Replace Stereo/headunit or update entire system
06Rinker270
Member Posts: 1,277 ✭✭✭
I believe the head unit is going bad. I often have trouble getting it to turn on. But when its on I can play music no problem. When I added an RCA aux jack to the back of the unit to play through my iPhone, everything went bad. I could only play music in the cabin and not throughout the boat, it was cutting in and out and eventually everything stopped working.
I was able to find the same head unit for $70 to see if thats the problem. My question is should I replace the head unit in hopes that solves all problems. Then I can add a blue tooth receiver the unit and save a ton of money and not have to upgrade to digital and replace everything.
Or do you think there is a bigger issue and just replace everything. Having the baddest sound system isnt important to me.
Thank you for any help.
I was able to find the same head unit for $70 to see if thats the problem. My question is should I replace the head unit in hopes that solves all problems. Then I can add a blue tooth receiver the unit and save a ton of money and not have to upgrade to digital and replace everything.
Or do you think there is a bigger issue and just replace everything. Having the baddest sound system isnt important to me.
Thank you for any help.
Patrick
06 Rinker 270
06 Rinker 270
Comments
I decided to go soup to nuts and go new all around. Rockford Fosgate PMX2 is a nice head unit, and you can't cant go wrong with "6" new Kicker Marine speakers
New subwoofer and amps. I've priced out the parts, and although not cheap, at least I'm updated enough to get by for the next few years. I'm surprised my boat didn't have an 8 track player, (considering the way electronics become obsolete, so quickly)
2007 280 Rinker Express 6.2L B3
06 Rinker 270
I Just upgrade everything on mine. I just got a new JVC marine receiver(JVC KD-R85MBS) that has CD, Sirius/XM Satelite ready(have to buy the Sirius tuner seperate $40), it's Bluetooth, Pandora, and MP3 and both Android and iPhone ready. I also got the wired remote with that so I can control the radio from the helm. This receiver also works with the JVC Smart Music smartphone app which also lets me control the radio from my smart phone. It has 6 RCA outputs for running multiple speakers/subs/amps. I also added two 8 inch marine bazooka tubes for nice crisp hard bass, a couple of Amps (800 watt for subs and 400 watts for mids) and four new 6.5's in the cockpit and 2 new 6.5's with LED lights in the cabin. I spent right around $1000 for everything including new wires and power cables. I would suggest going with marine grade stereo equipment as most of the connectors and stuff are less susceptible to corrosion. If you shop around on Ebay and Amazon you can find some seriously great deals on high quality name brand audio parts.
Absolutely DO NOT replace yours with the same 10 year old stock unit. For $110 you can get the JVC I mentioned with wired remote and smart phone controller which will be head and shoulders better than the unit you are replacing for $40 more. Technology has changed a lot in the past 10 years spend just a couple more bucks and get all the modern features.
06 Rinker 270
06 Rinker 270
I was also looking for any help on what the stereo issue may be to help determine if I should even try and fix it. Sometimes its not even worth the hassle.
06 Rinker 270
06 Rinker 270
2007 280 Rinker Express 6.2L B3
and swim platform which I absolutely love having. But maybe those aren't all that necessary if I have Bluetooth? Then my phone is out all the time in heat and water.
And if the issue is the amp, how in the world do you get to that thing? I have to shove my face flush with the cabin cieling just to see it!
Appreciate the input guys.
@JC290 did you replace everything or just the head unit?
06 Rinker 270
@06Rinker270 I gutted the entire OEM sound system. Removed the head unit, amp, CD changer, satellite receiver and the 4 6.5 inch speakers. Installed new head unit, 2 new amps, 8 6.5 inch speakers and 2 6x9's. new sub. I went to the extreme but I did it my way.
2007 280 Rinker Express 6.2L B3
I think you may have convinced me just to put in the updates head unit, that I already have, And just play through Bluetooth on my phone or iPad. I have a waterproof and floating case for my phone as well.
06 Rinker 270
My question was whether or not to update my ENTIRE STEREO SYSTEM or just try to replace the current head unit and ADD A BLUETOOTH ADAPTER. Talking 20 minutes versus many hours. As I believe just the head unit is faulty. It's ok, I'm sure you just figured out what Bluetooth is and think the rest of the world is behind you. After all you know all. Happens to my grandmother all the time. Leave technology to us youngins before someone gets hurt.
No. I don't want the crappy JVC system you bought for 80 bucks, my wallet can afford better. I was more concerned about the time and effort I was going to put into replacing the system when I could put that energy into other projects. When I do something I do it right no short cuts. I don't cover it up with stickers when I should have gotten a paint job. I have never replaced a marine stereo so I was looking for advice. Maybe someone has experienced this? I was playing both sides of the fence.
I have seen some of your unwanted comments on here. I come here for help from kind and more experienced individuals and not to talk crap. Do use all a favor and leave that behavior for your backyard buddies and their natty lights.
06 Rinker 270
2007 280 Rinker Express 6.2L B3
Now my thinking is if I just replace the head unit, either with the updated one or the original, and the problem isn't to head unit then I am in the same spot I started. Appreciate the help and working through this with me. I should stop over thinking it and just update. Probably spend more time trying to fix than updating. Nothing better than music on the hook with a cold one.
06 Rinker 270
Ill update with what worked. Appreciate the help everyone.
06 Rinker 270
06 Rinker 270
Boat Name: King Kong
"Boat + Water = Fun"
2007 280 Rinker Express 6.2L B3