Stereo set up

[Rippy]

We recently added XM radio and thoroughly enjoy it along with our regular AM/FM CD setup. But now we want to add a couple of cockpit speakers to this set up. The AM/FM CD radio has 4 speaker capacity, but we are currently using just 2 pair of speaker wires inside the boat. So, we are looking for some setup to be able to switch on/off a pair of cockpit speakers. Anyone have a solution that they recommend? Thanks.....Roger

[Jon D]

Roger

If I'm reading you right you have 1 pair of speakers currently installed. If that's the case just use the other pair [i.e. rear] to drive the cockpit speakers. By moving the 'fader' control from front to rear you can turn them on/off or have all 4.

[Rippy]

Thanks Jon for the tip. I will pull out the radio manual and look for a fader control. I had envisioned having to put some type of switch in the speaker lines.
Roger

[Alan Wheeler]

If controlling the "sounds" on the radio is manually by little knobs, then one of those will be the fader controll. Like Volume may have Balance left to right and the tone control may have Fade front to back. It may be a case of a inner and outer control knob on each stick or you push or pull a knob and twist.
If it is digital, then most likely the fader will be in the controll section that handles the Bass, Treble, Balance and then "Fade" for the front to rear balance.

[BC Mike]

I use regular bookshelf speakers for the 12 volt system and when I want music outside I move the speakers outside.
I also have an am fm cd and cassette player that is portable. Runs on a bunch of small batteries or110 volts.
Michael

[Rippy]

Thanks Wheels and Michael. I found the fade control, now I just need to purchase a couple of speakers. We certainly have used your approach in the past Michael. But since we are liveaboard cruising and have XM radio on board, it would be nice to use a good set of speakers that are stable, waterproof, etc. Thanks again....Roger SV Tin Cup