Community Forums

mike2wheels · 06-20-2016, 12:53 PM

On our Endeavor the amplifier for the surround sound speakers appears to be built into the DVD player. The 5.1 speaker system is factory installed, but the DVD player has been replaced at some point and is now a model producing only 20 watts per channel. My plan is to install a multi-channel amplifier capable of adequately driving the speakers.

My question is what is the power rating for the factory installed speaker system? Will an amplifier capable of 70-80 watts per channel be underpowered or be sufficient?

SpaceNorman · 06-20-2016, 02:09 PM

The "factory installed" system that came with our coach is about as cheap as it gets. I suspect you're going to discover that the low powered receiver/DVD player unit was perfectly matched to drive what you'll discover to be the very low grade speakers installed in your unit.

Be certain to check the "subwoofer" that's part of your existing system. My bet is that you'll find it to be a cheap speaker in a particle-board enclosure. You'll also likely find that the receiver sends a powered signal to the existing subwoofer via unshielded cable. Whatever you purchase for a new receiver is going to expect connected to a shielded cable - that will deliver an unpowered signal to a subwoofer that has a built an amplifier. You'll have to deal with running the proper cable to whatever subwoofer you install ... as well as deal with where to place it and supply AC power to the amplifier.

For as expensive as a motor home is ... and as cheap as the systems they install as "factory installed" gear - you'd think they would have at least provided an "upgrade path" so that you could at least pull cables to the various mounting points ... so that future upgrades were practical.

We're looking to upgrade our ... and are currently examining a wireless setup to see if we can sidestep the problem. When the Reciever/DVD player that came with our coach bit the dust - I replaced it with a nice Onkyo unit. While the new receiver did provide us with great signal processing and lots of signal source flexibility - the overall sound is still stuck in the mud because of the cheap original speakers.

mike2wheels · 06-22-2016, 10:44 PM

Thank you for your reply. You've answered a number of questions. I've already removed the old subwoofer and made plans for a replacement powered unit. Knowing that the original speakers are poor quality opens up my options.

10Boomer · 06-22-2016, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpaceNorman

The "factory installed" system that came with our coach is about as cheap as it gets. I suspect you're going to discover that the low powered receiver/DVD player unit was perfectly matched to drive what you'll discover to be the very low grade speakers installed in your unit.

Be certain to check the "subwoofer" that's part of your existing system. My bet is that you'll find it to be a cheap speaker in a particle-board enclosure. You'll also likely find that the receiver sends a powered signal to the existing subwoofer via unshielded cable. Whatever you purchase for a new receiver is going to expect connected to a shielded cable - that will deliver an unpowered signal to a subwoofer that has a built an amplifier. You'll have to deal with running the proper cable to whatever subwoofer you install ... as well as deal with where to place it and supply AC power to the amplifier.

For as expensive as a motor home is ... and as cheap as the systems they install as "factory installed" gear - you'd think they would have at least provided an "upgrade path" so that you could at least pull cables to the various mounting points ... so that future upgrades were practical.

We're looking to upgrade our ... and are currently examining a wireless setup to see if we can sidestep the problem. When the Reciever/DVD player that came with our coach bit the dust - I replaced it with a nice Onkyo unit. While the new receiver did provide us with great signal processing and lots of signal source flexibility - the overall sound is still stuck in the mud because of the cheap original speakers.

Do you have a future plan? I too , 2008 Camelot. The old existing system is still up front, back was stripped out before I purchased coach. The previous owner did upgrade RVs to FPs front and back , but still hooked up via coax. Bad quality. Looking for options.

Sent from my iPhone using iRV2 - 2008 Monaco Camelot 40 PDQ

SpaceNorman · 06-23-2016, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10Boomer

Do you have a future plan?

Not yet. The only thing that I really need to get the salon sound system to where I'd be happy are new speakers and a real subwoofer. However, I haven't found the right speakers that I can easily drop into place - without figuring out how to deal with the usual problems - i.e., finding a solution that doesn't require hacking up existing cabinetry, running cables in an aesthetic manner without tearing up ceiling or walls, getting AC power to where it's needed.

It's low enough on my priority list that it's more of a "wish" than an active project. But, I'm keeping my eyes peeled for "good" solution ... and figure I'll jump on it if/when I see it!

MSHappyCampers · 06-23-2016, 11:03 AM

This is what I did to ours. Maybe it will give you some ideas.

BTW, my old surround speakers sound great with the new system! I did install a new powered subwoofer.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f59/one-t...er-173292.html