recently bought a sony head unit to replace the symphony in my Octavia vRS and yes the radio reception IS bad. But I dont seem to find on the forums a definite answer. Is an in line booster the answer or do I have to supply 12v to the existing ariel amp or was that in the old unit anyway. some people have tried a booster with no effect so I'm not sure what to do except I need to do something!!:confused:

You could try the arial amp/booster it has a connection on it for this.I think the booster is built into the base of the arial and needs 12v to amplify it.

You need an inline booster, if you bought the autoleads VAG wiring kit then this comes with all the necessary bits including the booster and the required ISO wiring loom.

The wiring loom is required to swap the 2 12V supply lines and bypass the OEM HU connection to the cars ECU.

The booster is needed because your Sony HU is not able to power the OEM booster thats located in the base of the aerial.

Aerial/amp boosters are ok, but if you pick up interference they will amplify/boost the interference.

The booster is needed because your Sony HU is not able to power the OEM booster thats located in the base of the aerial. __________________

Manny

OK Manny that sounds clear enough. As a matter of interest how did the skoda head unit power the amp if it was located in the base of the aerial. the only wire I can see coming from the aerial is the coaxial itself. some posts have said that the aerial amp was in the HU!?.

On a different note the front speakers still sound ropey with little or buzzing base although they are better now. Any recommendations for improved bass from a new pair?. And whats all this about removing the waterproof membran:thumbup:e behind the units to stop buzzing?

Dont remove the membrane, if you do your car wont be water proof.

The oem amplifier is powered by putting a 12v supply down the coaxial cable, which is why your sony cannot drive it. Dont think of doing this with your HU as you will blow the antenna input.