Marine Stereo Recommendations

[Searay87]

I'm planning to replace the old AM/FM cassette player and speakers in my 1987 Sea Ray Sorrento 24. I'd like to hear from those of you who've done an upgrade like this. One of my main concerns is the quality of the speakers and the power output required. My 22 year old son wants me to buy the higher power system. How does the basic 4 speaker system sound?

I'm considering a system like this one on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Sony-Ma...040059ba&item=330779613626&pt=US_Marine_Audio


Thanks!


Bob

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Marine Stereo Recommendations

Considering the horrible audio that was put in boats 25 years ago, (unless Sea Ray did a better job than some) this set should be better than what you have. 17 watts is a bit thin, so it all depends on your requirements. If you are not a demanding listener, this may do the job, the price is certainly attractive. If you want more oomph, deeper bass, louder volume, or have high standards this unit may be on the lower end. Tell your son you'll kick in the $135 that this unit costs, and have him fund the additional cost of a higher out put amp and better speakers.

 

[Wind dog]

Re: Marine Stereo Recommendations

I have a Pyle in my boat & that describes it to a "T', a big pile!. But you get what you pay for.
To be specific the detachable face would not make good contact with the "base" I tried bending the contacts but that would only work for a short time, finally put a screw in it to hold the face on.

You talk about adding a more powerful stereo,That's cool! But please take in to account the rest of the lake doesen't want to hear your music.
Thanks

 

[Searay87]

Re: Marine Stereo Recommendations

Thanks for the replies. I've owned two classic Sea Rays and the original audio is pathetic. The reviews for this system on Amazon are not bad but it sounds like others have had problems with the faceplate and if the front panel gets wet the buttons don't work and you're stuck using the remote. Mine is mounted in the cuddy so it won't be exposed to the elements.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-CDXM30-M..._next_2?ie=UTF8&pageNumber=2&showViewpoints=0

No comments about the sound lacking so I'll probably stick with the basic system and not blow away the those nearby on the lake. It'll be better than what we're listening to now.

 

[delirious]

Re: Marine Stereo Recommendations

go to a local independant audio shop, not only does it help your local economy, but you`ll find knowledgable ppl that will dirrect you better to what your needs are. all this cheap internet shopping is going to do is save u a few buck for a brief momment. then it will assist in ruining the economy further. i truely dont understand why ppl spend thousands, tens of thousands on recreational toys, and then cheap out trying to outfit them. a deal isnt a deal after it fails, and you TRY to get satisfaction frm an internet supplier. another thing to consider is marine electronics is NON-REPAIRABLE as the circuit boards are coated in a resin making a simple job as replacing a capacitor/resistor/diode, etc IMPOSSIBLE. another point to ponder is just because all the brand new shiney boats come equiped with clarion marine audio, doesnt mean its the best....just means lowest bidder. a 300 dollar alpine marine deck will last 5 times longer than all those 100-ish dollar versions, so saving a few dollars now will end up costing you. sorry but i read these stereo threads all the time n get frustrated with ppl trying to save a dime or two.

 

[MWBoatFan]

Re: Marine Stereo Recommendations

I was in your shoes too. 1996 Mariah with an AM/FM cassette player with 2 dinky underpowered 5 inch rounds. It was horrible!

I shopped around, listened to some different units and decided to buy through Amazon and saved a BUNCH compared to buying local.

You can see my thread here : http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=574557

Good luck and DO YOUR HOMEWORK, it will help.

 

[delirious]

Re: Marine Stereo Recommendations

someone you may know, or someone you know may know of someone right now that might be losing a job due to ppl buying frm the internet. what really discusts me is you USED the time and resources of local shops, to find your audio, but bought it online. to hell with the shop that demonstrated the stereos for you, the salesperson that you talked to, the overhead to have their doors open for you to listen and compare systems. the audio shop i work for is struggling, as are all the smaller independant shops are, and i suspect after being a custom car audio installer for over 20 years, i have less than no idea what i`ll do when the store closes....note: i said "when" not "if". I wonder how you would feel if ppl came to your place of buisiness/employement, used your resources, and time, and hear " thanx, man...no i can go home and order one of those "thingamjigz" frm AMAZON and save a bunch"

 

[MWBoatFan]

Re: Marine Stereo Recommendations

someone you may know, or someone you know may know of someone right now that might be losing a job due to ppl buying frm the internet. what really discusts me is you USED the time and resources of local shops, to find your audio, but bought it online. to hell with the shop that demonstrated the stereos for you, the salesperson that you talked to, the overhead to have their doors open for you to listen and compare systems. the audio shop i work for is struggling, as are all the smaller independant shops are, and i suspect after being a custom car audio installer for over 20 years, i have less than no idea what i`ll do when the store closes....note: i said "when" not "if". I wonder how you would feel if ppl came to your place of buisiness/employement, used your resources, and time, and hear " thanx, man...no i can go home and order one of those "thingamjigz" frm AMAZON and save a bunch"

Hey man, relax, I am sorry your personal situation is so bleak. I actually went to a local car audio place I have used for YEARS, listened to the ones I liked there and bought all of my install gear there. I have gotten components there before but this time the price difference was entirely too high (we are talking $50 plus difference and that's on the HU and then again on the AMP not quite so bad on speakers, like 8 bucks I think but all told, I saved almost $150 bucks). I also looked at some stuff at a local boat dealership (some Sony stuff) that was already installed in a boat to see what it all sounded like and to help decide on good placement in my install. Should I have bought a new boat while I was there?

I buy local when it makes sense, but I certainly will not do it to the point of absurdity. I have a budget too.

But I appreciate your opinions and your situation. Hope it gets better for ya!

 

[delirious]

Re: Marine Stereo Recommendations

now worries...sometymes ppl need ta kick the soapbox out frm under me (gently though im no youngin anymore) things always work out for me it seem things are never bleak, just uncertain at times. in my small area the only jobs that will pay me at least my present wage will be a factory ( i hate factory work) and they have been shuttin down here regularly. but YEAH! ya shoulda bought a new boat and ummmmm donated to old one to me? LOL cheers man!