Stereo upgrade (please no deregatory remarks)

[a70eliminator]

Hello fellow boaters, this forum could possibly be the best source of information I have thanks to all those who can reply with any input.
Ok so here goes, I want to replace my old casette player with something that has a better sound and can play mp3's and cd's my daughters have ipods and said dad why can't you get a new stereo for us, and mama said yea why don't get one they can plug the ipod into, GREEN LIGHT!
Ok what are some of you guys running? I'm overwhelmed by all the stuff out there, Sony, Clarion, Kenwood, JBL, and a ton of unknowns, they all yeild about 180w max and 20wRMS.
I'm asking you guys to help me puchase a good head unit, one that I can maybe add onto in the future, like an amp and a nice little subby. I kinda like this it seems to have lots of plugs in the back for upgrades and a user friendly looking front panel.
http://www99.shopping.com/xPP-in_dash_receivers--jbl look at the JBL MR35 CD Player

 

[Splat]

Re: Stereo upgrade (please no deregatory remarks)

I've always had good luck with Pioneer.

However that was years ago before I bought my envoy with the Bose system. I haven't looked at any head units in a few years. You may want to order from crutchfield. They used to have good prices and anything you could possibly want.

Bill

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Stereo upgrade (please no deregatory remarks)

While i am not a big Sony fan i picked up one of these...it will play well under high stress (chop) It also has good sound quality...the kids have enourmous amps and lots of speakers they added later. I am quite impressed

http://www.millionbuy.com/snycdxh905ir.html

Features:

• • iPod Direct: Plug-N-Play
  • Water Resistant Marine Design
  • SAT Radio Ready
  • HD Radio Ready
  • Silver Front Panel Base Surround
  • Direct Sunlight Viewable Display
  • UV Resistant Paint & Conformal Circuit Board Coating
  • Splash-Proof Front Panel
  • Anti-Rusted Screw for Front Part
  • Auxiliary Input with Cap for Portable Audio Compatible
  • DSO (Dynamic Stage Organizer)
  • EQ3 StageII (3 Band Equalizer)
  • Front +Rear/Sub Selectable Pre-Amp Output
  • Sony-Bus for CD Changer Control
  • 4 Codec (MP3/WMA/AAC/ATRAC) CD Playback
  • CD-R/RW Compatible
  • 4 x 52W S-MOSFET Power Output
  • Dimensions : 197mm x 89mm x 187mm
  • Warranty Information : 1 Year Millionbuy Warranty

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158H905IP/Sony-CDX-H905iP.html?tp=1721

http://www.xplodsony.com/article/2007+Marine+Product+Guide

 

[rightcoastrob]

Re: Stereo upgrade (please no deregatory remarks)

I,d look for something with a sd slot.that way no cd skipping and no extra ipod laying around u can buy a combo unit from ebay or walmart is where i got mine its a VR3 am/fm/cd/player remote control u can hook a ipod,sd card or usb up to it its about a 100$ its what i have in my boat and i only boat on lake erie and i always take a beating out there.and its not to expensive but it sounds good with deceint speakers and no amp.Dont matter what they are or what they cost once there wet there shot...

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: Stereo upgrade (please no deregatory remarks)

I bought one of these ..best bang for the buck, great unit.
USB Port / SD Card Slot/ S-Video PAL & NTSC/ MP4 / DIVX5.0 / AVI / DVD / VCD / MP3 / CD/ AM/FM, with remote!

More features then I need on my boat but was priced right, has great sound and does everything but make coffee.

 

[Godfirst]

Re: Stereo upgrade (please no deregatory remarks)

Stick with the name brands. Seen many ratings very poor for others I personally like Sony it really depends on what qualities you want out of the radio.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Stereo upgrade (please no deregatory remarks)

i have had great success, going to auto junk yards, and buying systems there.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Stereo upgrade (please no deregatory remarks)

Thanks for all the replys, that Sony looks great tailgunner, it's probably the one based on your review. Trashdaddy I tried to get one out a lincoln mk vII there were so many wires and connectors specific to that vehicle there were amps in the trunk and speakers burried so deep in dash, it was a JBL Premium sound system and had about 10lbs of wiring, I should have gotten everthing but ended up with just the head unit and gave up on trying to make up my own harness, the speakers had a weird impedance too. What year vehicles are you pulling stereo's from cause the 2000ish cars seem like a wiring nighmare.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Stereo upgrade (please no deregatory remarks)

Who would make derogatory remarks...?? I too pull a lot of stuff from wrecking yards and will be looking for a head unit real soon. I know I want to get waterproof speakers, so will be watching the posts to see some particulars. In our salt water environment I don't see me paying a lot for a head unit I know will get wet eventually. Good luck!

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Stereo upgrade (please no deregatory remarks)

Who would make derogatory remarks...?? I too pull a lot of stuff from wrecking yards and will be looking for a head unit real soon. I know I want to get waterproof speakers, so will be watching the posts to see some particulars. In our salt water environment I don't see me paying a lot for a head unit I know will get wet eventually. Good luck!

Head units are one thing, but to speakers...blah ba blah...all the cones are now made from plasitc...some will speak to the spider.......total melarky..

 

[sundowner205]

Re: Stereo upgrade (please no deregatory remarks)

I have had great success with Alpine products. I have a motorized face CD player with an iPod cable which I think you might like. The motorized face is nice because it keeps any water that may come in contact with the face from entering the unit via the CD slot, especially if you do not have a stereo cover.

I also have all Alpine Marine speakers - 4-6.5", 2-8", and a 10"sub, all powered by 2 standard Alpine auto amps that I got off of ebay.

The amps are only 40 watts, but Alpine amps are extremely underrated...the sound is amazing.

 

[suddendebt]

Re: Stereo upgrade (please no deregatory remarks)

I understand your dilemma. I went oldschool meets hithec. I never put a receiver in at all, just a pyramid marine amp (about 60.00) and it has RCA inputs. At Radioshack, you can get a cord from 3.5mm micro jack (headphone style) and RCA jacks at the other, and plug it in to any mp3 player. (My wife just happened to get a Sony waterproof MP3 player for xmas last year) Works like a charm.