458 Sound system quality

I have noticed various people mention how relatively poor the sound quality of the audio system in the 458 is, even with the JBL upgrade, so I've been working on my own car to improve things, which I'll post details of at a later date.

However, there are two things which I've discovered so far in my car which aren't great for a car costing this much.

My car has the standard audio option. And it seems Ferrari have managed to wire the left and right speakers the wrong way around. I've used various 'left-right speaker test' videos on YouTube playing from my phone via Bluetooth to a Bovee connected to the iPhone connector. And all of them indicate that left and right on my car are swapped over. So OK, this isn't the end of the world, and I will also test this with an MP3 file via the USB socket just to make sure it's not a Bluetooth/iPod connector issue. But I would at least expect a manufacturer to get that right.

Secondly. I have a speaker polarity tester, and they have also seemingly managed to wire both of the rear speakers out of phase. The fronts are fine.

Can someone with a Bluetooth adaptor check their car on a left-right speaker test? I'd be interested if they are all like it. Just search on YouTube with your phone connected via Bluetooth and it should play through the audio system.

 

Thanks Rob. Mine is a 2011 458 Italia. I will do some further testing as mentioned.

 

I'm working on several audio-related projects for the 458 at present. I'll share some pictures and details when my own project is finished. I should be able to supply the parts to enable easy installation for others, which all just screw or connect in place of the originals.

I have also found a fix for the swapped left/right audio on the iPod connector (minor point) which I'll post details up soon.

 

Focal ES165KX2. I have also made a mid-range mount for those of you who already have the JBL system. So you can also use the Focal ES165KX3.

I am also working on a bracket which will secure an Alpine amplifier and DSP and should hopefully fit behind the dash above the battery. Along with sourcing all of the audio connectors for the existing loom so nothing has to be cut, and making an audio breakout box so it can be plugged in line with the existing wiring connected to the factory head unit. Everything will then be as plug and play as you can get without having to cut wiring etc. The door mounts screw in place of the originals, and have foam to seal them to the door and prevent rattles.

3D printed woofer mount, which incorporates the all important 'umbrella above the top of the woofer inside the door to stop it from getting wet:
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Custom 3D printed tweeter mount to replace the small plastic mirror cover.
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Both fitted (cross-over mounting to be finalised):
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Speaker foam rings to seal woofer to door to create a proper enclosure:
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More on the entire kit soon!

 

I don't really see how you can patent it personally, seeing as it isn't an invention. Tweeters in mirror covers have been done countless times by other manufacturers.

 

Sorry to hear that you have been unwell and had a rough recovery. I sincerely hope things go well for you from this point onwards.

Thanks for your kind comments

Best wishes