GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk8 => Topic started by: GE90 on 21 June 2025, 23:13
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Hi All
While I’m not any great audiophile, since purchasing my MK8 I’ve always been disappointed with the standard audio system. I came from a MK7, later fitted with the Helix DSP subwoofer upgrade, and tried to find a plug & play equivalent with no success.
I then found that in the US and Canada there were many great reviews of a centre speaker upgrade, with a company based in Canada offering a modified replacement. The feedback across Facebook and other platforms seemed to be 100% positive, with reports of this single speaker upgrade “bringing the system alive”, “better balancing the overall system”, “providing amazing clarity and crisper sound”, “better vocals”, lifted bass at all levels”, “the missing element to make complete”, etc. Clearer phone calls have also been mentioned.
I just had to try this for myself, so due postage costs and fees/duty, a few months ago I set about designing my own plug and play version. Being a former aircraft engineer I appreciate detail and wanted something truly OEM+ and which could be retrofitted easily. After much research I concluded that the Audison AV 3.0 was the best option (also chosen as the better of two versions offered by the Canada supplier) to integrate with both the standard and HK systems (while I’ve not tried this with HK, feedback suggests a noticeable improvement). The Audison speaker uses an inverted cotton fibre cone, has significantly more power and is an upgrade in all respects while maintaining the same impedance, which is important.
I therefore cut the original speaker about to create a template for an adapter plate, and had someone 3D print them, which was then riveted to the replacement speaker, picking up on the original dashboard mounting holes. Moving to the wiring, I wanted OEM quality, so created a conversion lead using new quality connectors and pins. The harness is plug and play.
To say I’m pleased with the outcome would be an understatement. It’s hard to believe that this one speaker replacement can make such a difference, even at low volume levels. I have to agree with the feedback above. I recently compared my version with the one from Canada and I am very pleased with what I have produced. This is a true plug and play modification, and the best quality and most compatible solution to blend with the OEM set ups. No change to the existing loom necessary and swapped back in minutes. After a few months I refitted the OEM speaker to take the photos for a fitting guide, and what a difference - I’d clearly got used to the improved setup!
I’ve since upgraded my door speakers and tweeters to Focal, and the centre speaker is still easily holding its own even with this set up.
Anyway, just wanted to share my project. Far from the cheapest mid speaker available, but I wanted a proven brand and after experimenting with two different cheaper speakers first, I decided that the Audison easily provided the best improvement and therefore worth the extra. There does not appear to be any off the shelf plug and play solutions available in the UK.
After checking with the Moderator, they are happy for me to make these up for forum members. They would be £143.00 plus £6.65 postage (Royal Mail Signed and Insured) if anyone is interested (I have a batch of 6 ready to go). As it worked well with the dongle loan, PayPal Friends & Family (or payment of fees), bank transfer or cash on collection please - Bromley). If I need to make up any more, it’ll be slightly more expensive. Many members will know me from the Helix thread – I’ve been a forum member for many years and assisted with Helix installations and loaning out the programming dongle. Never any issues as I’ve even made a few friends as a result!
Fitting involves lifting out the grill (trim tool works well just clips hold in place), removing 3 x T20 speaker mounting screws, disconnecting the electrical connector, and fitting the replacement. Despite it being straight forward, I’ll provide a fitting guide with photos. No dash errors or issues.
Any questions please ask. Here are some photos.
Cheers.
(https://i.postimg.cc/DZTCMKq6/temp-Image-XN9n-T8.avif) (https://postimg.cc/XZscrm1B)
(https://i.postimg.cc/k4vjrhsm/temp-Image9-Kr6-Jr.avif) (https://postimg.cc/r0zGxj7n)
(https://i.postimg.cc/mrxVPG64/temp-Image7vyx-JV.avif) (https://postimg.cc/ZWc6QXSs)
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That's impressive!
I've got HK but not sure if that also includes the centre speaker... The centre speaker is mainly used for the system messages rather than audio isn't it? I know it's part of the safety emergency call thing because it chucks errors if you unplug it.
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Hi
Many with HK have been impressed with swapping out the centre speaker with this Audison.
Cheers.
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That's impressive!
I've got HK but not sure if that also includes the centre speaker... The centre speaker is mainly used for the system messages rather than audio isn't it? I know it's part of the safety emergency call thing because it chucks errors if you unplug it.
No, it’s audio too, not just SOS and voice calls 👍.
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A very interesting mod that Tony.
I remember one of the first things I did when getting my Clubsport back in Christmas 2020 was research a boot sub yet never got round to fitting one.
Four and a half years later and I’d still never have thought that the dash centre speaker would have been the stock system’s weak point.
I’m genuinely impressed and intrigued by this upgrade.
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Yes, I researched whether the MK7 Helix would fit, and concluded not. I then looked at alternate sub and DSP packages, but the DSP would require tuning etc.
I found this filled a gap for sure, particularly for those looking for an easy reversible OEM+ plug and play option.
I really rate mine, and in the USA owners are all over these, so much so that they supplier is mostly of of stock!
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Love this. I'm a fan of the OEM set tup but i miss not having a sub for those lows! Ill be in touch via DM, cheers!
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Love this. I'm a fan of the OEM set tup but i miss not having a sub for those lows! Ill be in touch via DM, cheers!
Hi, DM sent.
Many thanks.
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Speaker arrived, very well packaged, complete with instructions and a pack of haribo!
Very solid and obviously quality bit of kit, it's night and day compared to the paper oem one.
Fitting was simple took all of 5 min.
Sound quality it excellent, you can actually hear the mids and highs up front now, but the bass, and I love a bit of bass, is another level! Rich and deep, just what I wanted. Its hard to believe that such a small speaker can make so much difference. The dashboard must create the perfect box for it.
I highly recommend this mod, my pangs for a boot sub retro fit have disappeared.
Cheers GE90, you absolute legend..
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I am definitely interested in this upgrade, I imagine that it should also be suitable for the Golf MK8.5?
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Hi, yes, this fits both the MK8 and MK8.5.
Many thanks.
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Being a new member it seems you cannot receive messages.
If you are interested just leave an email on here and I’ll respond. The post can then be deleted.
Cheers
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I have added my email address to my member profile.
Thanks
Mark 😊
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Hi Mark
Sorry, not seeking it I’m afraid.
Many thanks.
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Mark, I think I managed to find it.
Cheers
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Centre speaker ordered 👍😊
I really appreciate your hard work on devising the upgrade and looking forward to the sound improvement.
I have missed having a decent sound system since my Golf MK7 GTI with the Dynaudio upgrade.