Question.... is the JBL worth the extra 5K?? I know the real sound come from the engine, but there are moments you want to blast your favorite tune. Is the difference between the 2 systems that huge?
Okay, to HiFi or not to HiFi. It is a personal choice. I guess it depends on whether you have DVD Audio discs and SACD discs to play hi-res music. I do and the electrostatic panel speakers are unique in a car. I am not aware of another car that uses electrostats. The carbon fiber woofers are tight and produce some good bass. Overall the multi-channel amp, multi disc dvd player and the speakers make it worth the 5K premium. But I as you say really enjoy my music when I am not listening to the engine This past weekend I was cranking out Depeche Mode at 120 miles an hour, fun and it really did raise the sensation of going fast on the track
I have it and I don't regret ordering it as I like music and a good system to listen to. I haven't had a good listen to the standard system so I can't comment on the difference. Is it worth the money? Many of the Ferrari options seem overpriced to me - as if they are priced relative to the base price, rather than on a stand alone basis. The upgraded (from the factory) hifi in my M3 sounds better and cost less. I didn't want an aftermarket installer ripping up the 458 to put in a better system after I took delivery, so I went for it.
At first I thought it was the worst $5K spent ever. It sounded scratchy, almost blown. Then it got worst. I thought maybe a blown speaker from the factory. Quite upsetting. Took it in to service to learn that somehow a "staple" (yes a staple, like stapling papers together) had somehow landed on the speaker during production. So they removed the staple and then it sounded really nice and crisp with some kick. Great buy! Should've kept the staple though!
I just picked up my 458 Italia with the optional JBL system. I then had Reus Audio in Orange, CA. do their magic. The car sounds 10 times better with the Reus system and the installation is top notch. The sub enclosure matches the factory leather and stitching. If you want the best sounding system for your ferrari you have to check them out. I'd be happy to show my system if anyone is interested. (L.A. area)
