Sound system upgrade. Advice?

[Justin_NSA]

What systems have worked for you? Any good reads on this? I have a Sony Unilink system on my '91 Hunter. It's probably original equipment. There's a head unit (with cassette player) and a 6 CD changer below, and a wired remote in the cockpit. The FM doesn't work and the changer is flakey. Sony has discontinued Unilink too.
We sometimes anchor out and listen to music while we read, talk etc. My wife goes out to the boat for a few days at a time and works from there. She likes the background sound. I can do without a changer if I can use a thumbdrive loaded with music. I don't use FM really, we're too far out for decent signal. I'd like to be able to route the audio from the BluRay player to the system so we have decent sound when watching the TV. Aux In would do it. I really want to keep a wired remote in the cockpit. The existing Sony unit has 2 mounting holes 2 1/4" apart and faceplate is 3 3/8" dia. Some of the newer units are too small to cover the holes and others take a huge hole. There must be a good compromise out there. Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[Brian S]

I have a smaller boat, and it is mostly daysailed on an inland lake with cellular reception. What I prefer is a Bluetooth speaker system, paired with my iPhone. I'm currently using a TDK Trek Max speaker which is splash resistant, rechargeable, and sounds amazing for its size. It can go in the cockpit, in the cabin, and on the beach. If the battery dies, I can recharge from my house battery. I also have something like a 32,000 song library which is synched with iTunes Match in the cloud, so it's available on my phone without having to download everything to the phone. This is paired up with a T-Mobile phone plan, which exempts music streaming from my data use plan. So, I essentially have unlimited music over cellular from my own large music collection, and I have the benefits of an Apple Music subscription, so I can play their "radio stations" if I can't pick something of my own, or I can find new music from their large collection of almost everything. Plus, it's all portable. I listen in the car over a Bluetooth connection to the car stereo, and at the office with Bluetooth headphones. At home I play music from the computer, streamed over wi-fi to an Apple TV and 2 Airport Express devices connected to stereos in the bedroom and basement, so no cellphone involved. I feel very guilty that I never use my iPod Classic anymore, which was my constant music companion for years...

Oh, also, the Trek Max has a 1/8" mini-stereo aux input, so I could hook it up to a TV or other audio source if need be.

 

[pateco]

I too am using a Bluetooth speaker. Logitech UE MiniBoom

Great sound for how small it is, but I need to upgrade. Boat has no built in sound system, but that may have to change.

I may however consider just upgrading to a larger Bluetooth system. Maybe the new UE Boom2

 

[JamesG161]

I'd like to be able to route the audio from the BluRay player to the system so we have decent sound when watching the TV. Aux In would do it.

I used this, plugged into my Aux in on my Sony system...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O8FYUJA?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

Then link this to you BlueTooth music transmit signal. I know your iApple device will let you control the volume of the BlueTooth signal.

This made (2016) use of my 4 sets of top quality installed Stereo Speakers (each set volume controlled except the cockpit set)
In addition, I added this to the TV sound out port to transmit BlueTooth to the above and pipped TV stereo to salon and captain's suite speaker sets.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PI62YVO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00
and good quality.

I just download from iTunes this movie..
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3682448/combined "Bridge of Spies" ( fantastic movie, you gotta see it!)
and using my boats Apple TV, played it (1080p) on my 32" Sharp HDTV with excellent sound.
and with your iPad in the cockpit, watch the same movie and use the Cockpit speaker set too.

What a great combo to watch the Superbowl and have our "tail gate" party with friends in the marina.
I am sure other devices would work, but Apple "rocks" when it comes to linking entertainment.
Jim...

PS: When we first got our boat, the Admiral said the 18" TV was "beeeep"! and she wasn't bringing CD's to play in the 1998 Sony stereo system. I replied "Aye Aye!" and ended up with the above mods and a happy Admiral.

 

[philwsailz]

There are tons of options out there, with even newer ones just on the horizon, (I can't divulge too much ) Know these days, it is increasingly rare to see a CD player; most are going to what is called a"mechless" media controller. USB and BT are pretty much standard. iPod control is available in slightly higher priced units. The flagship piece I am aware of coming soon has dual USBs, one for iPod / Apple control, (with charging) or thumbdrive playback. The other USB is thumbdrive or charging, with no Apple control. It has DUAL auxiliary inputs, so connecting the TV is easy. IT is also AM FM Weather Band, with WX notification regardless of source. Put another way, if you are on the water and a sever weather alert is broadcast, there is notification through the unit, even on AUX or USB that tells you to tune to the Weather Band for the alert.

Bottom line, if you are buying new, skip CD. Other than that, buy based on your $$$comfort level, and desired additional features.

 

[rpwillia]

On this subject is the HD Radio stuff worth it, or is that just marketing?

 

[woodster]

There are tons of options out there, with even newer ones just on the horizon, (I can't divulge too much ) Know these days, it is increasingly rare to see a CD player; most are going to what is called a"mechless" media controller. USB and BT are pretty much standard. iPod control is available in slightly higher priced units. The flagship piece I am aware of coming soon has dual USBs, one for iPod / Apple control, (with charging) or thumbdrive playback. The other USB is thumbdrive or charging, with no Apple control. It has DUAL auxiliary inputs, so connecting the TV is easy. IT is also AM FM Weather Band, with WX notification regardless of source. Put another way, if you are on the water and a sever weather alert is broadcast, there is notification through the unit, even on AUX or USB that tells you to tune to the Weather Band for the alert.

Bottom line, if you are buying new, skip CD. Other than that, buy based on your $$$comfort level, and desired additional features.

Phil what kind will blue tooth to speakers so i don't have to run speaker wires

 

[Justin_NSA]

On this subject is the HD Radio stuff worth it, or is that just marketing?

I like HD in my cars because it's free and gives some new stations. Maybe if I get a head unit that works I might pull in some good stations on the boat. I use the VHF antenna at the top of the mast for VHF and FM

 

[Justin_NSA]

Sounds like Apple dominates the wireless world. We're and Android family. Some of these Bluetooth ideas sound good. Any trouble pairing?

 

[JamesG161]

Any trouble pairing?

I don't think so. Bluetooth is Bluetooth (these days). Apple is normally the standard that most meet.
Probably misnamed, Apple TV, is exploding through new entertainment and probably changing how we watch and use our TV's.
http://www.apple.com/tv/
My boat has Gen 3 Apple TV. I listen and watch my movies/music outside internet range.
BION (believe it or not) I can control my Bluetooth from the helm Raymarine touch screen and my iPad is a repeater/controller (except auto pilot changes) for Raymarine.
So the world is going wireless for sure
This a pict of Captain iPad at the helm on my boat.

The iPad allowed me to set in the shade and enjoy lunch, while I had full helm control. Just about everything is becoming WiFi or BlueTooth controlled.
Keeping with the theme of the post, most older models are upgradable to 2016.
You just got to look around for the adapters.
Jim...

 

[Gene S]

Again on the HD topic. I have it in my car but am having trouble finding it in a marine stereo. The one in my boat works but im not upgrading unless I can find HD. Most radios can receive XM.

 

[Justin_NSA]

Captain iPad - James, you are definitely on the leading edge in my book.
I agree, most systems can be upgraded with the right adapters, but at some point you have to let go of the old and get on board (pun intended) with the new. Electronics are cheap and offer so much more than before. You (I) just need to find the right mix to meet personal needs.

 

[JamesG161]

but at some point you have to let go of the old and get on board (pun intended) with the new

I agree!
I wanted to fix my 1998 Raymarine Fish finder/chart plotter/etc. A replacement cost $800 used. My son-in-law lost his Raymarine Radar (same vintage as mine). New radars are digital.
The deal..
1) Son-in-law bought my radar for -$600
2) April boat show special -$400
3) Brand new Radar/fish finder/chart plotter/ auto pilot controller/ touch screen/ gag you with the rest.. $1100 radar and $1100 for Helm station
4) $400 to install by certified, 3 year world wide warranty, dealer.
5) iPad usable remote station app... Free

Net to upgrade to 2015....$1600 versus $8000+ for not adapting

And the 9x7" Helm touch screen fit the hole perfectly!

Somethings get much improvement by the change, somethings need just an adapter.
Jim...

PS: It is so nice to anchor and go to sleep with with iPad set up a foot away, to monitor anchor moves, wind and waves changes, storm alerts, depth, radar safe zone alerts, stereo speaker volume.. without leaving the bed.

 

[Brian S]

I too am using a Bluetooth speaker. Logitech UE MiniBoom

Great sound for how small it is, but I need to upgrade. Boat has no built in sound system, but that may have to change.

I may however consider just upgrading to a larger Bluetooth system. Maybe the new UE Boom2

The UE Boom gets consistently good reviews for sound quality. My problem with it on an boat is that it's a crappy shape to be used somewhere that moves a lot. Standing it up on end is begging for it to fall over. Although it has a flat spot on it, I be it would still roll pretty easily with good boat movement.

My biggest issue with the Trek Max is that it has a thin footprint, and gets tipped over easily.

 

[philwsailz]

Phil what kind will blue tooth to speakers so i don't have to run speaker wires

Well, running wires is sort of unavoidable in a permanent installation.... you gotta power the speakers somehow.... It is common for your phone or media player to connect to your radio, but the radio to speaker connection is still very much copper.... You need wire.... Sorry...