Music devices

[matt_unique]

I have a decent (but simple) sound system in Napoleon and can play radio, CD's, and Ipod. The problem I have found (for many years on many boats) is the connections in the back eventually come loose. Most systems are designed like car systems with a plug that goes in the back of the head unit. Even with a snap system they always seem to get loose eventually whether it's the main connection or the antenna, etc.

There are options to make the connections more secure but I'm toying with the idea of removing my fixed system and instead finding a decent Ipod dock system. I would want one that can run off batteries as well as AC. Any suggestions from those who have such systems?

Thanks

[JamesTXSD]

Hi Matt,

We use a boombox with a satellite receiver. With the aux connection, we can run the iPod in there; no need for CDs. With the satellite receiver, we get news, talk, and music, regardless of our location. The boombox will run on batteries, 12v, or 110. We can move it anywhere. While great for national news, the downside is no local terrestrial radio stations. It has served us well, since we had it before we bought the C-Dory; it served time on two sailboats and in the RV, too.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

[Bess-C]

Matt,
We have a Bose Sound Dock that runs on batteries or 110. It is a docking station for the Ipod. It is easily portable, has great sound and we use it at home and take it everywhere with us. We use it on the boat, we take it with us on vacation for use in hotel rooms or rental houses. The only downside that I've found was the original purchase price. Like most Bose stuff, it is higher priced than most other docking stations.
Lyle

[thataway]

I have had good luck with "marine" or higher end car sterios. I run either an i pod or a sirius reciever. We sometimes carry a boom box which runs off 110 or 12 volts and batteries for the Sirius, and it has an i pod input. We take this to the beach or in the dinghy (on a calm day).

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Matt, here's another vote for the Bose. We take it on the boat, in the travel trailer, and use it at home. Fantastic sound, but as Lyle mentioned, Mr. Bose charges dearly for his stuff.

So far, other than the price, the only downside I have found is when you use an iPod with a dying battery. It will quickly discharge the battery in the Bose.

[Will-C]

Matt,
I have a Clarion CMD 6. It comes with a remote control has a female USB connector to connect your IPOD and you can control everything with the remote. The little round replacement battery for the remote are available at CVS. I put on a 4' antenna for local fm. The IPOD connection also charges the IPOD. I just ran four Clarion 6" round speaker sounds good even at low volumes. Didn't want to have a amp for battery draw concerns. It's been good for a couple years. Try adding some silicone seal over your connections. Got to have decent tunes.
D.D.

[matt_unique]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will check out the Bose sound dock.

[rogerbum]

I bought an Altec Lansing InMotion i-pod dock a couple of years ago. It has a rechargeable Li-ion battery, remote control and an FM tuner. Cost is around $100 +/- 30 depending on model and vendor. Sounds pretty good, much cheaper than Bose (but doesn't sound quite as good).[/list]

[Dene]

I bought a Klipsch Ipod speaker system which easily plugs into any Aux jack. Very pleased with it. Never heard of the brand until I went into a Best Buy and priced the Bose. I asked the sales guy, "What's the 2nd best unit out there?" He whispered "Klipsch" in my ear and I was quickly sold. Significantly less than a Bose.

-Greg

[rogerbum]

Klipsch makes great stuff. Many of the speakers in Apple products were made by Klipsch. I have a set of powered Klipsch speakers in my living room.