Use your Ipod as your Stereo head unit

[xxturbowesxx]

A recent post reminded me of this. About a month ago I was in need of a stereo for my boat and after looking around came across this as a solution. I use my Ipod as my only music source as some do and dont even own a cd. I was going to purchase a marine head unit but then asked myself why I would need it if i wont be using CDs.

Heres the setup you need a 3.5 ipod jack to rca cable(around $10) a amp(preferably marine) I had a 240w Auto 4ch amp laying around so i used it. Mount the amp somewhere in the boat(mine under console) run your wires to your speakers. Next you need a power source. If your boat is already wired for a stereo then you already have one I on the other hand tied into my trolling motor wires because I only use it with my deep cell batt. I thought i would get sound issues while running the trolling motor and listening to the music(shouldnt be if your fishing anyway) but no ill effects. I also mounted a push button remote switch on the console(pics soon) to turn the amp off and on. you play your music through your ipod and use the built in EQ for sound(rock,pop,ect.) I purchased a waterproof ipod holder from walmart for around $15 and also purchased a remote for the ipod and it mounts to my steering wheel. Everything is digital and sounds great but will depend on the quality of your mp3's. I think this is a great setup if you do not care for cutting holes in your boat for a head unit, if you just dont need one or if your looking to cut costs/room in a fishing boat.


Wes

 

[Arkman]

Re: Use your Ipod as your Stereo head unit

Awesome...Picks would be great. I was thinking about doing the same thing to my boat.

Josh

 

[boat1010]

Re: Use your Ipod as your Stereo head unit

Wow! sounds like a lot of work. I just plug in my "I TRAVEL" into my IPOD and tune the radio to the right freq. and thats it.

 

[Tabes117]

Re: Use your Ipod as your Stereo head unit

Cool! I was thinking of doing samething, since the cd in my Kenwood gave out. I never owned an ipod. My son just got one for his birthday. HMMMMMMM I will have to confiscate it.

 

[itsonlymoney]

Re: Use your Ipod as your Stereo head unit

While I currently have a head unit installed I also use the Ipod type unit for my music. It also has an FM reciever in it so I can just switch over to it if needed for news, sports etc. I don't really see a need to remove the head unit and the addition of the digital feed was simple by just adding Y connectors into my head unit RCA to amp. connections.

Basically I just plug it in, listen, and unplug it when I'm done. I also use the 12v. charger that comes with the unit. It just plugs right into my accessory/Cig lighter outlet.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: Use your Ipod as your Stereo head unit

Good idea. I use my ipod in the car to feed my HU and almost never listed to Cd's/Fm/Xm any more. If I might, I'll add two ponts of clarification though.

1) This should work with ANY MP3/Cd player (or anything with a headphone out jack for that matter.) . Doesn't have to to be a (more expensive than most) Ipod. The only reason to go Ipod IMHO, is if you have a head unit that will charge and control the ipod ( through it's input/usb connection) while it's playing. these are pretty common in the automotove headunit market. ( BTW, some amps sense input and turn themselves on/off so you might even be able to skip the switch!)

2) Some players have better battery standby than others. If you go out for full day trips, your going to want a 12V charger for your player. The 3.5mm jack is for audio output only and doesn't charge your unit.

 

[madmatt]

Re: Use your Ipod as your Stereo head unit

If money isn't an issue, I believe Fusion makes a head unit that has a hidden internal ipod dock. It looks pretty sweet. Also you don't have to mount another dock or string your cable across the boat to change tracks.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Use your Ipod as your Stereo head unit

If money isn't an issue, I believe Fusion makes a head unit that has a hidden internal ipod dock. It looks pretty sweet. Also you don't have to mount another dock or string your cable across the boat to change tracks.

I made sure I bought a Jensen Marine Stereo with Aux input in front. I just plug my 3.5 into my daughters Ipod or my MP3 player and I have all the tunes I want.

 

[xxturbowesxx]

Re: Use your Ipod as your Stereo head unit

While I currently have a head unit installed I also use the Ipod type unit for my music. It also has an FM reciever in it so I can just switch over to it if needed for news, sports etc. I don't really see a need to remove the head unit and the addition of the digital feed was simple by just adding Y connectors into my head unit RCA to amp. connections.

Basically I just plug it in, listen, and unplug it when I'm done. I also use the 12v. charger that comes with the unit. It just plugs right into my accessory/Cig lighter outlet.

This setup if for people who do not currently have or need a head unit..and an alternative to purchasing an expensive head unit if you do not need one.. I'm in no way saying to remove a head unit.