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Small radio and iPod unit

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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/19/2007 : 15:00:11

We would like to get a small portable stereo radio that gets very good AM/FM reception and can allow the hookup of an iPod. The key is that we want a compact unit. Not looking for a built-in stereo. Need is for a battery-powered high quality AM/FM stereo with iPod connectivity with a small footprint.

Any suggestions?

We cannot direct the winds but we can adjust our sails.

Edited by - on

Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 12/19/2007 : 16:32:21

Randy, try www.Crutchfield.com. They may have portable boom boxes, which sounds like what you are looking for. The latest iPod connectors are of two types: aux in, which are the small phone plus like mini-plugs for headphones or ear-buds on the front of the unit, or separate iPod adapters that connect similar to your computer at home and that recharge the iPod at the same time wired from the back of the stereo. I don't know if these are available on standalone stereos. One other way to do it is to use the cassette tape-like adapter, but those usually don't work in cassette players with a closing faceplate because the wire has to stick out. A slide-in cassette, like a car stereo, or like our new on-the-boat Sony car cassette with 10 disc CD changer with a drop down faceplate, do work.

I know it usually sounds easier to use a boom box, but we gave that up once we graduated from our C22. Crutchfield has a great selection of equipment, and easy install, so you may want to consider getting something to build in. Doesn't even have to be flush-mount, we put ours in with a universal under dash black plastic housing.

PS - yes Crutchfield does have portable audio, see: http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Group/ProductMenu.aspx?g=10210&tp=251

Edited by - Stu Jackson C34 on 12/19/2007 17:50:26

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 12/19/2007 : 17:39:39

Go and wander thru your local Best Buy (assuming they exist in the PNW). The last time I was in one, they had a lot of IPod players and docking devices in a wide range of prices and, I assume, quality.

I'm kinda with Stu though. I think a built in will just be a lot less hassle in the long run. I've been thinking about replacing the radio in my truck with a HD radio and putting the truck radio/CD player in Kaija.

I had a boombox last year and the reception was often poor. That could have been location, box quality or both. I think a permanent mount with a permanent antenna would reduce the cussing on my boat.

Edited by - John Russell on 12/19/2007 17:42:19

Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 12/19/2007 : 17:56:04

John brings up another good point, reception. We're lucky, here, I guess, because the area's AM/FM/TV tower is on a high hill that overlooks the Bay. We simply bought a $6.49 plug in antenna for the car cassette/radio that plugs into the antenna jack on the back of the unit. There are a myriad of other antenna options, but they all plug into the same place on back of the radio. Except for NPR on Saturday and Sunday mornings (West Coast Live and a rerun of Prairie Home Companion) we listen the CDs or MP3s anyway, Oh, yeah, cassettes, too! I figure we have the widest ranging technology so far: radio, cassette, CD changer that also plays MP3 files on CDs and the iPod cassette adapter. I've been told the only thing missing is a record player, but I'm putting that off to go with our old Jenga game.

This is what we purchased: http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=300&i=700XRF10D&tp=5684&tab=review

Edited by - Stu Jackson C34 on 12/19/2007 18:00:49

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 12/19/2007 : 18:33:27

Thanks guys. We love simplicity and are sticking with a portable. I found a great unit at Crutchfield that got very good reviews on MacWorld, iLounge and other sites. It is the iSongBook from Tivoli. Everybody sells it for $299 but Sears has it on sale online now for $149! I ordered it.

[url="http://www.crutchfield.com./App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?search=iSongBook&i=582ISONGBK"]iSongBook[/url]

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 12/19/2007 : 19:42:44

I bought a Tivoli table top radio for my mother a while back. Wow! Great sound in a tiny package.

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 12/19/2007 : 21:21:56

I love the iPod wireless docking station we use on our boat. It takes 4 AA batteries (rechargables of course)
demonstated by my lovely companion here, it takes up very little room and folds away into a very compact hard shell. It can be repositioned and moved around, taken ashore etc. Simple. Elegant.
At home we have a BOSE docking station that has awesome sound in a fairly small footprint.
Just bought a Sony home theatre that has a docking station...it gets big theatre sound.
I have been looking at iPod accesories a lot lately, and there are many many good options - best of all - many of them are wireless or selfcontained, which I think is perfect for our boats.
The docking station in the picture cost about $75 and has 'good' sound, but no where near the BOSE or Sony.

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 12/20/2007 : 09:05:42

Look on the back of any household current only device and see if it is 12 volt. You will be surprised. A lot of small flat panel DVD/TV screens, ipod docking stations and the like are stepped down from 110 via a transformer to 12 volt. If this is the case, cut the wire and wire it into your house bank. A lot cheaper than batteries.

Sten
DPO Zephyr - '82 C25, FK, SR
SV Lysistrata - C&C 39 - Wrightsville Beach, NC awaiting better weather window

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 12/20/2007 : 10:39:15

Sten, nice idea. Assuming the conversion takes place in an external "brick" that would be a nice change. Could also add a cigarette lighter male end and plug the unit into a 12V receptacle.

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 12/20/2007 : 12:38:51

Of course, that makes it a little less useful at home. That is, you will need to carry a house battery to your house if you want to use it there.

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 12/20/2007 : 13:50:22

Nah, they make step down transformers just for running 12 volt stuff off your wall. My telescope camera runs off of 12 volt and I found a little transformer so I could sit in the warmth of my house while figuring out how to use it (not very straight forward) instead of sitting outside during the winter so I could attach to my truck's battery.

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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 12/20/2007 : 14:05:45

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by delliottg
 Nah, they make step down transformers just for running 12 volt stuff off your wall. My telescope camera runs off of 12 volt and I found a little transformer so I could sit in the warmth of my house while figuring out how to use it (not very straight forward) instead of sitting outside during the winter so I could attach to my truck's battery.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
That would be the ultimate in over-engineering. Buy the radio, eliminate the transformer so it works directly off the battery and buy a transformer to plug it into the wall.

I guess you could rig some kind of quick disconnect in-line in the power cord to switch between DC and AC.

I guess if it's all stainless.....

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