Meridian vs. standard sound system

[No.92]

My bigger concern is the frequency. A lot of my music is below 30hz where smaller subwoofers just don't work and I feel the music is lacking as a result.

I hear ya. Definitely like sub 30Hz bass but we're talking about a car here versus say a high end home theater. With all the wind noise, you won't get the pristine sound you'd expect from a home audio setup. But totally understand your need to get the best quality sound out of the vehicle. To me though, cranking it to 12 is pretty good listening volume with very good clean, tight bass. Loud even for long durations. And the sound system goes up to 30 (I believe).

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[Davethadog]

The other thing to keep in mind is your ability to get audio to the Meridian sound system.

Why word on what codecs are supported? Surely someone should be able to test this?

 

[frostbit3]

Why word on what codecs are supported? Surely someone should be able to test this?

I don't understand your question. AFAIK no codecs are supported. That as of right now the USB-C Ports are power only, outside of using the storage feature of the gear guard. If I'm wrong then someone please correct me, but that's what I've seen to date.

 

[Davethadog]

I don't understand your question. AFAIK no codecs are supported. That as of right now the USB-C Ports are power only, outside of using the storage feature of the gear guard. If I'm wrong then someone please correct me, but that's what I've seen to date.

Bluetooth codecs. There are codecs that are made for high quality Bluetooth audio streaming to reduce degradation like LDAC.

 

[astonius]

I don't understand your question. AFAIK no codecs are supported. That as of right now the USB-C Ports are power only, outside of using the storage feature of the gear guard. If I'm wrong then someone please correct me, but that's what I've seen to date.

I believe @timesinks hooked up a USB keyboard to type in the wifi password as well. Sounds like there's at least potential for further data uses.

 

[timesinks]

I believe @timesinks hooked up a USB keyboard to type in the wifi password as well. Sounds like there's at least potential for further data uses.

Yeah, confirmed that the USB ports are definitely data-capable with the keyboard trick. I suspect the software will eventually support USB audio. If this is something important to you (and CarPlay too!) be sure to tell your guide so the feature can be prioritized. They're the ones responsible for getting all the feedback into the database.

 

[astonius]

Yeah, confirmed that the USB ports are definitely data-capable with the keyboard trick. I suspect the software will eventually support USB audio. If this is something important to you (and CarPlay too!) be sure to tell your guide so the feature can be prioritized. They're the ones responsible for getting all the feedback into the database.

100% on the guide feedback. I told my guide at the end of our call my top feature request is CarPlay support. He said in his experience in CS that's the #1 most requested feature and something he wants as well. He even said there's been a few cancellations because of its absence.

 

[NY_Rob]

If they enable USB media player... hopefully it will support FLAC not just MP3. One less conversion to be done

 

[frostbit3]

Yeah, confirmed that the USB ports are definitely data-capable with the keyboard trick. I suspect the software will eventually support USB audio. If this is something important to you (and CarPlay too!) be sure to tell your guide so the feature can be prioritized. They're the ones responsible for getting all the feedback into the database.

That's good news, so that makes me hopeful we can get basic music functionality from our phones via a software update assuming they want to implement it

 

[trez63]

Just some overall impressions of the Meridian system that came on the LE.
I've had the truck three days, and everything about it is impressive. It's super solid, no rattles, and very comfortable. But the most impressive thing has been the quality of the sound system.
I've had the Meridian system in my Range Rovers over the years and have always been disappointed by it. Somehow RIVIAN just got this system dialed in perfectly. I am not a huge audiophile. I don't ever let perfection be the enemy of my enjoyment. But the RIVIAN sound is as close to perfect as I've heard in any stock system. Let's put it this way, if the most reputable audio shop offered me a totally free upgrade to this system I would say "No, thank you".
I find myself listening to music way more often than ever before because the enjoyment level is so much higher. I also like how high the volume is allowed to go. Most manufacturers limit the top end way too much to avoid damage to the speakers. The max volume in the R1T is actually higher than I would ever set it for a long period of time. If you're just into BASS you might want a bit more, but if you're chasing overall balance and audio fidelity then you've chosen the right car.

My favorite "listening" song of all time is "Number One Zero" by Audioslave. At near max volume it's transcendent in the R1T.

 

[Dimitripqc]

Here some meager info of the sound system : https://www.meridian-audio.com/partners/rivian/

 

[oldschool]

Even the Meridian site that @Dimitripqc linked above is pretty flakey on the details. The R1T says 18 speakers AND 19 speakers on the same page, with 1200 watts. The R1S says 20 speakers AND 22 speakers with 1100 watts. Which is a pretty sloppy set of specs, and the wattage seems backwards - wouldn't the system with more speakers likely be the one with a higher wattage amplifier? Unfortunate. Do better, Meridian.

 

[shumdit]

Don't forget the Tow Hooks, Passenger Lumbar, Gear Guard and MOST IMPORTANTLY Ventilated seats. Are any of these worth $5K? No, but they are worth a part of that difference even if you don't see value in the nice headliner, wood etc

 

[CommodoreAmiga]

Don't forget the Tow Hooks, Passenger Lumbar, Gear Guard and MOST IMPORTANTLY Ventilated seats. Are any of these worth $5K? No, but they are worth a part of that difference even if you don't see value in the nice headliner, wood etc

Tow hooks are available on Explore for $300, fwiw.

For me, the ventilated seats are worth the $5k difference. About 8 years ago I decided I'd never buy another car/truck without them; it was never a question, for me, to go Adventure over Explore. The only reason I never bought a Tesla Model Y is because of their lack of ventilated seats. My wife and I passed on a Volvo XC40 Recharge for the same reason, as well -- despite otherwise loving it.

 

[shumdit]

Tow hooks are available on Explore for $300, fwiw.

For me, the ventilated seats are worth the $5k difference. About 8 years ago I decided I'd never buy another car/truck without them; it was never a question, for me, to go Adventure over Explore. The only reason I never bought a Tesla Model Y is because of their lack of ventilated seats. My wife and I passed on a Volvo XC40 Recharge for the same reason, as well -- despite otherwise loving it.

I agree that the ventilated seats are worth a big chunk to me too. Not $5000 but I would say $1000-1500 without blinking. I mean they are really effective in the Rivian so that's a long term worhtwhile investment. It's odd that some people feel $5500 for this package is excessive. I wonder if all of those people are getting LA Silver/Black Mountain and 21" wheels? Surely they can't justify close to $8000 extra for different colors on the paint/interior/wheels?

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