Beats Audio Upgrade project with less than 600GBP

[ChocoHR]

Hi guys, new here so I think its a good way to start posting.

I have a Cupra ST 290 with Beats Audio and as many knows, the quality is pretty much poor (understandable for what you pay tho) so I decided to upgrade it keeping the original look, Navi and amp.

How much did I spend?

less than 600 euros (Im in Germany) and all the links are from amazon.de, but I guess you can find something similar in UK.
Budget It can be even lower if you don't want to do the audio treatment on the doors or boot.

here is the list:

Tools/Accessories


-Connect Consumables 36356 Panel Clip (Pack of 20) 20 EUR https://www.amazon.de/gp /product/B01N4TQ3ZG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This isn't really a must, but it's always good to have clip spares as for sure you'll break one or two when you take the panels out. Not the cheapest ones but the best I've ever tried.
Better safe than sorry.

-AERZETIX - 2 adapters 165 mm for front door speaker for car- 22EUR https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B01FSI03FA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

are not the best because it is not plug- and-Play is for the front (but for the back), so you'll need to make some adjustments. I couldn't find a better option online.
Ideally if you find 210mm will be the option to go.

-Bst4UDirect Car Disassembly Tools - 26EUR https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B087WKQDY5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I highly recommend buying this one or something similar. It will make your work easier.

- Speakers adapter cables, around 30eur . I bought more than I need and you can also skip it cutting the original connectors.

-2 units x 2 m² Alubutyl 50x400 cm Self-Adhesive Insulation Mat Anti Matte Vehicle 500 x 200 x Insulation - 63EUR https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B071V29WZM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Speakers:

-JBL Club 602CTP for fronts- 110EUR https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B07XS2S27Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
- JBL Club 6500C rears - 72EURhttps://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B09TL988W5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
--JBL Club 3020 center 60EUR
-Ground Zero GZCS 10SUB 170EUR

Why did I choose these speakers?
Options are limited if you want 2/3 ohm speakers with good sensitivity (I still want to keep the original amp).


I also changed the dsp settings to the "Fender" option with OBDeleven (you can also use VCDS), still working on the EQ, I will do some measurements with my microphone later


Here the photos of the whole process

Subwoofer :

Nothing happens here

As I have Brembo brakes, there was no spare tire, so I didn't lose anything. Looks like original.


SPEAKERS

Central speaker

It wasnt plug and play so I had to cut a bit on the base, nothing major, quite straight fwd.

Tweeters

Since I wanted to use the original cables I took the capacitor out from the board and soldered it back to the tweeter.

Rears

Conclusion: I'm really happy with the results for such a low budget. It's definitely better than before, not only in terms of quality but also more SPL (sounds louder for sure)

Still have some room for improvement but for stage 1 is not too bad !
I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did and if you have any questions, just let me know

 

[jonny_w]

Fantastic write up! The sound in my cupra is just disappointing and I spend a lot of time in the car that I can barely hear anyone when on my handsfree.

 

[ChocoHR]

Fantastic write up! The sound in my cupra is just disappointing and I spend a lot of time in the car that I can barely hear anyone when on my handsfree.

Cheers mate !

If you have Beats Sound or SS , I'd recommend you at least try to change the DSP settings with VCDS or OBDEleven.
Whats funny is Seat selling you "beats" when there is nothing about it but a dsp setting.
You'll find the same hardware in other cars like Audi A3, but instead to be "Beats" its Audi Sound

 

[Lozzy15]

Awesome write up there. Looks like a worthy upgrade for sure.

Have you considered making your post into a resource for the site? This is the kind of thing that would certainly be a useful addition!

This is what I'm referring to: https://www.seatcupra.net/forums/resources/

 

[ChocoHR]

Awesome write up there. Looks like a worthy upgrade for sure.

Have you considered making your post into a resource for the site? This is the kind of thing that would certainly be a useful addition!

This is what I'm referring to: https://www.seatcupra.net/forums/resources/

Have no idea how to do it ! If you can move the thread or something like that, go ahead mate!

 

[ChocoHR]

Its a cheap upgrade and quite fast to do it if you skip the damping treatment.
Deffo a massive difference

 

[Lozzy15]

Have no idea how to do it ! If you can move the thread or something like that, go ahead mate!

I can create the resource and credit you as the creator. I'll drop a link in here when it's done

 

[Lozzy15]

Done

Audio systems - Beats Audio Upgrade Project

Hi guys, new here so I think its a good way to start posting. I have a Cupra ST 290 with Beats Audio and as many knows, the quality is pretty much poor (understandable for what you pay tho) so I decided to upgrade it keeping the original look...

www.seatcupra.net

 

[ChocoHR]

Done

Audio systems - Beats Audio Upgrade Project

Hi guys, new here so I think its a good way to start posting. I have a Cupra ST 290 with Beats Audio and as many knows, the quality is pretty much poor (understandable for what you pay tho) so I decided to upgrade it keeping the original look...

www.seatcupra.net

Appreciate that !

If you guys have any questions about the process, I'm here to help

 

[jonny_w]

Cheers mate !

If you have Beats Sound or SS , I'd recommend you at least try to change the DSP settings with VCDS or OBDEleven.
Whats funny is Seat selling you "beats" when there is nothing about it but a dsp setting.
You'll find the same hardware in other cars like Audi A3, but instead to be "Beats" its Audi Sound

I just have the standard speakers etc which are rubbish

 

[ChocoHR]

I just have the standard speakers etc which are rubbish

With or without amp??

If you dont have amp , this speakers will suits u as they are 3ohms and high sensitivity (plus really cheap)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/JBL-Component-Including-Subwoofers-Crossovers-Black/dp/B01EIQZ9AC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3EEZX0P3YZKT2&keywords=JBL%2BClub%2B6500C&qid=1651053673&quartzVehicle=845-11147&replacementKeywords=jbl%2B6500c&sprefix=jbl%2Bclub%2B6500c%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-1&th=1

You can buy 2 sets for fronts and rear and you will spend top 200p (including adaptors, clips etc)
If you feel like you need more bass, you can always install an active subwoofer in the spare wheel space (your talking about 300gpb more)

Having the "normal" system gives u more room to upgrade to be honest.

 

[rowaye]

Awesome project, thanks for sharing!

I have something similar in mind - upgrading with keeping the Beats amp. Could you list some cable/wiring adaptors you used as well? For example the subwoofer connection looks very clean.

Tnx

 

[ChocoHR]

Awesome project, thanks for sharing!

I have something similar in mind - upgrading with keeping the Beats amp. Could you list some cable/wiring adaptors you used as well? For example the subwoofer connection looks very clean.

Tnx

Sure mate !

You dont really need the adaptors but it makes ur job easier.

This is the one you need for the subwoofer

PC2-807 AUDI A2 1996 ONWARDS SPEAKER ADAPTERS WIRING LEADS CABLE | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for PC2-807 AUDI A2 1996 ONWARDS SPEAKER ADAPTERS WIRING LEADS CABLE at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

I forgot to mention, if you really want to keep it "stock" you can replace the driver of the original subwoofer enclosure

There are a few but this is decent for the money (its almost plug and play, just have to cut some bits but nothing biggie)

KICKER CompRT 6.75" (2+2ohms)​

Pardon our interruption...

For the center and rear tweeters I did not find them anywhere so I ended using this terminal (cutting+tape)

I used this ones for tweeters and midbass

Lautsprecheradapter für Audi A3, A4

Lautsprecheradapter für Audi A3, A4 Für Subwoofer

www.ars24.com

Lautsprecheradapter Hochtöner für Audi A3, A4

Lautsprecheradapter für Audi A3, A4 Für Hochtöner

www.ars24.com

I guess you can find something like that in UK, if not as I said above u can make your "own adapters" and it will work just fine.

 

[ChocoHR]

Done

Audio systems - Beats Audio Upgrade Project

Hi guys, new here so I think its a good way to start posting. I have a Cupra ST 290 with Beats Audio and as many knows, the quality is pretty much poor (understandable for what you pay tho) so I decided to upgrade it keeping the original look...

www.seatcupra.net

For some reason my last post here needs to be approved by one of u guys

 

[ChocoHR]

Is it because the links maybe? Im not sure if I broke some rules with it

 

[Lozzy15]

Is it because the links maybe? Im not sure if I broke some rules with it

All sorted bud

 

[ChocoHR]

Awesome project, thanks for sharing!

I have something similar in mind - upgrading with keeping the Beats amp. Could you list some cable/wiring adaptors you used as well? For example the subwoofer connection looks very clean.

Tnx

Now you can see my answer

 

[Vippen]

Nice upgrade Choco!

I have some questions about the subwoofer installation, is it just plug and play with that ebay connector and the stock amplifier is running the sub? Does the subwoofer level adjustment work in the headunit? Are you happy with the performance of the sub?

Thanks
//Vippen

 

[ChocoHR]

Nice upgrade Choco!

I have some questions about the subwoofer installation, is it just plug and play with that ebay connector and the stock amplifier is running the sub? Does the subwoofer level adjustment work in the headunit? Are you happy with the performance of the sub?

Thanks
//Vippen

Hey there, yes it's plug and play and the performance is not too bad ! Ofc you can adjust the gain on the head unit

 

[Vippen]

Hey there, yes it's plug and play and the performance is not too bad ! Ofc you can adjust the gain on the head unit

Great thanks What impedance are you running, 4 ohm?