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A good RV stereo can mean a lively outdoor party, a relaxing evening, or an exciting movie soundtrack. If you’re looking for an affordable way to improve your RV entertainment system, upgrading your stereo is a perfect solution.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about RV stereo systems and how to find your next one.
Why Do You Need an RV Stereo?
Today, there are more ways than ever to listen to music. From smartphones and laptops to wireless Bluetooth speakers or portable stereos, you’ll have no shortage of options.
But when it comes to dependable, high-quality audio, it’s hard to beat a dedicated stereo. You’ll be able to broadcast directly through any built-in speakers in your RV.
Audio comes from various stereo inputs, from Bluetooth to CD. No more crowding around that wireless speaker with a dying battery or straining to hear music from someone’s phone.
What to Look for in an RV Stereo
You don’t want just any old stereo for your rig. There are several features you should keep in mind when shopping. Make sure you’ll have the best time enjoying the music on your new system.
Price
As with most pieces of technology, the price can play a significant role. While you can certainly spend a lot on a stereo, ultra top-of-the-line models may not be worth the extra cost. On the other hand, don’t skimp just to save a few bucks. Instead, think of your new stereo as an investment, and buy the best one your budget can accommodate.
Bluetooth Capability
These days, many of us stream our music or otherwise store it in the cloud. Having an RV stereo with Bluetooth allows you to beam your content directly to your system, wherever you are. Without Bluetooth, those looking to stream will need some sort of physical connection, limiting their options and movement.
Ease of Use
There’s no sense in having a fancy, high-end stereo that’s so complicated you can’t even use most of the features. Consider your own level of tech-savviness when shopping. Would you prefer all the bells and whistles, even if it means spending an afternoon poring over the manual? Or would you rather have fewer, more straightforward features that are easier to learn and operate?
CD/DVD Capability
If you’ve got an extensive library of CDs or DVDs, ensure you can use them with your new RV stereo. But as the transition to the cloud continues, some newer models may not have the capability to play DVDs. In addition, some new models lack any kind of physical media drives at all. If your entertainment is completely digital or streaming, this may not be as big of an issue. However, flexibility is always valuable.
Size
You’ll need to consider your size needs in two ways when shopping for your next stereo. Different stereo models can control different numbers of speaker zones in or outside your RV. To get the most out of your speakers and stereo, you need to control as many zones as you have set up. Additionally, you’ll need to consider the physical size of your stereo, generally discussed as the “DIN” size.
Single Versus Double DIN Stereos
Cars can be very different in their interior design. Therefore, auto parts manufacturers try to standardize certain elements. This allows the same piece of equipment to fit in various models. That’s where DIN size comes in.
Stereos come in either single or double DIN sizes. Single DINs are two inches tall and seven inches wide. Double DINs are the same seven inches wide but (as you might expect) double the height, at four inches tall. Single DINs are more affordable and easier to install but have less space for features. However, they can also fit in smaller spaces.
In contrast, a double-DIN is large enough for features like touchscreens and extra controls. However, it’s also more expensive and more of a project to install.
Switching your current stereo for one of the same DIN size is an easy way to upgrade your listening experience. And you won’t have to make any major changes to your RV and audio system.
What Is the Best RV Stereo System?
With all these aspects in mind, we’ve made our choice for the top RV stereo system.
iRV32 Wall Mount RV Stereo
- 3 Zones Wall Mount RV Radio Stereo, play AM/FM/CD/DVD/MP3/MP4 /HDMI in&out with ARC /Digital 2. 1/Surround Sound.
- Bluetooth 4. 1 to smart transferring music, via a dedicated Bluetooth button that makes it easier than ever for campers...
Why It’s Great: No matter what your audio source, from Bluetooth to USB to radio, you can probably play. Control three separate zones of speakers for varying entertainment options. Not a fan of carrying around a remote? You can also download a remote app to your Apple or Android phone and control your stereo from there.
Key Features: Three-zone speaker control, built-in AM/FM radio tuner, plays CDs and DVDs, Bluetooth capability, USB reader, SD card reader, HDMI/video in ports, HDMI out to TV.
Best For: Those with many different media sources they’d like to connect, and those with multi-zone RV speakers they’d like to control.
Is Buying an RV Stereo System Worth It?
For many people, buying an RV stereo system is absolutely worth it. This is especially true for those who spend a lot of time in their RVs or frequently entertain guests. You’ll greatly expand your audio capabilities and provide better quality sound in and around your RV.
Still, a quality stereo will cost a few hundred dollars, plus installation if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself. If you’re an infrequent RVer or don’t listen to much music, you might want to save your money.
Overall, swapping out your stereo console itself is a relatively quick and affordable upgrade. It can provide you with numerous new entertainment options, as many RVs already have the wiring and speakers set up.
Make Stereo Shopping a Breeze
By keeping these issues in mind, your next stereo shopping experience will be a breeze. Before you know it, you’ll have dramatically improved your entertaining capabilities without busting your budget. Now crank up those tunes and enjoy your new RV stereo.
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
