Considering upgrading 320W Jag Prem audio to B&W 440W system

[Maxwell44]

Hi all

New to the forum; recently purchased a tidy 10-plate XF-S in great condition and 92k on the clock.

It was going cheap due to an ABS fault and Oil leaks from failing rocker covers - now all sorted.

The 9-speaker Jaguar Premium sound system is decent, but I presume the B&W is notably better.

I understand several XF owners have upgraded over the years; it will be helpful to understand the benefit and challenges before deciding whether it is worthwhile. 

I have no qualms shelling out ~£350 on the amp and speakers from an eBay breaker and swapping-out the drivers and amp.

While I have SDD, the challenge of programming modules and CCF files isn't attractive; what is likely to cost to get the kit enabled once installed, and where could I have that done, please?

Is all that is required an update of the CCF and programming of the new amp to match the VIN of my vehicle?

Given I already have the Jaguar sub-woofer and it is rather substandard (small driver; poor depth and linearity), I intend to fit a modest aftermarket sub with a dedicated amp and use the existing sub inputs as a high-level source signal.

Any thoughts, perspective or advice will be gratefully received.

Cheers, Max

 

 

 

 

[Clive Hunt]

Hi Max,

I don’t know about all the tech stuff but I do know that the B&W system is superb.

I have it in my XF S and the sound is just fantastic especially when you play great driving soundtracks.

Cheers,

Clive

[Maxwell44]

13 minutes ago, Clive Hunt said:

Hi Max,

I don’t know about all the tech stuff but I do know that the B&W system is superb.

I have it in my XF S and the sound is just fantastic especially when you play great driving soundtracks.

Cheers,

Clive

Thanks Clive - just the Jaguar mid-range system I have is a big step up from my old 320d, but I'm keen to make the upgrade if feasible. 

[Raistlin]

I have to say that the Bowers and Wilkins is a superb system in my view and one of the most worthwhile retrofits I've ever done.

You are welcome to call in and hear the difference between your setup and mine if you need convincing 🙂

If you already have the mid range system, the physical installation of the retrofit is reasonably simple. Even if upgrading from the base system there's not a great deal more to do.

CCF puzzled me for a while until I saw it done by a very kind chap who, unfortunately no longer drives a Jaguar. It is also, with hindsight, a simple procedure.

Let me know if I can help. I notice you are not far from Wolverhampton if you decide you'd like some moral support for the CCF editing phase 🙂

You do , in my experience, need a high quality battery support unit as well as SDD, to avoid bricking your car.

Jaguar dealers are not allowed to carry out the CCF edit as it officially "can't be done" and to be fair, they have never been shown / told how to.

The offer of assisting, of course, assumes the cessation of the recent restrictions of movement. Both my wife and I are considered vulnerable persons and are therefore hiding behind a mine-field and machine gun emplacement at the moment 😉

[Billy Beatnik]

I also have the B&W system, standard in the Premium Luxury model and I have to say that it sounds fantastic. I would definitely recommend the upgrade, you won’t be disappointed.

Ste

[Tomato]

I have the 825W, 17-speaker Meridian surround sound system in my XF, have to say probably the best system ever heard in a car, not sure if that is an option to upgrade to, but its fantastic.