California's audio system

Also, what makes it so much better than the factory upgrade?

 

He PM'd me the price and it appears to be quite similar to the factory option upgrade.

 

It looks cooler. It is more high tech than the Chrysler unit.
The cavallino probably doesn't come up on the screen, but that is fleeting anyway. I wish there were guys with that expertise on the east coast.

 

The cool thing about the pioneer is you can upload whatever image you want as a background... Thanks for the complement! There are shops on the east coast that do excellent work as well. Its the weather here you cant get over there!


Scott La Jolla Audio
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So, has anyone had the opportunity to compare the upgraded version to the standard yet? I have the upgraded version(at least I paid for it) and the system is tinny with no depth at all.

 

I have that Pioneer head unit in my Audi S4 (Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT). It is an excellent upgrade for any car! It really does nearly anything. Voice-controlled iPod integration, nav, Bluetooth, etc.

I won't take over the thread with a pic but I think it helps modernize the car a lot.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4826256152_5e36339ee8_b.jpg

 

How can you tell if you have the upgraded audio system? Is it the one with the equalizer which is NOT shown in the Ferrari Infotainment Booklet? Does the upgraded system lose the "audioPilot" which IS shown in the Infotainment Booklet? Does anyone know what the "audioPilot" does? Many thanks for any assistance given.
Raf

 

I just picked up a Panamera S with the Burmester stereo upgrade. The cost was about the same as the California upgrade. The Burmester absolutely kicks ass. It is simply outstanding! Ferrari certainly could have matched this for the same cost.

 

My fathers owns an Aston DBS wich includes the Bang and Olufsen sound system, its amazing! Its a pitty that ferrari do not offer better sound systems than Harman.

 

I have the upgraded stereo system and listened to the standard in four different Californias over the last few weeks. There is absolutely NO difference. In fact, if having to choose, the standard sounds better . Ferrari should be ashamed of themselves for stealing five grand from it's customers. The only conclusion I can come to regarding this, is that there is no useful anatomical difference in the upgrade and it is a scam or they didn't even bother to install the upgraded stereo in my car. Either way, it would be useful for Ferrari to chime in on this thread and specifically state what is the difference between the two units .

 

I have not written that letter yet but I shall. I will let you know when I do. Your dealer should have an honest conversation with the factory to see if they indeed installed the upgrade in your car. I have not compared them, but even a small (cheap) upgrade in some components should improve the sound quality. Notwithstanding, it is not nice to bilk us for this option (even if it is a Ferrari).

Ray

 

Thanks for the research. I am glad I didn't order the Molto Premium radio upgrade!

 

I too shelled out $5K for the "hi-fi premium" sound system which has turned out to be totally worthless. What a joke, there is no discernable difference with the standard sound system. How does this happen at Ferrari of all places?

Forgeahead, let me know whom at Ferrari you send your letter to. I'll do the same to express my utter displeasure with an otherwise fantastic car. They NEED to hear from us.

 

my cali goes red 10 next should i cancel the stereo upgrade ? I was so hoping it it would be far superior than the the standard

 

Absolutely !! if you can. I don't even think it's real.

 

this is insanity. For 5k you can get some great mids and highs, superlative subs and a pretty good amp and head unit. If and when I buy a California a year or 2 from now I will not make any effort to find one with a supposed upgraded stereo

 

Yes, without a doubt, cancel. Trust those of thus who know how worthless the upgrade is...

 

Funilly enough this is one of the very few items that my dealer and the atelier didn't have the "courage" to push hard on when I placed my order.

 

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.[/QUOTE]

I'm tearing mine apart ( at the dealer) this week to look for this. Personally I think it's complete B.S.! First off I cannot find a sub woofer anywhere and secondly I only identify 4 speakers two in the front and two in the back. Not nine ! Finally, I don't see an amp anywhere.

 

you guys are amazing ! thanks for the info

 

I'm tearing mine apart ( at the dealer) this week to look for this. Personally I think it's complete B.S.! First off I cannot find a sub woofer anywhere and secondly I only identify 4 speakers two in the front and two in the back. Not nine ! Finally, I don't see an amp anywhere.[/QUOTE]

Did you find anything. Stero is rubbish. Record a CD's to the Hard-drive, and then next thing you find the volume difference between recorded (Harddrive) and straight from CD is terrible.

 

Can you rip a CD from the head unit to the hard drive? Or did you rip on your computer and copy to hard drive? I wonder whether the ripper alters the volume level, and whether the hard drive outputs through a different digital-analog converter than the optical drive, which may also create differences in volume.

 

So for those of us who are truly sad and want and need a perfect sound system, where would be the best place or person to contact, has anyone upgraded after market...??

I am about to place my order and would like a great audio system, i assumed that as the upgrade was 5k it would be excellent, after all that is more than i paid for the burmester system, which is fantastic.

I also drove a 599 with bose today, that system would seem to have been just a badge and not a system designed for the car, if that is anything to go by then i dont hold out much hope for the JBL upgrade.

On another note what is the feedback with the AC systems, the 599 i drove today was on coldest setting in auto, seemed to make a lot of noise and not much else, outside temp was only 20c..??

 

I agree. The stock system isn't that great, and modest upgrades in the aftermarket would be a better deal and likely more effective than the OEM hi-fi upgrade. I'm looking into a car and an audio upgrade and will report back, hopefully soon, with the results.

 

What might help if someone could remove the stock speakers and measure them and take a photo of the sets showing part numbers

That way we can debate what replacements could replace them

We can then post an image of the ricambi part diagram showing where they go