Another stereo thread

Nos4r2 · 24 May 2007, 19:31

Well... having gone down the cheap mp3 player/power amp/speakers route I've discovered that the cheap MP3 player doesn't seem to have enough output for the amp.

I don't really have enough room in the console to cut the hole to fit a normal stereo so....

Any suggestions?

GED · 24 May 2007, 19:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Well... having gone down the cheap mp3 player/power amp/speakers route I've discovered that the cheap MP3 player doesn't seem to have enough output for the amp.

I don't really have enough room in the console to cut the hole to fit a normal stereo so....

Any suggestions?

fit a stereo in side the console and operate it by remote ...loads for sale on the av marine site

JABS · 24 May 2007, 20:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Well... having gone down the cheap mp3 player/power amp/speakers route I've discovered that the cheap MP3 player doesn't seem to have enough output for the amp.

I don't really have enough room in the console to cut the hole to fit a normal stereo so....

Any suggestions?

Does the amplifier have a 'low level' input? It needs that to operate successfully from a MP3 player.

If it only has 'speaker inputs' you could make up a pre amplifier.

I would be interested since that is exactly what we intend to do!

Also, Marine AV make an amplifier specifically for this application but it is pricey.

Tony

Biggles · 24 May 2007, 20:20

Have a search for the thread Nasher did on exactly the same set up as you have at the moment Matt. He got the MP3 player and a cheap amp to work together well.

NR.

Biggles · 24 May 2007, 20:21

This might be it.

http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread....ght=nasher+mp3

Nasher · 24 May 2007, 20:36

Biggles

Hi.

I believe it was one of your threads I hijacked towards the end with more details of my set up, not the one you found.

Matt
I am using the low level input on my amp.

Nasher

JABS · 24 May 2007, 20:50

Nasher,

Can you give us a description of your system?

This sounds like what we want to do, amp, speakers and ipod input.

How much power do you have? Do you have a sub? How do you control volume. Have you tried a personal radio>

Is it loud enough??

Thanks

Tony

Biggles · 24 May 2007, 20:57

Cheers Nasher,

Its this page.

http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread....ght=nasher+mp3

Nick R.

Nos4r2 · 24 May 2007, 21:13

Cheers!

I'm going through the low level input-it's got a gain control on it. It seems there just isn't enough even with the gain control at full.
I'm using a 50w per channel amp but I can hold a conversation indoors over what I'm getting out of it.

Biggles · 24 May 2007, 21:30

Matt,

Have you thought about cutting the hole in the side of the console ? That might be worth following up if you have to buy a proper cd player. I think Tim M got a bargain (As he always seems to do) on Ebay recently.
Or you could hide the AV marine set away and use one of their small extensions on you console. They also do IR remotes but I think they are line of sight only. Plenty of options but it all starts to add up money wise.

I'm still looking for speakers. Just can't justify proper wakeboard speakers that look quite flimsy at £300 plus and then the cost of an amp on top.

I need to speak to Jimbo. Apparently he's flogging speakers now as well. Its getting like 'Only Fools and Horse's' now in Pompey

Do you think the next time I pop into haslar marina I'll find one of RIBNETs finest flogging stuff out of suitcase

Nos4r2 · 24 May 2007, 21:48

I'm actually thinking about fitting an old car radio/cassette player under the seat now (it helps that I've got a couple of the old Ford ones lying around to experiment with). It occurred to me that it's very easy to plug a cassette adapter in which does run ok from the same cheap mp3 player I was going to use.

The radio/cassette hooked up to the amp plus the pair of 120w weatherproof speakers I bought should hopefully do the trick.

Biggles · 24 May 2007, 22:11

I did have a quick look at Car Cd players on Argos tonight but couldn't think of a way of linking it up to a MP3 player. Never thought about a cassette adaptor. Good idea.
Just one thought that has come to my notice. You might want to think of some way to control the volume that's accessible. Stop starting as we sometimes tend to do on our outings means one second the sound is fine because your blatting along and you've got the volume up loud. The next you stop for some reason and the music is too loud. Becomes annoying. I need to get one of those wireless receivers when I've got some spare money

Jimbo · 24 May 2007, 22:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

I need to speak to Jimbo. Apparently he's flogging speakers now as well. Its getting like 'Only Fools and Horse's' now in Pompey

Am I? This is news to me, but I'll sell you anything given half a chance.

I do have an Eagle Loudhailer to hook up to a VHF for sale - but not sure that's what you're after!

Nos4r2 · 24 May 2007, 22:16

I was actually planning on velcroing a small waterproof box to the console with the mp3 player in-that way I can control volume via that.

<edit> Feck! Wireless jobbies are 8 quid in my local garage...what a good idea!

Nos4r2 · 24 May 2007, 22:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Am I? This is news to me, but I'll sell you anything given half a chance.

Does that make you Delboy and if so, who's Rodney?

According to Jon Brooks you sell waterproof speakers... what can you get?

Biggles · 24 May 2007, 22:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Am I? This is news to me, but I'll sell you anything given half a chance.

I do have an Eagle Loudhailer to hook up to a VHF for sale - but not sure that's what you're after!

Will that work with my Icom 421. And I've just got a hand held loud hailer.

Biggles · 24 May 2007, 22:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

According to Jon Brooks you sell waterproof speakers... what can you get?

Yeh.

Biggles · 24 May 2007, 22:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

I was actually planning on velcroing a small waterproof box to the console with the mp3 player in-that way I can control volume via that.

I've velcroed my MP3 player to the dash. But its not waterproof in any way. If it rains it gets wrapped in a plastic bag and chucked on the console. Means I can still access the buttons. But not very well at 30 Knots

In fact I've found that I can do virtually bugger all at 30 Knots on my boat

Jimbo · 24 May 2007, 22:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

Yeh.

Ah. Yes, he's correct. Mainly for VHF's, but can do them for marine audio. Price list is in the office, but I'll get back to you guys tomorrow!

(PS - I can't be Del Boy. All my gear is guaranteed, warranteed, and is direct from manufacturer/importer. I may be able to get you a good price, but the gear aint dodgy!)

Jimbo · 24 May 2007, 22:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

Will that work with my Icom 421. And I've just got a hand held loud hailer.

I don't know, but I will check. Not sure the 421 has a loudhailer option - certainly the equivalent Standard Horizon has one, but on the Icoms you'd have to have an m505 or 606 if I recall correctly. Will confirm.