Stereo options

You know the drill..

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JLester273
Posts: 241
Joined: Wed May 10, 2017 10:23 am
Location: Cincinnati Ohio

Stereo options

#1 Post by JLester273 » Thu Jul 06, 2017 7:15 am

I have never had a stereo on a boat before. So with this rebuild I am thinking I may put one in since I am putting in a new console etc.

But I am a bit out of it on that side of things. I mean I can install etc no problem but I have a problem with doing things twice... Meaning I have no clue what to avoid or what to lean toward on audio equipment.

I really don't need anything to fancy. Decent sound and with the age of everyone having a smart phone to stream everything Bluetooth.

I see several reasonable priced systems. but don't know what is junk and what isn't. I do like the gauge style ones as it takes up so much less room. But will I be wanting to replace that soon?

Also how many speakers? Two at a minimum I would guess but is 4 that much better. I imagine that is more like it is in your car with 4. Or maybe you don't have to have it as loud with 4 ??? Again I am not a guy that blares my music so It is more for my kids than me and they know not to turn it up to loud for me...Plus I am the guy sitting at the console.
LOL


What is your recommendations?
My rebuild thread.
http://www.pontoonforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=24807

BobL
Posts: 589
Joined: Fri Jun 25, 2010 10:41 am
Location: Louisiana

Re: Stereo options

#2 Post by BobL » Thu Jul 06, 2017 12:13 pm

A few questions....

1 - Will you want a conventional radio or will all audio be coming from IPhone/USB stick, etc.?
2 - Bluetooth?
3 - USB plug in?
4 - Remote unit (i.e. be able to control input and volume from the rear/deck/swimming area

As for speakers, it depends on the layout and size of your boat. Two GOOD and WELL amplified speakers can sound better than 4 under-powered low end speakers.

I don't blast music but do appreciate deep/rich base. If you are looking to possibly add a sub-woofer, I have used the amplified Bazooka marine tube and put it under my console. No drilling no amps

With all that in mind, your options now will depend on your budget. Here is a good place to start looking for options and budgets:

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-7upGmI6WU ... o-GPS.html

I have had good luck with Clarion, JL and Fusion marine products
SOLD - 2009 20' Bentley w/4 Stroke 90hp Mercury
SOLD - 2011 SouthBay 522CR w/115 4 Stroke Mercury
2014 Xcursion 23RF XS package w/150 4 Stroke Mercury

Bamaman
Posts: 3679
Joined: Fri May 06, 2011 1:44 pm
Location: NW Alabama--Tennessee River

Re: Stereo options

#3 Post by Bamaman » Thu Jul 06, 2017 12:32 pm

Leave your subwoofers at home if you boat within a mile of any other people. We can feel the barometric pressure changing before even hearing subwoofers.

Our lake is wall to wall houses--in the middle of town. Subwoofers are hazardous to our nerves--and our ears.

I was in Best Buy one day and saw a Sony AM-FM/CD head unit on display. It was the same OEM unit in my Bennington--$69.95.

You don't have to spend much to get decent sounds. Often, quality speakers are the best place to spend your money--just not subwoofers.
'12 Bennington 24' SSLX Yamaha 150

JLester273
Posts: 241
Joined: Wed May 10, 2017 10:23 am
Location: Cincinnati Ohio

Re: Stereo options

#4 Post by JLester273 » Thu Jul 06, 2017 6:57 pm

1 - Will you want a conventional radio or will all audio be coming from IPhone/USB stick, etc.?
Probably AM/FM and from iPhones etc.


2 - Bluetooth?
Most likely see above


3 - USB plug in?
Optional as long as bluetooth works good


4 - Remote unit (i.e. be able to control input and volume from the rear/deck/swimming area
I'm not sure on this one. A remote might be nice but think I'd end up loosing it (or my kids would)

As for the Sub. I would rather not for now. I would think I could get decent enough sound for me. I have never had one on a boat so I don't really know how much I will really use it. But I would rather buy a decent one that something I end up replacing in a couple years.
My rebuild thread.
http://www.pontoonforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=24807

BobL
Posts: 589
Joined: Fri Jun 25, 2010 10:41 am
Location: Louisiana

Re: Stereo options

#5 Post by BobL » Thu Jul 06, 2017 8:00 pm

Since you want am/fm (which I have as I can listen to local football and baseball games on the radio) then you need the receiver. Several "marine" receivers also have the weather band. They make units that don't do am/fm and they are really just an amp that you can plug your phone into or Bluetooth.

Some of the units can charge your phone so that may be something of interest.

Several of the ones listed on my link will fit the bill. I would caution you on the small head units as all their inputs are on the back of the unit....and that can be a pain to some people.

The last two things to consider are if you want a CD player and removable face (a theoretical theft deterrent). Those two options will ratchet up the price a bit.

One other thing I just remembered....some of the units do not have a dimmer and that can be an issue when driving at night. I had one that could not dim and I end up putting a shirt over it while driving at night...just too darn bright.

Good luck!
SOLD - 2009 20' Bentley w/4 Stroke 90hp Mercury
SOLD - 2011 SouthBay 522CR w/115 4 Stroke Mercury
2014 Xcursion 23RF XS package w/150 4 Stroke Mercury

Bilboinsa
Posts: 61
Joined: Thu Jul 14, 2016 5:25 pm
Location: San Antonio, TX

Re: Stereo options

#6 Post by Bilboinsa » Thu Jul 06, 2017 8:18 pm

[quote="BobL"]....

One other thing I just remembered....some of the units do not have a dimmer and that can be an issue when driving at night. I had one that could not dim and I end up putting a shirt over it while driving at night...just too darn bright...[/quote]

You are so right! I just did my first night time lake crossing, after a fireworks show this weekend, and my head unit face off way too much light. I just turned it off.

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joe20toon
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Re: Stereo options

#7 Post by joe20toon » Fri Jul 07, 2017 3:37 am

[quote="Bamaman"]... We can feel the barometric pressure changing before even hearing subwoofers.

....[/quote]


Hmmm... Fish love barometric pressure changes... (LOL)
2016 20 foot Sylvan RPT (V Pontoons)
Yamaha Vmax SHO 115HP
80 Pound Thrust RipTide Trolling Motor
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JLester273
Posts: 241
Joined: Wed May 10, 2017 10:23 am
Location: Cincinnati Ohio

Re: Stereo options

#8 Post by JLester273 » Fri Jul 07, 2017 3:40 am

Ah dimming ... I'd not thought of that. I'll be sure to look for that. No CDs most likely

Thanks for the info. Helps me start looking
My rebuild thread.
http://www.pontoonforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=24807

JLester273
Posts: 241
Joined: Wed May 10, 2017 10:23 am
Location: Cincinnati Ohio

Re: Stereo options

#9 Post by JLester273 » Fri Jul 07, 2017 3:44 am

I think I see that the little gauge size ones are just receivers or remotes for playing music not actually radios as I am thinking.....more research .....
My rebuild thread.
http://www.pontoonforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=24807

r&s20
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Joined: Sun Dec 08, 2013 7:37 am
Location: toledo bend loisiana

Re: Stereo options

#10 Post by r&s20 » Fri Jul 07, 2017 5:05 am

some of the gauge style are am/fm,blue tooth and usb.
bobl is correct the inputs are on the back.
i have the (i believe) the jbl prv-175 i mounted a glove box below it and feed the input cables in to it.
the usb is only good for the usb sticks, can't use for mp3 players and such.
i will try post a pic.
if it ain't broke-it ain't ours
94 smokercraft 20ft 90hp johnson
fish and cruise
I am not ADULT SUPERVISION !

r&s20
Posts: 146
Joined: Sun Dec 08, 2013 7:37 am
Location: toledo bend loisiana

Re: Stereo options

#11 Post by r&s20 » Fri Jul 07, 2017 5:24 am

20170621_165854 (Small).jpg
20170621_165854 (Small).jpg (77.92 KiB) Viewed 4376 times
this is the way i did mine. using pontoon stuff large console i like it. yes there is a sub and amp
mounted in console.
sorry about pic being sideways tried to rotate can get every way but right side up.
if it ain't broke-it ain't ours
94 smokercraft 20ft 90hp johnson
fish and cruise
I am not ADULT SUPERVISION !

boocat
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Location: Texas Hill Country

Re: Stereo options

#12 Post by boocat » Sat Jul 08, 2017 6:57 am

I'm not into the BIG sound, just something to listen to my pandora with. I am thinking about the Boss round gauge style because it has NOAA weather band on it and use some good speakers like infinity. Always heard that was the best way to skimp. You can get by with a cheaper head unit but always use good speakers.

https://www.amazon.com/BOSS-MGR350B-MEC ... B00VV6Y7O2
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00292XT2I/?tag=pontoon0a-20

JLester273
Posts: 241
Joined: Wed May 10, 2017 10:23 am
Location: Cincinnati Ohio

Re: Stereo options

#13 Post by JLester273 » Sat Jul 08, 2017 9:11 am

[quote="r&s20"]
20170621_165854 (Small).jpg
this is the way i did mine. using pontoon stuff large console i like it. yes there is a sub and amp
mounted in console.
sorry about pic being sideways tried to rotate can get every way but right side up.[/quote]

This is the console I was looking at too. I saved your picture. I do like your layout. I don't have the in dash controls yet so mine will have a space over there. I like the way that is though I may have to invest in that for this build.
My rebuild thread.
http://www.pontoonforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=24807

JLester273
Posts: 241
Joined: Wed May 10, 2017 10:23 am
Location: Cincinnati Ohio

Re: Stereo options

#14 Post by JLester273 » Sat Jul 08, 2017 9:32 am

[quote="boocat"]I'm not into the BIG sound, just something to listen to my pandora with. I am thinking about the Boss round gauge style because it has NOAA weather band on it and use some good speakers like infinity. Always heard that was the best way to skimp. You can get by with a cheaper head unit but always use good speakers.

https://www.amazon.com/BOSS-MGR350B-MEC ... B00VV6Y7O2
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00292XT2I/?tag=pontoon0a-20[/quote]


I may do something similar. I am going to get good speakers for sure. although I have seen a couple packages that had speakers too buy company names I know ...hahaha so many now I don't know
My rebuild thread.
http://www.pontoonforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=24807

JLester273
Posts: 241
Joined: Wed May 10, 2017 10:23 am
Location: Cincinnati Ohio

Re: Stereo options

#15 Post by JLester273 » Sat Jul 08, 2017 9:36 am

[quote="boocat"]I'm not into the BIG sound, just something to listen to my pandora with. I am thinking about the Boss round gauge style because it has NOAA weather band on it and use some good speakers like infinity. Always heard that was the best way to skimp. You can get by with a cheaper head unit but always use good speakers.

https://www.amazon.com/BOSS-MGR350B-MEC ... B00VV6Y7O2
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00292XT2I/?tag=pontoon0a-20[/quote]


I may do something similar. I am going to get good speakers for sure. although I have seen a couple packages that had speakers too buy company names I know ...hahaha so many now I don't know
My rebuild thread.
http://www.pontoonforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=24807

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