A Bluetooth Speaker alternative for our Pagoda

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Speaker for the Pagoda were discussed in a thread earlier this month.

Here ---> http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=19647.25

Reply # 33 to 37 addressed the Bluetooth Speakers ....

I’ve decided after research of both the BOSE and BIGJAMBOX speaker to go with the BIGJAMBOX speaker. You will not believe the sound when you hear it, it is fantastic, to sum it up in one word. It also comes in different colors, I chose the blue since it matches somewhat my interior. The BOSE has also great sound, however, is about 1/3 the size and to have it reset on my rear bench secured with double sided velcro the BIGJAMBOX was the better choice. Price wise both are the same.

My Becker radio repair would have cost me in excess to 500- easy, then I only have one speaker in the dash (no speakers in the footwells. If I would have opted to repair or replace my Becker as well as the speakers I would have had to spend over $1,000- easy. I can only say "You would not believe your ears when you hear that little speaker"

This way I have great music in my office, in my garden, the garage and when I go for a drive I can take my music with me wherever I go in my Pagoda, even on the picnic blanket. Some of you might not agree, I just found it to be the better option.

Cost was $299- Canadian plus tax (properly cheaper in the US), it came with charger, USB cable also a direct connect cable (smart phone or iPod to speaker). The speaker has a 12 hour advertised rechargable battery life.

[mmizesko]

I'm glad we've got another testimonial.  I was considering this for xmas, but decided to wait till spring when it would be cheaper.  I'm going black.  (easy fellows).  Just shipped my europa II to Becker autosound in NJ for ed to tune up.  My AM cuts out depending on the day.  I hope the Jambox can deliver the sound presence while the top is down next summer.  The kick panels look great and original but don't offer the fidelity I'm used to.

Please keep us informed.

Mike Mizesko
Columbus, OH

[66andBlue]

Mike,
if you really want you can change out the kick panels for some 'pregnant' ones with two speakers like these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/261361794171;  
or more here:  http://schawe-cardesign.de/mercedes-benz-pagode-w113-hifi-upgrade-genesis-four-channel-becker-mexico/

[mmizesko]

Alfred,

Meine Deutch ist nur einfaches, aber ich konnte der webseite lesen.  Ausgezeichnet!

Looks like they have engineered a solution over there, but I'm afraid of modifying the car from then-available stock.  It must stick out a 4-5 inches at least, since I don't think the holes in the metal wall behind it are large enough to accommodate the magnets.

My car originally just had a mono Europa with the dash speaker.  I bought a Stereo Europa II from Desert Pagoda with the original speakers. I did have to buy the replacement 4" speakers from Becker, as the old coils were shot.  When we put the speakers in, we pilfered the speaker wires and connectors from one of Joe's 108's out back.  I'm afraid I have the originality bug.  Someday, I'll get into Pagoda Heaven for being so faithful.

BTW, Buckeyes won by 40 over Marion-Harding Middle School, sorry, I meant Univ. of Louisiana-Monroe.

Mike

[Louiehenry]

I believe wholeheartedly that Bluetooth sound is the way to go on these if you're looking for more sound.
If you have the cash to float it, bower and Wilkins, Harmon kardon, and many others like them offer tons of Bluetooth options. I personally prefer the cars sound now, but it is good to have a little extra.

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Hello Louie,

I tested it out on Dec. 30, 2013 when I took my blue tornado for a last spin of the year (roads were nice and dry). I listened to my favourite music (from that talented Hollander Andre Rieu), it was just fantastic. Worth the $300- plus tax I spend. The BIGJAMBOX never moved from the rear bench and the sound was as I said fantastic! The nice part is I can listen to this anywhere around the house (office, my deck, garage etc). I'm certain once summer rolls around and the hardtop gets moved to the storage fixture, the sound will be just as great cursing down the road with the top down.

Yes it's the way to go if you like your music and love good deal sound.

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Hallo Mike,

Here is the link translated (compliments and credit from GOOGLE). So others may also have a peek and follow the site. Perhaps some American Radio Specialist will start a business and offer a similar solution

Here is the translated Link ---> http://translate.google.ca/translate?sl=de&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fschawe-cardesign.de%2Fmercedes-benz-pagode-w113-hifi-upgrade-genesis-four-channel-becker-mexico%2F&act=url

[66andBlue]

FYI
Costco is selling the BIGJambox for $230 and that includes the carrying case (retail price: $50). Offer ends March 31!

[mdsalemi]

There are SO MANY of these things coming out now, from a variety of manufacturers at all price points. Every time you turn around there's another…

[mdsalemi]

http://www.costco.com/Grace-Digital-ECOROX-Waterproof-Portable-Bluetooth-Speaker.product.100111201.html?catalogId=10701&keyword=ecorox&langId=-1&storeId=10301

(ECOROX bluetooth speaker by Grace Digital)

I happened to be strolling through Costco the other day, and found the above bluetooth speaker kit on sale for USD $59.00; I thought this to be a very good deal, as others I was pondering were $99.00-$149.00. I just opened it last night, and the sound is pretty awesome from such a small box, but these are the general comments people make from any of these remote bluetooth devices. I bought it in red, and the red/black combo matches my red/black interior perfectly. The window mount also mounts on the glovebox front surface. Comes with a car charger and a wall charger and carrying case. It has a microphone so doubles as a hands-free phone link to your phone.

I stream music from my iPhone as my primary music source in my daily driver and this will allow me to do the same in the Pagoda, without headphones. Bluetooth pairing took seconds.

I have not tried it dynamically yet--on the road--but it has to be a lot better than anything coming out of the center speaker.

For those looking for such a device, and those who are in the USA with a Costco membership, this is on sale until July 6th or until stock is depleted.

[jackhughes81]

I have been using the Logitec boombox for 2 yrs now and its spectacular!  alternative to wires,holes,costly installation at audio dealers.  Streams directly from my phone..  biggest issue was securing it.  Mine is firmly planted center back.. sound at highway speeds is far superior to stock and I can carry with at my destination.. I give it 2 thumbs up

[Ulf]

Just got one of these - love the retro design, the ruggedness and with 180W, 360 degrees sound and 24 hrs of battery life, it works really well.
And in the living room, it has replaced my wife's stereo (usually it's the other way around) - it just hangs in a leather strap from nail hammered into a wooden ceiling post...

http://www.beoplay.com/products/beoplaya2?

And yes - I'm biased as B&O is almost a national treasure here in Denmark on par with LEGO, bacon and beer ;-)

Ulf

[Peter van Es]

Ulf,

very nice. But knowing B&O it is not just a national (Danish) treasure, it also costs a treasure. So what would it cost ?

Peter

[jeblack123]

Like it a lot. $399 on B&O's website. Used on Amazon as low as $305.

James

[Flyair]

I am also fan of bluetooth Speakers in my Pagoda. The Bose SoundLink III gives me entire satisfaction. it has full spectrum of sound and sufficient power to overcome the noise.
Moreover it lasts much longer than my rear end can stand seating in Pagoda

[nirmal]

Hi

Two years back I rewired my car to install an amplifier, changed the speakers etc with a wired connection for my Ipod. The result was unsatisfactory.

I have now got a Jambox which I use with my Iphone. Cost about $250. Great results and I can move the Jambox to my MG when I need to.

Nirmal

Dubai