F8 JBL sound versus Surround Camera? - Waste of money?

I considered both options on my car.

The JBL is better but I’m putting in a Focal setup that’ll sound far better for about the same cost as the factory upgrade. Depends if you want to deal with having the work done or dealing with a prebaked system. Also depends on what qualities you seek in the system. Have you listened to the JBL vs stock in person for comparison?

The surround camera view inside is nice but it looks absolutely awful outside. With the park sensors and backup cam I can’t imagine having any issues so it’s really not worth messing up the looks of an otherwise awesome car with cameras that look like something Bell & Howell would sell on late night tv bolted to your mirrors.

 

You will find both sides of the story on the audio system.

However, on the 360 camera, it will almost be an unanimous decision. A big no. Huge eye sores. First the front camera will partially block the intended function of the S duct. The side mirror testicles will turn off all possible visual attraction of the car. All you need are parking sensors.

 

Get the audio upgrade. Not great, but useful. The stock audio system is so bad it's hard to really live with.

Agree on the 360 view. Too ugly, and never wished for it anyway. Sensors are fine.

Sent from my SM-G930F using FerrariChat.com mobile app

 

are you an audio guy? if not, just take the JBL. if Yes, get the focal later.

 

I went JBL because I do not feel comfortable messing with the electronics on a Ferrari.

 

I would skip surround view and get the JBL upgrade. I have the base stereo in my 458 (I’m the 2nd owner) and it’s the thing I like the least about the car. What makes me nervous about an aftermarket audio installation is the potential for the introduction of squeaks and rattles if one needs to have the dashboard disassembled.

 

I went from an upgraded stereo in my 458 to a base one in the F8. The F8 sound lots better than the 458 did. They have upped their game.

 

Another yes on JBL, no on the hideous wart cameras!

 

I also got the JBL upgrade . It actually sounds good to me , even better than the JBL was in my 488. May sound better because the exhaust note is meh and thus better sounding stereo. Lol.

 

Precisely my point

 

Agreed!

 

Though, it was not a proportional trade off

 

Same, I think the JBL is perfectly adequate for the car. Not great, but don’t think I’ll need to upgrade it...

 

99% of the time I listen to the engine noise. I only listen to the sound system if I'm in traffic or sitting in a line. I thought the JBL in my F8 was great. I could turn it up loud enough to vibrate the seats with no distortion. I'd go listen to someone's before I tear the car apart to put an aftermarket in that the next buyer might not appreciate.

The cameras are hideous. Surprising coming from Ferrari. On the F8, they would be almost useless. The small screen they show on is always blocked by the steering wheel and I can't see the backup camera unless I stop and move the steering wheel to look.

 

I'm a life long audio guy and am inclined to agree with this. Although I'm a big JBL fan and own several of their high end speakers their oem car speakers are unlikely to match what are probably much higher grade Focals. Of course the amplifiers etc matter too.

 

I have both. If asked to choose only one I keep the stereo. The surround is nice because I am use to it in other cars but the sensors and back up camera are enough to keep you safe.