[jtownpen]

Jeep customer care # 877-426-5337 I just wonder if the person I spoke to actually made a report of my complaint. What I am waiting for is the part number for the amplifier in a 2016 and see if its the same as a 2015 model. If its different maybe I'll be able to swap it out. The 2015 Premium amp part# 68247178AA and costs $357. I would buy one if it would just plug into the harness, I really don't want to cut into wires and void my warranty. It kills me how bad it sounds. Goodluck!!

Zip, if you read my earlier posts, it explains what I did to be "more satisfied" with the overall sound system. Funny thing is, I was thinking about that exact same thing as to seeing if you could order a power amp from a 2015 renegade and directly plug it into the 2016 harness. IF its only $300 or so and it works, its worth every penny spent. I am extremely curious if you decide to do this and if it makes any difference or fixes the issue. My dealer wont accept returns on special order electrical components, so its a $300 gamble for me.

 

[zipthelipp]

Zip, if you read my earlier posts, it explains what I did to be "more satisfied" with the overall sound system. Funny thing is, I was thinking about that exact same thing as to seeing if you could order a power amp from a 2015 renegade and directly plug it into the 2016 harness. IF its only $300 or so and it works, its worth every penny spent. I am extremely curious if you decide to do this and if it makes any difference or fixes the issue. My dealer wont accept returns on special order electrical components, so its a $300 gamble for me.

jtownpen, I have read your post of the work you had done. I don't want to have a subwoofer box in the back I need as much room as I can, however I do like that you didn't have to cut up your Jeep and everything can be removed and be put back to normal. as for the amp I just have to wait on a part number for the 2016 model. If it's the same number as a 2015 then I'm at a loss. As for a 350 dollar gamble that's what I may just have to do. Unless a recall comes out I will keep people posted if I change the amp. Maybe I can save others from the headache we are dealing with! I'm all ears with anybodies input on this issue.

 

[Elirenegade]

Just an Fyi, and it doesn't sound like it will help for those of you with the Beats Audio system (sounds like an Amp/crossover issue), but replacing the cheap stock speakers is not real difficult. Gatorade posted some detailed instructions and they work like a charm. Anyway, just an FYI if you get the Amp issue solved and decided you want better speakers...

 

[Joeyliv]

Well we have found that the volume for sub devices to be very low vs using fm or Sirius. The EQ seems to have little or no effect on the sound. Not very much bass coming from the subwoofer. Hard to hear the music when the my sky is open. Just discovered the USB in the center console will not sync a device only charge. For 506 watts it's pathetic!

 

[26921]

I contacted jeep using the online chat on jeep.com. Complained about the beats audio and they put me through to the jeep wave. Talked to them online, then a phone call. They want me to take it into the dealership, but I really don't have time to take off work right now, and most dealerships won't take an appointment for at least 3 weeks. Being away from home for work right now I'm waiting till I have some free time and know when I can get it to them. Then I'll probably need a loaner as I'm not sitting there all day while they troubleshoot it.


Recommend everyone contact jeep and tell them you want to file a complaint that the $700 you paid for "premium" audio is garbage. Maybe if they get enough voices, something might happen. Doubtful, but maybe. We just need enough people complaining about this POS audio system they gave us.

 

[26921]

Found this interesting, as I haven't really tried sitting in the different seats to hear the radio. But I set my fade towards the back to try and get a balanced sound and not sound like everything was coming from the dash. I had people in the back and asked them how the speakers sounded in the back and they said they don't think any sound is coming from them. They had to put their head down next to the speaker to confirm any sound was coming out as it was all being drowned out by the front speakers, even when they are sitting right next to them. Sad that I have it set towards the back and even they can't tell the rear speakers are playing. $700 premium audio my #@%.

 

[Elirenegade]

Found this interesting, as I haven't really tried sitting in the different seats to hear the radio. But I set my fade towards the back to try and get a balanced sound and not sound like everything was coming from the dash. I had people in the back and asked them how the speakers sounded in the back and they said they don't think any sound is coming from them. They had to put their head down next to the speaker to confirm any sound was coming out as it was all being drowned out by the front speakers, even when they are sitting right next to them. Sad that I have it set towards the back and even they can't tell the rear speakers are playing. $700 premium audio my #@%.

There are a lot of things to like in the Renegade, but they quality of all the sound systems is not one of them. I have the 6 speaker system and the speaker quality in them is below that of my niece's 06 Ford Escort! That, however, was an easy fix, so I pulled those cheap speakers out and replace them with decent speakers.
Not sure if you have the same crappy speakers that were in the 6 speaker system, just more of them...but it sounds like the Beats system has some issues with not using the most logical use of cross overs/signals to the individual speakers. If I understand correctly, a full range signal is sent to the front dash speaker, a speaker capable of almost no bass (3.5 inch woofer = nothing under 100 hz) and midrange only signal is sent to the 6x9 in the doors, and those speaker capable of usable bass down to 50-60hz.
I don't see Jeep replacing these systems- no safety issues! However, maybe with enough complaints, maybe they will issue some sort of compensation to get a new amp. Jeep trusting Beats to make anything that sounds good is like me trust the government to spend money wisely.

 

[26921]

I agree that I don't see jeep taking this too highly since it isn't a safety concern, but when customers paid for the upgraded premium audio and got crap, I do expect them to do something about that.


I just noticed that if I try to build a 2016 jeep TH. The Beats audio says it's a 6 amplified speakers with subwoofer system when the 2015 (non-beats) was a 9 amplified speakers with subwoofer. I could have sworn the Beats audio gave me a 9 speaker system similar to what the 2015 option gave me, but now it's just the same standard 6 speakers that come standard with an amp and subwoofer?

 

[Elirenegade]

I agree that I don't see jeep taking this too highly since it isn't a safety concern, but when customers paid for the upgraded premium audio and got crap, I do expect them to do something about that.


I just noticed that if I try to build a 2016 jeep TH. The Beats audio says it's a 6 amplified speakers with subwoofer system when the 2015 (non-beats) was a 9 amplified speakers with subwoofer. I could have sworn the Beats audio gave me a 9 speaker system similar to what the 2015 option gave me, but now it's just the same standard 6 speakers that come standard with an amp and subwoofer?

My 6 speaker system does not have a subwoofer (3" dash speakers x2, 6x9 door speakers x 4). If the new system is going to be a 6 speaker system with a subwoofer, that is going to be an odd configuration- 5.1 is common in home audio, but not so much in a car where you dont need a designated center channel speaker. Again, sounds like a dumb idea from the brainiacs at Beats and some Brainiac at Chrysler central is buying it!

 

[26921]

But what I'm trying to remember now is if my Beats came with 9 speakers or 6? I have a 2016 and keep noticing things changing on jeep.com. Like not being able to have the popular equipment and cold weather in the same vehicle. Although I do, you can't do that any more? And did I get 9 speakers or only 6? I thought it was 9, like last years audio upgrade, but now I am not sure. Nothing I found on my build sheet or anything says how many speakers it has.

 

[Elirenegade]

Yes, there is some double secret stuff going on at Chrysler...my build sheet may has well have been in another language! Some of it made sense, but so often didn't tell you anything! Like trying to find out spec or brand of the stock speakers (think the brand was crap-us-maximus). Wouldn't that kind of stuff be good to know?

I think you guys who paid for the premium sound should have a pretty good case to make with Chrysler about some compensation! Me, well, I heard the system, knew it was crap and bought it anyway (I am talking about the 6 speaker Trailhawk system)...since I knew I could do something about this!

 

[26921]

Edmunds TMV lists the beats as "Beats Premium Audio System; 9 speakers; 6.5" subwoofer; 506 watt amplifier" so that puts me back to thinking I got 9 speakers. So odd that the website now lists the beats as a 6 speaker system. Maybe they dropped 3 speakers since they are now "six top-of-the-line speakers." instead of the same crap speakers from before but with the Beats sticker added.

 

[Jeepetto]

6 speaker 5.0 UConnect right here. Just did the Dash speakers last night w/ Polk DB351s and it immediately changed the dynamics of the stock stereo. Next up is front doors and a small sub in the trunk area. The 5.0 unit is plenty feature rich as far as usability. And with the vast improvement by replacing the dinky dash units, I know the truck will bump once done.

 

[raz-0]

Edmunds TMV lists the beats as "Beats Premium Audio System; 9 speakers; 6.5" subwoofer; 506 watt amplifier" so that puts me back to thinking I got 9 speakers. So odd that the website now lists the beats as a 6 speaker system. Maybe they dropped 3 speakers since they are now "six top-of-the-line speakers." instead of the same crap speakers from before but with the Beats sticker added.

Did they get rid of the rear door tweeters? Maybe they just added an amped sub to the normal 6 speaker setup.

*shrug*

 

[Elihawk]

I agree, Jeepetto, the biggest single improvement was getting decent dash speakers into the system. I did the front doors as well, but haven't tackled the rear door speakers yet. You really get three improvements...
1. Most speaker are more sensitive than the stocks, so at least with my kickers, better volume.
2. Clarity is much improved.
3. The stock speakers are capable of very little bass, so you get a nice bump at the low end. Nothing like a subwoofer, however!

 

[26921]

Did they get rid of the rear door tweeters? Maybe they just added an amped sub to the normal 6 speaker setup.

*shrug*

That's what it sounds like they did. 6 speakers in normal radio. 6 amplified "top of the line" speakers and a amped sub in the beats audio now.


Where is the 9th speaker? I have the 4 in the front, 4 in the rear doors. There's the sub, but I don't believe that counts as the 9th speaker. It was 9 speakers plus the sub, right?

 

[raz-0]

That's what it sounds like they did. 6 speakers in normal radio. 6 amplified "top of the line" speakers and a amped sub in the beats audio now.


Where is the 9th speaker? I have the 4 in the front, 4 in the rear doors. There's the sub, but I don't believe that counts as the 9th speaker. It was 9 speakers plus the sub, right?

No it was 9 speaker premium audio. 2 in dash, 6 in doors, one in back = 9.

 

[Dallin Mitchell]

Idk if anyone has mentioned this but, i get far better sound if i use aux cable than i do bluetooth, radio, or satellite. I usually use an ipod or my phone with spotify(which has an internal equalizer) and a high quality aux cable. I would say i get about 30 to 40% better clarity and bass from doing that, although it does take the song change steering wheel control out of things not being bluetooth or USB. Just a thought if you didnt wanna fork out the extra cash for speakers and all that. I am pretty sure i have the base TH speakers as well.

 

[Elirenegade]

My understanding of the Beats 9 speaker system was...2 dash, 2 6x9 front door, 2 6x9 rear doors, 2 tweeter only rear doors and one LFE (some would argue that a 6 inch driver cannot be called a subwoofer).
So, I still wonder if the equipment was the same- my Trailhawk has the original 6 speaker, non beats system and while it sounds like crap, it is a simple driver quality issue. If you folks who have the 2016 9 speaker Beats, and you have the same equipment as me, only with a couple additional speakers, then you have two issues:
1. Crappy speakers
2. Incorrect crossovers from the Amp

 

[Elirenegade]

Usually they count the sub as a speaker raz but not quite sure ive never looked into the premium set up.

Yes, the sub IS a speaker. In home Audio, the 0.1 of 5.1 equal the subwoofer. Dallin, I agree that music sounds much better with the aux cable.