California's audio system

ferandre · #1 10-20-2009, 04:09 AM

I recently purchased a California a month ago, and man, it is simply awesome! It generates sounds that consist of multitude of different tones and vibrations depending on the road and driving conditions. I can't get enough of driving it.

Its ride and handling are softer than my F430, but it's not a bad thing at all. It's just different. As many reviews' numbers tell you, what is quite surprising is that it feels much, much faster than the F430, because I think it IS faster in acceleration in most driving situations on the road. Its transmission is much better than F430. It is a marvelous piece of engineering and art. Just like many of you, I had my skepticism, but I changed my mind.

What I am not so impressed with is its audio system. Its bass is lacking, and its spectrum of sound is not comparable to other cars costing half as much. You may say, well it's a Ferrari, but this is a new niche-making car for Ferrari, a GT with amenities, and it should be much better. The 612 has much better sound system. Does anyone know of a great after market audio enhancement service for Ferrari in So Cal, but not voiding the original factory warranty?

**forgeahead** · #2 10-20-2009, 02:10 PM

That is so tough with all the integration. It was simple when it was simply a head to be replaced.

k-diddy · #3 10-20-2009, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ferandre

I recently purchased a California a month ago, and man, it is simply awesome! It generates sounds that consist of multitude of different tones and vibrations depending on the road and driving conditions. I can't get enough of driving it.

Its ride and handling are softer than my F430, but it's not a bad thing at all. It's just different. As many reviews' numbers tell you, what is quite surprising is that it feels much, much faster than the F430, because I think it IS faster in acceleration in most driving situations on the road. Its transmission is much better than F430. It is a marvelous piece of engineering and art. Just like many of you, I had my skepticism, but I changed my mind.

What I am not so impressed with is its audio system. Its bass is lacking, and its spectrum of sound is not comparable to other cars costing half as much. You may say, well it's a Ferrari, but this is a new niche-making car for Ferrari, a GT with amenities, and it should be much better. The 612 has much better sound system. Does anyone know of a great after market audio enhancement service for Ferrari in So Cal, but not voiding the original factory warranty?

PM Sent

**forgeahead** · #4 10-21-2009, 09:13 PM

I would love to hear what K-diddy had to say.
Is there a way to upgrade it??

**TheMayor** · #5 10-21-2009, 10:15 PM

Sounds like you have an awesome ride! We need some PICS!!!!

**MarkCollins** · #6 10-22-2009, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forgeahead

I would love to hear what K-diddy had to say.
Is there a way to upgrade it??

I can't imagine it's too hard to upgrade, it's basically a Becker/ HK Double Din unit, the only integration with the car is it repeating some limited information to the LCD screen which would probably be lost with another manufacturer.

shawminator · #7 11-12-2009, 02:05 PM

Does anyone know anything about the High-power Premium HI-FI (Modis code SNDB) that is soon to be offered for the Cali? Here's the info my dealer passed to me:

High-power Premium HI-FI (Modis code SNDB)
A new enhanced audio system designed and developed exclusively for Ferrari by Harman Becker can be ordered for the Ferrari California.This high-power next generation HI-FI audio system is equipped with 9 loudspeakers and a 8x50watt amplifier.In addition, the DVC (Dual Voice Coil) woofers ensure faithful sound reproduction even at verylow frequencies.The system is developed by JBL Professional®, Harman Becker brand, leading supplier for music
and film markets.

Pitpass · #8 11-12-2009, 04:02 PM

The standard stereo on the California is straight out of a Chrysler minivan isn't it?

**forgeahead** · #9 11-12-2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shawminator

Does anyone know anything about the High-power Premium HI-FI (Modis code SNDB) that is soon to be offered for the Cali? Here's the info my dealer passed to me:

High-power Premium HI-FI (Modis code SNDB)
A new enhanced audio system designed and developed exclusively for Ferrari by Harman Becker can be ordered for the Ferrari California.This high-power next generation HI-FI audio system is equipped with 9 loudspeakers and a 8x50watt amplifier.In addition, the DVC (Dual Voice Coil) woofers ensure faithful sound reproduction even at verylow frequencies.The system is developed by JBL Professional®, Harman Becker brand, leading supplier for music
and film markets.

This is very good to know. I was stressing about this.

shawminator · #10 11-12-2009, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pitpass

The standard stereo on the California is straight out of a Chrysler minivan isn't it?

To answer that question, here's a great quote from the NY Times on this very subject:

“The head unit for the stereo and navigation system is straight out of a Chrysler minivan.” That’s damning, but not really true. Yes, the Chrysler MyGIG infotainment system is similar, but Chrysler did not develop it; a Canadian company, QNX, did. The Ferrari uses a unit made by Harman/Becker, a QNX affiliate. Regardless, it is a high-quality unit.

Here's the link to the entire article.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/18/au...18ferrari.html

shawminator · #11 11-12-2009, 06:51 PM

Also, FYI, the upgraded Hi Fi stereo is ~$5500....

**forgeahead** · #12 11-18-2009, 09:33 AM

OUCH! This car is getting expensive!!!

ignacio · #13 01-24-2010, 02:25 PM

i am satisfied with the standard system and see no reason to upgrade

**Hawkeye** · #14 01-24-2010, 02:45 PM

I would save the money on the upgrade, take a vacation or buy 10 shares of google. I had an audio consultant (not a cheap one) see me at home about a new theatre and total home system. Interesting that nearly half of all people are tone deaf and cannot tell the difference between a $3,000 system and a $100,000 system. That was considerate (and professional) that they told me this information. I'm hoping I'm tone deaf.

The California is so much fun that with the top down (big benefit of the California) the noise interference with other sounds, traffic and wind alone will eliminate the benefits of any upgraded stereo system.

Reason to upgrade: If you want to sit in your garage with the top up and your eyes closed, listening to Eric Carmen's All by myself. If that's the case, PM me with your phone number and let's hang out, I will pull you out of whatever funk you're in.

**RickLederman** · #15 01-24-2010, 07:22 PM

My ears are 63 years old ... absolutely no need to upgrade mine. It sounds plenty good. In NW Ohio I have not had the chance to drive with the top down yet though. Really looking forward to that.

**forgeahead** · #16 01-25-2010, 08:40 AM

Not being able to truly spend time with the standard system, I ordered the upgrade. I will post my assesssment once she arrives. Naturally, I will not be able to comp[are until we get some Californias together. I really like to have good sounding music when I want to listen.

shawminator · #17 01-25-2010, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forgeahead

Not being able to truly spend time with the standard system, I ordered the upgrade. I will post my assesssment once she arrives. Naturally, I will not be able to comp[are until we get some Californias together. I really like to have good sounding music when I want to listen.

I went for the upgraded audio system as well. I really enjoy listening to music when I drive, so I went for the upgrade despite the rather pricey additional cost.

**forgeahead** · #18 01-25-2010, 10:04 AM

Yeah, for 5 grand, I better be able to ROCK!

DrMoFo · #19 01-25-2010, 10:46 AM

I opted for it as well. The stereo on my AMG was crap and I hated it. If I was driving the car for short drives, I would likely not have sprung for the upgrade, but I'll be driving it from Vegas to CA about once a month.

shawminator · #20 01-25-2010, 10:59 AM

FYI - here's the description I was given for the upgraded stereo system:

High-power Premium HI-FI (Modis code SNDB)

A new enhanced audio system designed and developed exclusively for Ferrari by Harman Becker can be ordered for the Ferrari California. This high-power next generation HI-FI audio system is equipped with 9 loudspeakers and a 8x50 watt amplifier. In addition, the DVC (Dual Voice Coil) woofers ensure faithful sound reproduction even at very low frequencies. The system is developed by JBL Professional®, Harman Becker brand, leading supplier for music and film markets.