Just got mine programmed with the rental from here... people were not kidding about the difference it makes! I was pretty unimpressed with the stock helix audio, to say the least, and my dealer had no idea what a programmer was or how to order one so I came here and I am glad that I did. When I first installed the helix the EQ curve was horrible. Huge frequency ranges seemed to be cut completely and the highs were super harsh if you turned them up at all. Nothing I did in the cars EQ setting could fix it. Reprogramming with the dongle has fixed ALL of that.
I am now finally happy with the way the “stock” audio/speakers sounds. I am the person who always goes for the upgraded audio on whatever car I buy so I am super glad this worked out. The normal stock system in this car was decent, It wasn’t terrible, but I wouldn’t say it was anything to get excited about either. The helix at first made it worse in a few ways which was disappointing but after the programming it is night and day better than before. Not quite as good as the Harmon kardon system in my old Impreza sport, I loved that one, but it’s close. Everything is much better defined now. Some low end stuff is still a little funky but hey, it’s still *technically* a stock system so you can only ask so much. I rarely listen to bass heavy hip hop anyways. I can not recommend the programmer enough. Absolutely a must if you put the helix in your car.
For anyone wondering if they should bother going through with the rental, DO IT. You will not be disappointed. I can not believe that VW tries to tell people it’s pre-programmed for the golf mk7 when that is so undeniably false.
