MK8 Audio Helix subwoofer - I took a gamble and it paid off

[GE90]

Hi all

I’m probably best known for supplying the MK8 plug and play centre speaker upgrades. A great mod with fantastic 100% positive feedback.

I looked into the compatibility of the MK7 Helix Subwoofer, a VW supplied plug and play audio upgrade. It’s a boot subwoofer with a DSP/amp tuned for various VW models. I couldn’t find anyone who had attempted fitting to a MK8, being that it is so different. I decided to take a gamble and sourced a kit (not easy nowadays). Well, the wiring was the same and it fitted no issue. I used the programming dongle to set to the Golf 5 door and immediately noticed a significant improvement.

However, after tweaking the car sound settings (don’t recall having to do this with the MK7) it sounded just like it did on the MK7! Really impressive bit of kit, cannot speak highly enough about it.

I should add that I’ve got Focal door speakers; perhaps with the standard door speakers it might not need any/much tweaking. I’ve tried with and without the upgraded Audison centre speaker, and the upgrade just completes the setup, as it does with the standard setup.

The best £ for £ upgrade is the centre speaker, but for anyone looking to improve further, I think the Helix is a great next step.

So if anyone has been considering fitting the MK7 Helix subwoofer, go for it!

Cheers.

[DrG_GTi]

This sounds promising. Was it completely plug and play, as in are the looms already there in the mk8? Does it secure to the well or do you need a spare? Any more info will be really helpful.
Any links to where you sourced it too?

I read that it wasn't compatible and it stopped some speakers working... how did you over come that?
Cheers.

[GE90]

Hi DrG

The connections are no different to the MK7. The Helix comes with everything required, including the harness.

In summary:

1) Remove the long air vent dash trim - it’s on clips
2) Remove glovebox - 3 screws on bottom, 2 at top and one under the passenger airbag deactivication switch panel on side of dash
3) Disconnect battery or remove fuse
4) Remove two MIB unit retaining screws and hinge down the MIB unit
5) Release the MIB unit using radio release tools.
6) Follow Helix kit wiring instructions - power cables de-pin from car harness and fit to new harness. New power cables from new harness fit to car harness. Release brown speaker wiring block from car harness and fit to new harness, and replace with brown speaker block from new harness. I think that’s it from memory. Many online videos available.
7) Feed new harness behind the MIB and down the passenger side of car, under the sill trims, to the boot.
8. On the GTI the subwoofer secures on top of the space saver if you have one. An extension plastic securing both is required from VW. As with the MK7, the boot floor sits very slightly proud, but I placed some stoppers on the rear edge so it doesn’t rest on the subwoofer.
9) Program using a dongle - I found the MK7 5 door works well, with a few tweaks in the car sound settings - pushed the centre to the rear slightly too.

Hopefully I haven’t missed too much.

All speakers worked, but please be aware that I might have just been lucky with my setup. It’s a 2022 pre-facelift, with my centre speaker upgrade and Focal door speakers.

In my view the first upgrade whether you have the HK system or not is the centre speaker.

https://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=291139.0

If you are feeling brave, and can source a Helix kit, go for it, but please note my caveats above - I could not trace anyone who has previously done this so I’m possibly one of one and it worked!

I sourced my kit from a forum member.

Cheers

[Rudedog]

Makes me want one even more for my 7.5

Does anyone know if they are still available in the VW back catalogue to order?

[GE90]

It seems like they are obsolete now, and have been for a few years I’m afraid.

Some resellers seem to have availability, but apparently not always so when you enquire or place an order.