Replacing the Classic Stereo

[hattieice]

Anyone have suggestions or replacement ideas for the original stereo system in an 1987 DC? It’s currently not even powering in so I’m trying to decide if I want flat out replace it and with what or see about sticking with the character of it and either finding or having it refurbed.I’ve attached a picture for nostalgia and reference

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

I gave my triple decker components along with a humongous subwoofer the heave-ho and converted space into two roomy storage areas under my port side deck. I made two removable fronts with black speaker cloth showing. Got room for another battery bank at least should I ever install that inverter I keep thinking about. For tunes, just like at home or in the car, an iPhone and Bluetooth (sound bar at home and boat) and I’ve got my 7K songs minus 100 lbs of heat creating hardware. Left the installed boat speakers in place.

 

[Westfield 11]

The world has changed and that sort of tech is obsolete and useful only for nostalgia buffs. Content/music no longer is on vinyl or tape or even cd’s, today the issue is getting the data from your phone into the room. You can use a centralized system like an old fashioned stereo or you can go modern and get a Sonos or other decentralized streaming system. The new miniature powered speakers will fill a room with quality sound while taking up very little space using WiFi or Bluetooth. A centralized whole boat stereo with speakers all over is as dated as those big square holes for old style low definition TVs in the walls.

 

[hattieice]

Haha... did not expect the responses so far. I know it doesn’t make sense to replace it like for like but I kind of dig the vibe of it so I may just tinker with it and go from there. No harm, no foul I suppose.As for that subwoofer, I can’t imagine I have a subwoofer hiding anywhere. Just the factory speakers which I do intend to leave as well. Thank you for the thoughts and ideas on what to do with the space should I abandon the idea of keeping it.Stay safe out there and have fun!!!

 

[Boatsb]

The speakers probably need new cones. Age is not papers friend.

I'd replace it with a modern system. Either a home style av receiver or something like a fusion system with multiple zones.

You can link the fusions inside and out or separate them when you want.

 

[Pascal]

Nowadays for the salon it s hard to beat a sound bar. Inexpensive with built in Bluetooth and a wireless sub woofer. Sounds 200 times better than these old speaker.

If you want outside music, make sure your sound bar has either an aux input or output and connect it to a basic marine stereo up on the brigHe with outside marine speaker. This give you the option to either link everything together or Keep them separate. Nowadays all we use is Spotify on bluetooth

 

[Photolomy]

I still have the original Harman/Kardon, 1978, and it works well. I don't have any immediate plans to replace it, but if I did, it would be with an inexpensive fusion stereo (I have Garmin displays). I would install it in the overhead console at the helm though, and then run wires back to the aft salon cabinet to hook in all the speakers. I would also connect an Alexa device to it for streaming music. I would never run a new centralized speaker setup, but given that we already have one, it is useful. Normally, we are watching TV in the salon, via a soundbar and subwoofer, but when we are working on the boat, cleaning or hanging out, it is nice to have music on in all the areas.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Modern stuff is more compact, has better sound, and the speakers are far more weather proof. You could get some storage room back, possibly, as well.

 

[Jammin']

Sounds really good, long battery life and water proof. Carry it up on the bridge or in the dinghy and take it to the beach. You can even pair it with a another smaller JBL speaker so you can listen in two places.

https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Boombox-Portable-Bluetooth-Waterproof/dp/B0759GC766

 

[SEVEN]

Here’s mine

 

[Pascal]

Sounds really good, long battery life and water proof. Carry it up on the bridge or in the dinghy and take it to the beach. You can even pair it with a another smaller JBL speaker so you can listen in two places.

https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Boombox-Portable-Bluetooth-Waterproof/dp/B0759GC766

Waterproof is nice. We have a Bose S1 pro On the boat i run. It has amazing sound but not water proof. We often put the tube from its stand in the tow tibe on the tender for beach run. No worry about the dinghy stereo killing the battery!

Bose S1 Pro Portable Bluetooth Speaker System w/ Battery – Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BLZX73S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_p5EhFb1T1CDQN

 

[MadHatter53]

If it’s not powering up I would crack it open and have a peek. Most have a glass fuse on the power supply and it could also be the on/off switch.

 

[Boatsb]

Or toss it over board and call me for a nice new system.

Fusion integrates so well.