If someone were to pose the question: What makes the Tesla Model 3 stand out? Many might list its sleek design, acceleration, or even its eco-friendliness. However, for audiophiles and those with an ear for detail, the answer is the Tesla sound system.
Tesla’s Sound Superiority: A Deep Dive
Rumors and comparisons often place the Tesla sound system at a pedestal higher than even the $12,000 optional unit in the Audi R8. Let’s explore why.
The Tesla Sound Systems: Regular vs. Premium
Upon digging deeper, one realizes that Tesla doesn’t market its sound system as much as it should, given its excellence. The brand offers two distinct sound systems:
- Regular Sound System: Comprising of 9 speakers, 1 amplifier, and 1 woofer.
- Premium Sound System: A more immersive experience with 15 speakers, 2 amplifiers, and 1 woofer.
Interestingly, while the regular system finds its place in the basic RWD model of Tesla, the premium system graces the Long Range & Performance models.
Beyond Just Music: A Multimedia Theatre
The Tesla audio system is more than just a tool for listening to songs. When paired with its 15” HD quality screen and video-streaming capabilities, it transforms into a mini-theatre.
Whether you’re waiting at a charging station or taking a break from driving, you can enjoy high-quality video streaming, making every pause a cinematic experience.
The Secret Behind the Sound: Tesla’s Audio Engineering
It’s no secret in audiophile circles that Tesla collaborated with Bang & Olufsen engineers. This has led to speculations that Tesla’s are in fact “unbranded” B&O systems.
The Tesla sound system brand seems to be a class apart when pitted against other luxury vehicles. Be it Mercedes with its Burmeister or BMW with Harman; Tesla’s audio quality has been reported to surpass them all.
Strategic Speaker Placement: Crafting the Perfect Soundstage
Tesla’s approach to sound is not just about quality but also about experience. The strategic placement of speakers ensures a rich, surround sound that elevates the in-cabin experience. Here’s a breakdown:
- 2 Speakers on the front A-Pillar (Near the mirror position)
- 2 Additional speakers on the same A-Pillar (Higher up, catering to “Immersive Sound”)
- 2 Speakers on either side of the dashboard
- 2 Coaxial speakers on the front door pads
- 2 Amplifiers, slightly smaller in size, inside the front doors
- 2 Coaxial speakers on the rear doors
- 2 Speakers positioned at the rear end of the cabin
- 1 Robust subwoofer on the rear right side of the trunk
Connect, Play, Immerse: The Tesla Audio Experience
For those keen on connecting their smartphones to the vehicle’s audio system, Bluetooth remains the only option. The USB Type-C ports are exclusively for charging. Yet, Tesla has always been a step ahead. With the introduction of Apple Music as an app on the Tesla infotainment system in December 2022, the audio quality experienced a substantial boost.
With streaming services like Apple Music, Tidal, and Spotify delivering music at bit rates as high as 356 kbps or even more, the audio experience in a Tesla is surreal. This, coupled with the fact that Tesla’s infotainment system doesn’t require Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, showcases the brand’s confidence in its in-house offerings.
And for those who love lossless music, Tesla has more good news. The option to plug in a USB drive allows for playback of high-resolution files, such as FLAC and WAV formats, supporting up to 24-bit 192 kHz. This positions Tesla Model 3, along with its siblings, among the few vehicles that support such high-resolution playback.
Sound Configuration and Customization
The Tesla sound system settings are user-friendly, allowing for easy adjustments. Whether one wishes to tweak the bass, treble, or mids, or turn the Immersive sound on and off, the sliders offer a seamless experience. Even with bass set to minimum levels, the sound quality remains impeccable.
Conclusion: Tesla’s Acoustic Triumph
To put it succinctly, the Tesla Model 3 sound system is a marvel in modern audio engineering. Whether it’s the immersive sound experience, the quality of music playback, or the strategic placement of speakers, Tesla has ensured that every journey is sonically delightful.
It’s no surprise that audiophiles across the globe vouch for Tesla’s supremacy in automotive audio systems. For a visual treat, here are some images showcasing the speaker positions along with sample audio/video links. Experience the sound, experience Tesla.
