After setting relatively low expectations for the Meridian system in my Rivian R1T, I am more than pleased with the performance of the system. It sounds as if Meridan used some fairly decent DACs in the front end and designed the system for grown ups.
Concerning high end audio names in new cars
It made sense to me when high end audio manufactures started selling their brand names to the likes of BMW. I really had to look twice when I saw the Jeep Grand Wagoneer on a commercial with large blue MacIntosh meters on the dash! I went to the website just to make sure my eyes weren't deceiving me. It's just fluff of course. I've been in several vehicles with supposedly high end audio systems. I wasn't impressed with any of them. I wonder what impact if any the Mac meters will have on the general public. I hope audiophiles steer clear of this model car as it could prove to be a distraction for sure.