Entertainment system for shared yacht

[Mud]

It's not an estimate, it's a measurement. I have also measured the difference in drawn current v. volume - there is no change. The current drawn when the set is turned off is very low, I forget the exact figure but something like 0.05 amp. My solar panel doesn't even notice it.

I find it odd that there's little change when turning up the volume & the motor is running to turn a cd.

BillBevington measured 0.9A on low volume radio, changing to 1.5A on high volume radio/cd.

A couple of posters on the sailboatowners forum report figures ranging from 0.85A on standby to 1.3A using the CD player.

 

[cmedsailor]

A facetious reply, but a couple of recent threads on entertainment systems are making me believe this forum may harbour a tendency to over-complicate matters.

I already have a speaker and sound quality is very good. I use it to play music via my iphone.

 

[peteK]

Mine also uses less than 0.5A when listening to the radio with a negligible increase with the volume turned up.

 

[Ric]

The problem with after market car stereos is that they are designed to appeal to chavs to fit to their Vauxhall Asbos so have lurid colours, flashy disco lights, and impossible knobology, making them totally unsuitable for boats. I fitted one in a moment of rashness a few years ago, but after getting fed up with having to study the manual just to turn it on, I ripped it out and fitted a Fusion marine radio.

 

[vyv_cox]

I find it odd that there's little change when turning up the volume & the motor is running to turn a cd.

BillBevington measured 0.9A on low volume radio, changing to 1.5A on high volume radio/cd.

A couple of posters on the sailboatowners forum report figures ranging from 0.85A on standby to 1.3A using the CD player.

I think those are high figures rather more typical of older sets. Mine was a new model when I bought it about five years ago. In the normal situation for my boat with everything nominally turned off the total consumption is just under 0.5 amps. The 'live' items in this state are the Navtex and Weatherman, both permanently set to receive 24/7, the permanent connection to the radio, the solar panel controller and the voltmeter itself.

 

[st599]

Personally, I just carry a Degen De-1103 in my sailing bag - unbelievably sensitive, sub-£50 radio that can listen to FM, Longwave, Mediumwave and Shortwave bands. Batteries are rechargeable and last about 6 months.

One of the boats I sail on has two Eltax bookshelf speakers installed and a TA-2020 based amplifier/radio. You can plug any source into this.

 

[Strolls]

The problem with after market car stereos is that they are designed to appeal to chavs to fit to their Vauxhall Asbos so have lurid colours, flashy disco lights, and impossible knobology, making them totally unsuitable for boats.

Totally agree with your dislike of aftermarket car stereos, but any local breakers will have a selection of plain ones.

I bet it's harder to find a secondhand factory-fitted car stereo with bluetooth, but I bet the pistonhead forums would be able to suggest some models to look for.