For anyone getting ready to submit a build for a MY23 F-Type, JLR has informed its dealer network that due to the global chip shortage, the Meridian 770W Surround system option will not be available for order, effective immediately, until further notice. No other options on the F-Type are affected by the chip shortage as of now. I have noticed that the last several F-Types delivered into JLR USA inventory did not have this option. Hopefully, this will only be temporary.

 

Many stereo-loving owners here seem to dislike the Jag Meridian system, so perhaps you're not losing out.

That said, I don't care about the Jag audio system enough to even have an opinion... I think I've listened to it once in six months of ownership.

 

I must have the world’s only F-Type with zero issues: no body or interior rattles, perfect panel fit, and the optional Meridian high wattage system that sounds excellent…3 different “surround sound” systems plus stereo (and they all sound significantly different one from another)….deep base with no rattles, clear highs. But like most F-Type owners, I am more interested in how the CAR itself sounds, and how it performs (the answer to both these concerns is “fantastic!”).

Similarly, the performance of the touch screen system is virtually irrelevant. It does its job. Unlike some, I think of the car as a an automobile, not a mobile ipad.

 

Love my system. Wait until it’s available. Many posters rue not getting surround sound and spend many hours and $$ trying to upgrade (you can’t).

 

+1 on 770 being just fine, but I have a vert. I don't mind the slow info system but when I get in our '17 Maser with Chryslers excellent system it gives me pause.

 

My 2018 F-150 sound system is WAY better than my 2016 770W Meridian system. And it has CarPlay! But I do like the F-Type better overall...

 

I like my 770w Surround system in my 2017 S coupe quite a bit, and my brother who spent his career in consumer audio says it sounds fine to him. Not stellar, but quite good. No vibrations or rattles or serious defects. I play rock and blues mostly, sometimes at high volumes, and I like the bass.

Many of the early complaints SEEM to have been due to poor speaker installation and sound deading, and to cars shipped with the wrong software, and these are fixed.

I'd say if you listen to the music you will be quite happy, if, instead, you listen to the system you may feel it needs an upgrade. Listen to the upgrade at a dealer and see what you think.

 

This thread was started some time ago. Anyone know if the upgrade is still unavailable due to shortages?

 

It's actually a blessing in disguise, the Meridian systems in these cars sucks. Put your own system in.

 

FWIW, my Nov 2022 production P450 that was delivered a month ago has the Meridian sound system. I had ordered it in September 2022.

 

I have no interest in aftermarket systems. Been there done that. Don’t like the increased likelihood for stereo theft that can come along with that.

 

The cars still get the Meridian sound. You just can’t spec the higher end Meridian “Surround” sound system.

 

Very interesting and I had assumed that I had the updated Meridian system. My build sheet shows:

025LN Meridian™ Surround Sound System $900

So there used to be another, higher-end, variant of the Meridian system that was a higher-cost option? e.g. there used to be three versions to choose from, base, the +$900 one, and the +$XY00 one?

 

Here is the window sticker showing it as well. It is advertised as a "770 watt" system. Car was built on 11 Nov 2022.

 

My understanding is there are only 2. You have the upgraded one from what I can see. You didn’t say “surround” originally so I wasn’t sure.

 

AIUI, the three versions were a "Jaguar" base system, the Meridian 380W and Meridian 770W systems.

 

Jeebers, I can only imagine how bad the base system must be if the 380/770 ones are yielding so many complaints…

 

Yes indeed, the 770W system is borderline ok. Base must be rough.

 

I don't believe the base system is offered any more. Just the 380/770. Builds that were in process through Sept 2022 could probably still get the 770 surround system because it had already been allocated as part of the order. I have no idea if the restriction is still in place. You have to look at order date, not build date, as those can be up to 3 months apart.

 

Agreed. The base is the Meridian. There is option to upgrade to the more powerful meridian surround for about $800 I think it is.
The post about lack of availability was last summer. I think the chip shortage issues are long since passed on that equipment. Looks like it's possible to order the surround option now.