Upgrading Gen 2 with Meridian speakers...?

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Crutchfield (https://www.crutchfield.com/ ) has been a 'go-to' for vehicle audio for a long time. I'm happy with my Gen 1 Meridian audio, but looked for you. Here's what they have for Rivian:

Good luck!

Crutchfield has had that statement for 3 years. What I am most curious about is if a higher spec aftermarket speaker (i.e. better materials) with the same exact resistance (Ω) and equal or better power handling as factory would yield an improvement. Replacing amplifier, crossovers and sub... that's when things get really expensive.

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[savethemanual]

A shame they dropped their deal with Meridian to save $$. I don't think they realized how important audio systems are with buyers at this price point. From what I've read, the new system has decent hardware, just needs some serious fine tuning on the back end with processing/software. I know updates have made it better, but still not up to par with old Meridian system.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

A shame they dropped their deal with Meridian to save $$. I don't think they realized how important audio systems are with buyers at this price point. From what I've read, the new system has decent hardware, just needs some serious fine tuning on the back end with processing/software. I now updates have made it better, but still not up to par with old Meridian system.

That is mostly a licensing agreement with some sound stage modeling know-how. Hardware between the two systems is likely from the same overseas manufacturer/supplier. This is how it works in the auto industry.

The amp and processors may even be exactly the same between gen 1 Meridian and in-house. Rivian's statement on the change over back then made no mention of changes to the amp; only changes in number of speakers and crossover. The fact Rivian is able to change audio quality (gen 2) suggests signal processing and crossovers are software defined.

 

[MountainBikeDude]

Thanks for all the replies and info. Having my loaner with the Meridian made me realized how much I miss my Gen 1 stereo compared to my "Premium Auto" ... Gen 2. Cheers

Mildly off topic, but I see you're on Vancouver Island. I assume that means service visits are a ferry ride to and from for you... lame. Used to live in Mill Bay, and hate taking the island ferry with a passion.

 

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

Crutchfield (https://www.crutchfield.com/ ) has been a 'go-to' for vehicle audio for a long time. I'm happy with my Gen 1 Meridian audio, but looked for you. Here's what they have for Rivian:

Crutchfield is such a great company. Sadly I've been throwing their catalogs that come in the mail in the trash since getting my Rivian. I didn't think they'd ever offer anything to fit, so that's good news.

Also, when enough Rivians show up in junkyards I'm sure someone will attempt a one-to-one swap. Following to see how that turns out. Personally if something ever happened to my current one, I'd probably be trying to rip the entire Forest Edge interior out to save it & put in a new one.

 

[DB88]

Mildly off topic, but I see you're on Vancouver Island. I assume that means service visits are a ferry ride to and from for you... lame. Used to live in Mill Bay, and hate taking the island ferry with a passion.

Yes, live in Victoria. My truck is at service right now, eight hour turnaround time with ferries to drop it off.Yay …

 

[Plevyct]

I upgraded as follows:
Alpine Optim 8
Alpine Type R2 6 1/2 and 6 x 9
Alpine Sub RSB 10
Sound deaden all dorrs, replaced all wires with 4
Bypassed the factory amp.
Sounds amazing...

 

[MountainBikeDude]

I upgraded as follows:
Alpine Optim 8
Alpine Type R2 6 1/2 and 6 x 9
Alpine Sub RSB 10
Sound deaden all dorrs, replaced all wires with 4
Bypassed the factory amp.
Sounds amazing...

Any photos?

Also, Gen 1 or Gen 2?

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Any photos?

Also, Gen 1 or Gen 2?

He's got a '23 R1S. Looks like everything is replaced except for the source unit... and high level speaker inputs are being used to feed into the aftermarket 8-channel amp.

 

[Plevyct]

Any photos?

Also, Gen 1 or Gen 2?

Gen 1, the only photo would be the sub and alpine unit, all the speakers are concealed.

 

[C.R. Rivian]

Crutchfield is such a great company. Sadly I've been throwing their catalogs that come in the mail in the trash since getting my Rivian. I didn't think they'd ever offer anything to fit, so that's good news.

Also, when enough Rivians show up in junkyards I'm sure someone will attempt a one-to-one swap. Following to see how that turns out. Personally if something ever happened to my current one, I'd probably be trying to rip the entire Forest Edge interior out to save it & put in a new one.

Crutchfield has also been great (pre and post sales assistance) on home audio...done some of that with them...but, yeah, I pretty much toss the catalogs, too.

 

[Plevyct]

Curious if anyone has updated their Gen 2 R1T or S with Meridian speakers. I have the premium auto in my Gen 2 and its not great.. I'am currently driving a Gen 1 loaner and it has the Meridian speakers and amp.. WOW its so amazing compared to my Gen 2... There must be some damaged, salvage yard Rivians by now that have someone pulling these parts out to sell.

Cheers From Canada.

 

[mcarver316]

Rivian should really work with third party companies to make the audio hardware upgradable. This way owners can easily move beyond the subpar-to-mediocre-at-best oem audio. Maybe even offer the upgrade as a service center install for a fee. As it stands, Rivian cannot compete with third party systems.

 

[timgradywy]

I'd love to see Rivian offer a Rivian branded JL Audio Stealthbox or something similar as a factory upgrade. Since they control the programming of the amplifier/DSP/headunit, they could even optimize it so the crossovers, level control, etc. are done by the factory audio system and are optimized for the new, larger sub(s). This would be in-line with they way they've treated a lot of other accessories too.

 

[Antonio]

Rivian should really work with third party companies to make the audio hardware upgradable. This way owners can easily move beyond the subpar-to-mediocre-at-best oem audio. Maybe even offer the upgrade as a service center install for a fee. As it stands, Rivian cannot compete with third party systems.

Honestly, I would pay big $$$ for an upgraded audio system. That is the one thing I truly miss from my previous car.

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