Why auto audio, and not home audio equipment?

[scottandanna]

My trailer came with junk for audio. No bass, 4 crappy little tinny speakers, and all 4 were on by default, so if I forgot to turn the outside speakers off, the neighbors would hear whatever we were playing inside.

Well, I have a 120w home system, with 4 channels, capable of punching 18" woofers. Probably too much for the cruddy speakers installed, but what is stopping me from putting in better home speakers. Bose, or something like that?

It is all just sitting in the garage right now, with a 12" kicker subwoofer.

Seems like that would sound GREAT in my trailer, and I wouldn't have to spend much.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Why? So it can run off the 12v system when needed. But you can use an inverter for your home (120v) system if you prefer that.

[wa8yxm]

In a trailer the Automotive Radio (Some of which are very good by the way) can hide in places you can not put a House type.. It also runs on 12 volt so it does not take up another 120vac outlet.

That said, there are really good car radios like Kenwood and Jenson and Pioneer and there are good speakers as well.

And there is Bargain Basement Crap. (In both cases) and it looks like you got the basement.

[JFXG]

Originally Posted by scottandanna

......Seems like that would sound GREAT in my trailer, and I wouldn't have to spend much.

How do you define "sound GREAT" in a box with virtually no acoustic value?

[fly2low]

I am in the process of pulling out a Bose system, and replacing with a Marantz receiver and micro Gallo speakers. I am looking for "better", not "great". As mentioned above, the inherent acoustics of an RV will not support great.

[Menendez]

If I wanted high quality sound in my camper I'd use a little Jolida FX-10 vacuum tube integrated amplifier and small speakers from an outfit like Harbeth, Spendor or Monitor Audio.

Another speaker option would be to replace existing ceiling speakers in the camper with high quality "single driver" speakers from Fostex, Tang Band or other makers of such drivers. There's a sizable cult of audiophiles who eschew traditional woofers and tweeters and enjoy all the sound coming from a single (high quality) driver; they have a point, I've used such systems myself and they can be seductive.

[MSHappyCampers]

As others have said, there's no reason you can't use home-type equipment, as long as you have an inverter and and outlet that is connected to it.

We had three 5ers with that junk like yours. I know exactly what you mean!

[vincee]

I'm gonna guess price, space available and size and weight have a lot to do with what is installed in most forms of RV's today. My rig came with a combination am/fm stereo and surround sound dvd player with sub woofer and five ceiling mounted speakers. Some other's with Georgetown's have complained about the system as crap etc. but I find it adequate for what it is intended for. RV's don't have the sound deadening of a sticks n bricks and for the most part you are much closer to your neighbors who may not appreciate your taste in music or loud movie score. I love "good loud music" from a high power high end home system but I am accept my surroundings and the equipment I have as part of the camping overall experience.

[lynnmor]

Trailers are made to be self-contained. A high powered audio system would kill the battery(s) in short order. So now the question is; do I limit my choices to sites with electric? Are your camping neighbors gonna be happy with your high power unit?

So now the choice is to boondock with a generator and turn up the sound to overcome the generator noise.

The audio in most trailers is very poor, but if I were replacing it, I would look for something that draws the least amount of power while giving acceptable sound.

[Betr2Trvl]

You can always get some Bang and Olfuson gear,which has exceptional $ound (that $ is not a typo ) at very low volumes, and has a small footprint to boot.

I have always wanted one of those small units that the glass covering the CD drive opens with a wave of your hand, with the speakers having the bright colored grills. Almost as cool as the old Nakamichi Dragon cassette deck that flipped the casettte tape (instead of auto reverse) so the tape sways ran across the head in the same direction for improved audio quality.

Seriously though, with just a bit of space management, there is really no reason most RV manufacturers could not use traditional home audio gear, and then pre-wire to a couple small shelves for home speakers. Hey, they do it in the $1M+ coaches musicians have if you watch any of those mega RV shows........

When we first started looking at getting an RV last year, one of the things that made us initially think about getting a 5er, was that I thought I would be able to use some of my home audio gear given the big cabinets in many 5ers.....

[scottandanna]

OK, let me rephrase this. Not looking for GREAT audio...Just decent.

I have 35dB hearing loss and trying to listen to the radio or watching TV through the stock sound system just isn't cutting it. I need a little bass to get my ears to respond to the vibes. Otherwise, all that tinny stuff is just floating away into the ether.

Good point on the 12v. So far, we have always been plugged in, but someday, we may not be...

[jfran304]

Originally Posted by scottandanna

OK, let me rephrase this. Not looking for GREAT audio...Just decent.

I have 35dB hearing loss and trying to listen to the radio or watching TV through the stock sound system just isn't cutting it. I need a little bass to get my ears to respond to the vibes. Otherwise, all that tinny stuff is just floating away into the ether.

Good point on the 12v. So far, we have always been plugged in, but someday, we may not be...

I also have a hearing loss so I like the sound turned up more than normal. The DW kept complaining so I got a good set of wireless head phones. Another advantage of the wireless head phones is I can listen while outside/other room as long as I don't go too far from the base unit.

Jon

[scottandanna]

Good idea on the wireless headphones!

I was just thinking about this...I have a 400w 5 channel amp from my boat (was not marine quality, so swapped a marine one in) and a 12" sub. So all I really need is a decent head and some replacement speakers that can handle a hundred watts or so, and I am ready to go. These have been taking up room in my garage for years...

[Menendez]

Originally Posted by lynnmor

Trailers are made to be self-contained.

It ain't necessarily so.