Supercar stereo upgrades - worth it?

[Soleith]

First time speccing a Ferrari from new for me (Roma). Usually when speccing a new car I always tick the upgraded stereo option but saw a comment on another thread suggesting Ferrari stereo upgrades are a bit rubbish. Thoughts?

[garystoybox]

It sounds like you enjoy a decent sound system in your car and although the JBL systems are ridiculously expensive for what they are, it’s a good option for your Roma and you wouldn’t want to go aftermarket on a new Ferrari. The standard system is woeful (haven’t heard Roma but based on 488/Portofino/812 experience).

Actually, the upgraded system in older cars (458/F12) is also woeful. However, the latest cars upgraded hi-fi are much better. GTC4-Lusso really good, and my 488 Spider is a steady 7/10 (as a comparison, still not as good as the HK in my M5). You’ll regret it if you don’t spec it. Bet you excited for your new car!

[sone]

Never had a super car with a decent radio, I find the only required sound enhancement needed is usually a sports exhaust so I can hear my money burning more efficiently!

[Zadkiel]

Both the stock and upgraded systems are much better than they used to be (from a very low bar). So you should consider it a choice between pretty average and not bad. If not bad should do the trick for you and you don't balk at the price then I'd do it. If you really want excellent then you'll need to go aftermarket (in which case get the base and just sort it later). Alternatively you may just think oh well I might as well get the base if neither is great and see how you live with it.

I guess I'm saying there is case for either. But I wouldn't spec the upgrade and expect to be blown away.

[ANOpax]

Older systems were easier to upgrade as they had little integration with the rest of the car and it was a case of swapping out a standard DIN or double-DIN unit head unit and/upgrading outboard amps and speakers.

Physical and electrical integration with the rest of the car and a nonstandard head unit are now prevalent in cars like the Lusso and Roma so that head unit upgrades are impossible. I don’t know about the specifics of the Roma but in general, the upgrade systems have a higher speaker and amp count. So even if you only plan on upgrading the amps and speakers at a later date, the factory hifi will give you a better base to upgrade from than the base system.

[Fast Eddie]

Soleith said:

First time speccing a Ferrari from new for me (Roma). Usually when speccing a new car I always tick the upgraded stereo option but saw a comment on another thread suggesting Ferrari stereo upgrades are a bit rubbish. Thoughts?

Congrats on the car. I drove one at Millbrook last year and was so impressed.
I've never owned a Ferrari but I've had a couple of Lamborghinis and even when the system is the upgraded version they're pretty crappy tbh.

I never listen to them anyway but my son has said make sure its got Apple Car Play.

[Soleith]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Yeah, am probably like to get it on this basis, it's JBL and does feel pricey for a JBL to me, but in the wider context it's obviously pretty reasonable. I suppose I'm surprised that there's only a 3.5k option given some cars have a premium then a top end option. After market will definitely be a no-go for me given brand new F car and also given that it's a tablet rather than a DIN headmount.

Very excited for it, hoping to spec it in the showroom in a couple of weeks but we'll see.