View Full Version : Boat Stereo Receiver Suggestions...where to buy?
Shreddy
06-26-2013, 10:08 AM
Hi guys - looking to put a new deck in my boat. I have a nice bose speaker system in there but the deck doesn't have the power to amplify it (very old tape deck). I want a deck with an auxiliary input (preferably in the front) to run my iphone. I've been looking online and came across the Sony CDX-M30 which would be right in my wheelhouse I think. Looking to spend under $200 and pickup locally so I can put it in this weekend. Suggestions on units and stores are greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
BroadHopper
06-26-2013, 10:17 AM
Take a look at this website. You should find an excellent deck for your boat.
http://www.rocktheboatmarine.com/
I puchased two decks for two boats from them. Delivery was only 3 or 4 days from the order date. Check for clearances to save money.
I purchased DC Gold waterproof speakers from them 5 years ago. They survived many 'teen' and college parties on the boat. Highly recomend them despite the expense.
Both decks I purchased were JBL. They put out 50 watts per channel and the back of the unit gets pretty hot. I made sure the is good circulation. One is 7 years old and one is 5. Both performed well. I will be glad to demonstrate the DC Gold. (Formerly Babb waterproof speakers).
AC2717
06-26-2013, 10:23 AM
I purchased a MBquart head unit two years ago from a ebay store in Germany. MBquart is a very good quality in the Automotive world as well as Boating world
I love it! It is the MBQuart WR1, also I was able to pay well under $100 for it because it came from Germany, and was a new unit not refurbished, it pushes 40 Watts per channel, has a audio input on front, RCA out put and inputs on back, and also has a USB port on it as well, Also does satillite. I went for the non cd model because I was not using them much anymore and also did not want a opening to the unit. It is all marined up including the screen that you can still read in bright sun, also it has a cut out that if you max out on volume it will cut out the volume to the speakers so you do not blow them
here are the main features:
• AM/FM/Media Receiver: WR1-USB
• AM/FM Radio
• MP3, WMA Media Compatible
• 3.5mm AUX input
• USBInput
• SD Card Input
• PA Input with optional PA microphone
• Apple iPod-Ready with Full Text Display to controlyour iPod from your deck using the optional cable
• 40 Watts X 4 output
• RCA audio output
• Multi-Color LCD Display
• AM/FM Tuner with 18 FM, 12 AM Presets
I replaced my sony tape deck in the boat with a Jensen and it broke within two years. this one cost me more than the MBquart
codeman671
06-26-2013, 10:54 AM
I believe the one that I installed this spring is the DEH-X6500BT. It does have front input as well as Bluetooth. I use it in a Boston Whaler using the Bluetooth and it works great.
It is not marine rated, but I don't feel it is necessary. Mine sits under a flip down cover, and in most applications it wont be out in the weather anyhow.
$101 with free shipping (or pay for faster shipping method) on Amazon, may be available locally as well.
brk-lnt
06-26-2013, 11:10 AM
I'd recommend Amazon, I've found several good units there. Been planning to upgrade the decks in the boat and golf cart this year, just haven't had any time (or time at the lake) yet to do so.
LIforrelaxin
06-26-2013, 03:05 PM
Kenwood KMR 355 from Amazon for less the 100$
4 channels x 22w RMS; 50 per channel max
Marine rated
Easy expansion with 2 pre amp outputs
It also has all the bells and whistles you are looking for
I just bought one and installed it a couple of weeks ago
Shreddy
06-27-2013, 07:41 AM
Kenwood KMR 355 from Amazon for less the 100$
4 channels x 22w RMS; 50 per channel max
Marine rated
Easy expansion with 2 pre amp outputs
It also has all the bells and whistles you are looking for
I just bought one and installed it a couple of weeks ago
Very close to what I went with! I got this for $130 from Best Buy yesterday
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Kenwood+-+CD+-+Apple%26%23174%3B+iPod%26%23174%3B-/Satellite+Radio-Ready+-+Marine+-+In-Dash+Receiver+-+Blue/7501184.p?id=1218848534215&skuId=7501184
I'm sure it will do exactly what I need to it, play the speakers to their capabilities and let me play music from my iphone!
I have this in my boat: http://www.rocktheboatmarine.com/html/53141.html. It has a lot of power - no need for extra amps.
IPod fits inside in a fully waterproof enclosure.
BlackcatBoater
07-01-2013, 10:08 AM
My previous boat was an older model that I upgraded with a unit that looks very similar to the above- it was made by Fusion. Many adapters for the different style Ipod/Iphones. I absolutely loved it. I'm not one to crank my radio too loud, but it was sufficient at speed without distorting the speakers. It was nice to put my ipod right inside and forget about it. No chance of a wet towel or cold beverage interference!
surfnsnow
07-01-2013, 10:12 AM
you might want to check out vanworks in laconia, small outfit but a decent selection
BroadHopper
07-01-2013, 10:31 AM
WOW! So that mean I can have the cabin as 1 zone and the cockpit as another?
That is going to require 4 more speakers and holes as well as a maze of wires to my boat. At least I can control the speakers much better as of right now I use the fade control to isolate the speakers.
I like the idea of isolating the MP3 player or Ipod from the weather.
Rock on!
FullHouse
07-01-2013, 03:55 PM
I would highly recommend Vanworks. Great work. They were prompt and priced very reasonable.
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