Maybe I have a tin ear but the Meridian 380w system in both the F-Types I've owned have been perfectly acceptable to me. No distortion that I can discern no matter how loud I crank it up.
Lucky me I suppose.

 

Not just you! Maybe we just listen to decent sources?

 

Count me among the mostly silent majority (?) who doesn't have a real complaint with the F-Type's stereo. Sure, there are better systems, but if I want to focus on music, I'll do it at home. My favorite button is "Off" - not because the stereo is a problem, but because it's NOT what I bought/drive the car for.

If I want to focus on music, I'll do it at home on something that won't even fit in a Suburban.

(System 1: Phase Linear 4000, (2) Phase Linear 400's, B&O Beogram, Nakamichi 1000, and (4) JBL L65 Jubals.)
(System 2: Marantz 3800, Marantz 250, Marantz 125, Thorens 160, Nakamichi 700, and JBL 4311 studio monitors.)

 

Maybe because I have been following this thread, but this morning I was listening to this track on the way in to work in the F Type, I noticed that it was crystal clear (Meridian 380 playing through spotify premium) and quite nicely layered, I then listened to it again at work through mid range sony speakers on my computer and I think quality is pretty much on par. But then I've played some music in the car and it wasnt much chop, dont know if it was the genre or the input

 

Appreciate all the thoughts from folks. I would upgrade I think to the 770 unit if the option was available, but it seems to still be unavailable due to chip shortages. I need to confirm with a dealer, but I’m sure that is the case.

With any luck the tide will turn before I have to commit to an order. Right now I’m still waiting for an allocation. I don’t need to firm up on anything until then.

Worse case I’m sure I would be fine with the 380. I like a decent stereo but I’m no audiophile. I would rather upgrade and give myself the best opportunity for quality without going aftermarket, but it’s not like I wouldn’t proceed with a purchase over the stereo. As many have said, and I agree, the main soundtrack is at the back of the car.

 

I had the 770 unit in my 16' R that I upgraded with oem Landrover and Jag XJ speakers (find the old thread posted by Cambo on how to do this). The oem replacements were not that expensive and plug and play. Had them installed for about $200 back then. The subwoofers were not replaced, but the rest were. I stream highest fidelity TIDAL available. I now have an '18 svr with the 770 system. I miss the upgraded '16 system. There are now a number of threads on replacing the woofers but none seem easy. They are a significant weak link in the system, but I found the '16 upgraded system to meet my listening quality requirements. My son has an '18 Porsche Panamera with a $1600 Bose system that I don't find particularly inspiring either. If you like to listen to music I'd get the 770 system as a starter. If you need to have excellent top notch music you may want to replace the system altogether.

 

The 770 is pretty bad in the Type. The amp clips above 35, the drivers have no character and the surround tune doesn't center the soundstage very well. The subwoofer assembly (baffle, bracing and driver) are just horrid, if you like your bumps.

 

Could that be? 90%+ of the time I listen to music I've copied from CDs or downloaded to a thumb drive that resides in the car. Once in a while I listen to a local radio station.
Whatever, I have no complaints.

 

And I would probably notice none of this...lol...That's my guess...

 

Yep, MP3s on a USB stick!

 

My 2015R 770 was the worst. The upgraded Meridian in my 2023 is great. It doesn’t have the oompfh that my cars in my younger years did when I put in all custom stereo amps ans subwoofer in the trunk, but for factory, I have no complaints.

 

hmmph.. the 380 Watt system in my 2017 is frikin' great!!
...compared to growing up in the 1970's with a single 4.5" speaker connected to an AM push botton radio.

 

I find the 770 in my vert ok. I can hear it with the roof down! I use the meridian setting. The best upgrade system I've had is the versions of harmon kardin in my audi's and Mercedes. Maserati also offers it but ours doen't have it.

 

Really simple. If you are lucky enough to still get the upgraded system before the computer chip shortage cancels it for everyone then do it. They both suck but 770 sucks less. No point in cheaping out unless you are saving your money for an aftermarket upgrade later. Sound from the meridian is no better than a base model golf.

 

Herman hit the nail on the head, it's a matter of expectation. The radio in my E-type is barely intelligible and the handling doesn't approach the F though the audio ain't awful, and I don't expect concert hall sound from either car. The best sounds are coming from the tailpipes anyway. That's a toss-up.

 

This is definitely something of an individual perspective but generally speaking, the 770W system is not particularly good considering it's the "premium" option. the upgraded options in most BMWs, Audis, Land Rovers (yup - same company), etc sound significantly better. I've done the stock speaker swap to the better JLR drivers and added a lot of sound deadening to the doors and it's better - many people would probably think it sounds pretty good - but they also probably don't have a reference point for a really good sounding system for comparison. I have a relatively modest after market system in my VW that blows this away (single amp, 3-way passive component set, and 10" sub). If nothing else, the 770W system is the best of the choices and it's probably worth getting if just to help resale value. You mat or may not be impressed but it's a relatively small additional cost. I will say that streaming Spotify at 30+ volume sounds decent but it still lacks some punch and doesn't get loud enough with the windows down before distortion starts to creep in around 42-44 on the volume level.