Upgrading Beats Audio

[definitelyian]

Anyone who doesn't like the sound of the Beats make sure you go to the dealer and get the Amplifier update. This does, among other things, moves the sound positioning from the center of the car to the front seat for a more enjoyable experience.

Tech bulletin: 08-036-16 Dated: March 30, 2016 FIAT 500X Amplifier Audio Enhancement

There is also a major update that does numerous modules, including the engine, trans and body control modules.

Tech bulletin: 08-010-16 REV. A Dated: February 23, 2016 FIAT 500X Diagnostic And System Improvements

Is there an easy way to see if the software on my amp has been updated? Just bought a 500x with upgraded audio two weeks ago and I know it had been sitting on the showroom floor for months. I had to upgrade the Uconnect software myself. I have a feeling they didn't update anything else before handing over the car.

[Bluex]

I don't know how to know if it is upgraded but mine was not starting to sound loud until the 35 level. I now sounds loud starting at 25. When it doubt go back and ask for them to do the vehicle updates including the radio amp. n It does not cost anything is fairly fast and covered under the warranty. I had mine for over a month before I asked for the latest transmission update and they updated five modules including the amp. WOW what a difference the upgrade makes!!!

[djgreg]

Why dont you share a pic from your uconnect system firmare numbers to see if we have the same?

[Bluex]

It has nothing to do with the uconnect firmware, it is an update that is flashed at the dealership. Here is the bulletin Tech bulletin: 08-036-16 Dated: March 30, 2016 FIAT 500X Amplifier Audio Enhancement

Go to the dealership and complain about the poor quality of the beats audio and ask for them to reflash the amp and reference the tech bulletin.

This fixed mine. Still not as loud as it should be in my opinion but MUCH better than before.

[Anson500x]

Are you saying that thing wrapped in plastic is the subwoofer? I sure hope it is not. LOL

[Kozmo]

Woah ... there's still room for the tire over the Beats sub? I'll have to try that in the morning

[PacificaPelican]

What is the weakness in this audio system? Are the Beats just not very good speakers or is the head unit not powerful enough? Something needs to change as my sound system sounds pretty bad but not sure which component to upgrade first

[tvmaster]

Not sure about the amps strength, but the cabin is noisy enough to ruin many systems. Sitting still in the garage, it doesn’t sound awful, but it lacks bottom end, crisp highs and a full, warm midrange. I’d love to hear from someone who just changed out the door speakers...

[teej626]

I know this is an older thread, but I'll add my experience. I have a 2018 Urbana with the Beats system and I was never impressed. The bass was almost non existent and the audio quality was just so-so. My stock sound system in my 2017 Jeep Cherokee had much better bass, and it didn't have a sub. I finally decided to see what, if anything, could be done to change it. After viewing many videos, people suggested playing with the fader. All I did was simply move the fader control one slot towards the rear, and it's like a whole new sound system! While the sound is more geared towards the back, I do still hear the highs in the front of the car. The biggest difference is in the bass. You can really feel the sub, and the bass is so much cleaner, and deeper.

It boggles my mind that simply switching from a center selection on the fader to one section back can make such a huge difference. I don't know if anyone else has had the same experience, but so much better. I'm still not a huge fan of Beats in general, but I am very happy with the system now.

[supermoto_87]

Has anyone installed aftermarket sub/amp in a 500x? I'm scratching my head for the best place to tap for signal. It's a non-Beats Lounge with 8-speaker system, and I'm hoping the wire harness for Beats amp is there and live. Anyone with experience please chime in on best way to get sub amp signal.