Is the music quality of the standard sound system in the Yeti (8 speaker system) good?

I would be interested to hear if anyone has the 12 speaker option fitted and the performance (subjective I know) of this system.

I looked on other Skoda and VW forums and the responses on those are mixed. It appears the sound quality is very vehicle dependant and the position of the speakers within the vehicle makes a huge difference.

I've got the 12 speaker upgrade in my machine and am very pleased with it. My only experience of the standard set-up was in the demonstrator I drove. The upgrade is very good and I'm glad I ordered it, haven't taken it up to ear-bleeding levels as that isn't my kind of thing but it's good enough for me!

As you say, it's a very subjective thing so probably the best thing would be to try both yourself - perhaps your dealer has one or other in an Octavia or Superb (I presume they are available in both as well). I do like the Columbus with the hard drive to save carting CDs about. No car is ever going to have brilliant accoustics but at least that way it would give you a fair comparison.

I've got the 12 speaker upgrade in my machine and am very pleased with it. My only experience of the standard set-up was in the demonstrator I drove. The upgrade is very good and I'm glad I ordered it, haven't taken it up to ear-bleeding levels as that isn't my kind of thing but it's good enough for me!

As you say, it's a very subjective thing so probably the best thing would be to try both yourself - perhaps your dealer has one or other in an Octavia or Superb (I presume they are available in both as well). I do like the Columbus with the hard drive to save carting CDs about. No car is ever going to have brilliant accoustics but at least that way it would give you a fair comparison.

Thanks Aerofurb. I heard a system in a Superb yesterday and I have to agree it was very impressive. The standard Yeti system is fine but I felt there was a noticeable difference on the Option system I heard yesterday using my own MP3`s on SD card, especially in the mid-range and at quite low volumes (even to my old ears).

As you say,sound quality is very subjective but it "sounds" a good option for me.

Can one beg a question here? Do you not agree that high quality sound systems in cars are a waste of money? First you have the engine noise, tyre rumble and wind noise to pollute the speaker sound. Then there is the accoustics of the car cabin, not ideal. Finally the compression used on mp3 negates any benefits of a quality speaker system. (presuming Skoda provide quality speakers) My money would go on a Park assist system in preference.

That should stir up a hornet's nest!!

Can one beg a question here? Do you not agree that high quality sound systems in cars are a waste of money? First you have the engine noise, tyre rumble and wind noise to pollute the speaker sound. Then there is the accoustics of the car cabin, not ideal. Finally the compression used on mp3 negates any benefits of a quality speaker system. (presuming Skoda provide quality speakers) My money would go on a Park assist system in preference.

That should stir up a hornet's nest!!

I agree and disagree.

I am with you on the sound system, but I added the 4 extra speakers in the back to mine and think it does add to the space feeling of the sound. I am not an audiophile, so maybe not as sensitive to sound as some. The basic noise in the vehicle does preclude a really excellent sound experience, The base 4 speakers in front was just too flat for me.

On tha park assist, I do see that as a gimmick I do not want to spend money on - and did not. The only difficulty in paralell parking is judging the distance to the vehicle behind - you cannot see the bonnet of the car behind. I was really irritated by the beeping from the sensors installed on the Octy as standard, as I never really felt a need for them, but they would be useful on the back of the Yeti. Alas, too late now

More experience with the car will make the judgement of the rear length better - and I can always leave the trailer hook on for a gentle tactile feedback!

I stuck to the standard Bolero + 8 speakers on my SE as I tend to regularly drive without using the radio, so the 12 speaker upgrade was not on my list. Interesting to note in most European Countries I believe radio equipment tends to be mainly confined to the options list. Is the way of things in the UK with car specifications, style over function i.e. decent sound systems and my pet hate big flash wheels are standard, while life savers like ESP are left on option lists.

Specification though is a subjective thing what suits one will not suit another, hence I suppose the one benefit of buying new; having the option list to play with, finances permitting.

TP

Oh the Bolero + 8 speakers sounds pretty good to my non musical ears, when on occasion I decide to dust it down.

I agree with what TP said above, we do have in this country a rather strange set of priorities. I wish that some of the electronic aids on ESP such as ASR could be opted out. I do not like the electronics turning the steering wheel just because a sensor feels that the back might have stepped out or cutting the engine power because it feels wheel sipping.

Edited 2 January, 201016 yr by Anthony 1

I have the upgraded sound system and for me its worth the money. It's not perfect in any way.

On some music the bass seems to create a rolling low freq. not ending, but with music with a distinct bass it's perfect.

I will advice to bring with you some of your own music and do a test if in doubt.

The sound and ability for backseat passengers to listen to spoken radio programs is much better and that was important for me.

Tired of getting complaints from backseat all the time when listening to news etc.

Bottom line is: Try it with your kind of music.

seo

I agree with what TP said above, we do have in this country a rather strange set of priorities. I wish that some of the electronic aids on ESP such as ASR could be opted out. I do not like the electronics turning the steering wheel just because a sensor feels that the back might have stepped out or cutting the engine power because it feels wheel sipping.

I don't know what all those electronic "initials" do. (nor if I'm truthful do I care too much) but I had to drive the 3 miles to the main road on solid snow and ice with my grandchildren in the back. (extra nervous tension) The Yeti behaved perfectly, there was no drama, no heart stopping moments. In fact the gizmos worked fine and we all reached the (clear) main road without incident. (Bit boring - on reflection.)

The rest of the journey included a cloud burst, a massive snow storm and crowds of traffic blocking the A55. (Home from the New Year break - I guess) So yet another normal day in N Wales. The Yeti coped fine! Just one small niggle, the water streaming from the windscreen distorted the view from the door mirrors and made driving in that traffic a little more difficult.

2000 miles reached!!

Edited 2 January, 201016 yr by Terfyn

The Yeti coped fine! Just one small niggle, the water streaming from the windscreen distorted the view from the door mirrors and made driving in that traffic a little more difficult.

I totally agree with the driver's door mirror and window in heavy rain. The wiper seems to do a great job of clearing the screen but channels it to the door window right in line with the mirror. The nearside window (and therefore the view in the nearside mirror) weren't as nearly badly effected as the offside.

I haven't had a chance yet to get some (I only did proper rain for the first time last Wednesday) but I think Rain-X or similar would do a good job of preventing the rain from hanging around long on the window which should keep the view in the mirror satisfactory. The mirrors themselves seem to keep quite clean.

As for the music, I personally think the Yeti is quite quiet and the music quality with the upgrade the best I've ever had in a car. Totally agree with seo, take your music for a test drive!

RainX would be a good temporary solution but long term something will need to be done to eleviate the problem with water getting on to the mirrors. Perhaps different mirrors or some sort of deflecting aerofoil.

RainX would be a good temporary solution but long term something will need to be done to eleviate the problem with water getting on to the mirrors. Perhaps different mirrors or some sort of deflecting aerofoil.

As I said in my post, it isn't the mirrors getting wet/dirty, they actually stay very clean, it was more water on the offside window making it difficult to get a clear view in the mirror. This was at motorway speeds and Rain-X would sort the 'problem' out.

Just one small niggle, the water streaming from the windscreen distorted the view from the door mirrors and made driving in that traffic a little more difficult.

I had not noticed this on this Yeti. Grrrrrrr... It is one thing that really irritates me on the A2 as well. You wash wipe the windscreen and all the soap goes over the A-pillar onto the side windows. Really irritating if you have a just washed car.

Mercedes have had channels on their A-pillars since the 1970s. Yes, go and look at ANY Mercedes and you will see that you will NEVER get windscreen water on your side windows. Guess it is just one of the very few details VAG have not picked up upon. They started to copy the Mercedes indicators in the mirrors but alas not the A-pillar channels (yet).

Please stay on topic !

Please stay on topic !

Why? I replied to something said in THIS thread? Surely one is allowed to do that?!

Why? I replied to something said in THIS thread? Surely one is allowed to do that?!

I suggest a new thread for this topic. Its very confusing when topic is totally changed. :-)

OK, back on topic....

I already had a powered subwoofer from my previous vehicle, so declined the 12 speaker option (do you get an additional amp with this package, or is it just speakers ?).

Quite pleased with the standard Bolero / 8 Speaker, however at the weekend I fitted this - http://www.bluespot.co.uk/car-audio.aspx/tha475-amplifier and my powered sub.

All without cutting a single OEM wire.

Mrs looked very unimpressed at the state of disassembly - but thankfully all back together now.

Sounds great ! And transferrable to the next motor !

Edited 20 April, 201016 yr by Gilesmengland

Yes, you get an amplifier in the "sound system" package with the 12 speakers. It's under the drivers seat (on LHD cars) and it does a fairly good job of powering the speakers You also get lot's of different settings related to sound in the headunit. It's called DSP.

Is the music quality of the standard sound system in the Yeti (8 speaker system) good?

I would be interested to hear if anyone has the 12 speaker option fitted and the performance (subjective I know) of this system.

I guess you have bought your Yeti since posing this question; did you get the upgrade and if so what do you think? Let me though offer my thoughts & experience on the subject;-

My previous car was a Fabia with OE Blaupunt DIN radio that I quickly swapped for a mid range Alpine Head unit to good effect. On selling the Fabia I took the Alpine unit out to save for a rainy day as my Octavia came with a Stream unit that I had high hopes for; these were quickly dashed. On MW listening to Radio 5Live the presenters sounded like they were in a biscuit tin not a studio and the overall sound quality I found poor, with lack of definition (muffled) across the range. I very quickly fitted my trusted Alpine unit in lieu, which now sounded even better than when in my Fabia due to a better speaker setup.

I am now looking to change to a Yeti (once the CR140 with DSG is available) and this time have taken a keen interest in the audio setup. I was lucky enough to borrow my dealer's CR140 Elegance (manual) for a couple of days recently and overall was very impressed with the Bolero and standard 8 speaker setup. When I returned the Yeti I also spent 20 mins doing some back-to-back listening against my Alpine.

Overall I'm mightily impressed with the Bolero; OK the MW radio reception is not quite as good as the Alpine, but is certainly streets ahead of the Stream unit and for general sound, playing some favourite CDs, it is strong, clear, well defined and agreeably listen-able; I'd put it only a whisker behind my Alpine. The thought of transferring my Alpine again has receded as it is not worth it and I would also loose the additional features of the Bolero such as SD card for mp3s (I have to use a separate mp3 player at present) and Bluetooth phone compatibility.

Subsequently talking to my dealer he told me the 'speaker upgrade' gives an extra 4 mid range speakers plus extra features on the Bolero, the prime one being a graphic equaliser with presets as opposed to the low/mid/high on the standard setup.

Fundamentally, I think I will be more than happy with a Bolero and upgrade speakers, it seems to be a good unit. PS> I'm not interested in upgrading further to the Columbus as I don't need to spent £1,000 plus when I'm perfectly capable of reading a map!

I guess you have bought your Yeti since posing this question; did you get the upgrade and if so what do you think? Let me though offer my thoughts & experience on the subject;-

My previous car was a Fabia with OE Blaupunt DIN radio that I quickly swapped for a mid range Alpine Head unit to good effect. On selling the Fabia I took the Alpine unit out to save for a rainy day as my Octavia came with a Stream unit that I had high hopes for; these were quickly dashed. On MW listening to Radio 5Live the presenters sounded like they were in a biscuit tin not a studio and the overall sound quality I found poor, with lack of definition (muffled) across the range. I very quickly fitted my trusted Alpine unit in lieu, which now sounded even better than when in my Fabia due to a better speaker setup.

I am now looking to change to a Yeti (once the CR140 with DSG is available) and this time have taken a keen interest in the audio setup. I was lucky enough to borrow my dealer's CR140 Elegance (manual) for a couple of days recently and overall was very impressed with the Bolero and standard 8 speaker setup. When I returned the Yeti I also spent 20 mins doing some back-to-back listening against my Alpine.

Overall I'm mightily impressed with the Bolero; OK the MW radio reception is not quite as good as the Alpine, but is certainly streets ahead of the Stream unit and for general sound, playing some favourite CDs, it is strong, clear, well defined and agreeably listen-able; I'd put it only a whisker behind my Alpine. The thought of transferring my Alpine again has receded as it is not worth it and I would also loose the additional features of the Bolero such as SD card for mp3s (I have to use a separate mp3 player at present) and Bluetooth phone compatibility.

Subsequently talking to my dealer he told me the 'speaker upgrade' gives an extra 4 mid range speakers plus extra features on the Bolero, the prime one being a graphic equaliser with presets as opposed to the low/mid/high on the standard setup.

Fundamentally, I think I will be more than happy with a Bolero and upgrade speakers, it seems to be a good unit. PS> I'm not interested in upgrading further to the Columbus as I don't need to spent £1,000 plus when I'm perfectly capable of reading a map!

Hi,

collected my Yeti last Saturday and I am really glad I opted for the 12 speaker sound upgrade for the Bolero. For me personally it was worth the extra cost and my dealer was also very impressed with the sound system. This was the first one he had seen and "tested it" against the standard 8 speaker Bolero system on the demonstrator Yeti side in the forecourt and liked what he heard.

One thing I do like with the Yeti/Bolero set-up is the smooth, controlled volume adjustment, no big jumps in volume and the GALA seems to work very well in this car.

As you say there are four additional mid-range speakers fitted and these are located front-centre on each door card so are clear of most obstructions that block or baffle sound from lower mounted speakers. The speakers are not driven from the Bolero but from a separate Amp which is located under the drivers seat.

On the Bolero when you select the normal sound set-up button you have, in addition to the normal Volume, GALA, Bass, Mid and Treble settings two additional option buttons.

Sound Char: This opens the graphic equalizer selection which has the following pre-set options. Linear, Voice, Rock, Classic and Dance.

Surround: This has three options, Driver, Front and Off.

This is a bit of a gimmick for me but my wife finds the Front surround better for listening to news and voice broadcasts.

In my opinion the system is very good for a car system. You are never going to achieve Hi-Fi levels but there is a noticeable improvement in Mid-range and the Bass. Although not deep (you need a big sub-woofer for this IMO) the Bass is smooth and controlled with no distortion or vibration from the speakers at "normal" listening levels.

So far I have used CD`s, MP3`s through an 8GB SD card and my iPod connected through the auxilliary jack with the following results. IMO!

iPod: Best sound with equalizer in the Linear setting.

I will use the music library copied to SD card as there is no control of the iPod without the MDI option. It is not practical or safe to use an iPod with auxilliary option while driving.

Classical and quiet music tracks: Best in the Classic setting.

General Pop, Rock and Voice: Best in Rock position.

Voice and telephone: For me clearer in Rock or Linear setting rather than the Voice option.

Want lots of Bass: Use the Dance setting.

I keep the normal Bolero Bass, Treble and Mid settings in the middle position and have not yet experimented on changing these at all.

I have only had My Yeti a few days and still trying out things a bit. My son thinks the sound is better for passengers in the back of the car than in the front.

Hope this helps

Del.

Thanks Delboyyy for your comprehensive assessment; sounds like you are onto a winner then!

Got to tick the 'upgrade speakers' on my option list.

Hi,

collected my Yeti last Saturday and I am really glad I opted for the 12 speaker sound upgrade for the Bolero. For me personally it was worth the extra cost and my dealer was also very impressed with the sound system. This was the first one he had seen and "tested it" against the standard 8 speaker Bolero system on the demonstrator Yeti side in the forecourt and liked what he heard.

One thing I do like with the Yeti/Bolero set-up is the smooth, controlled volume adjustment, no big jumps in volume and the GALA seems to work very well in this car.

As you say there are four additional mid-range speakers fitted and these are located front-centre on each door card so are clear of most obstructions that block or baffle sound from lower mounted speakers. The speakers are not driven from the Bolero but from a separate Amp which is located under the drivers seat.

On the Bolero when you select the normal sound set-up button you have, in addition to the normal Volume, GALA, Bass, Mid and Treble settings two additional option buttons.

Sound Char: This opens the graphic equalizer selection which has the following pre-set options. Linear, Voice, Rock, Classic and Dance.

Surround: This has three options, Driver, Front and Off.

This is a bit of a gimmick for me but my wife finds the Front surround better for listening to news and voice broadcasts.

In my opinion the system is very good for a car system. You are never going to achieve Hi-Fi levels but there is a noticeable improvement in Mid-range and the Bass. Although not deep (you need a big sub-woofer for this IMO) the Bass is smooth and controlled with no distortion or vibration from the speakers at "normal" listening levels.

So far I have used CD`s, MP3`s through an 8GB SD card and my iPod connected through the auxilliary jack with the following results. IMO!

iPod: Best sound with equalizer in the Linear setting.

I will use the music library copied to SD card as there is no control of the iPod without the MDI option. It is not practical or safe to use an iPod with auxilliary option while driving.

Classical and quiet music tracks: Best in the Classic setting.

General Pop, Rock and Voice: Best in Rock position.

Voice and telephone: For me clearer in Rock or Linear setting rather than the Voice option.

Want lots of Bass: Use the Dance setting.

I keep the normal Bolero Bass, Treble and Mid settings in the middle position and have not yet experimented on changing these at all.

I have only had My Yeti a few days and still trying out things a bit. My son thinks the sound is better for passengers in the back of the car than in the front.

Hope this helps

Del.

Hi Dellboy, I tend to use my Ipod incar on auto shuffle and just let it roll on, so does that mean I'll be able to do this via the aux jack safely? Is there a spec for the connector that I'll nee to get from ipod to the jack please?

Thanks, Mike

Hi Dellboy, I tend to use my Ipod incar on auto shuffle and just let it roll on, so does that mean I'll be able to do this via the aux jack safely? Is there a spec for the connector that I'll nee to get from ipod to the jack please?

Thanks, Mike

Hi Mike,

sorry for the delay, just picked up on this one.

I used a standard 3.5mm to 3.5mm stereo lead about 60cm long to try my iPod out using the Aux jack in the armrest. Not sure of the cable spec, I think it came with an old MP3 player I had before my iPod. I don`t see any issues using the auto shuffle mode with this method.

To be honest without the MDI option the iPod control is pretty useless if driving and the iPod display can be difficult to read in bright daylight anyway.

I have actually copied my iPod library (coverted to MP3 format) to a class 6 SD card and this works well with the Bolero. It takes a little while to load at first from the card but works fine after that.

Regards,

Del

Hi Mike,

sorry for the delay, just picked up on this one.

I used a standard 3.5mm to 3.5mm stereo lead about 60cm long to try my iPod out using the Aux jack in the armrest. Not sure of the cable spec, I think it came with an old MP3 player I had before my iPod. I don`t see any issues using the auto shuffle mode with this method.

To be honest without the MDI option the iPod control is pretty useless if driving and the iPod display can be difficult to read in bright daylight anyway.

I have actually copied my iPod library (coverted to MP3 format) to a class 6 SD card and this works well with the Bolero. It takes a little while to load at first from the card but works fine after that.

Regards,

Del

Thanks Dellboy, I think I need to wait until I get my Monster (now end June) and then have a play to see what suits me best, but its good to know that it could work.

Mike