Need a new stereo, would really like your input

myflyby · Newbie Joined: 03 Mar 2006 Posts: 47 City: Fresno

Just bought the boat, so a big upgrade in the stereo will have to wait. I want to buy a good stereo that will just run 4 speakers that I can totally keep when I really upgrade the system.
I have never done a lot of stereo work and have no idea what features I should make sure it has so later I can put a lot of accessories on it. I would appreciate all input and maybe what you have and what you like and don't like.

tmbrown · Outlaw Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 218 City: East Roseville

I'd just say to look at basic wattage, make sure it has good inputs for whatever you want... (if you want to run an iPod, several have iPod cables - however, on many the control SUCKS - like on the Panasonic I just bought)... Remotes are cool... As far as CD's, you need a good high-end deck to handle the shock.

Also, if you want to be able to do the cool wired marine remotes, you'd have to look at some of the better marine decks... Kenwood, Sony, etc... Places like Overtons are good places to shop for that stuff. Also, sufficient outputs are nice too if you're going to run amps for tower, subs, etc.

myflyby · Newbie Joined: 03 Mar 2006 Posts: 47 City: Fresno

the one I have in there right now is just getting old. It does have one of the mounted remotes. Does that mean it's a marine deck? I would just rather a deck with an AUX input for the ipod or I also bring a portable XM receiver. I'm more concerned with later on when I want to throw a few amps and then speakers, that the deck has the necessary outputs for it.

kstrongsyj · Outlaw Joined: 19 May 2006 Posts: 119 City: Lincoln

I use nothing but Pioneer/Premier in my vehicles. My boat came with a clarion and only reason I dont replace it is the clarion remote in my dash board.

jrhurst · Outlaw Joined: 15 Jul 2005 Posts: 138

Look at Sony's marine line . We sale alot of those and have good luck , plus you get alot for the $$$ . Like 52wx4 , aux input , add on remotes . Also , one of the most inportant things i can tell you in audio , is more speakers is more sound , not so much more power . Example ,,, I am runnin just a high power deck 50wx4 , but am runnin 8 speakers off it .. It is louder, not distorted , than most of the systems we build with an amp and 4 speakers . The rule applied here is that if you double your power , you usually only gain around 3db of sound .. Where as if you double your speakers , you gain ALOT more sound !!! Just though you should keep that in mind while planning your build .. Good Luck

joedirt00 · Posted: Jun 20, 2006 5:52 am Post subject:

The Sony and Pioneer marine remotes work with alot of the car decks as well. I run a Pioneer 6700 CD/MP3 unit. Currently I have one remote by the driver and I have a 2nd one for the transom that needs to be installed. Check eBay for the remotes, I picked mine up for $20 each.

myflyby · Newbie Joined: 03 Mar 2006 Posts: 47 City: Fresno

Thanks for the feedback. Right now I have this remote, which is pretty handy. I'd like to keep it if I could

Do a lot of decks have the capability to have wired remotes?

joedirt00 · Posted: Jun 20, 2006 7:56 am Post subject:

Ther are quite a few decks out that will accept the wired remotes. The only thing is they don't usually state that on the box. I have found that www.crutchfield.com will list them in the additional accessories for a particular head unit if it will work. So I would brouse their site and narrow down the decks that you are intersted in by brand an features and check the accessories tab.