How to improve / upgrade R1S sound system?

[Senp7788]

Hi fellow Rivian owners! I recently received my R1S end of July and can't seem to get used to the Rivian made sound system. I've heard the previous company Rivian had a relationship with had a much better system. Anyway, does anyone out there have any suggestions or advice on how to spruce up the sound system? I am a music person and very specific about it to my ears. I can't jell well with this cheaper not powerful or precise version that Rivian installed. I appreciate your feedback!

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[csharp]

I've heard the previous company Rivian had a relationship with had a much better system.

It depends on who you ask. It seems to be pretty evenly split about which is better... Meridian or Rivian system.
I have not seen anyone who replaced the system completely. It sounds like if you are a picky audiophile, you could go with the system you like the best from previous experience. I'm not super picky and was able to adjust the settings to my liking and absolutely love the system. Sorry you aren't enjoying it!

 

[Virtio]

Have you seen this post on reddit?

 

[PappaBolt]

Others will report on the specific differences between the Meridian and Rivian systems. I recall it being minus a couple of the minor speakers on the Rivian system but otherwise the same underlying components (speakers even still being branded as Meridian under the grill). Who knows with the newer builds.

As to which is better, it continues to the subject of much debate.

 

[runwithscissors]

I have the R1S Rivian speakers and they're good but had a R1S Meridian LE loaner that sounded much better with the same settings. I'm not audiophile but definitely could hear the difference.

 

[AYAYRON]

For anyone who reads an opinion that Rivian speakers sound worse than the Meridian speakers, don't conflate that with saying Meridian sound system is good, it's absolutely not good, it's extremely average.

For them not to have a single 8" subwoofer at a minimum and using a 6X9 for the subwoofer, screams inadequacy.

 

[LL75]

For anyone who reads an opinion that Rivian speakers sound worse than the Meridian speakers, don't conflate that with saying Meridian sound system is good, it's absolutely not good, it's extremely average.

For them not to have a single 8" subwoofer at a minimum and using a 6X9 for the subwoofer, screams inadequacy.

Yeap. it is sub par for sure. My 2019 model 3 system sounds way better.

 

[iBang]

Playing with Equalizer may finetune the sound a bit but you really need good audio component to generate good sound. I have original Meridian system in my R1T but I would rate the sound 5 out of 10. It's no way premium sound they advertised with the adventure trim. I am looking to gut out everything and install brand new amp and speakers but afraid it will void the warranty.

 

[Picard]

can someone point me to a review of a Meridian vs Rivian sound system comparison done where both vehicles compared where R1T or R1S? I have seen comments where they have compared a R1T with Meridian to an R1S with Rivian studio which is not very helpful IMO.

 

[KootenayEV]

For anyone who reads an opinion that Rivian speakers sound worse than the Meridian speakers, don't conflate that with saying Meridian sound system is good, it's absolutely not good, it's extremely average.

For them not to have a single 8" subwoofer at a minimum and using a 6X9 for the subwoofer, screams inadequacy.

Well that explains why the bass is so anemic... just picked up my truck a week ago and was disappointed with the depth of sound on the bass end. My 2018 Model 3 sounds much better down low.

 

[retart13]

I agree, my '20 m304i Harmon Kardon system is noticeably better than Rivian's

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