Creative and Classy

This Ferrari’s new audio system complemented its curvy design, accenting its beauty while maintaining OEM look and feel.

Submitted by: Angel Rivera, Sr., Laketown Speed and Sound, Draper, Utah

The owner of this 2007 Ferrari F430 came to Laketown Speed and Sound to inquire about the shop’s experience with exotic vehicles, according to Angel Rivera, Sr. “It was perfect timing because we’d just completed an audio upgrade on a 2021 Lamborghini Huracan, and it happened to be on-site for him to listen to,” Rivera said, adding that the customer was very impressed. “My son Junior was sales lead and system designer on this project. We wanted to design a system that not only sounded great and visually

complemented the Ferrari, but also the 2007 design.” That particular year, he added, has “swooping” lines—not the “jagged, hard lines” seen in newer models.

“We teamed up with MSC America and selected products from their Helix line. For the doors, we chose Helix I7 components for their amazing. For DSP and amplification, we went with Helix P6 Ultimate, a great SQ amplifier with a very robust DSP in a beautiful compact package.”

When it came to subwoofers, Rivera said they had to keep in mind that space was limited. “We chose a set of Helix IK W6 6-inch subwoofers in a custom-built ported enclosure between the driver and passenger seats, giving the interior a nice OEM look.” The source unit, he added, “was an Alpine ILX-F509 floating screen.” This was a welcomed upgrade from the factory single-DIN CD player. The DSP amplifier is trimmed with an acrylic cover sporting the Ferrari logo laser-etched and flanked by LED accent lighting.

“I also laser-etched and cut the panel to house the Helix Conductor controller and USB flush mount for the Alpine and Escort radar mute button. The panel was finished with the Ferrari logo. We also removed the deteriorated leather streps that held his tire pump and tools, replacing that with a beautiful new genuine leather set from Two Red Birds Leather Co.” Then, the system was tuned using JL Audio MAX.

Rivera said the client was “floored” upon delivery of the car, due to the design and audio quality. “The goal was to design and execute a system that wouldn’t detract from OEM styling, curves or color palette,” Rivera noted, adding, “We wanted the design to feel at home in the interior without being a distraction.”