Just got a pair of Bose 151's for my boat...In my area there is not much access to marine stores...looking for advice on marine stereos as to brand and where to buy
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
D
Dave
From what I have read marine stereos are the same as car stereos but with a label that says marine on them. They might stuff a dessicant bag i the box bu if you think all the electronics in the unit are somehow corrosion proof and different than a normal stereo I sincerely doubt it. The market would be far to small to make such special equipment which would make the price prohibitive. Besides most electronics are circuit boards, solder, and silicon chips. If a car stereo will work for ten years in extreme temperatures, exposed to horrible bumps and shock loads, if it cost 200 bucks and lasts in your boat for 5 years it is probably worth the 3 bucks a month it will cost you for the purchase. Last time I looked the prices were lower so it is probably 2 bucks a month. Just throw it out and replace it when it stops working. Good luck dave
T
Tim McCarty
Check Sailnet, or, West Marine online
typically, now is a good time to look, as, most of the stereo manufactures are discontinuing models, and, the marine stores want to deplete their inventory. I puchased a Jensen Stereo through Sailnet (orig. $149.99), for $99.99. This is a cassette stereo, however, has a jack to hook up a portable CD player. I probably would not pay more than 100 bucks due to the extreme conditions (ie it's outside most of the time).
typically, now is a good time to look, as, most of the stereo manufactures are discontinuing models, and, the marine stores want to deplete their inventory. I puchased a Jensen Stereo through Sailnet (orig. $149.99), for $99.99. This is a cassette stereo, however, has a jack to hook up a portable CD player. I probably would not pay more than 100 bucks due to the extreme conditions (ie it's outside most of the time).
R
ralph
D
Derek Rowell
Stereo with auxiliary audio inputs?
While we are on the subject: I just purchased a Delphi XM (digital satellite) radio tuner for the boat. My problem is that I do not have any auxiliary audio inputs for the tuner on the stereo. I already have an FM modulator for use with my CD changer, and I don't know yet whether I can use this with the Delphi. (I also don't know if you can have two FM modulators) Does anybody know of a "marinized" stereo with extra inputs? I've looked through the catalogs, and at the units at West and Boat/US and none of them seem to have a means for connecting to other devices.
While we are on the subject: I just purchased a Delphi XM (digital satellite) radio tuner for the boat. My problem is that I do not have any auxiliary audio inputs for the tuner on the stereo. I already have an FM modulator for use with my CD changer, and I don't know yet whether I can use this with the Delphi. (I also don't know if you can have two FM modulators) Does anybody know of a "marinized" stereo with extra inputs? I've looked through the catalogs, and at the units at West and Boat/US and none of them seem to have a means for connecting to other devices.
M
Mike Kenny
Polyplanar - Stereo with Auxilary Inputs
The Polyplanar MRD60 has an option for at least 2 auxilary inputs. The IMR-4 Aux I/O interface adds 2 inputs and 3 pre-amp line outputs. It's expensive but it seems to priced all over the map. I've seen it advertized anywhere from $449 to $249. Mike Debbia II
The Polyplanar MRD60 has an option for at least 2 auxilary inputs. The IMR-4 Aux I/O interface adds 2 inputs and 3 pre-amp line outputs. It's expensive but it seems to priced all over the map. I've seen it advertized anywhere from $449 to $249. Mike Debbia II
P
Peter J. Brennan
Marine stereos exist
I think Practical Sailor has done some pieces on them. They are well gasketed against the elements and their innards may well be potted to protect against corrosion. Ordinary auto radios just won't last long. Unfortunately, too many auto radios are packaged in boxes that say Marine but they aren't. One I looked at and returned to the store (West Marine) only had instructions for mounting in a car even though the box said Marine. The environment is tough and very little corrosion will kill the unit. I have an electronic piano keyboard that we keep on board for musicales. One day it quit. Took me a year to find the almost invisible bit of corrosion that disabled the power switch. A little dab of solder and it's like new -- until the next time. P.S. For price comparisons, try the new offshoot of Google -- Froogle.
I think Practical Sailor has done some pieces on them. They are well gasketed against the elements and their innards may well be potted to protect against corrosion. Ordinary auto radios just won't last long. Unfortunately, too many auto radios are packaged in boxes that say Marine but they aren't. One I looked at and returned to the store (West Marine) only had instructions for mounting in a car even though the box said Marine. The environment is tough and very little corrosion will kill the unit. I have an electronic piano keyboard that we keep on board for musicales. One day it quit. Took me a year to find the almost invisible bit of corrosion that disabled the power switch. A little dab of solder and it's like new -- until the next time. P.S. For price comparisons, try the new offshoot of Google -- Froogle.
J
JOlson
sony works for me
I looked at all the stereos out there and I wanted good sound a10 disk CD player and a remote with am fm I just bought a sony for three houndred bucks the geeek at the store pre wired it and away I went . smooth sailing and If it breaks Ill just buy a new one. I have a topless jeep that sits out all yearround with water pouring on it and the sony stereo works like new .I dont think the stero in the boat can get anty weter then that its In the cabin .????
I looked at all the stereos out there and I wanted good sound a10 disk CD player and a remote with am fm I just bought a sony for three houndred bucks the geeek at the store pre wired it and away I went . smooth sailing and If it breaks Ill just buy a new one. I have a topless jeep that sits out all yearround with water pouring on it and the sony stereo works like new .I dont think the stero in the boat can get anty weter then that its In the cabin .????
T
tom b
u ever sing in the shower....
well ur in a plastic tub,,,water everwhere...... sing it man sing it...good luck...im tryin to find the same thing for my boat..
well ur in a plastic tub,,,water everwhere...... sing it man sing it...good luck...im tryin to find the same thing for my boat..
K
Ken
Marine grade is important. You can find some radios with Marine band weather. (Jensen has several) Also wiring your speaker with Marine grade wire, "tined wire". I used regular speaker wire and I went to check why the speaker wasn't working after two years, the home wire turned to dust. I replaced with some Marine wire still kick'n. The Marine grade stereos also have a 3-M spray coating over the circuit, many have wired remote helping you change channels in the cockpit.
P
Peter J. Brennan
- Status
- Not open for further replies.