Stereo system

jeffk · 04-23-2016, 11:55 AM

I may have to get a new stereo system for my boat so I have been investigating them. My boat has 2 speakers in the bow and 4 speakers and a subwoofer in the cockpit. A separate amp drives some of the speakers. I may need a new head unit.

My plans are to drive most of my music through my Samsung Galaxy Note 4, an Android system. AM/FM desired also. I don't need a CD but don't care if one is included. I want marine grade. I want the most advanced Android support possible via USB connection and through Bluetooth and the support of Android music and control protocols like AOA.

I have been looking at some of the Kenwood units but in doing so have come across a problem with stereo units in general. Normally in a boat, you shut off the battery switch to prevent battery drain. The only thing left powered is the automatic bilge pump.

Problem one is that when many of these systems lose complete power from the battery they forget any user settings. They lose radio presets, Bluetooth pairings, etc. It would be impractical to completely set up the stereo each time I take the boat out.

Solution - power the stereo through a direct line to the battery to maintain the settings. However, that introduces problem two. Aftermarket stereos have a reputation for parasitic power usage when off. In a car that is run daily, that may not be a problem. In a boat that might sit for 3 or 4 weeks, it might end up with a dead battery.

Unfortunately information like "Does your system retain settings when disconnected from power?" and "What is the power usage of your system when the unit is shut off?" is not commonly available.

So I want to draw on the forum's experience with stereo systems. Does yours retain settings when the battery switch is shut off? If the stereo is direct to the battery, do you have problems with battery drain (stereo off)? I would especially be interested in more recent models but even brands that work well would give me a place to start investigating.

I am amazed that the marine stereo industry hasn't realized that this is a problem. I chatted with Crutchfield and they admitted it is a problem. There is electronic memory that retains content without power. They should use that in the radios. Sigh. I found a couple units through Crutchfield that retain settings but they have only rudimentary support of Android. Sigh.

Thanks in advance.

04-23-2016, 11:55 AM	#1
jeffk Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Center Harbor Posts: 1,189 Thanks: 210 Thanked 458 Times in 262 Posts	Stereo system I may have to get a new stereo system for my boat so I have been investigating them. My boat has 2 speakers in the bow and 4 speakers and a subwoofer in the cockpit. A separate amp drives some of the speakers. I may need a new head unit. My plans are to drive most of my music through my Samsung Galaxy Note 4, an Android system. AM/FM desired also. I don't need a CD but don't care if one is included. I want marine grade. I want the most advanced Android support possible via USB connection and through Bluetooth and the support of Android music and control protocols like AOA. I have been looking at some of the Kenwood units but in doing so have come across a problem with stereo units in general. Normally in a boat, you shut off the battery switch to prevent battery drain. The only thing left powered is the automatic bilge pump. Problem one is that when many of these systems lose complete power from the battery they forget any user settings. They lose radio presets, Bluetooth pairings, etc. It would be impractical to completely set up the stereo each time I take the boat out. Solution - power the stereo through a direct line to the battery to maintain the settings. However, that introduces problem two. Aftermarket stereos have a reputation for parasitic power usage when off. In a car that is run daily, that may not be a problem. In a boat that might sit for 3 or 4 weeks, it might end up with a dead battery. Unfortunately information like "Does your system retain settings when disconnected from power?" and "What is the power usage of your system when the unit is shut off?" is not commonly available. So I want to draw on the forum's experience with stereo systems. Does yours retain settings when the battery switch is shut off? If the stereo is direct to the battery, do you have problems with battery drain (stereo off)? I would especially be interested in more recent models but even brands that work well would give me a place to start investigating. I am amazed that the marine stereo industry hasn't realized that this is a problem. I chatted with Crutchfield and they admitted it is a problem. There is electronic memory that retains content without power. They should use that in the radios. Sigh. I found a couple units through Crutchfield that retain settings but they have only rudimentary support of Android. Sigh. Thanks in advance.