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63air · 08-24-2006, 10:20 PM

I am trying to decide on a sound system for my Globetrotter . I have thought about installing a car system but am short on space and do not want to deal with hanging speakers and more wiring/antenna issues.

So I am looking for something portable that we can just carry in a drawer and play when 120v is available. We have a couple of Bose Wave radios in the house that have great sound but are pricey and I'm not sure how they travel. I know there are plenty of "boom boxes" available but I don't want something the size of a suitcase yet I want great sound and AM/FM. Not interested in i-Pod systems. Any brand name/model suggestions

codybear · 08-24-2006, 10:34 PM

Hi 63air,

I take a Audiovox cd/am/fm little portable one that just plugs inside or on the outside plug, when I sit around the camp fire or picnic table..just right, you can get them at Target..under $40..

flyfshr · 08-24-2006, 11:49 PM

I have to tell you an iPod is hard to beat with an Altec Lansing inMotion flip up speaker system. The speaker system sounds much better than you'd think based on the size. It is powered either through 110 volt for shore power applications or with AA batteries when boondocking. Mine goes camping with me all the time. Rave reviews.

Brad
FF

codybear · 08-24-2006, 11:57 PM

Hi flyfshr,

Did I spell that right?..I think I mispelled your name last time I posted..the next sound system will definitely be upteched w/one of your kinds of systems for sure!..where did you find yours?

flyfshr · 08-25-2006, 12:00 AM

Well, the iPod came directly from the local Apple store and my wife found the speaker system at Costco at a better price than listed on the Apple website. I've been extremely pleased with its performance and portability.

Brad
FF

InsideOut · 08-25-2006, 12:00 AM

I use my Nano (and Mr.InsideOut's iPod Mini) with our Altec Lansing speaker system...very reasonably priced and works great in our little GT.

Shari

lewster · 08-25-2006, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 63air

I am trying to decide on a sound system for my Globetrotter . I have thought about installing a car system but am short on space and do not want to deal with hanging speakers and more wiring/antenna issues.

So I am looking for something portable that we can just carry in a drawer and play when 120v is available. We have a couple of Bose Wave radios in the house that have great sound but are pricey and I'm not sure how they travel. I know there are plenty of "boom boxes" available but I don't want something the size of a suitcase yet I want great sound and AM/FM. Not interested in i-Pod systems. Any brand name/model suggestions

www.hifi.com sells the Cambridge Soundworks Model 12 compact stereo system. It comes packed in a briefcase sized molded case and contains 2 two-way speakers, a matched amp with 3 inputs and the case becomes the subwoofer. It can litterly blow me out of my CCD and the sound is awesome.

I have 3 of these systems: One in the trailer, one in my van and one in my office. The best part is the total portability of the system and the ability to run it on 12VDC or 120VAC with the included transformer.

Check it out.

codybear · 08-25-2006, 12:15 AM

Hi Shari,

That system looks good too!..I guess I gotta get an ipod first!..my younger son is the hi-tech wizard in our family and has gotten me plugged in to most of the newer gizmos..I just got a picture viewer from him for my birthday..have you seen those?

ColdEspresso · 08-25-2006, 07:30 AM

Try a Tivoli Audio Stereo. Good sound quality and retro look. It's very compact and interfaces well with iPod & XM/SIRIUS. http://www.tivoliaudio.com/

flyfshr · 08-25-2006, 08:17 AM

We also have the Tivoli Model One. Retro look, amazing sound, compact size. Only works on 110 volt though. Newer models available now. Worth a look.

Brad
FF

ArtStream · 08-25-2006, 09:04 AM

yUp, I'm with the iPod, best audio invention since the Walkman."0och, am I dating myself

"

I also use it with the Altec Lansing and am very pleased.

In my AS I hook in into my installed Car stereo with a mini jack. I now have put the 700 CD's I previously carried around into storage, a great weight saver

.

Michael

Mel · 08-25-2006, 09:11 AM

We love our Tivoli Model Two (with subwoofer). Sounds fantastic, works on 12v, and works well with our ipods and tv/dvd player. Plus it just looks cool!

tphan · 08-25-2006, 11:41 AM

hi- good thread, and perfect timing as I'm looking for the "perfect" system too. That means: FM radio for NPR, CD, MP3 input, 12V and 110 power, GREAT sound, less than $250?? It would seem that a car deck would have all this in one compact unit, provided you got good speakers- yet no-one has mentiond this common option yet- any reasons why NOT to go with this? -Tim

trevisgardne · 08-25-2006, 01:46 PM

The "Tivoli" brand systems are very nice.

sovereignrwe · 08-25-2006, 04:01 PM

This might not be quite small enough for you. We just purchased a Philips system that plays DVDS, CDs, MP3s, etc. It has inputs and outputs for additional systems. Obviously it works well with a flat panel TV. The system includes 2 bookshelf speakers and a subwoofer. Sounds great. Looks great - mirrored front mini-components go well with your Airstream. $200 at Sam's club. It won't solve your wire problem.

lewster · 08-25-2006, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mel

We love our Tivoli Model Two (with subwoofer). Sounds fantastic, works on 12v, and works well with our ipods and tv/dvd player. Plus it just looks cool!

The Tivoli was designed by the same guy (Dr. Henry Kloss) that designed most of the original Cambridge Soundworks components. He had a HUGE influence on stereo design starting in the 60's and was the driving force behind KLH, Advent and several other ground breaking companies.

The Tivoli is actually an updated version of the old KLH Model One table radio that had a single, great sounding speaker and the FM-only vernier tuning dial found on the Tivoli, all wrapped in a furniture grade walnut box.

tphan · 08-26-2006, 10:57 AM

hi- all these ideas sound good, though still wondering if there is anything inherently "cheesy" about using a standard car stereo-cd player with mp3 input, and maybe using a better quality speaker system than standard car speakers? It seems to be the smallest unit going for am-fm-cd-mp3, and runs on 12V. What's wrong with these?? -tim

flyfshr · 08-26-2006, 11:01 AM

Tim ~

I don't see anything wrong with using this system as long as you're happy with the results. I've heard some of the car audio systems and was blow away by their performance. Whatever suits your style and meets your expectations, I say go for it.

Brad
FF

lewster · 08-26-2006, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tphan

hi- all these ideas sound good, though still wondering if there is anything inherently "cheesy" about using a standard car stereo-cd player with mp3 input, and maybe using a better quality speaker system than standard car speakers? It seems to be the smallest unit going for am-fm-cd-mp3, and runs on 12V. What's wrong with these?? -tim

Tim,

Nothing wrong with car audio, but in my past experiences, you have to spend large to get the sound quality of some of the portable systems like the CS Model 12. It also works on 12VDC, has multiple inputs and sounds fantastic. Plus, you don't have to leave it in the A/S....just pack it up and take it somewhere else!

To duplicate the sound quality, you are talking subwoofer and amp, in addition to 2 or 4, 2 way high quality car speakers. By the time you get all of this stuff, you're way over $1000.

tphan · 08-26-2006, 11:40 AM

thanks Brad, and Lew- exactly what I was wondering. I will look at the Tivoli and Cambridge products, as well as the Bose "executive" system- and see what Costco or Sams has to offer. Bose and Philips would only be 110V, I assume- so no music while boondocking. (which is fine) Will continue researching, hope more folks jump into this...-tim