Onboard Music Hardware

[Splash]

What is the modern current choice for onboard music hardware ?

Do I need to have a headset unit hardwired into the dash (or elsewhere) and have connecting speakers hardwired ?

Or, can I bring on board a small portable Bluetooth music piece and have Bluetooth speakers communicating wirelessly?

What option would you prefer and why?


Splash

[NAGG]

Depends how important music is to you when boating ........

When I'm in the car - my music is played 90% of the time - 10% Radio

When I'm boating - I hardly ever use the stereo ..... it might be 2%

That's the first thing you need to decide -

If I was building a boat - yeh I would have a hard wired head unit with decent speakers ....... when underway you really need to crank up the volume & none of those portable speakers cut the mustard.

Chris

[ranmar850]

I have an AM/FM radio with BT capability fitted--I chose it on the basis of compactness, as I had a lot to fit on the dash. it is an Axiom, IIRC, small round head unit, with a couple of water resistant Axiom speakers. It was pretty cheap, works flawlessly. When it is asked to, that is, hardly ever use it, mostly for the footy if within radio range.
Everyone's requirements are different, and what you do in the car may be quite different to what you will do on the boat.

[seastrength]

I have a similar setup to Ranmar using a Fusion AM/FM radio when in broadcast range. Also a cradle for my phone to listen to downloaded music offshore. Both networked to Raymarine MFD for ease of use on the touch screen. SS

[Splash]

Thank you Gents.

Can you provide a link to both those Axiom and Fusion music products?

Splash

[ranmar850]

Sorry, I said Axiom when I meant Axis. Axiom is the more expensive stuff

A google search brings this up, looks identical to mine

https://frankiesautoelectrics.com.au...hoCzdcQAvD_BwE

[Greg P]

Running all JL audio stuff on mine. MM50 head units (nmea2K linked to the Simrad)and a couple of JL audio 8 inch speakers. MM50 is a good simple unit, has a small built in amp so no need for an additional amp and sounds pretty good. All the usual stuff as well, blue tooth, usb connections etc.

https://www.jlaudio.com/products/med...ce-units-99911

[Splash]

Thanks guys.

Where is the ideal location to mount the head unit and speakers?

Splash

[seastrength]

Thank you Gents.

Can you provide a link to both those Axiom and Fusion music products?

Splash

Fusion Marine radio and speakers:

Fusion Marine Speakers & Products - CH Smith Marine

SS

[Splash]

Nice thanks