So, I'm putting together the spec for a 458 Italia and I am getting stuck on the stereo system. First off, I love music, from symphony to Soundgarden. I'm not an audiohphile snob, but I do love great stereo systems. From what I have gathered on this forum, the stereo setup (regardless of which level) leaves a lot to be desired. I found this link while Google-ing, and have to say that the lack of a subwoofer in this car is dead giveaway that the system is not what I would consider "high end". http://investor.harman.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=499397 As I will be using this car for some 1500 mile drives, I want to be able to put the car in Auto and cruise to tunes. Are there settings that allow for this setup to be made better, or would I need to do an aftermarket upgrade of speakers? I can't even find the difference between the two systems anywhere, so I don't know if I am better off with the stock system and upgrading that. I don't have the opportunity to listen to either system before I order, as I am presently out of the U.S. and in a country that barely has roads, much less Ferrari's!
I have heard the question asked and a thousand different answers. Find a car with both sound systems and decide. I am very happy with my sound system which I listen to Sirius 50,60,70's, and the Bridge, and am very happy. On the other hand, I have a lousy ear for music and probably miss half of what you hear. The amount of time you spend in the car and listening makes a difference. Finally, my view is, if you have enough money, the answer should always be "more" and "better", unless you think someone else deserves it more than you do and in that case there is someone sitting in the White House, who has no problem shutting down the Ferrari Facotry and creating the "People's" Collective Auto Shop. Best
Appreciate the comments... Money isn't the concern on this; its more about the fact that I hate to pay for an "upgraded" sound system that does not provide an upgraded experience. I guess the question really should be directed to those for whom the system's benefits and shortcomings are readily apparent. Part of my career involves listening to music played through studio-quality systems, and I have gotten used to it. I hope to have a system in the car that, when on long cruises, will sound quite good. Short jaunts, I am happy to hear the engine with the stereo off! Wish that I could hear both before deciding which way to go, but that won't be able to happen.
I have not turned my stereo system on once since owning the car .... honest. Much rather listen to the V8 screaming away!!
I am very happy with the standard sound system although I have not listened to the upgraded system. And I do like listening to music. But I also like the sound of the engine.
I have the premium sound system and have never listened to it, aside from testing to see if it works. It's a shame because it is a truly fine sounding system. As others have said the powertrain is the best audio system.
+458....I also have the upgraded stereo but drive with both windows down and the stereo off so I can hear the engine sound.
458 has a lot of cabin noise and while I like to hear the exhaust there are times when I don't, so if price is not a concern I would get it. At least that way you have the option of using it or not.
Well, he is talking about 1500 mile drives, and while the sound of the engine is fantastic, at some point music might be nice. I would get it.
The question really revolves around WHICH system to get. This is not about the cost, nor is it about using the system. It is about whether or not the premium package is worth getting if my desire is to have a top-flight system, as opposed to the standard package. I will need to drive between L.A. and New Orleans on occasion, and I don't plan to drive the whole distance with the windows down! Around town, short hops, I absolutely want to hear the engine. Having listed (above) the specs for the premium system, it does not, in theory, seem to offer much. I can say that my son's 2005 Ford Focus has a great system (standard) that comes with a subwoofer. Again, is the premium system really high quality, or is it just somewhat higher quality than the standard setup?
This ^^^ Left is upgraded and right is standard. In all honesty.....just slightly better in the low end and a bit more crisp in the higher volumes. Whether its worth the 5k plus is doubtful. Any high end audio shop could put in something that sounds ten times better with comparable funds. Only drawback would be that its not oem. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I would go for it .... My 458 came with the standard radio and I upgraded the radio through a Ferrari recommended after market place...for roughly 3500 dollars. When we removed the Standard speakers - they are piece of 15 dollar speakers really low quality... In my SPyder I will be getting a factory premium radio just to avid the hassle of getting a after market radio installed.
Cannot recall where I saw it but the best compromise seemed to be to upgrade the speakers only rather than the head unit etc. As todo says they are cheap $15 speakers, somewhat disgracefully, and so the greatest difference will be made by replacing them for a fraction of the $5,000.
I am a big music fan as well and sound is important to me. Therefore, don't make my mistake and take the stocksystem. Not only there is no bass but there are no tweeters close to the dashboard meaning that most sound comes from the doors. Actually, this is one of the worst sound systems in any car and I think it is the biggest miss of all in the 458 (considering it is not cheap). I have mentioned this to the development team at Maranello for what it's worth... I have not tried out the higher spec but you would at least need that (check if there are tweeters though). My Quattroporte has a great stock system (Bose) so maybe you need to get one of these on the side. Great for long rides as well.
The Premium sound systems gives you better speakers and better amplifier. But as others have said, the best sound is the engine.
My aftermarket JL Audio system is phenomenal with two big subs behind the seats... and amps stealth installed in the front trunk....awesome zero holes drilled for the entire install by my installer... I was very surprised that at high music and bass level the 458 structure holds together and there is no creaking or rattling - which means that although the car is capable of a high end radio Ferrari decided to install 15 dollar Chinese speakers.. I am in Maranello on 12th June to order my Spyder and will listen to a premium factory installed system and will compare it to my after market system and will decide if I should get my Spyder with factory installed premium sound or should I get a aftermarket system... I also thought that the best music in a 458 is the engine but quickly found out that at times when you want to hear music the stock system is so pathetic - and I don't like compromises when it comes to audio...
They used the factory head unit.. Changed speakers in the doors.. Added two subwoofers one each behind the seats...(pretty bling look - you can see them shake ).. very clean install as my carpet is black and they built boxes with same carpet colorant texture so it looks like a factory install... Best part of the install is the amp... it is installed in the front trunk... they built a (hard to explain in words)..a base with same carpet color as the trunk and the amp sits in the trunk but is flush ... so you can see...(best to post pictures).. Also gave me a hidden bass adjustment knob... DID NOT TOUCH THE SPEAKERS IN THE DASK OR BEHIND SEATS NEAR THE ENGINE GLASS.. I can post pictures when I am back from Italy...
