Helix Soundbox Upgrade Information Post!

[zech912]

another point of note, I laid down dynamat in the spare tire well while i was in there, prompted by reading that VW used to have carpet there. significant reduction in road noise in this wonderful car. it was already a quiet car, but it was an improvement even on that. also put a couple patches of it under the rear seat. not sure if that really did anything since the seats themselves are a noise barrier.

 

[AWD4416]

Just posting an update after using the programming dongle (5 minutes ago) from the rental thread. It is a must to get the sub reprogrammed. Once the sub is installed, it amplifies the on board speakers but the sound is not balanced. I didn't like that the tweeters were higher making it sound like you're hearings two different radios at the same time. After programming the sub, the sound system is in harmony.

 

[zech912]

Just posting an update after using the programming dongle (5 minutes ago) from the rental thread. It is a must to get the sub reprogrammed. Once the sub is installed, it amplifies the on board speakers but the sound is not balanced. I didn't like that the tweeters were higher making it sound like you're hearings two different radios at the same time. After programming the sub, the sound system is in harmony.

I am also bothered by the stronger highs with the Helix, tried to manipulate it with the limited EQ but really looking forward to renting the dongle.

 

[Thomas.brian23]

Just wanted to echo that the shrillness at higher volumes was eliminated after programming the sub with the dongle.

1000% happy with this upgrade.

Also, I had the same pile of leftover parts as thegman showed in his picture.

 

[AWD4416]

Just wanted to echo that the shrillness at higher volumes was eliminated after programming the sub with the dongle.

1000% happy with this upgrade.

LOL, my biggest surprise was how bad ass the sub sounds inside the cab. It's damn near impossible to hear the system standing out side the car.

 

[Cuzoe]

LOL, my biggest surprise was how bad ass the sub sounds inside the cab. It's damn near impossible to hear the system standing out side the car.

That's my favorite part. I replaced the Helix sub with my own sub and an amp driven from the Helix subwoofer output. I can turn it up to be absolutely overwhelming in the car and no one outside is the wiser. My aftermarket setup still fits under the floor and keeps the spare. I have installed and listened to a range of systems in various cars. Some simple and some that got relatively complex with active components and powerful equalization.

At multiple times the cost of the Helix upgrade some of those systems sounded better, as they should have. But for the money and ease, the Helix (once programmed) gets my vote as the single best audio modification out there. To my ears it sounds great at any reasonable, and even borderline unreasonable listening levels. Can't really ask for more from stock speakers with no other mods.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

 

[eXult]

Anyone know the difference between the old revision and the B revision? (000051419 vs 000051419B). I found an old revision one for sale for $250 that I'm thinking of getting, but I'm concerned I'll have issues with the installation of the old revision on a '18 GTI (especially the programming part).

 

[StealthGTI]

The "B" is a running change from when Helix/Match changed their DSP/amp to a different model. I'm 99% certain the B will work with your car. The "B" versions came out before 2018 and were to address Helix/Match updating their models in 2016. It had nothing to do with VW's changes. Just be certain that you're getting the wiring harness along with the sub and amp.

 

[zech912]

Hi all! Saludos from Spain!

I have the Helix sound system installed on my Golf VII Tsi. I find it a good improvement over the stock sound but I think there is still room from improvement.

Has anyone tried the Helix with better speakers? I thought about upgrading the stock ones to something like Gladen Audio, but as the Helix is apparently suited to work with the stock speakers, I am not sure if it would be a worthwhile improvement or not.

Any ideas or experience?

Thanks!


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Can I upgrade Speakers/Subwoofers/Amplifers using the Helix DSP?

Within some of the threads linked here there are discussions about improving on the Helix setup, which is designed to be a plug and play upgrade. Many things are possible, but in general if you are wanting to replace all of the factory speakers, use separate amplifiers and a larger subwoofer, you would be better off with a more robust starting point. At some point the DSP’s programming won’t be accurate as it’s designed for all factory components and the Helix subwoofer, and re-amping an already amplified speaker level output will likely increase distortion.

Upgrading your factory speakers to aftermarket units with improved drivers will change the sound, and your overall results may vary by brand. The factory drivers (tweeters and mid-range drivers) are marked “4 ohm” which as a pair would result in a 2 ohm setup. Aftermarket speakers or separates are generally a 2 ohm or 4 ohm. This rating will affect the output of the speakers (2 ohm being a higher load will have a higher output, 4 ohm will have less output). Using 4ohm speakers would in theory allow for more volume level on the head unit to be used before distortion is heard, but would not eliminate the distortion caused by the DSP/Amp at certain output levels. This would also change the balance between the speakers and sub, so the subwoofer level may need to be adjusted.

This is a very “Your Mileage May Vary” section, as what sounds good will change person to person.

adding my experience to this question. i decided to go with the Focal ES130K because the door speakers are straight fitment swap and the tweeters are minor adjustment. the ohms are direct match, and the power on the Helix is not far at all from the Focal RMS. I confirmed with Helix that the power is fine with these speakers prior and Helix actually stated they believed the Focals would be a good match. Combined with the dongle programming, I am very pleased. most impressive: the tweeters. The new Focal M shaped tweeter is vast improvement over the oem VW speaker and even over the prior generation Focal inverted dome, which i found a little too “bright” in my other system. The M is very smooth, clear, detailed, pleasant. now the system is all set for a nice long life. It was not that expensive overall, and is far better than the Fender, in my view.

 

[cinderbike]

Are those Focal speakers plug n' play or did you have to do a lot of modding to get them hooked up?

 

[zech912]

well, not complete plug and play, for one, they have crossovers, which were placed in the kick panels. I did not do the install myself, I did the Helix and was so discouraged by how a 2 hour job for some was an 8 hour job for me, I decided to pay someone to do it. but as I said, Crutchfield states speakers are direct fit, and tweeters are minor adjustment, maybe just glue, not sure.


edit: this was a mistake to pay someone to do the speaker upgrade, at least for the front doors. I later upgraded to Focal 6.5" speakers and decided to do them myself. installer did some really rotten stuff, I was very disappointed in what I uncovered. but now it is done right. it was not difficult and was thoroughly rewarding, especially to know I now had a superior install, properly done.

 

[cinderbike]

Okay, gotcha.

Second question... where are you supposed to mount the Helix sticker that comes with the kit? I assume the interior somewhere? Instructions don't say.

 

[boostnonu]

can anyone confirm that this wires up and fits the 2019? went to some sites and some say yes and some say no. thanks everyone.

 

[flipflp]

can anyone confirm that this wires up and fits the 2019? went to some sites and some say yes and some say no. thanks everyone.

VW Parts website has the manufacturer's recommendations:

https://parts.vw.com/p/Volkswagen__/Spare-Tire-Mount-Subwoofer--Soundbox/70346182/000051419B.html

Shows compatible with 2019 cars, without Fender Audio of course. That's the only site you need IMO.

 

[jasonh8806]

I installed the Helix Soundbox tonight and I was testing it out and had a question. I was noticing that only one of the speakers in the box seemed to be driven and the other appeared to be passive. Is this the case for all of them or is one of my speakers not functioning properly? I did some searches on google and in the forum and was unsuccessful at finding anything regarding this but if I just missed it, please direct me to the info.

Any info is greatly appreciated!