4-Channel Amplifier instead of radio?

[nigelmercier]

I never listen to the radio on my boat, I only use the Aux input for the PC or an iDevice. I'm thinking of getting a 4-Channel Amplifier instead:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291063106858

This would mean I could move my VHF to a better position, see mock-ups below (seat is to the right, at right angles to the panel):

It would be simple to make a passive volume control for the F/R speakers (or should that be F/A speakers?). I can also incorporate a mute relay to mute it when the VHF is in use.

Has anyone tried an amplifier like this?

Any suggestions on making good the panel?

 

[Rigger Mortice]

Will the input on the amp match your various devices?
You're still going to need somewhere to mount the input socket, F/A control and possibly switches. Personally I would just get a car radio blanking off plate, mount the bits and pieces on it and bung that in place.

 

[BruceDanforth]

I think your boat will definitely sail a lot better with the VHF moved 10 inches to the right.

Cutting massive holes in the structural bulkheads to accommodate **** ebay speakers could be a plan too.

 

[lustyd]

Presumably you mean 2 channel 4 output rather than quadraphonic? No, don't answer that, the forum just brings out the pedant in me!

 

[Hoolie]

It looks a neat little unit, but I can't see what input level is required. You might need a pre-amp, though that should give you full control over balance etc.

 

[nigelmercier]

I think your boat will definitely sail a lot better with the VHF moved 10 inches to the right...

At the moment I can't read the screen on the VHF.

Presumably you mean 2 channel 4 output rather than quadraphonic?

The amp has 4 separate channels, so I could go quad if I wanted. But I will be feeding the same stereo source into the two stereo inputs (via two volume controls).

I've bought it now, so we shall see. A blanking plate of some sort with the mic clip, power switch for amp and two volume controls, plus perhaps a USB charging socket. It's just a pity that the original cutout goes past the edge of the main switch panel, ideally I'd like to fill this bit in.

 

[rob2]

Looks interesting, although the common parl;ance for 4 x 30W RMS = 1000W doesn't credit the buyer with much intelligence - especially as the seller says it can power a pair of door speakers! Hope you'll let us know how the project goes, but it looks like you'll need a bit of front end wiring to receive the signal and control it. I've always thought that a Bluetooth connection to a concealed system would be nice.

Only thing is, if you've got 120W RMS output, please don't moor anywhere near me if you're planning to use it all!

Rob.

P.S. I thought Photoshop did quite a neat job of making good the panel...

 

[nigelmercier]

P.S. I thought Photoshop did quite a neat job of making good the panel...

If only real life were like Photoshop. Especially with an undo function.

The peak power is there to woo the chavs, I went by the RMS which is slightly less than my radio.