RivAW
Well-Known Member
Yes, but he didn't even notice there was a difference until he read about it on the forumsHe did compare them. He thinks the Meridian system sounds much better and wants to sue Rivian.
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Yes, but he didn't even notice there was a difference until he read about it on the forumsHe did compare them. He thinks the Meridian system sounds much better and wants to sue Rivian.
Everything indicates that they did not engineer an entirely new in-house audio system. All indications so far (and all Rivian has actually stated) is that it's an in-house designed system. Designed can mean a lot of things. I get it that sounds impressive, but it could be the existing Meridian hardware, take out a speaker, change the grilles - that's in-house designed compare to what Meridian designed. The cost cutting could simply come from the end of a per unit branding/royalty agreement.Anyone else impressed by how fast Rivian can engineer and launch cost-cutting measures relative to how fast they can launch refinements, features, gear, etc.?
They used the Meridian system for like 9 months before somehow engineering an entirely new, in-house audio system that they launched immediately to production? It was already in their production line (February) and being delivered before they could even get the communication out about it (March 20)!
Meanwhile we've been waiting a year for a refined tonneau cover, the manual cover, the kitchen and shuttle, etc.
I definitely think it's entirely reasonable that Rivian should be informing buyers of changes they've made since a reservation was placed. It's one thing to be a plugged-in forum user that is aware of every minor change they make, but for most people, they might be planning/expecting things when they put in a reservation (e.g. tonneau cover, kitchen, meridian sound, outlets in certain places, etc.) and it's pretty shitty to just stealth remove/change features for long-time buyers.
Still, I would expect it to be nontrivial to source components and setup the supply line, rework the electronics and wiring since there's a different number of speakers, develop the software to control both different systems, tune it for the vehicle, run user studies, deploy to the assembly line, etc.Everything indicates that they did not engineer an entirely new in-house audio system. All indications so far (and all Rivian has actually stated) is that it's an in-house designed system. Designed can mean a lot of things. I get it that sounds impressive, but it could be the existing Meridian hardware, take out a speaker, change the grilles - that's in-house designed compare to what Meridian designed. The cost cutting could simply come from the end of a per unit branding/royalty agreement.
I actually was asked to sign to accept delivery before really getting a chance to inspect my R1S. I did, but only because being my second Rivian I knew what I was getting myself into. I don't know if mentioning that to my delivery guy made the order of operations different. I knew about the potential for the audio system differences but expected mine to still have Meridian based on the VIN. (It does)Don't take delivery if everything doesn't meet you expectations.
Rivian probably figures if people were so willing to take trucks with busted tonneau covers with forever before they fix them, what are odds anyone would care about a sound system?I took delivery yesterday and have the "Rivian" sound system. I can't imagine a single person, wannabe audiophile or not, rejecting delivery because of the sound system. It sounds great!
There are also things like Dolby THX where there is a certification. So to a consumer it feels like your buying something PROVEN.A name presentable to a customer/consumer means a lot.
Ever wonder why some store brand ketchup tastes just as good as the "real thing" cause... Yeah white labeling maked it the real thing. A name brand selling the same product without labeling to another company to label at a discounted price. Does it hurt the name brand sales, no not really. Does it allow for a more accurate perfect pricing strategy to get everyone to pay what they are able/willing, yeah closer. Basic economic theory at play. I'd bet once a backlog is worked through they could sell the "premium name brand experience" for an extra charge. Bet the legal manufacturers have been doing that for decades and no one talks about it cause they aren't the "cool kids".
Companies can act fast when Revenue is at stake. Or maybe it was simply a way to improve profitability.Anyone else impressed by how fast Rivian can engineer and launch cost-cutting measures relative to how fast they can launch refinements, features, gear, etc.?
They used the Meridian system for like 9 months before somehow engineering an entirely new, in-house audio system that they launched immediately to production? It was already in their production line (February) and being delivered before they could even get the communication out about it (March 20)!
Meanwhile we've been waiting a year for a refined tonneau cover, the manual cover, the kitchen and shuttle, etc.
I definitely think it's entirely reasonable that Rivian should be informing buyers of changes they've made since a reservation was placed. It's one thing to be a plugged-in forum user that is aware of every minor change they make, but for most people, they might be planning/expecting things when they put in a reservation (e.g. tonneau cover, kitchen, meridian sound, outlets in certain places, etc.) and it's pretty shitty to just stealth remove/change features for long-time buyers.
And slow when the action is a cost like 15k tonneau covers that need to be replaced.Companies can act fast when Revenue is at stake. Or maybe it was simply a way to improve profitability.
On the plus side at least the new Audio system was working on par (feature wise) with the old one.
If it was Tesla the audio system wouldn't be available until 6 months after they shipped the new version.
If it’s the “article” including the guy who got his Rivian stuck in the snow and didn’t know about snow mode and then blamed Rivian for it - I’m not surprised at all you are a fan…..I agree with you. I think they need to work on their communications. From day one, their communication to reservation holders has been terrible. I am hoping they can build a brand following like Apple or Tesla. I know they have financial issues but alienating their most loyal customers doesn't seem like a good plan. I think the WSJ had an article about Rivian alienating its early reservation holds a few weeks ago. Worst case is they go bankrupt. Rivian still has a lot of value, they could be sold in bankruptcy. Perhaps the new buyer would have more expertise in auto production.