Speakers Speakers For A I Pad

R

rrunneals

Novice
I'm thinking of using an I pad instead of the TV /dvd player what speakers should I use. I see mounts that are used to mount the Ipad to the cabinet but I'm not sure about speakers.
 
rrunneals: First of all, welcome to this forum!

I too am still trying to figure out how I want to configure my sound system.

There seems to be two basic directions you can go:permanently mounted speakers, or something more along the lines of portable bluetooth speakers.

If you haven't already come across this long thread, you might find some useful information here:

http://tinyurl.com/9hen9zv

It starts out with Evan describing a customized install job that Camp Inn did for him (which is very painful to read, because they won't do it for anyone else since!) But the thread evolves into many other folks sharing what they already have or are contemplating for sound systems and speaker systems.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
We use an iPad and I found a deal on a set of Skullcandy speakers. I have been using that, and it works fine. I am not an audiophile, so I know the sound isn't the best out there, but it is good enough for camping. I also plug my phone into it, since it has all of my music. I have used it more for that than movies. Movies are something we do when it's raining and we are hiding out.

The thing I like best about the speaker, is it is really small and packs into any of my storage bins. I can also plug it in or run it on AAA batteries if I don't have shore power. It also came with a little remote, which we have never used.

You can see pictures of it at my website listed below. I just did a post on it the other day. In the future I might upgrade to something else, but for now it is doing the job. And it is doing it well.

Congrats on your Camp-Inn order, and welcome to the forum!
 
Rrunneals-
I'm also interested in using an iPad instead of the television option. Mainly because I now use the iPad at home. Seldom do I turn the tele on.

Rick- like you, I've been reading all the threads to help make informed decisions prior to ordering my Camp Inn trailer. At first, there was no doubt that I wanted the 550 Ultra, but then, I started wondering if I should purchase the 560....just in case? (I'm thinking future grandchildren.) Anyway, I am interested in what you and rrunneals end up deciding to do...I'm kind of at a loss when it comes to the sound configuration. My husband opts to not put any install in the trailer, since technology is changing all the time...but this is my baby, so he's fine with whatever I decide.
Deb (future owner)
 
Sarah,
I just checked your website and love it!
The Skullcandy speaker is a consideration. Thanks for sharing.

Deb
 
Deb: You just articulated one of my fears: technology is constantly changing, but I plan on my 560 to last as long as I do. I don't want to have all kinds of permanent installations put in that will seem absurdly silly in 5 years. (For example, one of my vehicles with 140,000 miles on it has a cassette deck.)

But, oh man, do I love the thought of climbing into my 560 at night, or on a rainy day, or perhaps a quick over-nighter at a rest stop, and having some sort of system just waiting for me to power up and watch/listen without having to unpack, attach cords, etc.

It's a fun problem to have, right?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Wow rrunneals: I like all of these options!

1) Speakers: Many folks flush mount speakers in the cabin as well as in the galley. But it looks like you are limited to about 3 1/2 inch speaker diameter, and I've yet to find any speakers of that size with a rich enough sound for my liking. Something like these Boston Acoustics or a similar cabinet mounted speaker might do the trick.

2) I've been assuming my built-in option would have to be a standard auto or marine head unit, but this Simple Stereo really opens up some other possibilities.
 
Rick- yes, it is a 'fun problem'...turning into an obsession as I get closer to placing my order and writing the check. Like you, I'm planning on my CI trailer to last my lifetime. That's why I want to get it right. Arghhh!

Really like the idea of soft music or jazz to cook and unwind.
Dual speakers inside and out with option to fade into the cabin, or out to the galley. Want something small and not invasive, but great sound. Evan mentioned earlier that he'd go with a car stereo system to simplify.
 
Deb and rruneals: Here is my wish list of what I want my system to do:

1) speakers in the galley as well as the cabin. NICE sound quality, however!
2) control from either location (probably remote from galley - wireless or hard wired) [the boating industry has some interesting hard wired remote options]
3) FM radio / tuner (I like to listen to NPR a lot.)
4) roof Antenna and input for my XM radio Lynx (portable satellite radio unit)
5) Wired or bluetooth input for my iPhone/iPad/iPod
6) Ability to play the audio from the CampInn TV/DVD Option.
7) Ability to operate when boon docking either because it is 12V, or has its own rechargeable batteries.
8) Can't look cheap. Want it to look as classy and upscale as the rest of the trailer.
9) worried about permanent holes and cuts for temporary technology - But want the ability to upgrade/swap things out as technology changes.

Cary sent me several links to units and speakers he has previously installed. I just need to "get off the pot" so to speak as to whether I'm going with portable electronics or permanently installed.

Let's keep each other posted as we continue the search and research.

What is on each of your wish lists??
 
Car stereo is excellent option. If breaks or new technology, easier to replace. Easier to install.

As for wall mounted iPADS and the CI TV. They are FLAT against the wall. I use the laptop to watch movies. Set on the cupboard shelf and slightly tilt the screen down for easier viewing.

If there is an iPad mount that can tip down slightly, excellant option.

Budgets are the limiting factor!
 
Rick: almost identical to your list. I am an NPR listener. Your # 4 on the list...is something I'm interested knowing more about. Almost ruled out # 6 regarding TV/DVD option. I don't watch that much television anymore, but still wonder if it would be a nice option to have just in case.
# 9... I'd prefer the least amount of holes/wires as possible...like everything neat and organized. Portable electronics alleviates holes.

Will let you know....need to get my son researching this. He's pretty good at it, and can usually find the best deal.
 
Jean W said:
Car stereo is excellent option. If breaks or new technology, easier to replace. Easier to install.

As for wall mounted iPADS and the CI TV. They are FLAT against the wall. I use the laptop to watch movies. Set on the cupboard shelf and slightly tilt the screen down for easier viewing.

If there is an iPad mount that can tip down slightly, excellant option.

Budgets are the limiting factor!
Click to expand...

Jean, you are right. My iPad has a cover that flips back and fan-folds, propping it up. It would fit nicely on the cupboard shelf.
Car stereo speakers make sense and there are options that would not break the bank.

Rick- just got off the phone with my son. He's agreed to research this. Like I said, if there's a good quality deal out there, he'll find it. He's also going to look at some of the posts on this forum to get a better idea of what some people have done.
 
I picked up a ECOXGEAR Eco Terra (http://www.ecoxgear.com/ecoterra/) to connect my iPhone and iPad to while out on my excursions. I like to be able to grab and go with my music to the riverside or beach or wherever so its a good setup for me.
 
Daryl said:
I picked up a ECOXGEAR Eco Terra (http://www.ecoxgear.com/ecoterra/) to connect my iPhone and iPad to while out on my excursions. I like to be able to grab and go with my music to the riverside or beach or wherever so its a good setup for me.
Click to expand...

Daryl- nice and mobile. Thank you for sharing.

Rick - I just got off the phone with my Tech. Support (my son) and he spent 30 minutes explaining why I probably don't want an install. It made sense at the time he was saying it, but...
He thinks the way to achieve the desired quality sound is through a nice $$$ headphone set. I think he missed my point.
Anyway, he's looking.
 
Okay - after seeing a few sound system set ups on 550s and 560s at this past weekend's Camp Inn Camp Out gathering, here is what I have learned and decided:

1. I've been torn about whether to go with a built in system, or do some sort of portable set-up. It's a totally personal decision, but I am going with something that is built-in. When you let CampInn do the install, it looks sharp and clean - a few less things floating around and cluttering up the tear.

2. I am definitely having speakers installed both inside the cabin AND in the galley. Renting a 560 helped me realize how much time is spent in the galley area. In talking to Cary about this, you can have round speakers up to 4" installed in the galley. In the cabin, you really need some sort of speakers that already have their own cabinet/box that can be mounted just below the lowest set of cabinets.

3. I saw somebody's unit in the factory tour that had a hard wired remote control mounted in the galley. It was a marine system. I am going to look and see if I can find something like this - it would not only allow making adjustments from the galley, but some have a small display that shows you what is happening.

4. I'm no Audiophile, but I do have a bit of a discerning ear when it comes to speaker quality. I was worried about finding 4" speakers that have a good enough sound quality, but I was really impressed with the speakers that were on Mike and Carol's Crabpot (freshly picked up from the Nest on Friday of CICO.) Now I just have to find some box speakers that will work for my ears, and Cary's installation requirements.

5. The above mentioned Crabpot has a power antenna installed that looks really slick. It takes up yet some more room in one of the cabinets, but I was really impressed with the way it maintains the clean styling of the tear. I'm probably going to go with the power antenna as well.
 
Maybe I'll Make a shelf that fits between the fold down shelf's and use a Ipad dock with a speaker. I'd rather not use the battery to power the Ipad so I don't drain the battery system. I would like some kind of speaker system that wouldn't use to much power from the battery.
 
re speakers in the galley, sound quality from those speakers will be better if those speakers are in an enclosure/box, and the storage shelves in the cabin do not qualify as "enclosures" from an audio standpoint. My galley speakers (no enclosure inside the cabin cabinet) sound good, but would sound better if they were inside their own bozes.

Of course, you won't really get to turn the stereo up all that loud to hear the difference, so...

(at least in the campgrounds)

there are advantages and disadvantages to both installed versus mobile speakers. The only real disadvantage to installed (other than cost) is that the stereo/head-unit drains the TD battery, and it costs money to install.

I used speakers that were designed to be used IN a sauna. They are supposed to be more "robust" than speakers designed for autos and boats, but I am sure an auto or marine speaker would be fine, though perhaps not as high quality from a sound standpoint. I got a really good deal on the speakers, so I jumped at it.

Go small small small. You do not want to lose any inches of shelf space in the galley or in the cabin.

Portable speakers really isn't a bad way to go, though you do have to find a place to "store" the iPod dock, which can be a PITA. But it would be nice to carry the dock over to the picnic table and listen to some tunes, on occasion. Of course, you can still do this even if you install speakers.

-Al
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top