What's your best stereo sound system advice?

[TexasJeff]

We currently have a Connexx Stereo connected to Connexx 32" flatscreen. The unit is 3 zones and I port the sound via HDMI (ARC). This feeds to two 5" ceiling mounted speakers that are directly over us. Basic manufacture installation - nothing special there.

The Problem:
At full volume, the speakers sound right for normal listening. With the AC running, you absolutely cannot hear anything even if the air is blowing through the ductwork instead of out the unit itself.

Inspecting the installation, I see that they installed Zone A to the outside speakers and Zone B to the two inside speakers. Zone C is not used. I'm wondering if Zone A might have the more powerful 5.1 sound? Dunno.

If I'm going to go to the trouble of pulling the stereo, I'm wondering maybe if it'd be worthwhile moving to a more powerful sound option. Anyone have any observations or advice? What do you have that pleases the heck out of your movie-watching experience?

[keymastr]

I have never seen a factory installed unit that performed very well. I would go to a car stereo specialty store. They do custom installs of audio/video systems all the time and will know what you need.

[NRR]

My sound system works very good because I do not use it.

[beenthere]

well i and son Ty installed equipment.. back then there was a few copper bus boards in the players and that was an edge.. heck his jeep was so good had everybody holding the windows and panels from blowing. and the judges wondering where the speakers were. any way Alfa golds '07 and up have very good systems with amps and subwoofer n outside speakers. all controlled to liking . if in bedroom adjust volume to liking and same with outside and up front

Originally Posted by keymastr

I have never seen a factory installed unit that performed very well. I would go to a car stereo specialty store. They do custom installs of audio/video systems all the time and will know what you need.

[beenthere]

dpuble

[Tombsy]

Problem is your only getting 2.0 or 2.1 if you have a sub. I just installed a Pioneer to replace a Jensen but it’s still only two channel on my six speakers, two on the front balance and four on the rear.
I’m a movie buff and like watching movies on my solo fishing trips so I’ve just installed a Bose 30” soundbar above the tv, with their bass module and wireless rear speakers. Connected to the HDMI arc it will give me 5.1.

[TexasJeff]

Originally Posted by Tombsy

Problem is your only getting 2.0 or 2.1 if you have a sub. I just installed a Pioneer to replace a Jensen but it’s still only two channel on my six speakers, two on the front balance and four on the rear.
I’m a movie buff and like watching movies on my solo fishing trips so I’ve just installed a Bose 30” soundbar above the tv, with their bass module and wireless rear speakers. Connected to the HDMI arc it will give me 5.1.Attachment 301990

Mines a Class C with that conventionally mounted TV swing arm over the cab/bed area. I thought about doing a sound bar but not sure where to mount it and though i didnt mention it specifically, Id like the solution to be DC powered. Nice though!

[happy2rv]

Replace the stereo with any decent quality automotive stereo, but you might have a hard time finding one with speaker "zone" selection built in. They do make speaker switches that could be added. Most RV "stereos" are low power and IMO low quality. If you really want to crank it (please don't in any campground, especially outdoors), consider adding an amp in addition to the new head unit.



Replace the speakers with decent quality speakers that will fit the available space and/or consider adding additional speakers in a better location.



Run the A/C on low fan whenever feasible. This is the best thing you can do to improve sound quality. Nothing is going to sound great with the A/C running...

[TexasJeff]

Originally Posted by happy2rv

Replace the stereo with any decent quality automotive stereo, but you might have a hard time finding one with speaker "zone" selection... Replace the speakers with decent quality speakers that will fit the available space and/or consider adding additional speakers in a better location.

Looking at some and wish i could find built-in Blu-Ray too. Call me old.. go ahead.

Speaking of adding speakers, dont any of these RV units support a wireless blue tooth speaker? If needed, thatd solve much of the hearing issues.

[happy2rv]

I don't know of any that support bluetooth speakers. Some claim to support bluetooth inputs, but even that is hit or miss as to weather it works.


You could bypass the stereo all together and disconnect it from your TV and plug in a bluetooth adapter that would allow you to pair your choice of bluetooth speakers.

[TexasJeff]

Originally Posted by happy2rv

You could bypass the stereo all together and disconnect it from your TV and plug in a bluetooth adapter that would allow you to pair your choice of bluetooth speakers.

And there it is!

I havent been keeping up to date with tech, obviously. You just nailed the solution. Thank you. I see I’ll need a BT transmitter that supports the AptX LL codec to avoid lip sync latency. The Avantree Audikast Plus looks like it will do the trick.

Thank you!!!!

[Jyrocharlie]

Bluetooth worked for me too. The only problem, when the BT speakers are on, the tv speakers turn off on mine. Portable BT has batteries inside, ones that don't say portable, have a power cord that requires 120v

[Tombsy]

Originally Posted by TexasJeff

Mines a Class C with that conventionally mounted TV swing arm over the cab/bed area. I thought about doing a sound bar but not sure where to mount it and though i didnt mention it specifically, Id like the solution to be DC powered. Nice though!

Fishing off grid a lot I have everything except my Kuerig converted to DC lol. The speakers run from a small inverter, their adapters don’t require many watts. The soundbar is Bluetooth as well as HDMI but like the others the tv does not have Bluetooth.

[TexasJeff]

Thinking it through a little more, if the A/C is on then that means I'm hooked to shore power or using the gen. So, configuring a conventional sound bar plugged in to an outlet makes sense along with setting up the BT portable speaker compatible with the Low Latency driver.

I'm thinking a little more clearly with the help of Folger's and your help! This is a relief. And it all started with unplugging the HDMI ARC and ignoring the on-board stereo unit. You guys are all awesome!