New speakers, now what head unit?

cmelt2003

I pulled the trigger on some new Kenwood speakers as mine are rotting out: Kenwood KFC-1653MRW 6.5" 2-Way Marine Speakers Pair (White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U7RW0B8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_j7v-Cb7Y0ZZ2J

I also want to replace the head unit on my 99 270,  but after all my research I am more confused than ever. I have a single DIN head unit now and want to stay with that size. The wife and I aren’t looking to blow the covers off surrounding boats. I am looking for something reliable, has good sound (I’m not using an amp or sub) and has Bluetooth. What do you suggest? 

Black_Diamond

I keep pondering this one. 

[Deleted User]

I'm happy with my JVC KD-X350BTS. $70 on Amazon. Helm remote is RM-RK62M and costs $50 on Amazon. Plenty loud for this old codger.
Andy

cmelt2003

andyd said:

I'm happy with my JVC KD-X350BTS. $70 on Amazon. Helm remote is RM-RK62M and costs $50 on Amazon. Plenty loud for this old codger.
Andy

I actually have the 360 sitting in my boat list...

skennelly

Don't get set on Bluetooth...though most new units have it.  In my 270 the Bluetooth is useless outside the cabin.  I just installed an Amazon echo dot....voice recognition for music is awesome on the boat.

cmelt2003

skennelly said:

Don't get set on Bluetooth...though most new units have it.  In my 270 the Bluetooth is useless outside the cabin.  I just installed an Amazon echo dot....voice recognition for music is awesome on the boat.

Wait, you installed a dot? Please elaborate...

skennelly

@cmelt2003 - actually I misspoke.  I installed an echo input that acts exactly like a dot just minus the speaker.

It runs off of 12v and I have it mounted in the cabin next to the radio.  An auxiliary cable runs from the input to the radio.  It picks up voice commands no problem anywhere on the boat.

It's connected to the harbors wifi and when on the water I use my phone as a hotspot.

Stodge

No reason you couldn't do the same thing with a dot.  I have a few USB charging outlets in the boat that are powered by 12V.  A dot could run off of one of those.

skennelly

Yes that's true.  I just didn't need the speaker of a dot and an input is only $19.99

cmelt2003

Interesting, never thought about doing it like that. 

Stodge

skennelly said:

Yes that's true.  I just didn't need the speaker of a dot and an input is only $19.99

Yeah but her responses are entertaining. 

skennelly

You don't lose any of the functionality of the dot with the input.  It just uses the boats speakers to give her response.

Stodge

Ah, ok.  Guess you'd have to have some way to hear the responses.

skennelly

Yes it plugs into your head unit and uses the boats speakers for output.  The sole purpose of the input is to convert a regular speaker into a smart Alexa speaker.

[Deleted User]

"Alexa, make me a tuna fish sandwich and get me a beer."
Andy

ruggerole

OK, you sold me. Getting an "input"

Already have an Echo Dot at home and unlimited data on my cell plan. Going to try this.

skennelly

@ruggerole - What I do for the ease of things is name my phone's AP and username/password the same as the marina config...that way I can just switch to my phone without having to reconfigure the echo input.

McGarnicle

I usb my iPad to the head unit and play spotify off that and then control spotify with my phone. Bluetooth range really was disappointing.

ruggerole

Made the wife happy with the on-board Input.

Works nice and easy to install/setup.

Thanks for the advice Skennelly.

skennelly

@ruggerole - That's awesome