Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » My opinion on stereos (First opinion piece)
| My opinion on stereos [message #361188] |
Sun, 27 December 2020 22:54  |
Green machine
Messages: 184
Registered: July 2019
Location: North Vancouver BC
Karma: 5
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Hello all!
Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays!
I have a strange relationship with radio/music. I enjoy my own thoughts and I find I can drive in silence for hours. More often than not, I prefer silence. I find most times when I'm "listening" to music, i just drift off into my thoughts and then realize I'm annoyed by the background "noise" of the music and turn it off. I can't help it, it's just me. I'm just not engaged by music. Maybe for a short while but it doesn't last long. If I had to guess, I'd say a couple songs and I'm off in my own head again. Anyway, I find talk radio, podcasts or audiobooks keep me engaged. But I do still like music. In my own way. And when I listen to music, I want the audio to be sharp. Strangely, I've always been a a bit of audiophile. I know, weird right? Almost every vehicle I've had since i was 16, I pulled out the stock system and replaced with high end audio. Never satisfied until I had it perfect, for me.
Now what the heck does any of this have to with our coaches???
After giving a ton of thought as far as what I wanted to do for audio in my coach, I decided to do nothing. Well, not nothing but nothing attached to the coach. Technology has changed incredibly since I was younger. And I'm only 43. As I do, I spent a ridiculous amount of time researching portable audio and have discovered there is no need to buy any high end car audio components. At least in my humble opinion. You can bring these units to the picnic table or the beach with no worries. Why would you tie it in to the coach only?
I have bought and tested a few that are absolutely incredible for different reasons. This is not an endorsement of any kind but to give you folks a few options based on my experience here goes;
Sonos Move - High end, incredible sound, most expensive. If you can afford it, go for it. You won't be disappointed.
Bose Revolve Plus - If your a Bose lover, you probably won't be disappointed. Expensive, but less than Sonos.
UE (Ultimate Ears) Megaboom 3 -My pic for value. Half the cost and great sound quality. It will fill the coach amazingly. And it's the size of a tallboy! No kidding!
I would like to hear the JBL options because they are made by Harmon Kardon which has always been the right sound for my ear but I just haven't had the opportunity.
Tons of other stuff to consider here gang. My Megaboom can be thrown in the water. Fully waterproof. Do I care? Not really. Sonos and Bose are water resistant. Good enough. 360 degree sound. Cool. All of the above have it. JBL doesn't. You can attach additional speakers to some, others not. Shockproof, weight. etc etc. What's important to you???
Just my thoughts. Give me yours.
Shawn Harris
North Vancouver,
Canada
1977 Palm Beach 403
[Updated on: Sun, 27 December 2020 22:55] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: My opinion on stereos [message #361192 is a reply to message #361188] |
Mon, 28 December 2020 05:59  |
uprooted
Messages: 72
Registered: December 2019
Location: Hilliard, OH
Karma: 0
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We never got a chance to try out the stock sound system in the coach because the aftermarket head unit did not work when we got it. We have also begun to discover the allure of the portable /Bluetooth devices. We have 2 JBL Flip 4s that can be linked together. Not because they're superior or anything but because they were readily available and not too pricey. They're perfect for campgrounds and can kick out some good sound (also the size of a tall boy). They're just barely loud enough for use on the highway, but we haven't done any sound proofing on the coach, so it's pretty loud. Book on tape was pretty much a no go.
I've been seeing the JBL Partybox and been wondering if that would be a good fit for the coach / camping. A bit larger but I have to imagine quite a bit louder.
Corey P /
Hilliard, OH /
1974 Glacier 26' /
3.70 FD /
ION Wheels
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| Re: My opinion on stereos [message #361199 is a reply to message #361188] |
Mon, 28 December 2020 08:17 |
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RF_Burns
Messages: 2277
Registered: June 2008
Location: S. Ontario, Canada
Karma: 3
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As a teenager in the '70s and a 20 something in the 80's I was into nice stereos at home and in my vehicles. I installed distributed audio all over the last house, but after 7 years I still haven't done it to the current house. But I guess I've become an old codger now in my 60's and I don't care for much of the current music. I've been happy with the OEM stereos in my vehicles since the 90's. Mind you the auto manufacturers are installing much better audio now than in the distant past.
The radio stations play the same stuff over and over and over. I've had Sirius/XM and found most stations I'm interested in have about a 3 hour random loop and the high compression is annoying. Locally I can tolerate the radio stations for the 30 - 60 minute trips we make, but mostly I'd rather listen to talk radio. CBC has some good science and tech shows on, but its hit and miss.
In the coach we have a Kenwood stereo which we can plug in USB, CD and IPod. I don't expect HiFi in the coach, its too loud and the speakers are not well placed. I'm thinking of putting a pair of speakers in the side panels by the front seats. The radio is mostly just more background noise. Sometimes we turn it off for hours at a time and just enjoy the scenery.
The biggest problem with the radio in the coach while traveling is finding a station. Once we find one we like, its already starting to fade and its back to finding another station. This seems to be more of an issue in the USA. They have a lot more radio stations of course but maybe running a lower power to cover only local markets.
When we get to a campsite we rarely listen to the radio or watch the TV. I guess we want to escape that stuff when we travel.
Bruce Hislop
ON Canada
77PB, 455 Dick P. rebuilt, DynamicEFI EBL EFI & ESC.
1 ton front end
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=29001
My Staff says I never listen to them, or something like that
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| Re: My opinion on stereos [message #361203 is a reply to message #361188] |
Mon, 28 December 2020 08:40 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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I usually put a decent receiver in my vehicles. The coach already had one in, with a screen and nav (for which map upgrades are not available) side panel speakers in front and apair of the good RS aluminum boxed speakers above the dinette. Sub under the bunks. At home a pari of 12 inch JBLs resurrected from one of our studios, and the last American made Marantz components. Separate amps, tuner, and preamp. Sansui direct drive turntable and whatever's convenient to spin CDs or play memory sticks. I want a Sequerra One tuner, but the Marantz I have is Richard Sequerra's last effort at Marantz before he started his own company. My pocket doesn't reach that far unfortunately.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: My opinion on stereos [message #361204 is a reply to message #361188] |
Mon, 28 December 2020 09:25 |
Scott Nutter
Messages: 782
Registered: January 2015
Location: Houston/San Diego
Karma: 4
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I am also leaning toward a stand alone unit. Something that could be placed on the dash or on the middle console so the passenger can control it while I drive.
It would have to have a tuner and a good antenna. Bluetooth and a 12 volt plug would be a plus. Sangean HDR-16 HD Radio/FM-Stereo/AM Portable Radio.
Scott Nutter
1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, Dave Lenzi super duty mid axle disc brakes, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera installed MSD Atomic EFI
Houston, Texas
[Updated on: Mon, 28 December 2020 09:49] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: My opinion on stereos [message #361207 is a reply to message #361188] |
Mon, 28 December 2020 10:22 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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We acquired Chaumière before my hearing completely degenerated. It still had the AM-FM 8Track installed, but it was non-functional and I know why. I bought a good unit, and installed it with temporary speakers where the originals were and it was most unsatisfactory. If alone in the coach, I could crank the balance off far enough to hear stereo. That was not possible when I was not alone. I also tried enclosures down at the kick panel with only slightly different results.
No matter what I did, hearing stereo was a big issue. I like stereo. As a waterman, one gets very used to using the audio center as a tool. The ability to locate a nav-aid by noise is often essential to survival. I will not go on about this because few understand the issue and modern GPS makes it a passe.
I finally decided that there was only one alternative to headphones....
I got a second pair of the 4x6 triax that I used to like and mounted a pair over each seat. Driver is front and the passenger is rear. We can both hear stereo and with the gain set for comfortable listening on the road, we *could* talk to each other. It still works well when we are not traveling, and it is stereo everywhere in the coach, but what I have not figured out is why right for left reverse in the back. I still have not pulled new wires (it is a 73 with grounded speakers) to the back. Someday - Maybe.
The exception is not a hardware issue. Since the installation 15 years ago, my hearing has slipped even farther and music on the road is pretty much a lost cause. Now Mary sets the system the way she likes it (but then, if it is daylight, she is driving too).
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: My opinion on stereos [message #361219 is a reply to message #361188] |
Mon, 28 December 2020 13:50 |
boybach
Messages: 566
Registered: December 2020
Location: Vancouver Island
Karma: 4
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Just throwing this out there but what about a fairly good set of amped computer speakers? They normally power up from a wall brick and AFAIK could also be run off the coach battery too? The Creative brand pair I use feature an auto off if not activefor a minute or two so wouldn't drain power if left on by mistake.
I don't have the coach ATM so this is all conjecture ...Most "all in one" computers like the HP envy's and big ol laptops run off the same 19v power bricks, as there are two 12v batteries up front, could you rig up a connection to run the computer? If so, screw it, I'll just play my CD's and MP3's on the computer!
Larry
Larry - Victoria BC -
1977 ex-Palm Beach "Ol' Leaky" 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. Atwood helium fridge, water heater & furnace. SS exhaust system, Onan, Iota Converter, R134A, New fuel lines & heat exchange hoses
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| Re: My opinion on stereos [message #361230 is a reply to message #361219] |
Tue, 29 December 2020 08:24 |
Justin Brady
Messages: 769
Registered: April 2015
Location: Bell Buckle, TN
Karma: 11
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I think the issue with the standalone units is that they are point source you're only hearing it from one place. If you want to use 2 and get stereo and place them decently I see no issue.
My coach has 2 stereo systems one in the dash and one in the rear. I would not be satisfied by a bluetooth speaker, I have several and have even made a living manufacturing high end ones for a while. They can be great for what they are but don't really fit this application IMO.
That being said the factory stereo is ridiculous with the 2" speakers and about 3 watts of power, it sounds like a conversation over a tin can, so if that's what you're comparing it to then the sonos is miles ahead lol.
Justin Brady
http://www.thegmcrv.com/
1976 Palm Beach 455
[Updated on: Tue, 29 December 2020 08:24] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] My opinion on stereos [message #361236 is a reply to message #361230] |
Tue, 29 December 2020 11:14 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
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I like my vehicles to have good ( ok loud ) stereos.
The coach has 6" rounds on the cabinets above the drivers and passengers heads, not ideal, but work pretty good, then there are 2 more in the living room. 1 on the wall by the door and the other on the wall above the stove. Then there is a dual 12" subwoofer under the couch that really helps.
I have a decent Kenwood head unit, but I am going to upgrade this spring to one that has better bluetooth streaming and no CD since I haven't used a CD in years
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View MN
76 exRoyale
MicroLevel
________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of Justin Brady via Gmclist
Sent: Tuesday, December 29, 2020 8:24 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Cc: Justin Brady
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] My opinion on stereos
I think the issue with the standalone units is that they are point source you're only hearing it from one place. If you want to use 2 and get stereo
and place them decently I see no issue.
My coach has 2 stereo systems one in the dash and one in the rear. I would not be satisfied by a bluetooth speaker, I have several and have even made
a living manufacturing high end ones for a while. They can be great for what they are but don't really fit this application IMO.
That being said the factory stereo is ridiculous with the 2" speakers and about 3 watts of power, it sounds like a conversation over a tin can, so if
that's what you're comparing it to then the sonos is miles ahead lol.
My solution is attached.
--
Justin Brady
http://www.thegmcrv.com/
1976 Palm Beach 455
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Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| Re: My opinion on stereos [message #361314 is a reply to message #361188] |
Thu, 31 December 2020 15:38 |
blur911
Messages: 166
Registered: December 2020
Location: Kingston, Ontario
Karma: 4
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I finally tried out the stereo in my "new to me" '76.
It has state of the art Pioneer stuff, from 1995 
Head unit with detachable face, display barely lights up, but it works. Gets all kinds of FM stations. There's also a 6-CD changer under the table. I haven't tested any of the CDs
There are 6" speakers where door speakers would go, another set of downward facing 6 or 7 inch pointing down from upper cabinets just in front of the door, and finally another 6" set in the back.
They all seem to work. There isn't much bass, could do with a sub, but it's not bad.
A more modern head unit might be in the plans, bluetooth streaming and an input would be nice.
Burl Vibert
Kingston, Ontario
1976 GMC 26 foot, Sheridan reno, don't know original model but we call her Roxie
[Updated on: Thu, 31 December 2020 15:51] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: My opinion on stereos [message #361326 is a reply to message #361188] |
Thu, 31 December 2020 22:34 |
boybach
Messages: 566
Registered: December 2020
Location: Vancouver Island
Karma: 4
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I just sold a set of 60" tall Magnepan MG1's this afternoon, they were the same year as my coach, '77 and even though they could have been installed in the Palm Beach as a pair of pocket doors, I decided against it and sent them down the road.
If my new coach doesn't have a CD player I'll probably put in the Alpine CD unit from my old Jag with an outboard stacker and if I need bluetooth or play Mp3's/hook up the phone etc I'll just switch over to the YATOUR emulator like I already do in my car.
Larry
Larry - Victoria BC -
1977 ex-Palm Beach "Ol' Leaky" 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. Atwood helium fridge, water heater & furnace. SS exhaust system, Onan, Iota Converter, R134A, New fuel lines & heat exchange hoses
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| Re: My opinion on stereos [message #361328 is a reply to message #361188] |
Fri, 01 January 2021 00:21 |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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I just installed a Pioneer double DIN with CarPlay in our old Toyota Sequoia and really like it. If I ever install a Mac Dash I’ll have to put a radio like this in.
I replaced the cockpit speakers and the pair in the rear. My beloved PO also had installed a nice pair of 6” Infinity coaxials in the overhead cabinet near the door and the galley. It sounds good, but it’s more beer-hall than concert-hall.
We had thoughts of connecting the sound system to a television, but have just never felt the need for a TV.
Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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