Looking for a stereo
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6,667
Likes: 502
From: Orange County
Looking for a stereo
Installing a batwing fairing and not sure what would be a good stereo. Don't want to spend a crap load of cash, just something decent. I saw these two on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Pyle-PLM...item2327f4879b
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dual-Marine-...item1c31daf81c
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Pyle-PLM...item2327f4879b
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dual-Marine-...item1c31daf81c
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 647
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From: Missousri
Doesn't have to be a marine head unit. Tons of us have head units that are not a "marine" class stereo. I have a vapor barrier vinyl sheet on top of the unit inside the fairing, and have been caught in numerous rain storms and have never had an issue. I've got a Sony. Not to say that marine radios aren't made to resist water just saying you can go with something else too IMO
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
Don't waste your time on a unit with a CD player. Unless it's an expensive model you most likely will not be able to play CDs while riding down the road.
The cheaper one in your links is the type of "HEAD UNIT" to go for especially if you have your music on MP3 player, or even your phone which could use Bluetooth for playback.
BUT, I'd pass up Pyle for a Sony, JVC or Pioneer. And even though it says marine, typically most are only splash proof, not rain or wash proof. I installed a flip up cover to protect mine, and it has a remote that I velcroed on the tank console to make it easy to change channels, songs, albums and even tone very simply.
I had a Kenwood with CD and never was able to play CDs while driving down the road, always skipped the music so I went to MP3 players and jacked into the aux input in the front.
My new "inexpensive" head unit is a JVC KDX50B7. It's held up very well and has both front and rear USB connects and is bluetooth operational. I current have a simple portable thumb drive / USB drive with my music on it.
Most units volume typically distorts at high volumes so many use a secondary amp to really boost the volume over what most main units can provide. I got lucky in the fact that I have a limited space of only 4" for my speakers (would prefer a 6 1/2") and the unit I own powers them nicely, good volume and tonal control gives me sound over and above the engine running at highway speeds. I would like to add secondary speakers and an amp but it's not real important because it's hard to achieve top notch sound on a limited budget.
The cheaper one in your links is the type of "HEAD UNIT" to go for especially if you have your music on MP3 player, or even your phone which could use Bluetooth for playback.
BUT, I'd pass up Pyle for a Sony, JVC or Pioneer. And even though it says marine, typically most are only splash proof, not rain or wash proof. I installed a flip up cover to protect mine, and it has a remote that I velcroed on the tank console to make it easy to change channels, songs, albums and even tone very simply.
I had a Kenwood with CD and never was able to play CDs while driving down the road, always skipped the music so I went to MP3 players and jacked into the aux input in the front.
My new "inexpensive" head unit is a JVC KDX50B7. It's held up very well and has both front and rear USB connects and is bluetooth operational. I current have a simple portable thumb drive / USB drive with my music on it.
Most units volume typically distorts at high volumes so many use a secondary amp to really boost the volume over what most main units can provide. I got lucky in the fact that I have a limited space of only 4" for my speakers (would prefer a 6 1/2") and the unit I own powers them nicely, good volume and tonal control gives me sound over and above the engine running at highway speeds. I would like to add secondary speakers and an amp but it's not real important because it's hard to achieve top notch sound on a limited budget.
Last edited by JohnnyC; Apr 22, 2013 at 03:35 PM.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6,667
Likes: 502
From: Orange County
Thanks for the info and suggestions. I kinda figured a CD would not play on the road. 
I like the idea of the ipod interface. I will probably go with a unit from Sony, or something better. Can anyone recommend a good fairing-friendly, marine-type stereo cover?
Thanks!
I like the idea of the ipod interface. I will probably go with a unit from Sony, or something better. Can anyone recommend a good fairing-friendly, marine-type stereo cover?
Thanks!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: murphy nc
I have this one. https://www.google.com/shopping/prod...ed=0CH0Q8wIwBA
Works like a champ, & the CD player never skips.
Works like a champ, & the CD player never skips.
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Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Orange County
On another note, would it be better to purchase a stereo receiver and an amp? If so, could this be done on the cheap and still get better sound than just the receiver unit alone? For example, maybe purchase a $50 stereo and get an amp?
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 208
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From: east Texas
Alpine makes a small size amp. I've got it inside my fairing sitting on top of y stereo. It's made as a plug n play for alpine head units. But you can cut the plugs off and wire it in. Great amp. I use a sony cdx60mui marine receiver. I can hear music clearly up to about 85.
