them if its not a terrible faff.

 

Get your MMR vaccinations folks - I was born before it, got measles and it buggered my hearing for good  

 

For you, if you compromise and it will always be in the back of your mind that the car isn't quite right, than I would say keep looking and don't compromise, 'cause it will always bug you. That's how I ended up with the 280, I told t'missus if I went for the 220 I would always know there was a 280 out there  

The Canton is tuned and setup far superior & better in the Superb.

It has additional speakers/drivers and a higher powered amplifier.

 

It doesn't sound as good in other models such as the Octavia, Karoq, Kodaiq etc etc.

Thanks for the comments guys. Strengthens my resolve to find a car with Canton in it. For me its too much of the driving experience to ignore. As mentioned above if I settle for something less it will always be in the back of my mind. 

Just wanted to make sure it was worth searching for the Canton option or if I was wasting my time as it doesn't make that much difference. I think the comments have already shown that it does make a difference, its not just a badge. 

I think it is standard on the L&K, the ventilated seats are pretty handy too along with all the other gadgets. I can assure you the Octavia Canton is not as good as the Superb Canton. The Superb has a quieter cabin and less road noise...at least it does on my  L&K with 18” deeper profile tyres. I specified Canton when I ordered a new Octavia VRS, as my previous MkII VRS audio system was tinny and not even as good as my wife’s Daihatsu Sirion! 

17 hours ago, AJAMESR said:

And I can't find anywhere to give me exact specs of vehicle based on reg or vin. 

You can access Erwin for 7 euros (I think) for an hour. You can then get the detailed spec sheet for any VIN.

Canton audio is:

9VS Sound package "branded"

Canton specs for each model can be - https://www.canton.de/en/skoda-en

4 hours ago, Haystack1 said:

You can access Erwin for 7 euros (I think) for an hour. You can then get the detailed spec sheet for any VIN.

Canton audio is:

9VS Sound package "branded"

Good to know 👍

1 hour ago, JR RS said:

Canton specs for each model can be - https://www.canton.de/en/skoda-en

This has given me an idea when going through it. The bass takes up the side compartments in the boot. So if I see pic of boot & side compartments are full - that’s the Canton. Already found one car that doesn’t mention Canton in the description anywhere but you can see the bass bins in boot. Bonus 😂

You can check whether it's there (or not) even if it's not mentioned in the options list by checking pics of the interior and hopefully finding one showing the lower part of the front doors. If it's got Canton there will be a visible "Canton" badge down there next to the speaker, like this:




If you're looking at a 2020 iV they have a badge in that same spot but it says "Sound System"   instead as they got the sub deleted and no Canton so just the badge being there is not enough! It must say "CANTON"
 

5 hours ago, newbie69 said:

You can check whether it's there (or not) even if it's not mentioned in the options list by checking pics of the interior and hopefully finding one showing the lower part of the front doors. If it's got Canton there will be a visible "Canton" badge down there next to the speaker, like this:




If you're looking at a 2020 iV they have a badge in that same spot but it says "Sound System"   instead as they got the sub deleted and no Canton so just the badge being there is not enough! It must say "CANTON"
 

 

I have an iV L and K on order. It will be a 21MY. It has been built and should get it in the next few weeks. 

 

The MY21 on line configurator now says its got 'Canton' with sub as standard not just 'Sound System'. You can also specify Canton as an option on other iV versions for £645.

 

As you say previously it wasn't called Canton in the iV. In my Pasatt with Dynaudio the sub sits inside the spare wheel. There is no spare with the iV due to battery. I assumed this is why there was no sub woofer

 

Have Skoda now fitted a sub in the side compartments in the boot and are  calling it Canton again.

46 minutes ago, stephenlumley said:

 

I have an iV L and K on order. It will be a 21MY. It has been built and should get it in the next few weeks. 

 

The MY21 on line configurator now says its got 'Canton' with sub as standard not just 'Sound System'. You can also specify Canton as an option on other iV versions for £645.

 

As you say previously it wasn't called Canton in the iV. In my Pasatt with Dynaudio the sub sits inside the spare wheel. There is no spare with the iV due to battery. I assumed this is why there was no sub woofer

 

Have Skoda now fitted a sub in the side compartments in the boot and are  calling it Canton again.

No idea what changed to the 2021 models but there was a rant a while ago about the deletion of the sub/Canton system on the 2020 iV.

I guess that's going to make a few people furious when they will assume their 2020 cars will get Canton like in the newer iV models, only to discover it's not the case. The special "sound system" badge though is quite ridiculous.

Depends of what kind of sound signature you like.

If you're after a natural and authentic sound I would say that Canton isn't for you.

If you like the sound of Bose and other sub/satellite systems then Canton is a huge improvement of the standard system.

 

In my ears Canton does miss quite a lot mid frequencies, the frequencies that gives a snare drum body and a lot of darker voices are presented here.

The highs are quite clear but would benefit of a slight roll off at the upper highs as they distort quite a bit IMHO.

 

Overall it's a ok system compared to many other cars, never listened to Kias sound but I can't imagine Canton being less good.

Compared to BMW and Volvo mid and premium alternatives Canton falls short in my ears.

 

As you wrote - it's subjective and differs from person to person. I like an open and natural sound signature with a little emphasis to the lowest frequencies. As an example  I like how Sennheiser present the sound in their headphones

I have the Canton and it's by far and away the best system I have had in any of my cars.

 

The only time I've heard any better is in a colleague's Audi, which had a B&O system.

3 hours ago, Baverhanne said:

Depends of what kind of sound signature you like.

If you're after a natural and authentic sound I would say that Canton isn't for you.

If you like the sound of Bose and other sub/satellite systems then Canton is a huge improvement of the standard system.

 

In my ears Canton does miss quite a lot mid frequencies, the frequencies that gives a snare drum body and a lot of darker voices are presented here.

The highs are quite clear but would benefit of a slight roll off at the upper highs as they distort quite a bit IMHO.

 

Overall it's a ok system compared to many other cars, never listened to Kias sound but I can't imagine Canton being less good.

Compared to BMW and Volvo mid and premium alternatives Canton falls short in my ears.

 

As you wrote - it's subjective and differs from person to person. I like an open and natural sound signature with a little emphasis to the lowest frequencies. As an example  I like how Sennheiser present the sound in their headphones

Agree with majority of this. Totally agree that Canton is not the best sound system available - but I guess my query was more along the lines of is it a big enough upgrade on the standard system in the Superb that it’s worth having as a “must have” option when searching for a 1 year old car. 
I think all the comments suggest it is. 
But Yehh, I’m under no illusion that it’s the best sound available - it’s just the best Skoda have available. And quite good at that. About in line with Skoda’s philosophy - very good without breaking the bank. 

On 12/08/2020 at 15:30, newbie69 said:

No idea what changed to the 2021 models but there was a rant a while ago about the deletion of the sub/Canton system on the 2020 iV.

I guess that's going to make a few people furious when they will assume their 2020 cars will get Canton like in the newer iV models, only to discover it's not the case. The special "sound system" badge though is quite ridiculous.

In Ireland the config shows "Canton" as an option for the 1.5 Sportline AND as an option for the iV Sportline. 

BUT

When you go to the descriptions - the 1.5 has the standard Canton description - 12 Speakers, 610Watt, and the "Canton" logo etc. 662Euro

The iV Canton description is different - 11 Speakers (obviously the Sub is the 12th) - Still 610Watt, NO "Canton" logo but its only 540Euro

 

I'm guessing Canton wouldn't allow their badge to be used unless the Sub is present - will affect the overall quality which they probably wouldn't sign off on. But it is still a "Canton" optional extra. 

 

I wonder if they alter the cut offs when the sub isn't present?

Dialing down the sub to lowest settings leaves my car with a sound worthy of an old Felicia....

But in Canton config the whole system relies on the sub taking care of the low frequencies.

 

We have an Octavia and Superb in the household, both with Canton. The version fitted to the Superb is far superior to that fitted to the Octavia. Extra mid-range speakers and a better sub/digital amp configuration in my opinion. I listen to similar music in both vehicles quite frequently and can compare directly.

That said, I 'like' the Canton (as fitted to the Superb) rather than love it. It still tends to be overly 'bright' and needs treble and mid turned down, and the sub still lacks punch (and don't bother setting it above '2' as it just distorts). We also have a VW Jetta Highline in the family that I had previously fitted a good quality aftermarket active subwoofer to (under the passenger seat), and despite not having fancy digital amps etc  actually sounds much better than the Canton on any piece of music.

 

However, it is still a no-brainer whether or not to option Canton. It's always a Yes, as I can only imagine the standard audio system would be rather disappointing.

The fact you have the Canton system in your Octavia would be a deciding factor for me, the standard system in the Superb is likely not as good so this may feel like a downgrade and obviously you placed enough importance on the sound system to spec it in the Octavia (assuming you factory ordered). I have the standard system and on first use I was underwhelmed, a bit disappointed to be honest, I had a Seat Exeo with an upgraded sound system that was much better especially at highest volume but Apple CarPlay and Spotify quickly made me forget it and 3 years later I would say the standard sound system is adequate. Point is, it depends as much on where you are coming from than anything else.

 

Having the Canton system or not, will not be the difference between you staying within your budget as it wouldn't add much to secondhand resale value as far as I can see so I would certainly be looking for it (applies to Sportline trim only ofcourse)

 

BTW allow 2 weeks for the car to be imported, at least thats what it seems to take from the auctions atm.

 

8 hours ago, fencer said:

We have an Octavia and Superb in the household, both with Canton. The version fitted to the Superb is far superior to that fitted to the Octavia. Extra mid-range speakers and a better sub/digital amp configuration in my opinion. I listen to similar music in both vehicles quite frequently and can compare directly.

That said, I 'like' the Canton (as fitted to the Superb) rather than love it. It still tends to be overly 'bright' and needs treble and mid turned down, and the sub still lacks punch (and don't bother setting it above '2' as it just distorts). We also have a VW Jetta Highline in the family that I had previously fitted a good quality aftermarket active subwoofer to (under the passenger seat), and despite not having fancy digital amps etc  actually sounds much better than the Canton on any piece of music.

 

However, it is still a no-brainer whether or not to option Canton. It's always a Yes, as I can only imagine the standard audio system would be rather disappointing.

Agreed on the excessive brightness of the trebles and mids. Coming to the Canton equipped Superb from a Dynaudio (6-7 speaker?) Mk7 GTI was a revelation in terms of mids but I eventually had to tone it down (still better than the sound from the top spec GTI/R)

However my experience does not match your findings regarding the sub. I leave it easily around 4-5 and occasionally I had tried it at 6-7 on some really weak low frequency pieces without any rattles let alone distortion. Furthermore, most of my content is electronic music where the kick drum is one of the main protagonists of the track usually coupled with thick and low bass-lines and I have found that the above setting of 4-5 is easily managed by the system. My content is streamed 100% from Spotify with the "very high" setting checked (think it's a 320kbps equivalent). It's on exceptionally few tracks that I might notice a slight bit of distortion which could also be down to mixing/mastering choices I believe.

I also agree with your overall evaluation: Yes it's not mind-blowing but it's a very decent system to have in your Skoda and is definitely a no-brainer for anyone who takes music half-seriously and always put their own selections (or even their own tracks) as soon as they drive off (like I do )