Teamed up with Meridian Audio, the same folks who channeled HD content from your iPod to your TV, Ferrari is delving into yet another consumer electronics realm by coordinating a mysterious “F80”
It took me a while to work out what it actually was too, but as it turns out, it’s a “complete home entertainment centre”.
More specifically, it’s a DAB/FM/AM tuner, a CD player, and a DVD-Video discs player. It’s called the F80, and although it’s built in the tradition of an old fashioned “wireless”, it contains three power amps, delivering over 80 watts to the two front speakers and integral rear subwoofer.
But don’t let the simple appearance of Meridian Audio Ltd.’s new F80 table radio fool you.
Meridian claims that inside the elegant cabinet lies the most advanced transportable entertainment system ever made, with astonishing performance. The smooth lines, sculptured curves and deep-gloss lacquered finish immediately tell you that it’s something special.
But what has Ferrari brought to the partnership other than a badge? Well, Ferrari has an outstanding reputation in the field of materials and composites technology and Meridian faced a number of challenges where Ferrari’s input was invaluable. For example, the main ‘cabinet’ of the F80 is made from a unique alloy-injected composite plastic that is very light but also extremely rigid and dense, to minimise vibration.
In typical Ferrari fashion, the unit should be available in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, silver, and, of course Ferrari red. And, being small and light, it’s completely transportable.
Meridian systems and components are available at selected purveyors of luxury hi-fi equipment around the world including UK, USA, Russia, China, Middle-East, India and Japan and start at £1,495/$2,995.
