Stereo upgrade for iPod and more

[rwf]

I keep running across posts where people are working on (or struggling with) upgrades to connect their iPods more conveniently to the stereo; latest one from Creekwood:

I replaced my original Clarion stereo this week with a Clarion CMD5 unit and an iPOD connection unit... The iPOD interface is a bit archaic but it works well enough. So now I can finally play my iPOD and MP3 CDs properly without using those lousy FM units. Places me firmly into ~2008 technology!

I know my suggestion is a bit late for Creekwood, but maybe can help others. This solution installs in 5 minutes and will let you use any iThing, Android thing, or any other modern phone / player.

I use a BluBridge bluetooth adapter: http://www.miccus.com/products/blubridge-mini-jack-rx. They are sold all over online, http://www.google.com/search?q=blubridge&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&client=firefox-a#sclient=psy&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US%3Aofficial&tbm=shop&source=hp&q=blubridge&pbx=1&oq=blubridge&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=0l0l0l43479l0l0l0l0l0l0l0l0ll0l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=5a9c0aeb4c49e411&biw=1016&bih=651

This is a great wireless adapter. Full-fidelity sound. Charges quickly, and I've never had it run out during the day (I get at least 6 hours play time). Pair it to your iThing or phone, plug into the AUX port of the stereo and you are good to go. Best part is you get to keep your iWhatever with you and use all the features of the regular interface to control the music. I'm a heretic and use it with my Android phone, which also works great.

Not the best idea to bring your iPod to the swim platform though, unless you are using one of these dry bags: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...01&storeId=11151&partNumber=7699754&langId=-1. Keeps it dry and will even float if you do manage to knock it in the water.

I am considering one slightly more involved upgrade, though, to install a 12V power jack near the Aux input, so I can just always leave the BluBridge plugged in and charging; then it will never run out.

Rich

 

[wish2fish]

Is the audio signal via the blu-tooth "line out"? i.e. is the volume controlled solely by the stereo?

Looks like a great alternative and I like the idea of using a micro usb charger to keep it charged up.

 

[rwf]

Is the audio signal via the blu-tooth "line out"? i.e. is the volume controlled solely by the stereo?

Looks like a great alternative and I like the idea of using a micro usb charger to keep it charged up.

You can control the volume either with the stereo or with the volume control on your device; this is true with both Apple and Android devices. I usually set my device to about 3/4 volume before turning on the stereo, then set the volume on the stereo; that way you get good control from either volume control.

One thing to watch for; at first I didn't think it worked, but it was because on my phone Bluetooth audio is a separate volume control that was turned all the way down. So, adjust your initial device volume after connecting to the BluBridge.

Rich

 

[Hellman Huddle]

Go with this Fusion module where the Ipod inserts into the Head unit. You never have to worry about charging and you can control from remote stations.

http://www.xtremenavigation.com/FUS...IPOD-DOCK-SIRIUS-AMFM-3-ZONE-GREY_p_5746.html

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

We decided to go with a JVC High Definition radio w/CD, built in Bluetooth for my Iphone and Ipod jack for around $125 at Best Buy. It has a remote that controls the radio from the helm (radio is in cabin). I can also hook my 19" DVD/CD/external laptop screen player to allow volume control from the speakers throughout the boat. It replaces the stock Clarion radio. I had to also rewire the speakers, power and ground as I did not buy the conversion plugs. Took all of 30 mins to accomplish plus it fits in the same hole...

I glued a velcro button to the back of the remote and another next to the radio so I don't lose it because it is so small.

Just another option... BTW, HD radio is awesome...

 

[arcticspud]

I installed the fusion MS-IP600G with two remotes and could not be more pleased. No more hookie cigarette plug radio players that offer poor sound quality. As was pointed out earlier, you plug your ipod inside the unit and get great would quality. It was a plug and play installation too.

 

[HIFI]

I don't think I am being critical here but I have heard my share of blue tooth broadcasting and it is a sound quality compromise as compared to a direct connect. The systems I have experienced are every bit as good as many of the multi component systems our CSR members have in their boats now. My recommendation is connect direct at all times.

If you carry your music collection around on an MP3 player or phone and are more concerned with convenience than sound quality, streaming music using A2DP in the boat may sound good enough for you — something close to FM sound quality. Sometimes you can use the device menus to improve fidelity. For example, you may be able to increase the bit rate or ask the device to send and receive MP3 or AAC files directly instead of converting them. Your indash would need that capability.

 

[Creekwood]

That BlueBridge looks like a great little gizmo, provided that you have a player with bluetooth capability. My iPOD with its 10,000 song library does not, but my blackberry Torch does. May need to get one.

 

[Hellman Huddle]

I installed the fusion MS-IP600G with two remotes and could not be more pleased. No more hookie cigarette plug radio players that offer poor sound quality. As was pointed out earlier, you plug your ipod inside the unit and get great would quality. It was a plug and play installation too.

:thumbsup: I did the same and added four of their 6.5" 200 watt speakers and a 10" sub. The system is top notch and priced very good. In addition I added an 1800 watt BOSS amp and she rocks. I had a musician on board a month ago and he could not believe how good it sounded. FUSION is definitely the way to go!

 

[rwf]

To all the folks who have undertaken upgrading their head units, or gone beyond with new amps and all, the point of my post was to offer an alternative to that approach.

I'd seen many of those upgrades on the forums, and almost went that way myself. Then I stumbled on the BluBridge, which:

• Installed in 5 minutes, rather than hours or a whole weekend. This was the main point, it was already summer and I wanted to be on the water.
• Has great sound. MP3s are already compressed, I don't think the "degradation" of Bluetooth is perceptible.
• Let's me use the native interface to control the sound. All head-unit iPod controllers are inferior to the native interface, IMHO.
• Works with things other than iPods, of which I have many. I can use whichever one strikes my fancy that day.

The Fusion head unit is great if you want to tinker and only care about iPods, but that isn't everyone.

Rich

 

[stephens013]

Damn; the BluBridgebluetooth adapter sounds like a magical I-Pod device. My experiences withClarion interface for I-Pod unites were pretty much a crap shoot. Even whenthey worked there was no remote control over the I-Pod functions. Last year I was determined to hook the wife’sI-Pod the boat sound system. After numerous chats with those ’in the know’ and hoursof pondering the issue I set out to replace the original 1995 Clarion head unitwith a new M-305. While I was at it I added an additional 750 AMP to power fiveadditional outside speakers. Just to keep an all round capability, and the factthat the M-305 would support it, I found a 6 pack CD changer. All the new goodiesmeant cutting a mounting board where components would be housed; new wiring;you name it. Now I have all new stereo units; 8 speakers on the upper salon aswell as two remote units to control I-Pod functions as well as the various speakersthough out the boat from the helm. I now have a sound system with the capabilityof playing anything short of vintage 45s as well having sufficient volume tomelt fiber glass; but all I was trying to do was play tunes from the spousalunites I-Pod. I shudder when recalling my liberal use of a jig saw and thealways enjoyable task of routing wire through the less desirable parts of myboat.



Moral ofthe story is talk to the right peopleabout any project of this nature. I talked to a lot of guys that were all aboutstereo stuff. Mistake I made was the stereo fancyanados with whom I consultedwere consumed with maxing out every amp and hooking up any component you can imagine.The little BluBridge adaptor would have accomplished 90% of what I was tryingto do. The BluBridge bluetooth adapter would have also saved me hours of aggravationnot to mention more than a few bucks spent on stereo over kill.

 

[floriduramax1]

I wound up with the Jensen JMS7010..long story! I thought I would be upgrading shortly after. Not a chance! It works with my IPhone nicely! The cable is long enough to reach the co-pilot lounge which is perfect as the Admiral plugs her phone in and we listen to Pandora. You have to navigate Pandora from the phone. It actually rocks with the amp and sub so it stays!

 

[Cincy Aquaholic]

I've been using a Bluridge unit with my iphone and ipad. it does really work nicely. I like that its battery powered rather than AC like my Belkin so I can use it when just on DC power and not shore/generator. However, I have noticed I don't get the same level of volume as I do when I use a straight stereo 3.5 headphone jack cable into my mp3 port. Its noticeable when I really want to crank it up. Its fine for lower to medium level listening. Also, I think the range is a bit overstated especially if the cockpit door is closed.