R1T stereo sound ….not so good

[WCoast_Rivi]

Have a non-launch edition R1T.

I listen to a variety of Top40 / Pop / Rock / Hip Hop music. Doesn’t matter what setting I do with the EQ, the sound is not impressive. I know sound is subjective, but it does not sound as good as what my experience tells me it should be - especially with the Meridian branding.

Specifically, clarity at higher volumes is no good. Tried several EQ settings and the sound does get marginally better, but not great.

I have an ‘upgraded’ HK system in both my X5 and 330i. Both sound clearer at similar volume levels with similar music.

Sponsored

 

[COdogman]

Most people seem pretty happy with the sound system so far. Sometimes speakers need to be broken in for a few weeks before they sound as intended. How long have you been driving your T?

 

[NY_Rob]

As @COdogman mentioned.. new cones definitely need to be broken in (just like new headphones). Try not to push them too much right out of the gate, give them some time to break-in.

What specifically is lacking? Bass, mid, treble???
What source were you using?

 

[zefram47]

Assuming you're listening with Spotify, make sure to set it to the highest bitrate in the settings.

 

[mindstormsguy]

I agree that the Rivian audio is so-so. It doesn’t come close to the B&O sound in my e-tron. I honestly don’t know why everyone gushes over it.

I can’t articulate exactly why the B&O is better, but I have two hand-wavy observations. The Audi has a better sound stage. The Rivian just sounds like it’s playing back a recording. Turning on the 3D sound setting in the Rivian kind of helps, but it also doesn’t seem to be set up as well (and so comes off as slightly artificial).

Second, I can only assume the frequency response of the Rivian sub doesn’t go nearly as low. Or perhaps it’s not mounted solidly enough? (Is that a thing?) Or is just a cheap flimsy sub in a flimsy box? You can turn up the bass in the Rivian, and it will be loud, but it’s not “tight”. I can turn up the bass in the Rivian so it will wash out or overpower the mids and highs, but I’ll still find it to not be punchy enough. It’s just overbearing instead. (If that makes any sense).

I’m really curious if an aftermarket sub and amp could help.

 

[brancky3]

I agree that the Rivian audio is so-so. It doesn’t come close to the B&O sound in my e-tron. I honestly don’t know why everyone gushes over it.

I can’t articulate exactly why the B&O is better, but I have two hand-wavy observations. The Audi has a better sound stage. The Rivian just sounds like it’s playing back a recording. Turning on the 3D sound setting in the Rivian kind of helps, but it also doesn’t seem to be set up as well (and so comes off as slightly artificial).

Second, I can only assume the frequency response of the Rivian sub doesn’t go nearly as low. Or perhaps it’s not mounted solidly enough? (Is that a thing?) Or is just a cheap flimsy sub in a flimsy box? You can turn up the bass in the Rivian, and it will be loud, but it’s not “tight”. I can turn up the bass in the Rivian so it will wash out or overpower the mids and highs, but I’ll still find it to not be punchy enough. It’s just overbearing instead. (If that makes any sense).

I’m really curious if an aftermarket sub and amp could help.

I’m 100% in agreement with you. I can’t wait for an OEM location hidden subwoofer because the stock one is pretty bad; low frequencies are straight up non existent. The Tesla M3 I got rid of for the Rivian absolutely blows the Rivian out of the water in audio quality, like it’s not even close. I’m really hoping a real subwoofer brings it to a closer comparison

 

[VSG]

Sound system is only as good as the audio source. Spotify, TuneIn, etc. are not going to give you optimal results.

 

[brancky3]

Sound system is only as good as the audio source. Spotify, TuneIn, etc. are not going to give you optimal results.

Valid argument if comparing home audio and car audio, but not valid when comparing Audi to Rivian to Ford, for example.

 

[VSG]

Valid argument if comparing home audio and car audio, but not valid when comparing Audi to Rivian to Ford, for example.

Why not? I don't know what your other cars support in the way of audio inputs. Comparing mp3 music in one vehicle against FLAC in another isn't comparing the sound systems.

 

[DaveA]

Agree that bass is not as good as it could be…but clarity and detail with Amazon Music Unlimited is pretty hard to beat.

 

[mindstormsguy]

My default for listening to music in the etron is CarPlay. In the Rivian, I usually use Bluetooth, but I’ve tried Spotify and Tidal. BT compared to Spotify, all I noticed is that Spotify was quieter. I haven’t compared Tidal back to back with BT, but I can say with confidence it’s still way behind the Audi.

Codecs absolutely matter, but I don’t think the codecs are to blame here.

 

[RivianR1TinSFL]

Have a non-launch edition R1T.

I listen to a variety of Top40 / Pop / Rock / Hip Hop music. Doesn’t matter what setting I do with the EQ, the sound is not impressive. I know sound is subjective, but it does not sound as good as what my experience tells me it should be - especially with the Meridian branding.

Specifically, clarity at higher volumes is no good. Tried several EQ settings and the sound does get marginally better, but not great.

I have an ‘upgraded’ HK system in both my X5 and 330i. Both sound clearer at similar volume levels with similar music.

We've had a lot of the higher end auto car systems. For the Rivian, this is a great system for what you pay for. No complains here at all.

 

[godfodder0901]

My default for listening to music in the etron is CarPlay. In the Rivian, I usually use Bluetooth, but I’ve tried Spotify and Tune in. BT compared to Spotify, all I noticed is that Spotify was quieter. I haven’t compared Tune In back to back with BT, but I can say with confidence it’s still way behind the Audi.

Codecs absolutely matter, but I don’t think the codecs are to blame here.

Maybe not, but bit rate is. The highest bit rate source you mentioned is Spotify, which maxes at 320 kbps if you set it to very high, which is not the default quality.

 

[strykerwsu]

I’m 100% in agreement with you. I can’t wait for an OEM location hidden subwoofer because the stock one is pretty bad; low frequencies are straight up non existent. The Tesla M3 I got rid of for the Rivian absolutely blows the Rivian out of the water in audio quality, like it’s not even close. I’m really hoping a real subwoofer brings it to a closer comparison

Yes the sub to me is definitely the problem. I’m good with the rest of it. My Ram OEM Alpine sub has way better lows.

 

[mindstormsguy]

Maybe not, but bit rate is. The highest bit rate source you mentioned is Spotify, which maxes at 320 kbps if you set it to very high, which is not the default quality.

I misspoke in my last message. I meant Tidal, not tune in.

But yes, codec and bitrate matter. But ive tried every option Rivian provides, and it’s just not good. It just isn’t. Maybe they’re doing something terrible in the digital audio processing to ruin the quality, but I suspect it’s the hardware. Be it the amps, filters, or speakers.

Sponsored