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Old 09-30-2014, 12:26 AM   #1
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Audio Upstairs -- Penthouse Speakers?

If I want music while lying in bed upstairs, I'm finding that it sounds muffled. The treble from the door speakers downstairs doesn't make it up there into the penthouse area very well.

I'm thinking about the possibility of adding some rooftop speakers in the back of the penthouse bed area. Any idea how I might go about that? Could I just wire up another pair of speakers in parallel with the rear door speakers? Just connect the wires together?

Currently my van has the standard layout of two front door speakers, one side door speaker, and two rear door speakers.

-- Geoff

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Old 09-30-2014, 08:00 AM   #2
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Re: Audio Upstairs -- Penthouse Speakers?

Your left center speaker wire is buried in the wall if you want to dig it out, or at least mine was. You could run it upstairs but I don't know where you'd mount a speaker permanently. Personally, as good as these little bluetooth speakers have become, I would just grab one of those and use it with your phone or something. The sound I've heard out of these things is unbelievable, and then it can double as an outdoor speaker that won't run down your van battery. That's my plan anyway.
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Old 09-30-2014, 08:03 AM   #3
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Re: Audio Upstairs -- Penthouse Speakers?

I don't know how well they work but I'm looking at blue tooth speakers mainly for outside use though. I've never actually listened to music from up top. A long time ago I had some small box speakers called Visonic davids IIRC that produced some good sound and I'd think there would be something similar out there.
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Old 09-30-2014, 09:49 AM   #4
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Re: Audio Upstairs -- Penthouse Speakers?

As mentioned above, a bluetooth speaker might be your best bet since there really isn't a mounting option up top. You could mount some speakers in small speaker boxes but then you would have to deal with storing more stuff. If you do go that route, just wiring them in with any of your existing speakers will be fine.
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Old 09-30-2014, 10:36 AM   #5
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Re: Audio Upstairs -- Penthouse Speakers?

I would also suggest a bluetooth speaker. Obviously there is not any install considerations and it gives you a ton of flexibility. The range in price from about $30 to $200, depending on your requirements. I have a Logitech UE Boom (http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Ears-.../dp/B00CM0XHNS) that I would recommend in a heart beat, but it is at the higher end of the price range. It does have very good sound quality and an amazing battery life (rechargeable).

The problem with adding wired speakers off the same wiring as the rest of your van is that you may degrade the sound quality/power going to the main van speakers since additional speakers are now being powered. A switch would help with that though.
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Old 09-30-2014, 10:49 AM   #6
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Re: Audio Upstairs -- Penthouse Speakers?

Quote:
Originally Posted by sdwindansea
The range in price from about $30 to $200
Or more. I just got my GF (for a 'big' birthday) a Bose Soundlink III. It's really impressive for a small package. We'll use it camping, when she's gardening in the backyard, traveling, etc.

Quote:
Originally Posted by sdwindansea
I have a Logitech UE Boom
Friend has one and it's pretty good for such a small package. Apparently they also can pair and provide good stereo, but then you need two!
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Old 09-30-2014, 02:15 PM   #7
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Re: Audio Upstairs -- Penthouse Speakers?

Quote:
Originally Posted by rallypanam
Quote:
Originally Posted by sdwindansea
The range in price from about $30 to $200
Or more. I just got my GF (for a 'big' birthday) a Bose Soundlink III. It's really impressive for a small package. We'll use it camping, when she's gardening in the backyard, traveling, etc.

Quote:
Originally Posted by sdwindansea
I have a Logitech UE Boom
Friend has one and it's pretty good for such a small package. Apparently they also can pair and provide good stereo, but then you need two!
So which one sounds better Robb? Good Bass response?
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Old 09-30-2014, 02:24 PM   #8
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Re: Audio Upstairs -- Penthouse Speakers?

Quote:
Originally Posted by daveb
Quote:
Originally Posted by rallypanam
Quote:
Originally Posted by sdwindansea
The range in price from about $30 to $200
Or more. I just got my GF (for a 'big' birthday) a Bose Soundlink III. It's really impressive for a small package. We'll use it camping, when she's gardening in the backyard, traveling, etc.

Quote:
Originally Posted by sdwindansea
I have a Logitech UE Boom
Friend has one and it's pretty good for such a small package. Apparently they also can pair and provide good stereo, but then you need two!
So which one sounds better Robb? Good Bass response?
Definitely the Bose.. but it's also 50% more expensive and larger and doesn't charge over USB (only 120v). It has the best bass I've ever heard in a small form factor.. but it's not like a subwoofer.
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Old 10-01-2014, 01:13 PM   #9
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Re: Audio Upstairs -- Penthouse Speakers?

Big jambox is pretty awesome and pricy so I have the regular jambox that is pretty full sounding
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Old 10-01-2014, 01:44 PM   #10
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Re: Audio Upstairs -- Penthouse Speakers?

Tried a few out, ended up with the bose sound link, got it at costco. Also comes with a 12V charger I think. I also use it hooked up to my Mac to watch movies in the van, sounds great. Looking at getting a small yeti with solar to keep things charged up when listening to tunes away from the van.
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