Stereos in Cobras

[400TT]

Originally Posted by Merv and Sharon

However, must a remote have a line of sight connection?

Infrared (IR) remote needs line of sight.

Radio Frequency (RF) does not and will work in your application.

I've had stereos in Cobra's, sound quality while driving would not be a big issue, you will need something with plenty of power(volume) as an open top car seems to blow the sound away.

[Merv and Sharon]

Well then, I guess any decent head unit that will fit on the shelf in the trunk, with audio streaming, RF remote and a USB connection could be the go. The speakers will go in the rear panel behind the seats.

[400TT]

That's it.

Do any of them have an automatic volume adjustment feature, something you could configure so that the volume is automatically controlled relative to the speed the vehicle is travelling?

[Merv and Sharon]

Not sure will check. Must have USB iPod connection and Bluetooth if possible.

[kyleb]

Merv,
The MC20 I mentioned is an RF remote, was designed for marine applications therefore is waterproof which came in handy at Hanging rock a couple of weeks ago when we were caught in a thunderstorm on the way home, which in our cars would of likely killed a head unit..

[byroncobra]

Merv

I've put a Kenwood unit in my dash (i know sacrilege) just a standard wattage model with average speakers in the kick panel and to be honest, with the volume cranked up I can hardly hear it at speed. That's with familiar music too. I'd reccon hearing a jock on the ABC would be hopeless with the radio, I haven't tried it 'cause there's no aerial.

My next move is to purchase an amp and try and find a place behind the seats for a couple of high wattage speakers

[Merv and Sharon]

Thanks Greg and Kyle. I am going to have a look at the Alpine unit this week and Focal or Polk speakers also. A small amp might be the go, as well.

[Beejay]

I drove my car without a stereo for a few months and it drove me nuts.

These days I have an Alpine cd with Response amp and Kicker 6x9 speakers behind the seats.

No problems hearing it when cruising.

Ben

[Merv and Sharon]

Yes Ben, I think you and Kyle have it right. My local store does not stock Alpine and the others I was shown do not have the combination of USB/mass storage device input, bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming AND an RF remote (as the head unit will be in the trunk). Speakers are aplenty, but with an open car I was thinking marine speakers may be best?


Another thought ... Why can't I just go iPod/iPhone + Amp + speakers? Is a head unit needed at all?

[Rog246]

I'd reckon ONLY if you wanted to listen to the radio Merv-otherwise why bother ?

[Merv and Sharon]

I do like music when driving Rog and also when the car is stopped it is good to have the option. Anyone have experience with the iPhone+amp to speakers option?

[Tenrocca]

Merv - I think think your still going to need some sort of pre-amp before a power amp, if nothing else to adjust the volume. It may work OK by just plugging the iphone in and adjusting volume through the phone, but probably not an ideal setup. You might have an issue with turning the amp on and off as well - power amps would usually have a "turn on" signal from the head unit.

Cheers

[renovationinnov]

merv
my apprentice has all the gear for his iphone & it does have a decent soundbut don't hear it when drills are used [ might be the same in the cobra] when travelling
then again i don't listen to half the music he likes
sd/cd = selective deafness [ carpenters deafness

[Merv and Sharon]

Thanks Andrew. I was going to wire the amp via "accessories" but the pre-amp could be an issue, as you suggest. Maybe a preamp with mixer capabilities would be the go.

[Aussie Mike]

It's bad enough driving along where people can see my face let alone hear my music to discover how really uncool I am. I'll stick with an MP3 Player and headphones thanks.

Cheers

[Merv and Sharon]

True - in an open car one has to choose the music carefully

There is no perfect stereo system for a Cobra, but I want the main unit in the trunk with the powered antennae. No dash holes for a head unit. I want marine application speakers, as on the rear panel behind the seats, they will get wet occasionally, and last, I want an RF remote. Gone right off audio streaming as everything I read and ask about, points to poor signal outcomes. Wires all the way and compatibility for iPhone and iPod-no CD input needed. Kyle's Alpine system above seems the best all round, with maybe the exception of the new Clarion set up:





Very similar marine application and control unit goes in the glovebox, the amp in the trunk and there are two types of remotes - RF or Wired

[Rog246]

Originally Posted by Aussie Mike

It's bad enough driving along where people can see my face let alone hear my music to discover how really uncool I am. I'll stick with an MP3 Player and headphones thanks.

Cheers

I really don't have a problem of 'Hey little Cobra" on a loop at 125db at all

[kyleb]

Originally Posted by Aussie Mike

It's bad enough driving along where people can see my face let alone hear my music to discover how really uncool I am. I'll stick with an MP3 Player and headphones thanks.

Cheers

I am a little cautious of the music I play because lets face it unlike what most P platers out there think, not everyone wants to hear your crap music at 120db.
With that in mind the MC20 has a mute button which drops the sound to a repectable level when you pull up at the lights.
Merv if you're worried about the output I have no AMP and can hear it fine on the highway even with the Sidepipes. Although my son has offered me the use of his wicked sub woofer. RACV Member Benefits Ad - YouTube

[Beejay]

I have the Alpine marine player model CDA-118M in my ski boat. It is pretty good.

The speakers are Infinity marine 612M model, and they are not great. If I had the room in my boat I would put Kicker 6x9's in!

I honestly would not worry about marine speakers, normal car audio stuff can take the occasional splash.

Ben

[Merv and Sharon]

Thanks Kyle and Beejay. I think I will go with the Clarion above, with the RF remote and some good weather protected speakers, if I can get the price right. I am giving the Aussie dealers a good try. So far, $500 for the base unit here and $173 in the US on eBay. Will see how much we can close that gap.