Stereo install recap

ferret30 · Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2012 3:28 pm Post subject: Stereo install recap

This weekend I installed a nice stereo system on our boat that is very simple, sounds great, and is really flexible and unobtrusive. Here's the basic parts breakdown:

* PolyPlanar MA7500W speakers (http://www.hodgesmarine.com/POLY-PLANAR-MA7500-COMPACT-BOX-SPEAKER-WHITE-p/polma7500w.htm)

* JVC KDR530 head unit (www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006B1C3UW)

* Metra 99-9000 under dash kit (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002BEV9S)

* 8 ft each of red, black and yellow 16 gauge wire

Originally I tried Polk Atrium 4 indoor/outdoor speakers, but they were too big in any position I tried (up front or upper back corners). The PolyPlanars are quite a bit smaller, and the bracket doesn't stick out so far, so there are a lot more options. I chose up front so we wouldn't hit our heads on them at the dinette, and also we can hear them well in the cockpit. From the helm seat, the speakers do not block the windows at all (at least for my height).

The JVC head unit has front and rear AUX inputs (3.5mm headphone) for most devices (iPad, phone, laptop). There is also a front USB input for charging devices, as well as using/controlling an iPod. I bought a 6 foot 3.5mm male/male extension that I ran down between the windows then up through the dash. This will allow us to connect devices and have them be accessible instead of having to put them up on the shelf while connected. There is also a remote for controlling volume, CD functions, as well as limited iPod control.

One other thing that's neat about many USB head units: you can load all your music onto a cheap USB thumb drive and leave that on the boat. You don't need an iPod/mp3 player -- the radio can navigate through the files and directories on a cheap storage device.

The Metra under dash kit worked well for installing under the shelf. I had considered other locations, i.e. under the steering wheel pointed up, but this location allowed better visibility and accessibility.

Installation notes:

I soldered and heat shrunk all the wires from the harness to the speaker wires and power wires. I could have used crimp connectors, but I've had those pull out or get scratchy sound with such small wire gauges.

I needed about 8 feet of wire run (red, black, yellow #16) to go from the head unit to the panel. I used braided loom to keep them bundled. I couldn't find white that day so I used black I already had.

The red and black wires run to empty slots on a Blue Sea expansion fuse block (http://bluesea.com/category/81/21/products/5025) that was already installed. The radio also has a 10A replaceable fuse built in.

Most car radios have an always on connection to the car battery that preserves radio presets, settings, etc. I ran a yellow wire (same color as on the stereo harness) to the terminal that feeds the panel bilge pump switch. This is fused at the battery (5A), so I didn't need to add an extra fuse.

Many radios have a lead that dims the display when headlights are turned on. This could potentially be wired to the nav light switch, and I believe the JVC even lets you pick the panel back light color independently for each setting. So you could potentially switch the display to red at night.

The roof section I installed the speakers into is cored. I checked this before hand by looking into the hole where the radar/VHF cables come through the roof from the radar arch. There is about 1/2" of core in that section of my roof. Be very careful to only drill through one layer of fiberglass.

I used 1/4" or 3/8" cable ties to run the speaker wires over the windows to the stereo.

I used some adhesive velcro to stick the remote to the stereo housing.

BrentB · Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2012 8:34 pm Post subject:

great job

thanks for posting

potter water · Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2012 8:45 pm Post subject:

Very nice installation. The speakers are still large enough that they would bother me looking out. NOT necessarily blocking the view, but sort of distracting me. I think I'd get smaller speakers at the risk of less audio quality, but the rest of your install will certainly be referenced when I get around to that nice accessory on STILL C-RAZY.

GOOD JOB!

ferret30 · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 2:10 am Post subject:

berryst · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 12:29 pm Post subject:

Very nice job.
My wife fixed me up with an iPad with loads of music. Then she bought a Shubox speaker. Its wireless and the audio is unbelievable. So, I have tons of music. I keep it charged with the cell phone charger that is 12v...sweet. The speaker is very durable. At night i bring it into the v-berth and chill/read.
Chris

Two Bears · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2012 4:51 pm Post subject:

I see your compass is still in place. You might want to check the effect of the speakers on your compass. I tried mounting speakers near the front of the boat and the compass moved 10 - 15 degrees. Only place I could put speakers was in rear of boat.

I really like your installation, and mabe I'll try again.

Chuck

starcrafttom · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2012 5:02 pm Post subject:

My father mounted a speaker in the cabin of our Chris Craft 27. It was mounted above the dinette on the starboard side of the boat. While driving the boat the next day Dad noticed that the compass was not moving off south no matter what course we took. Well you got it the speaker was right under the helm and the compass.

Adeline · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2012 5:15 pm Post subject:

Beautiful install Wink

That enclosure is a real winner and I like the location too.

Some random thoughts...

USBs and SD Cards are great in boats (and 4x4s, etc)...no transport mechanism so no skipping. No cds laying around to end up broken on the floor.

My USB is a rear mounted cable that sits on the dash, under the window where it's out of the way.

If a fellow is determined to use discs there are "car stereos" that play dvd audio. MP3s and Lossless compressed audio formats such as FLAC. Just regular DVD-Rs that hold 4.7 GBs of music instead of just 700 MB.

I bought a Chinese version for a car and it was under $80. Ebay.

Aux jack is a must have.

Ipod jack if you've got one.

Oh, and a wireless remote and velcro pads in the cockpit so lazy guys like me can "change the channel" w/o getting up.

ferret30 · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2012 5:41 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the comments!

The JVC has front and rear AUX inputs, and a front USB input. It was $74 with free shipping from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006B1C3UW

I just purchased a *tiny* 32GB USB drive, barely larger than the connector that I will put all my music on and leave in the faceplate:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00812F7O8

I have a 6 foot 3.5mm male/male stereo cable that runs down with the other cables to the berth area, then back up through a hole in the dashboard. This allows for connecting audio sources (iPad, phone, mp3, laptop) so we can play music or watch movies.

The remote is velcro mounted to the housing (see the 2nd pic), and velcro is also at the helm and in the cockpit for keeping the tiny remote under control in each location.