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Best marine stereo system 2018 – [Buyer’s Guide]
Last Updated September 1, 2023
Looking for ways to bring your marine stereo system to the next level? Then you’ve come to the right place. I’m Arnold Simmons. Here are the best marine stereo system for 2018 – based on my own expert opinion, feature sets, prices, and overall popularity.
My main objective is to write article on these subject so that buyers like you can have the best assistance and education in making that next purchase. In this section we provide our readers with a comparison table of our top picks. Scroll past the table for a closer look at each of the 3 best marine stereo system in our review section.
Best marine stereo system of 2018
Simply review and buy them. Here, I will review 3 of the best marine stereo system of 2018, and we will also discuss the things to consider when looking to purchase one. I hope you will make an informed decision after going through each of them.
I have taken the initiative to educate you on the top three best marine stereo system that you can buy this year. You must have heard that the best marine stereo system should allow you to save money, right? Sure, but that’s not the only reason you should consider getting one.
Test Results and Ratings
| Rank | №1 | №2 | №3 |
| Product |  |
 |
 |
| Total | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Design |
5 points
|
5 points
|
4 points
|
| Materials |
5 points
|
5 points
|
4 points
|
| Construction |
5 points
|
4 points
|
4 points
|
| Price |
4 points
|
4 points
|
5 points
|
| Awards |  |
||
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the marine stereo system by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
№1 – Kenwood Bluetooth MP3 Marine Boat Yacht Bike AUX USB iPod iPhone Input Radio Player Stereo Receiver
| Total: |
4.8
|
Why did this marine stereo system win the first place?
I don’t know anything about other models from this brand, but I am fully satisfied with this product. I was completely satisfied with the price. Its counterparts in this price range are way worse. I really enjoy the design. It is compact, comfortable and reliable. And it looks amazing! The product is very strong. Its material is stable and doesn’t crack.
5
|
5
|
5
|
4
|
№2 – JBL PRV-175 Marine digital media receiver with built-in Bluetooth
| Total: |
4.5
|
Why did this marine stereo system come in second place?
The material is pretty strong and easy to wash if needed. I recommend you to consider buying this model, it definitely worth its money. Managers explained me all the details about the product range, price, and delivery. This is a pretty decent product that perfectly fitted the interior of our office.
5
|
5
|
4
|
4
|
№3 – BOSS Audio MCKGB350B.6 Receiver / Speaker Package
| Total: |
4.3
|
Why did this marine stereo system take third place?
It doesn’t squeaks nor bents. Looks great in my apartment. A very convenient model. It is affordable and made of high-quality materials. It is inconvenient to use due to the size. I am going to get something different next time. I liked the design. We’ve been using it for 2 months and it still looks like brand new.
4
|
4
|
4
|
5
|
Marine stereo system Buyer’s Guide
Phil Sills
Fed up with the terrible warbling noise your flat-screen TV makes? You’ve come to the right place.
Upgrading your TV sound can be as easy as plugging in a sound bar, but first you’ll need to buy the right one. In this guide we’ll look at the different types of home audio systems available, from sound bars to stereo speakers to full-blown, amped-up, surround-sound speaker packages. Here’s what you should be looking for to best suit your needs.
Step up to a surround-sound system
If you’re looking for something that sounds better than a sound bar, the best option is to put together your own system with an AV receiver and surround-sound speakers.
How They Work
Marine VHF radios rely on radio waves to send and receive transmissions. They rely on line of sight in order to function. Anything that blocks line of sight (land masses, earth curvature, etc.) will disrupt the signals. Thankfully there are few such obstacles on the open water.
The most powerful marine radios are those with long antennas and high wattage. If multiple boats simultaneously transmit on one frequency, the strongest signal is the one which will come through.
Fixed-Mount and Handheld
There are two basic types of VHF marine radio: fixed-mount and handheld. You can maximize your range with a fixed-mount system, which also draws from the boat’s electricity (so you don’t need batteries). Then again, if the electrical system goes down in an emergency, you will need a handheld. Buy one of each if you can.
VHF Radio vs. Mobile
Why buy a VHF radio at all? Why not simply use your cell phone? There are a number of good reasons. For one, mobile networks offer spotty coverage on the open water (nonexistent in many locations). Cell phones lack the weather alert and DSC features of marine radios and are not waterproof.
Fixed-Mount
A fixed-mount VHF marine radio is one which is permanently mounted to your boat and wired into the boat’s electrical system, generally the helm. Benefits include a higher power output and range than handheld radios, dedicated power, and ease-of-use in choppy sea conditions. Many options are available for antennas (straight mount, swivel mount, ratchet mount, rail mount, etc.). You can even set up dual stations and navigate using GPS.
Antenna
As mentioned before, you have numerous options when it comes to antennas for fixed-mount units. To get the best range, you want your antenna to be mounted as high as you can. If you plan to attach the unit to a powerboat, do so on the superstructure and pick an antenna with six- or nine-dB gain. If you have a sailboat, mount on the mast and go with three dB.
Dual Station
One popular feature for fixed-mount systems is dual station. This allows you to install a microphone in another room inside your boat and operate dual stations from the helm radio. You can then use the system as an intercom.
This is a feature you will find in higher-end fixed-mount marine radios, but generally not in the less expensive models. It allows you to broadcast to other vessels in the area, line handlers, and so on. To use it, you will need to purchase additional hardware in the form of an external waterproof speaker. You also may find it comes equipped with a feature called Listen-Back. With this, you can convert speakers into microphones to amplify noises. This makes it easy to hear the foredeck hand or fog signals in the distance. Not all hailer functions include Listen-Back, so if you need it, look for it specifically in the product specifications of the model you are considering.
Handheld
This is the portable version of a VHF marine radio. It isn’t mounted; you carry it around with you. Many handheld units these days offer most of the same advanced features as fixed-mount units. You can get extremely basic models at the lower end and very sophisticated ones at the higher end.
Features can include DSC capability, built-in GPS, a distress button, waterproofing, noise canceling, and much more. Range is lower than what you will get from a fixed-mount radio, but handheld models offer a couple of very important benefits. They offer a backup if your ship’s electrical system crashes in an emergency (or your ship sinks altogether). On top of that, they are portable. You can take them anywhere on your vessel or off of it.
Buoyancy
As just discussed, some radios these days are made to float. While the tradeoff is a shorter battery life, there are plenty of benefits to a floating radio. For one thing, you are less likely to lose it and have to waste money on a replacement. For another (and more importantly), you might need to use your radio to get rescued in the water. If it sinks, obviously it is useless to you. A buoyant radio could save your life.
Display
Handheld marine radios usually have either a dot matrix or LCD display. A seven-segment LCD display looks like your clock radio; it is blocky and hard to read. A dot matrix display can generate any image, and looks more like the screen on your smartphone or television. While dot matrix may not be a vital feature, it certainly makes for a more pleasant user experience.
Features
What are some important features to look for on a VHF marine radio? The features listed below may cost you extra, but they can provide you with greater value in your purchase.
GPS is an incredibly useful feature. As mentioned above, you can use it in conjunction with your DSC to transmit your exact location in distress. This allows rescue parties to make their way to you directly.
GPS is also useful for general navigational purposes. You can view your latitude and longitude, and even set up custom waypoints as you travel. That way you can find your way to and from specific locations. This is excellent for fishing, diving, and numerous other purposes.
AIS stands for “Automatic Identification System.” It is a tracking system you can use to locate and identify other vessels. Using an AIS-equipped transponder or receiver, you can see real-time data on nearby ships including their type, dimensions, cargo, position, speed, destinations, and more. A transponder will broadcast information on your vessel; a receiver will not. Benefits include the ability to transmit your position, detect movements from unauthorized vessels, manage a port, conduct coastal surveillance, and more.
Weather Alert
Early warning in case of inclement weather conditions at sea can quite literally save your life. For that reason, you are going to want a marine radio equipped with weather alerts. These should include alerts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as well as Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) alerts. SAME alerts are specific to your region; NOAA alerts are national.
MR F45-D
2watt mountable marine radio doesn’t have built in GPS. However, it is very reasonably priced, powerful and very easy to use. Also, it’s one of the only marine radios on the market that comes with an external speaker jack.
Comes with mounting bracket. There’s no chance this radio will go overboard. It attaches to the frame of your boat.
Long range communication. 2watts of power allows you to send messages to boats 20 nautical miles or more away.
Noise free transmissions. The built in noise reducer erases static and wind.
Uncomplicated interface. The MR F45-D doesn’t have quite as many features as some nautical radios. But it has all the basics and it’s super easy to use.
External speaker jack. If you need a volume boost, you can hook up an extra speaker.
GX1700W costs twice as much as an ordinary mounted marine radio. But, it has twice as many features. With this unit you get built in GPS and DSC. Plus, water doesn’t phase it. This radio is JIScertified waterproof.
Built-in GPS. No need to buy a separate GPS device. The GX1700W comes with built-in GPS functionality.
Advanced DSC calling. With this radio, you can place DSC calls while you monitor other communication frequencies.
Send and receive position info. Receive, send and navigate GPS waypoints via DSC.
Easy to install. Some bulky marine radios are a pain to setup and wire together. But it’s super easy to set up the GX1700W because it’s slim and compact.
Compatible with RAM3+ remote microphone technology. With a RAM3+ microphone, you’re not stuck in front of the radio anymore. You can walk around your boat and communicate from wherever you want.
Won’t break if submerged underwater. The GX1700W can withstand being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. It’s JIScertified.
Water damage guarantee. Standard Horizon is so confident in this radio that it has backed it up with a year warranty that covers all water related breakages.
The JL Audio M770 CCS-CG-WH speakers are one of a kind. The manufacturer came up with these speakers to not only deliver quality sound, but powerful music that you can listen to even at high speeds on your marine vessel, such as Jet Ski or speed boat.
Unlike most Jet Ski and marine speakers, this particular model was built to cover the highs and lows effectively. They feature a polypropylene cone that is mica-injected. The cone structure and material offer high excursion and linearity.
The silk dome high-frequency drivers are well-built with a wider dispersion angle for better stereo imaging while on the move. The mounting options are flexible as far as these speakers are concerned, thanks to the flush and surface-mount casings.
These are highly versatile marine speakers that are engineered for free-air applications. So, you will not need to come up with speaker enclosures. The grilles and baskets are made of Centrex polymer material that is corrosion and UV-resistant for extended durability.
The Wrap Up
We have reached the end of our, best Jet Ski speakers reviews. The reviewed products are among the best you will find on the market. They can all be used with a Jet Ski/watercraft, but the mounting may differ from one vessel to another.
Marine-grade speakers may be new inventions to most people who are not conversant with water recreational vehicles. However, you can learn the basics of choosing these speakers from our buying guide section above.
Voice Controls
The Anker SoundCore makes the best cheap Bluetooth speaker even better, offering big sound and a 24-hour battery within a wonderfully compact design. It’s also water resistant now, making it an even better companion for a quick trip to the pool or beach.
Yes; Google Assistant
The JBL Link 20 is one of the few third-party Bluetooth speakers that taps into Google Assistant, allowing you to do things like check the weather or control your smart home wherever you are. It’s also simply a great premium speaker, with balanced audio, a rugged, waterproof design, and hours of battery life.
How We Test Bluetooth Speakers
To evaluate each Bluetooth speaker, we listen to a wide range of music and test the device’s durability, if applicable. We also test speakerphone capabilities (if available) and play tunes continuously to see how long the speakers’ batteries last. We also consider the quality of the design and ease of use and setup.
Other features we consider include whether a given Bluetooth speaker supports Siri and/or Google Assistant voice prompts, as well whether as it has any rugged features such as dust- and waterproofing.
PYLE PLMCA20 Mount Amplifier With Waterproof Speakers
This is another important issue to think about. Basically, the higher wattage a speaker has, the more volume it will produce. You may not actually need more volume if you only use your motorcycle when riding around town. If you travel over highways then more wattage may be necessary so that you can actually hear the music you love.
How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the marine stereo system by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
Final Word
First of all thanks for reading my article to the end! I hope you find my reviews listed here useful and that it allows you to make a proper comparison of what is best to fit your needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to try more than one product if your first pick doesn’t do the trick.
Most important, have fun and choose your marine stereo system wisely! Good luck!
So, TOP3 of marine stereo system
- №1 — Kenwood Bluetooth MP3 Marine Boat Yacht Bike AUX USB iPod iPhone Input Radio Player Stereo Receiver
- №2 — JBL PRV-175 Marine digital media receiver with built-in Bluetooth
- №3 — BOSS Audio MCKGB350B.6 Receiver / Speaker Package
Questions? Leave a comment below!
Chatting about marine stereo system is my passion! Leave me a question in the comments, I answer each and every one and would love to get to know you better!
