Attitude sound systems?

[carringb]

Eclipse offers a $1,000 "Delux Sound system" option. Anybody have this? For the money, it better be a darn good system. If it's only OK, maybe I'm better off with a decent sound bar?

If I don't order that option, does it at least some pre-wired for speakers?

Opinions?

Thanks!

[Geno92308]

First off, The location of the sub as selected by eclipse/attitude is purely for ease, and not performance. No audio person would put that sub in an oversized, exterior ported "enclosure".

I left the stock system as is. I purchased a 5 channel class D amp (Rockford F), and a eq which allows two inputs. One input is from the cheap stock head unit, and the other is for an iPhone or what ever I choose. I wired an outlet for the sub inside the TH for use when watching a movie or radio inside. I use the stock speakers plus the sub. The addition of a quality amp and sub improve the overall sound quality inside. The eq allows for adjustment of the sub volume.

The same sub can be taken outside and wired to a 5 channel outside speaker outlet box (FL,FR,RL, RR, and sub). I have 4 additional kicker enclosed speakers for outdoor use (boon docking) or concert type events.

This whole system was purchased for under $600

[a_dog]

N-Trouble wrote:

a.dog wrote:


Jensen has a new model, the AWM968, that has other things you'd likely want - including Bluetooth... http://www.jensenrvdirect.com/coming-soon-am-fm-dvd-cd-usb-bluetooth-stereo.html

The 968 adds Bluetooth but seems to lack HDMI TV out.

Yeah, I noticed that... kinda lame to add a fairly modern feature like Bluetooth & sacrifice the HDMI. That's why I'm keeping my eye on 2- & 3-DIN DVD receivers, but most don't have the ability to select up to 3 music zones (like a 3-zone fader). I'm not in a hurry for that upgrade, but there are always new things coming up.

[N-Trouble]

a.dog wrote:


Jensen has a new model, the AWM968, that has other things you'd likely want - including Bluetooth... http://www.jensenrvdirect.com/coming-soon-am-fm-dvd-cd-usb-bluetooth-stereo.html

The 968 adds Bluetooth but seems to lack HDMI TV out.

[a_dog]

Well, one upgrade I did make (in progress) is to replace the little TV in the main area with a 32" Vizio model on a MOR/Ryde mount. The TV has apps & stuff built in, so if you happen to be in a park that has wifi, you can stream stuff through the TV that way, or you can connect your phone to the TV with the right HDMI cable. If you want better audio, I might still go for the upgraded audio system, but call Kevin @ Eclipse & ask him for details on exactly what the upgrade involves. Here's his contact info from my discussions with him prior to, during, and after my purchase:

Kevin Flores - Kevin@eclipservmfg.com

S.W. REGIONAL SALES

(909)560-9731 cell

(951)684-6868 office

(951)684-4364 fax

If the head unit that comes with the upgraded audio system includes an HDMI connection, you'll almost surely have better audio throughout the RV, and if you play video or audio through your phone into the TV, then connect the TV audio out to the head unit for the right audio experience. I believe, if the head unit supports ARC HDMI, it will support 2-way audio, so the audio from other TV input sources will go back into the head unit, so you shouldn't have to connect analog audio cables to TV's audio out to get good sound through your system.

A little into the weeds here, but when you're ordering a new RV with all the bells & whistles, there's no reason the manufacturer shouldn't be *exceptionally* thorough about explaining what you're spending your hard-earned money on. If they're going to call it "deluxe" or "upgraded", it should really be the latest available hardware. Hopefully Kevin can provide some details on what they're currently installing.

[carringb]

Arch Stanton wrote:
...For a grand you can build out a much, much nicer system than that thing. If music is important to you I would pass.

Well that's kind of why I was questioning the up-charge, but I also know that I running decent wiring to all locations would not a trivial task. Maybe I do need to pop off a couple speakers at the dealer and see what the wiring looks like.

And I'll be honest. The system in my WW wasn't great, but it worked for music while indoors. It was actually the outside speakers that were the biggest disappointment. That's kind of why I was thinking a quality blue-tooth soundbar may be my best option. I don't really need a full-funtioning head unit. All my music and movies are on my phone anyways.

[carringb]

a.dog wrote:
Oh yeah, which model are you ordering? Getting the new grey exterior color with black trim? I was told the price difference was under $1k

Attitude 32GSG with the grey exterior. They are making a bunch of them for stock right now, so I think they have worked out their supplier issues. It adds $800 to the MSRP.

[a_dog]

Great, now, after doing a little searching online, it appears the head unit I have was discontinued BEFORE I even ordered the trailer in June, 2013. So this was an "upgrade" or a "deluxe" model? Found a little info here: http://www.americantrailersupply.com/jensen-amfm-cd-dvd-wall-mount-srereo--awm970.html

Jensen has a new model, the AWM968, that has other things you'd likely want - including Bluetooth... http://www.jensenrvdirect.com/coming-soon-am-fm-dvd-cd-usb-bluetooth-stereo.html

But my frustration after looking behind the TV & at the cables they installed is that even the cheap little TV they include has an HDMI interface, but the head unit does not. A quick search of RV-specific head units shows that Jensen has had the AWM975 available for a while & certainly was available prior to ordering my RV.

[N-Trouble]

Most people cant perceive the difference in sound quality between a low end and high end head unit. THe key to a good sound system is adequate power which typically requires a separate amp, quality speakers and quality wiring.

I'm going to assume the standard sound system just uses what power is available from the head unit which typically isn't much. Looking at the specs on the Jensen its about 20W per channel. I agree you could probably build something your own for less money however if Eclipse upgrades the wiring during manufacturing then it might be worth it. Trying to upgrade the wiring on a fully constructed trailer would be a complete PITA.

[Arch_Stanton]

That is the same head unit I have. Not impressed in the least. For a grand you can build out a much, much nicer system than that thing. If music is important to you I would pass.

[N-Trouble]

The head unit looks to be the same as the standard stereo. Looks like the upgrade consists of amp (how many watts/channels?), upgraded speakers and sub.

What about wiring? Do they upgrade?

[a_dog]

Oh yeah, which model are you ordering? Getting the new grey exterior color with black trim? I was told the price difference was under $1k & it would take some extra time to source the black trim since it was new at the time. Overall, I'm pretty happy with mine, but QC is pretty worthless. I had a list of about 30 issues to correct first time there, and another few issues the second time I went to PDI. Third time was the charm, but the outlet under the cabinet in the galley doesn't appear to have even been hooked up... I'm sure I'll find more issues, but I've been told that's the way with all of them.

[carringb]

Thanks for the info. I did catch a glimpse of the Eclipse rep's post before the mod's deleted it, so that was helpful as well. Considering all of the above, I'll probably go ahead and go with the upgrade.

[a_dog]

Here's the stereo head unit it comes with:



Here's the subwoofer:



Here's the amplifier:



You should be able to click on any pic to see the whole set of pics where I posted a little more detail about what came with my system.

Hope this helps you make a decision.

[Bakersfield]

The stock sound system that came with my Eclipse is a huge POS. Beware.

[carringb]

Thanks. I'm not too concerned about the overall build cost (I've already decided on just about every other option), but it would drive me nuts if I paid big-$ for some low-cost chinese system. So its good to hear they at least use Sony Speakers.

I don't really have a bunch of free time to spare at a dealer, so I'm trying to have all my howework done before I head in 🙂