onboard music

DuckDogTitus · Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 2:44 pm Post subject: onboard music

do you guys see any downfall to a simple inexpensive kit like this?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-PLMRKT14BK-Marine-Boat-MP3-Player-Stereo-AM-FM-Radio-4X-6-5-Speaker-Package-/400301666351?pt=US_Marine_Audio&hash=item5d33d6b02f&vxp=mtr

I'm not much of an audiophile so I don't need a competition stereo, but something that is better than my cell phone would be nice.

thataway · Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 2:50 pm Post subject:

We have used various "marine" and "Car" stereo's on the boat. All have worked for us--we enjoy music, but not at 110 dB and the quality of the speakers are going to be a limiting factor.

We usually listen to Sirius or I pod, which plugs into the 1/8" in port on these types of radios. If you want to have the volume at full speed with the 90 hp outboard running, they you may want an amp.

Also we prefer the enclosed box speakers--rather than cutting out a section of a cabinet for the speaker.

DuckDogTitus · Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 3:00 pm Post subject:

Where do you think you'd recommend setting up box speakers in the C-Dory? I don't disagree with you there. I also dont really plan on playing my music loudly in a marina to disrupt folks, but if I'm alone at anchor, or drifting, I like the background music as long as its not "competing" with a trolling motor hum or something. On a long cruise I do like hearing some background music too.

designbug · Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 3:31 pm Post subject:

We just use an iphone/ipod speaker dock. They put out great stereo sound and volume and you can get one for under $100. If you don't have an iphone you may be able to find something similar that works with your phone.

Dick

Ray · Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 3:35 pm Post subject:

Pandora on the phone and the small Jambox (https://jawbone.com/speakers/jambox) for me. Easy to take from cabin, to cockpit, to beach.

Have USB plugs in the boat for charging both the phone and Jambox.

chimoii · Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 6:39 pm Post subject:

The jambox (smaller size) works Great for me! I use iPod or iPhone with Bluetooth for music. At anchor I connect to iPad for soundtrack of any movie I am watching. Battery life is long but I do charge from 12V outlet.

DuckDogTitus · Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 6:42 pm Post subject:

I see the jambox has pretty good reviews on amzn, I'll try to swing by Best Buy and see if I can play with one before buying. if its loud enough, that may be the way to go.

reelchef · Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 7:16 pm Post subject: Fusion stereo

I have just bought this stereo:
http://www.fusionelectronics.com/marine/products/fusion-link-enabled/ms-ra205

It is 100% waterproof, super compact. I also bought the Bluetooth dongle. and use my waterproofed and floatable iphone in case around my neck as the remote for streaming Sirius and Pandora. If I fall in, I can call home as well, another safety feature as long as I have signal!!!
Ithas 40 watts each channel, I have had on boat for 2 months. I am super happy with it. It also has a face plate, and gimbal mount. I used my existing box speakers, and was considering an amplifier, but this is loud enough.

Cool technology from the New Zealanders. I bough on amazon for $120.00

thataway · Posted: Mon Oct 21, 2013 7:25 pm Post subject:

Agree Jambox is great, and we use it in the bunk at night.

Box speakers in all of my C Dories upper forward corners--I epoxy wooden blocks to the outside windshield pillars-and then paint the wood to match the inside of the c Dory. Screw the brackets for the box speakers into the wooden block. Some folks put the speakers in the back of the cabin--same idea.

Free standing speakers do not do well. A well designed box is far better acoustically.

JamesTXSD · Posted: Tue Oct 22, 2013 8:59 am Post subject:

We have been using the Jambox (original size) for a couple years. Small, lightweight, good sound, and you can move it around. If you're looking to "bend the walls" with the sound, this won't do it. We use it mostly with a small XM receiver (handheld size) with mini-jack instead of bluetooth. No draw off the house batteries; plug it in when you have shore power and you're good to go for hours.