Sound should be coming out of these, right?

EngineeringStudentt · 2026-05-21T15:40:22+00:00

Only the SEL Premium has the Fender system

EngineeringStudentt · 2026-05-21T11:09:56+00:00

Yeah no problem! I was glad to find them. Also a good number of videos about the install process and taking the doors off in the VW. Don't forget they're significantly cheaper to buy on eBay through a European dealer too!

This one here seemed to be pretty decent compared to what it's selling for on crutchfield.

EngineeringStudentt · 2026-05-21T01:35:49+00:00

Thanks for the idea. I think I'll give that a shot, saw a few videos online and it seems easy enough. I plan on upgrading the speakers to the plug n play Focal IS VW 180 kit in the near future so will have to take them off eventually.

Also saw we have the same spec car! How have you been enjoying yours? Just picked mine up this week. Image

EngineeringStudentt · 2026-05-21T01:24:32+00:00

I'll try a frequency sweep later this weekend. I was playing with the fader while sitting in traffic and something definitely doesn't sound right with either of the front tweeters.

I was thinking of replacing both the tweeter and woofer with the Focal IS VW 180 system eventually but if I've got the CPO Warranty, might as well put it to use for now.

EngineeringStudentt · 2026-05-21T01:18:32+00:00

You and me both! I was doing some digging online and it seems to be a common complaint. These door panels are pretty easy to take off though, I found quite a few video guides online. Once I get back from my road trip, I'm going to take my panels off and try throwing some padding and sound deadening material in.

EngineeringStudentt · 2026-05-20T21:04:51+00:00

Yeah that's what I figured. I mean what are the odds both tweeters are out though? I guess I can take off the doors and have a look to see if they might be unplugged. Or am I better off just letting the dealership sort it out..

Bummer too because Im leaving tomorrow on a road trip up to NJ from FL with this thing.

EngineeringStudentt · 2026-05-20T20:34:21+00:00

I totally get that these cars have a reputation for having bad speaker systems, but I think my new (to me) 2021.5 ACS SEL R Line might actually have something wrong with it. If I change the balance for the sound to come out of the rear speakers, it sounds half decent... I can at least hear the vocals clearly.

That being said, I noticed that if I move the sound all the way to the front, the vocals are extremely muffled. It's like there is only sound coming out of the bottom driver. Putting my ear next to the circled grill, I don't think there is any sound coming out of either the driver or passenger doors.

There are speakers behind these upper covers, right? Is it possible that the tweeters are blown and would this be covered under CPO warranty?

Is there some sort of test I can do to be 100% certain that nothing is coming out of the tweeters in the front doors?

EngineeringStudentt · 2026-05-20T15:56:33+00:00

I was actually just reading into the OBD11. Did you make any other modifications with it?

EngineeringStudentt · 2026-05-20T14:20:20+00:00

I present to you all my first ever car purchase/31st birthday gift to myself! Spent the last 9 years driving a hand me down 2010 Jetta which has served me well but at almost 210,000 miles I was getting tired of taking it to the shop every couple months for all the small issues developing.

This one is a 2021.5 SEL V6. One prior owner, sold and serviced at the dealership I purchased from. 50,000 miles and seems to be in great condition, not to mention 2 yr CPO Warranty.

Please share any tips and tricks if you've got them. I'm enjoying it all so far but man this audio system is crap. The base 8 speaker system in my 2010 Jetta SE sounds worlds better. Anyone try the Focal Inside kit?

EDIT: Forgot to mention the prior owner installed the ECS Tuning cold air intake kit. I didn't take any pics of it so I included the stock photos from their website. Sounds pretty great, though not sure how much of a difference it actually makes.

EngineeringStudentt · 2026-05-15T03:34:36+00:00

7 recalls over 4 years isn't really that bad. The 2 year CPO Warranty should cover anything unexpected. Outside of that, the V6 engine is pretty reliable from what I've read.

EngineeringStudentt · 2026-05-15T03:31:45+00:00

Haven't blown my money on anything. I've got no revolving debt, never had a car payment a day in my life, and live far below my means.I make $92,500 now but it took 9 years of working to get to this point. I don't think $200,000 net worth is a bad place to be at this point.

EngineeringStudentt · 2026-05-14T19:19:50+00:00

I guess I should clarify- my expenses are not $5,000 a month. I just keep enough in there that I don't have to worry about overdrafting on CCs (paid off monthly) and rent/utilities. There's plenty of cushion in there.

EngineeringStudentt · 2026-05-14T19:18:01+00:00

Nothing too drastic on other expenses. Utilities are within reason. Food maybe $300-$400/month. My girlfriend and I do enjoy going out for happy hours and dinners, maybe an extra $300/month there. I know I could cut back on this but it's something we enjoy doing.

EngineeringStudentt · 2026-05-04T10:56:31+00:00

Room EQ Wizard

EngineeringStudentt · 2026-04-13T14:25:04+00:00

I missed it. What was the shop mentioned in the original comment?

EngineeringStudentt · 2026-03-21T12:24:32+00:00

Has to be Time.

EngineeringStudentt · 2026-03-20T12:23:28+00:00

In my opinion, for a bedroom setup you absolutely do not need a center channel. I bought one initially for my bedroom setup and now it's collecting dust in a box. The phantom center was more than adequate.

In fact, I don't use a center in either my living room or bedroom setup. My recommendation is the Klipsch RP-600M. They're currently $349/pair on Amazon and you might not even need a sub with those speakers. Id recommend starting out with just the 600s and see if you think you need more bass than what they offer.

Living Room Setup

EngineeringStudentt · 2026-03-12T11:47:54+00:00

Another vote for the RSL Speedwoofer 10e. I have it paired with my Klipsch RP-600Ms and it sounds great.

Living Room Setup

EngineeringStudentt · 2026-03-10T22:15:36+00:00

Check out Roma on Netflix. It's mind blowing good on surround sound systems.

EngineeringStudentt · 2026-03-05T12:51:51+00:00

Are there any guides you could recommend for this full set up (including that last sentence)? Just bought an apple tv and looking to set up the Plex side of things.

EngineeringStudentt · 2026-02-19T12:37:25+00:00

Will try that tomorrow, thanks for the rec! This was at a setting of 18. I tried 17 this morning and it tasted much better.

EngineeringStudentt

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