Where should one put a stereo?

gergstuff · 06-13-2007, 01:31 PM

I am wondering if there are any recommendations for where to install a stereo in a 6 metre Minuet? I saw an original cabinet enclosure on e-bay that looks like it fit into one of the overheads. Where would factory speakers be located? I am not inclined to worry too much about originality but lean more towards practicality. Thoughts, suggestions and innermost feelings (as always) are appreciated.

Gerg

cameront120 · 06-13-2007, 03:07 PM

Does yours have an overhead compartment at the front, above your gaucho or dinette? I've seen pictures of Argosy trailers with this. My Tradewind has the original stereo located here with the speakers mounted on either side, lower on the interior skin. Another pair of speakers are located midships where the twin beds are.

This shows one of the front speakers just below the left side of the bulkhead. There is another on the opposite side.

You can just make out one of the second pair of speakers (at the twin beds) to the left of the window at the top of this picture.

So, in all there are four speakers. Two forward and two rear. All contolled by teh Motorolla 8-track player! I hope these are helpful in giving you some ideas.

Cheers!

myoung · 06-13-2007, 05:30 PM

We find the AS speakers and Sony system quite inferior to the Apple Hi-Fi with an iPod. There are literally dozens of iPod speaker accessories that would be well-suited to one or more locations in an Airstream. Take a look.

Excella CM · 06-13-2007, 05:39 PM

A baffling question when you get right down to it. Ours are in the side walls at either end of the trailer. That gives stero at either end. You could put one speaker in each end, then you'd have stereo in the middle, which you could fade back and forth from the kitchen to the loo.

Remember an old definition of Hi Fi "All the highest notes, neither sharp nor flat. The human cannot hear as high as that, still it ought to please any passing bat!"

overlander64 · 06-13-2007, 06:08 PM

Greetings Greg!

Quote:

Originally Posted by gergstuff

I am wondering if there are any recommendations for where to install a stereo in a 6 metre Minuet? I saw an original cabinet enclosure on e-bay that looks like it fit into one of the overheads. Where would factory speakers be located? I am not inclined to worry too much about originality but lean more towards practicality. Thoughts, suggestions and innermost feelings (as always) are appreciated.

Gerg

It is my understanding that the stereo was a dealer added accessory for the Minuets. The ones that I have seen are installed in the street-side, front-most locker above the side lounge. I always thought that the more logical location was in the locker above the refrigerator, but that locker has the refrigerator chimney that limits the available depth -- and the other locker on that side has the vent/fan/motor assembly for the range blocking most of the available space (it was in this cabinet that the optional command center was installed -- guages for holding tanks and electrical charge). The speakers were mounted in the ends of the side roof-lockers pointing forward. I haven't been able to obtain confirmation whether wiring is available for the radio/speakers -- or if it is necessary to run the wire for both. The lack of the front overhead locker in the Minuets certainly does limit the possible locations for a stereo -- each of which cuts into the meager locker/cabinet storage that is available.

Good luck with your stereo installation!

Kevin

cameront120 · 06-13-2007, 10:35 PM

If installing a stereo is difficult, due to space limitations, I'd suggest a Specktone tabletop speaker system for an iPod. I have one and love it! I think the style suits an Airstream or Argosy very well. They come in black, green and white lacquer finishes.

SpeckTone Retro from Speck Products!

thecatsandi · 06-13-2007, 10:50 PM

I have an iPod and a Dock thingy by JBL that I bought at Wal-mart last year. Not sure f they still have it. It sounds great! I even had a former radio engineer and muscian comment on how it filled the hangar (50X50) and sonded really good.
JBL On Stage II Docking Sound Station for iPod, White - Wal-Mart
JBL Home Audio

gergstuff · 06-14-2007, 10:04 AM

Yes, I suppose an i-pod and docking station would be a suitable substitute for a good old fashioned stereo.

Somehow, I like the idea of having a built in unit. Some sort of enclosure at the front would be nice, maybe I can find one or build one.

Thank you for all of the input. I hate to take up too much space in storage cabinets as the room is needed for other stuff.

I will have to give the matter some serious thought, maybe if I sit on the side fold out gaucho for awhile something will hit me in terms of a revelation.

Thanks again,

Gerg

cameront120 · 06-14-2007, 11:14 AM

My gaucho has a compartment in one of the arms, where one could easily house a car stereo. Is the Argosy equiped with something like this? Sorry, I know very little about the layout of Argosy trailers.

Argonaut20 · 06-14-2007, 05:06 PM

Our '79 Minuet has a radio/cassette mounted in the locker above the reefer with speakers in the walls just aft of the front windows. Looks factory installed. The radio is in a mount that is held in by the inevitable screws. finished in the everpopular woodtone stick on paper and aluminum. Antenna is mounted above the locker abaft the reefer vent cover. Doesn't sound as good as an iPod for a fact.

overlander63 · 06-14-2007, 07:04 PM

Our Sovereign has a small pull-open cabinet for the radio near one of the arms for the gaucho, then wired speakers, 2 in front and 2 in the bedroom.
The small cabinet is about arm level while sitting on the couch.

Silvertwinkie · 06-14-2007, 07:09 PM

Don't forget a sub...makes a world of difference!