Replacement Stereo

[mcfly]

I am looking to replace the dinosaur of a stereo that I have in my Sportster. It also has two Clarion speakers attached to it. I was hoping to get some input from you guys as to what package I could get (receiver and 2 speakers) that would sound good. I dont want to add anymore speakers, I was just thinking of getting something of higher quality. I saw a Pyle system that was reasonably priced. Any input on those or other would be appreciated.

 

[RFoster130]

It really just depends on how much you wanna spend. The pyle marine kit is decent. Its comparable to the factory stuff usually. It sounds ok but nothing spectacular. Its cheap though, i have seen it for like $75 with free shipping. For around $200 you can get a clarion m309 and a set of polk marine 6.5's. It is all about what you wanna spend. Also what do you plan on listening to? I prefer ipod or usb drives. Not all cheap radios have those features.

 

[mcfly]

I plan on using the Ipod aux hook up more than anything else. I was looking through ebay but couldnt find anything worthwhile. When it comes to marine audio, I am really not sure what is worth the money. I think I will just shop ebay and see what I can find

 

[RFoster130]

Ebay is the best place to shop. My whole system came from there and it saved me a ton. The prices i put in my first post were all from ebay. As far as ipods on the boat, you will want to use a nano. The full size ipod uses a spinning hard drive and will skip when you hit waves. It will eventually break it. The smaller nano works like a usb flash drive. I use a first generation one i bought used for like 30 bucks. Figure you what you wanna spend or what ideas you have and ill be glad to help.

 

[huttcraft]

If you don't mind not having radio or CD, have you considered something like this: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/mini-screen-free-mp3-music-player-with-remote-control-sd-usb-3-5mm-audio-jack-silver-dc-12v-91407?

If I was starting over with a new audio set-up I'd be tempted to forgo radio or CD, put my music on a cheap SD card or USB key, and hide something like this under the driver's console for a cheap, clean install. Just a thought.

Dave

 

[mnoble871]

I picked up a Sony DSX-MS60 at Best Buy and I am very pleased with it. I has a built in tray that slides out to hold a usb thumb drive or it also comes with an adapter specifically for an Ipod.
Pic:

Faceplate down, you can see the internal tray:

Tray open with thumb drive attached:

Everything is tucked neatly inside the waterproof cover with no exposed cables and the thumb drive/Ipod is protected in the padded tray.

 

[xtremedesign10]

Check out Fusion Marine stereos... They the best sealed systems I have ever seen. You can choose between CD or Ipod. 70wx4, huge power and it mimics the Ipod screen. The Ipod will insert right inside the drop down face better then any I have seen. I just order mine for my 09 Speedster 150 SC, and will post pics once installed. They make everything from head units, remotes, amps, speakers, subs ...the works for your boat. I have been very impressed with this company.

 

[RFoster130]

I highly recommend getting a radio that is truly ipod compatible and you get to see the screen on the radio and not just the kind with the auxillary input. I have my ipod mounted and never even take it out of the boat.

 

[xtremedesign10]

Fusion pix

I thought I would add to my last post with a follow up to the Fusion units... I have never seen anything built this nice for a decent price... You can find them low as $300... it's a little higher ... but worth the piece of mind. I believe you get a 5 year warranty too.

 

[xtremedesign10]

New stereo installed with pix

I finally installed my new Fusion Ipod deck! Sounds 100 times better then the factory Jensen deck. The Fusion has 70x4 and the new 6.5" can take up to 200 watts also Fusion! To top it off now I don't have to stop the boat to change the station, song or turn up the volume as I installed the optional remote....love it!!