Upgrading '08 Sony A/V Radio

[ewbradshaw]

Been thinking of upgrading the Sony in the '08 International to take advantage of Bluetooth , WiFi, BlueRay and whatever. Anybody know what is being installed in the new Airstreams or what I should use for an upgrade?

[KJRitchie]

Here is a link to some experiences with the Clarion system in 2015s

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f450...ns-124765.html

Kelvin

[AnnArborBob]

Better to stick with the same brand (Sony) as the original unit to facilitate connections etc... We are upgrading the unit that came in our 2014 AS to the following:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LY9PPKQ/...KR8DAX17&psc=1

The above unit should be 100% plug compatible with our existing unit but offers some added features most notably an "aux input" in the front that we will use for satellite radio.

[ewbradshaw]

Does this Sony GS model play DVDs or do I need to keep that CD changer dinosaur that I was thinking of eliminating?


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

[AnnArborBob]

Originally Posted by ewbradshaw

Does this Sony GS model play DVDs or do I need to keep that CD changer dinosaur that I was thinking of eliminating?


Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums

Since it's original and primary purpose is to be a car radio, I doubt that it has DVD capabilities.

[scamp]

My 2015 16 foot sport came with a sony radio that plays CDs ,DVDs , usb connection to my iPad ,memory stick, etc, Bluetooth , no more large DVD player! I will check later on model number.

Don

[KJRitchie]

MEXGS810BH doesn't have DVD or any audio input other than an Aux input from what I can see.

My 2008 Sony have RCA audio inputs so it can play the TV audio. It has the built in DVD. This new player will probably not work with my 10 disc changer that came with my AS. However, I don't buy CDs anymore and most of my CDs are ripped so I can play an old iPod Nano via the Aux input on the face plate. I may pull the disc changer out to create more storage.

I'm not sure anyone makes a car radio with DVD in the same form DIN form factor. But I don't seem to use my DVD that much. I usually rip rental DVDs and them play them to the TV via it HDMI input from my Macbook Air or iPad. Still it would be nice to have the DVD, Bluray is not that important. Because no one is making stereo heads with DVD any more AS has to go with a separate Samsung DVD.

I suppose if my Sony ever breaks I could go with a Jensen unit that has DVD but no Bluetooth.

Kelvin

[rodsterinfl]

I upgraded my 2006 with all new electronics. Contacted AS beforehand and was told that the best way to do it is to go with separate AC and DC audio systems which is exactly what I did. That is exactly why Ann Arbor Bob is correct. There are special connectors for the Sony model of the era. I replaced the radio, a sony unit, with a pioneer top line unit with the newer tech. I chose the unit as a direct replacement of the older tech while adding iPod functionality and other features for audio. Regarding TV I added a 32" Samsung and routed HDMI to the rear as well for a second TV. To adjust for sound I added a sound bar subwoofer unit to the TV and a Panasonic Blueray player with switcher for the two TVs. It really was easier to separate the systems and it sounds good without having to have the locker speakers used for TV.

[m.hony]

Any Bluetooth car stereo under $200 will do all you want it to do. If you get a Sony, it will most likely slide into the same sleeve and plug into the same harness.

[dznf0g]

Something like this:

Milennia MIL-BTREC Bluetooth® adapter at Crutchfield.com

Not sure what model was used in 2008, but I got one of these for inputs:

Sony XA-300 Auxiliary Input Adapter for Unilink at Onlinecarstereo.com

They're getting rare.

My Sony is a CDX-A251C

[handn]

Originally Posted by AnnArborBob

Better to stick with the same brand (Sony) as the original unit to facilitate connections etc... We are upgrading the unit that came in our 2014 AS to the following:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LY9PPKQ/...KR8DAX17&psc=1

The above unit should be 100% plug compatible with our existing unit but offers some added features most notably an "aux input" in the front that we will use for satellite radio.

All automotive radios are pretty much plug and play with each other.
We replaced the Sony in our Airstream with a JVC because the Sony was older and a satellite module was not available for it. I do not wish to plug the sportster satellite receiver into the aux plug on the radio. The JVC went right in the existing cutout and plugged right up to the Sony speaker wires.
Moreover, sound quality differs little if at all between radios. Upgrade speakers and/or amplifiers to get better sound.
The sound quality of the Alpine speakers in our boat is vastly better than the Sony speakers in the Airstream. I was going to upgrade until I priced the Alpine speakers.

[m.hony]

I am pretty happy with the stereo in the Airstream, and custom car audio is a hobby. Alpine amps sound good, too. I have 2 Alpine amps in my Nissan. I am also partial to Alpine head units. My past 3 head units have been Alpine- 1 in the Nissan, 1 in the Toyota, and 1 sold that had been in a Chevy Express van. I had a pair of Alpine coaxial speakers in my 1987 Mazda B2000 pickup. In my Nissan and Toyota I have Boston Acoustics highs and Rockford Fosgate subs. I have Rockford Fosgate amps in the Toyota and had Rockford amps, highs, and subs in the old Mazda that I took to car stereo competitions. Those were the days.