Forum Discussion

az350x's avatar
az350x
Explorer
Mar 11, 2014

Replacement stereo ideas?

Our new-to-us unit came with no stereo or tv (removed by previous owner). The hole where the stereo was has all of the labeled wires in it, and sits above a rotating tv carousel that will house a fairly large flat screen. I'm looking at a 39" Sanyo unit for a tv, but am stumped on what to buy to replace the (probably junky) RV stereo/DVD unit that was there.

My thought was that since it's going to cost around $200 to replace the RV unit, maybe I'd rather buy a car stereo that would have better sound overall. The problem I'm seeing with that plan is the video out jacks on most car stereos are just the old-fashioned RCA-type connector, as opposed to S-video or even hdmi. I'm worried that video quality will be poor when blown up that big. Anyone have similar setup that could chime in? I'm not trying to have a theatre on wheels- this IS camping and a TT after all, lol, but I don't want a blurry, horrible picture either that just irks me when I watch it.

I'm trying to stay in the $200 range. Looking at units like the Pioneer AVH-X1600DVD. Rather have double-DIN and no motorized screen.

So, is anyone running a flat screen off of this style of deck that could give me some feedback?

Thanks!
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Mar 11, 2014
    In our 5er, the combo DVD/CD/surround sound system was in a slot below the TV. It died. And the TV was an older digital but basically square screen. I installed a widescreen HD TV that was slightly larger than the opening, but being so flat I could mount it on the outside of the opening and still looked very good.

    The slot below it limited the size of the DVD/sound system I could install. So I took measurements, went to Best Buy, looked at all their all in one home theater systems, measured each and found one that fit perfectly in the space available. They had several models from several different manufacturers. They all came with new speakers, so that was part of my decision also. New speakers were close to the original in size, but I did have to enlarge some cabinet openings a little. But better sound was worth it.

    I spent a just little more and got a blu-ray DVD/surround sound system since we had a number of blu-ray movies already at home. Really was not much higher price.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Mar 11, 2014
    x2 recommendation for a car audio type radio, you can get them with DVD or Blu-Ray built in. to get good sound, you'll need an external car audio amp as well.

    the 120v home units will have the amp built in... but, tricky thing about all-in-one home units, sometimes the amps are rated weird, to match special made speakers. for example, an Insigna brand all-in-one I recently threw out was rated for 32 ohm speakers, what the heck right?
  • AllegroD's avatar
    AllegroD
    Nomad
    Mar 11, 2014
    This does not need to be an RV player. As the OP states an auto player would work. I suggest that you go by a Best Buy and other electronics stores to look at all options.

    Example: Audiovox AVDBR1

    If you have shelf space you could go to a Blu-Ray Home Theater. That would require 120V, unless you find a system capable of 12v.
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Mar 11, 2014
    I would look for an all in one home unit...DVD,CD, AM/FM plus aux input...that will fit in the hole. Run it off of an inverter when only 12v is available or house current with electric is available.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Mar 11, 2014
    When my all-in-one STEREO went out I replaced it with a Jenkins CAR RADIO. Worked out great for us and I also gained the use of the FRONT/REAR slider switch on the Jenkins Radio. The front position is the inside speakers and the rear position is the OUTSIDE speakers I installed in the side of the trailer.

    Solved a couple of items by going with the CAR RADIO replacement.

    Roy Ken

About RV Must Haves

Have a product you cannot live without? Share it with the community!8,793 PostsLatest Activity: Aug 22, 2023