How to buy Marine stereo?How to judge the waterproof performance of Marine audio?
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The following are some points for the purchase of Marine Stereo:
Environmental adaptability
Waterproof and moisture-proof: Marine audio needs to have good waterproof performance, generally speaking, at least to reach IP65 or IP66 grade, to ensure that in wet Marine environment, such as waves splashing, rain washing and even short-term immersion in water can still work properly. For example, the Garmin Fusion EL series of Marine loudspeakers is waterproof and dust-proof to IP65 and has passed high specifications for salt spray and UV resistance.
Uv resistance: long-term exposure to the sun, the housing and components of the sound are easy to age, fade and damage, so choose products with strong UV resistance, which can ensure that the sound can still maintain good appearance and performance after long-term use.
Corrosion resistance: seawater is highly corrosive, and the metal parts of Marine audio should be made of corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel, Marine grade aluminum alloy, etc., or special anti-corrosion treatment to prevent rust and corrosion and extend the service life of the audio.
Sound quality representation
Power and volume: According to the size of the boat and the use of the environment to choose the right power of sound. Generally small boats can use less powerful sound to meet the needs, while large yachts or boats used in open water may need more powerful sound to ensure that adequate volume can be provided in noisy environments. For example, the Fusion Signature Series 3i suspension speaker, a 6.5-inch tower speaker with peak power of up to 230 watts and an RMS rating of 75 watts, provides excellent sound while the boat is taxiing.
Frequency response: A wide frequency response range can make the sound better restore the details of the music and rich timbre, generally should choose the frequency response of about 40Hz-20kHz products, so as to ensure that the bass is deep, the treble is bright, and the sound is more full and natural.
Sound clarity: Choose a sound with clear sound quality and low distortion so that you can enjoy high quality music even in the Marine environment. You can learn about the sound quality of your audio by viewing product reviews, listening, or consulting with other users. For example, the Garmin Fusion Signature Series 3i suspension speakers with CURV® sound basin technology provide increased sound clarity and volume.
Installation mode
Type: There are many ways to install Marine audio, such as embedded, surface mounted, suspended and so on. Built-in installation allows the sound to be integrated into the ship's body, beautiful and space-saving, but it needs to be installed when the ship is built or refit; Surface installation is more flexible, suitable for all kinds of ships, easy to install fast; Suspension mounting is usually used in situations where audio needs to be installed at a high altitude, such as on the mast of a sailing boat or on the flybridge of a yacht, for better sound transmission.
Compatibility: Ensure that the mounting size and fixing method of the speaker match the structure of the vessel, while taking into account the installation location is convenient for wiring and connecting the power supply. If you install it yourself, choose a product with simple installation and complete accessories, and install it correctly according to the instructions.
Functionality and connectivity
Bluetooth function: Marine audio with Bluetooth function can be easily connected with smart devices such as mobile phones and tablets to achieve wireless music playback, so that users can play their favorite music anytime and anywhere. For example, the Fusion APOLLO RA770 is the world's first touchscreen Marine stereo with Apple AirPlay 2 software capabilities and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, while also supporting Bluetooth connectivity.
Other features: Some Marine audio may also have other practical features, such as AM/FM radio function, USB interface, AUX input, RGB lighting effects, etc. You can choose the audio with the corresponding function according to your personal needs and preferences.
Compatibility: If you plan to integrate Marine audio with other Marine electronic equipment, such as Marine radios, chart charts, etc., ensure compatibility between them to achieve a better system to work together.
How to judge the waterproof performance of Marine audio?
The waterproof performance of Marine audio can be judged from the following aspects:
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Waterproof grade standard: In the IP code of the International Protection Class Standard, the second digit indicates the waterproof level, such as IPX4 can prevent splashing, IPX5 can prevent spraying, IPX6 can prevent strong water impact, IPX7 can soak in 1 meter deep water for 30 minutes, IPX8 can soak in water more than 1 meter deep, the specific duration is usually explained by the manufacturer. Check the product manual or label to confirm the water resistance level.
Certification standards: If the audio has passed the waterproof certification standards of relevant Marine electronic equipment, such as the certification of ABYC (American Boating Association), ISO and other organizations, it can also prove its good waterproof performance to a certain extent.
Observe product design and materials
Shell material: High-quality Marine audio shell usually uses high-strength, corrosion-resistant, anti-ultraviolet materials, such as Marine grade aluminum alloy, stainless steel, high-quality plastic, etc., these materials can effectively resist the erosion of seawater and sunlight exposure.
Seal design: Good seal is the key to waterproof, check the sound joints, keys, interfaces, speaker grille and other parts of the seal ring,
waterproof gasket and other sealing measures, and the quality of the seal is good, no obvious defects and signs of aging. For example, some speakers in the battery cover, audio interface and other parts are sealed with rubber seals.
Refer to user reviews and professional reviews
User evaluation: You can view other users' evaluation and use feedback on the waterproof performance of the Marine audio in the e-commerce platform, Marine equipment forum, social media and other places to understand its performance in actual use.
Professional evaluation: Consult professional Marine equipment evaluation magazines, websites or videos, professional reviewers will usually strictly test and evaluate the waterproof performance of the audio, and give objective evaluation and recommendations.
Perform a simple test
Water spray test: Use a sprayer to spray the sound, simulate the tilt Angle of rain in the actual use environment, continue spraying for 5-10 minutes, and observe the operation of the sound, including whether there is abnormal sound, key failure, water appearance and other phenomena.
Immersion test: For stereos labeled IPX7 or higher, a short immersion test can be performed. Put the audio in water, make sure that the depth of immersion does not exceed its marked safe depth, the time is controlled within 30 minutes, after soaking, take out to check the appearance and sound quality.
Wet environment test: the stereo is placed in a humid environment, such as a bathroom or a wet basement, to observe its performance under high humidity conditions, the time is recommended to control within a few hours, to see whether there are moisture, short circuit, sound quality changes and other problems.