Meridian vs. standard sound system

[mroe]

Now that pricing has reverted with choice of tonneau cover independent from trim level, the decision between Adventure and Explore for me really comes down to how much I value the sound system upgrade. I don't care about the "luxury" interior upgrades (wood paneling, nicer vegan leather, nicer headliner, etc.) and I actually see them as a negative reliability/longevity wise. It's hard to justify spending $5,500 on a sound system upgrade though!

The Meridian system in the adventure trim is awesome - I've already heard it. Maybe the best stock sound system I've ever heard in a truck.

What is known about the standard sound system?

For car sound systems, I generally think the most important things are (in descending order):
1. noise isolation
2. digital signal processor / equalizer
3. amp power / quality
4. speaker quality

I don't see any indication that the noise isolation will change between trim levels. I expect the overall amp power, speaker count, and maybe speaker quality to be different between trims. The big unknown for me is the difference in signal processing/equalizing - does the meridian system have a special DSP?

I'm currently leaning on going with the explore trim, waiting a bit longer for my delivery, saving $5,500, and then deciding if I want to do an aftermarket speaker upgrade once I've spent time with the truck.

Sponsored

 

[CommodoreAmiga]

I've never heard a "base" audio system that was good... So I would expect the Rivian Explore audio to be no different.

 

[jjswan33]

No subwoofer on explore right? I assume finding a good place to put one aftermarket would be difficult if that is important to you.

 

[Speedrye]

I'd love to know more specs on the base system that Rivian likely won't give me. Mainly, is the base system sending the audio signal from the "head unit" to the amp via BUS or traditional full-signal wiring? Is any frequency attenuation/filtering being done at the head unit, or at the amps instead?

Both make a big difference if you're wanting to go aftermarket.

 

[ramenmonkey]

I'm in the same boat - the only upgrade I want in the Adventure is the sound system but $5500 is too much! Maybe they will make the Meridian system an upgrade option for the Explore if there is enough demand? Also wondering what the standard system sounds like. I'm ok not having a sub if I can get decent quality full range of sound

 

[Max]

I wonder if the reason no one knows about the base system is that Rivian still has not decided what goes in explore and is still considering different options? Or they do know and simply assume we rather flip the coin with this choice like many others. They should have explore, R1S and at lease one of each color in their events.

 

[E.S.]

Sadly, the only info regarding the base Audio system is stated as "A specially tuned audio system ...", with no indication regarding the number nor mention of a subwoofer.

 

[shamoo]

For those who are considering the higher model trim for $5K more ONLY for the sound system, I would recommend against it.

You will find aftermarket options much cheaper and if you were willing to spend $5K, it'll blow your mind what the aftermarket can provide.

Even in these times where there is so much integration with factory audio, there are ways to separate out the audio into sound processors and amplifiers and then to speakers. There's no concern that your factory systems like climate control, maps, and even audio controls on the screen will be affected. Of course I'm generalizing and not all vehicles are the same, but rest assured a good aftermarket audio person can do wonders.

 

[CommodoreAmiga]

For those who are considering the higher model trim for $5K more ONLY for the sound system, I would recommend against it.

You will find aftermarket options much cheaper and if you were willing to spend $5K, it'll blow your mind what the aftermarket can provide.

Even in these times where there is so much integration with factory audio, there are ways to separate out the audio into sound processors and amplifiers and then to speakers. There's no concern that your factory systems like climate control, maps, and even audio controls on the screen will be affected. Of course I'm generalizing and not all vehicles are the same, but rest assured a good aftermarket audio person can do wonders.

That has not been my experience. It's possible to do aftermarket, but it will be $$$ and the experience will be compromised.

Some of the more common compromises are:
1. You're probably going to lose some storage.
2. You're going to lose integration. For example, most new vehicles have heavy DSP in their infotainment, so you need an aftermarket processor to try to "undo" that -- and that requires training it at a SPECIFIC volume level. You then typically need to use an aftermarket volume knob to adjust the listening volume, and leave the infotainment volume at the calibrated level.

It's like when people suction-cup a phone mount to their vehicle. "Better" is subjective, of course. If "cheap" is what you want, then go for it. But you're going to get "cheap".

 

[shamoo]

That has not been my experience. It's possible to do aftermarket, but it will be $$$ and the experience will be compromised.

Some of the more common compromises are:
1. You're probably going to lose some storage.
2. You're going to lose integration. For example, most new vehicles have heavy DSP in their infotainment, so you need an aftermarket processor to try to "undo" that -- and that requires training it at a SPECIFIC volume level. You then typically need to use an aftermarket volume knob to adjust the listening volume, and leave the infotainment volume at the calibrated level.

It's like when people suction-cup a phone mount to their vehicle. "Better" is subjective, of course. If "cheap" is what you want, then go for it. But you're going to get "cheap".

1) Yes. The sound processor and amplifier will have to go somewhere, that's for sure. That will always be an issue. Plus if you wanted full sound, a larger (and intrusive) subwoofer would be needed as well.
2) Yes, but I've seen processors (and even some cheaper solutions like an Audiocontrol LC2i) which won't break the bank and work well. I guess it depends on how much of an audiophile you are. I suspect most people can't tell the difference. Most people *think* they are audiophiles when in reality they just like to listen to music loud . And yes, in most cases you'll need an aftermarket knob to control the bass response. I've had to do that in my vehicles which I don't mind. I set it once (in the glovebox or hidden somewhere) and usually forget it.

But I still stand by my opinion that if you're ONLY considering the Adventure model for the audio feature, you can do better with $5K in aftermarket (hopefully a lot cheaper).

I'll also say that in my experience almost any REAL aftermarket (basic amplifier and speakers) will out perform almost any factory sound system. Most factory systems have paper speakers and thin gauge speaker wire going to a (at best) 50-300 watt amplifier/pre-out.

I have a Honda Accord daily driver where I spent maybe $2K on a sound processor, amplifier, subwoofer, speakers, and it absolutely blows away factory Burmeisters, B&O, etc.

Anyway, I don't want to get too off topic.

 

[E.S.]

... Plus if you wanted full sound, a larger (and intrusive) subwoofer would be needed as well.

Eh, not so much anymore. Acoustic tech has advanced enough where one can install a 7-8" subwoofer and get a LOT of tight, non-muddy bass that can range all the way down to the 27-29hz without needing a huge amplifier for it. Mind you, they do tend to get expensive, but the craftsmanship behind it is something to behold.

 

[swazi]

It's not that easy to do after market on an electric vehicle. Especially the amps needed for a sub. I did it on a Tesla model 3 as have many others. Go read of all the errors and issues.

At one point I found info on Meridian's website or elsewhere that stated that the standard audio will be 200w. Cannot find it right now. While I will probably never be able to appreciate an audiophile sound, a 200w system would be dreadful. But I doubt that's what they will end up doing.

 

[shamoo]

Eh, not so much anymore. Acoustic tech has advanced enough where one can install a 7-8" subwoofer and get a LOT of tight, non-muddy bass that can range all the way down to the 27-29hz without needing a huge amplifier for it. Mind you, they do tend to get expensive, but the craftsmanship behind it is something to behold.

Ah, maybe I'm behind the times. I also don't know the exact placement of the factory sub and how it may play out and/or if replacing it with another in the same location would work (i.e.: if there's enough air flow, etc).

 

[sub]

I suspect that Rivian can't give you any details about the "downgrade" because they haven't designed it yet. They haven't sold any vehicles without the premium audio, and won't for another 1.5 - 2 years.

And with Rivian's small scale, it is likely cheaper to "de-tune" the premium system than it is to design a source an entirely different system so I would also not be surprised if when they do get around to building the non-premium system that it is mostly identical other than not installing the speakers in a few locations. And if that is the case, there will be someone who figures out how to install the missing speakers to convert it back into the premium one for a lot less than $5,000.

 

[jjswan33]

Ah, maybe I'm behind the times. I also don't know the exact placement of the factory sub and how it may play out and/or if replacing it with another in the same location would work (i.e.: if there's enough air flow, etc).

In the meridian the sub is on the passenger side under the back seat, it vents out towards the passenger back door.

Sponsored