Conertone ZX690 / ZX700 ~ RV Entertainment system

[ILUVRVing]

Sorry, I think I posted under the wrong section (Technical Issues) so I'm reposting here. I didn't realize (I should've known) there was an individual section for Concertone.

I have the Concertone ZX500 - I'm on my forth unit now, and still have problems (and/or additional problems with each replacement unit) in my 2006 5th wheel Cherokee trailer, since we bought it. I've been dealing with the Forestriver and they can only offer me a ZX550 unit at a cost, now that I'm out of warranty to replace it. I'm worried and hesitant to get the ZX550 that it might just have the same (or others/more) issues and I'll just be wasting more time and money. I'd like to get the ZX690 they just released, only available at this website according to FR http://www.concertone.com/index.html , but I'm also worried and hesitant to get the new ZX690 as well considering Concertones track record! But being that it seems to be the latest and greatest, I'm hoping that this unit has fixed all the reported problems so many people talk about on the on-line forums about all the past Concertone units. Looking at all the forums there are soooo many complaints, I would have to say out of 100 only 10 have no problems.
Do you know of anything else that will do the things the ZX550 / ZX690 can do? I've tried looking into other RV / Marine 12v systems but none have one or the other options, like the TV tuner or surround sound. If I piece together something else I have to get a separate radio head (that play's DVD's) a separate TV tuner/TV, a separate speaker selector, which will add up $$$. I don't mind paying $$$ for the Concertone ZX690 /ZX700 direct replacement, IF it will work ! The unit is a great idea for RV's and would like to stick with it, not to mention the 9.5" x 6.75" hole in my cabinet....
How are the ZX690 /also refered to as the ZX700 working out for those of you that have them?
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The closest thing I found as a replacement to using the Concertone so far, that I've read other people have used, is the Jensen AWM750 or AWM950 http://www.marine-gear-and-supply.co...ategoryID=2280 . These seem to have close to everything the Concertone has, except it looks like I would loose the 5.1 surround (in the main living area/speaker "A" selection) and the TV tuner. As far as the TV, I guess I could always just replace the (now) LCD 20" monitor fed by a single video out and 12v supply from the Concertone unit, to a regular flat screen DTV tuner LCD with 12 volt power. Then I would have to change/add wiring, by feeding the audio out from the new TV back to the new Jensen unit, as well as adding antenna/catv feed (mounted on the other wall).
I'm just not sure how/ what to do with the 5.1 surround/sub woofer - speaker(s) wiring, and if I may need to add an amp to replace the built in 200 watt that the Concertone says it has..... Some where I read that Sony may have a unit that does surround, but I'm not sure if they would have all the other features, mainly the 3 speaker selection (built in) or what model it would be....

This is what one person has said on a discussion forum: FR = Forest River who is the manufacture of the RV's

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Posted: 04/19/09 02:14pm

From a conversation I had with a guy from FR, the Concertone manufacturing facility in China has been restructured by FR. They have improved the production process and added more quality control inspections. He states their quality has greatly improved. I guess only time will tell.
I've been to their website, http://www.concertone.com/. They have a new model that looks interesting. But, once again, time will tell.
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I also found only a handful of people that have the ZX690 (also sometimes referred as the ZX700) that they either say the quality has greatly improved and so far have not had any problems...

I'm wondering if I should just chance it, and go with the NEW Concertone ZX690 / ZX700, less messing around with wiring and having to fab something to cover the big hole in the cabinet and probably less $$ after all is said and done. I still haven't heard back from Concertone after all my e-mails to them. I'm hoping they'll give a discount at least, considering all the trouble we all obviously know they have had on thier past units.....!

Or I should just spend $$ on something that I know will work?

What are your thoughts?
-TC

[bobby.andrews]

I would keep pushing them. My 700 has been fine, I replaced it myself. I let them know that I would contact the Attorney General for the state of Indiana and pursue them for continually selling and replacing units with other units that they know are bad. That really seemed to be the statement that changed their whole tone of speech. I don't think at this time given their financial situation that they would want a class action suit.

[ILUVRVing]

Thanks that is actually the direction I was going. I just wanted to know if the NEW ZX690/ ZX700 was worth going that far for?

[ILUVRVing]

KyDan has brought up a good piont:

Originally Posted by KyDan

Once the TV stations go digital this June, the TV tuner in all concertones will be useless.

My response:

Originally Posted by ILUVRVing

Umm now that you mention that, I think your right - even the NEW ZX690 / ZX700 doesn't specifically say it has a digital TV tuner. What they do state, with a play on words is that it supports HD broadcast (which is only 720P) on their new LCD monitor, and they say that it will work with cable & sat boxes to receive over air HD digital broadcasts!
http://concertone.com/digital_televi...ransition.html

So in that case why should I keep trying to go for the New ZX690 / ZX700. I should just save my money and spend it on something that I know will ALWAYS work, like the Jensen radio and a New Jensen LCD DIGITAL 12 volt TV ...! Only draw back is that I'll loose the 5.1 surround sound. Unless there is any other solution(s)?

[KyDan]

In My Opinion-- 5.1 surround sound is over rated in a small environment like the
inside of a motorhome or trailer.
Just my 2¢

If I could snap my fingers and get rid of the annoying background noise in my system
and just have stereo with a decent bass pumper for those kewl explosions in the
action movies, I'd be a happy camper!!

[bobby.andrews]

Ah, the 700 has no tuner whatsoever and neither did the zx600. My television is already HD. It is a Venturer 22" HD model

[ILUVRVing]

Wait a min. So there's no TV tuner AT ALL in the ZX690 / ZX700 , like my now ZX500? What about the ZX550 that FR was offering to me?
I wish there was a detailed feature list for these things like any other Brand manufacture has on their products!

[ILUVRVing]

Originally Posted by KyDan

In My Opinion-- 5.1 surround sound is over rated in a small environment like the
inside of a motorhome or trailer.
Just my 2¢

If I could snap my fingers and get rid of the annoying background noise in my system
and just have stereo with a decent bass pumper for those kewl explosions in the
action movies, I'd be a happy camper!!

KyDan- Exactly - I would agree. How would I rewire the speakers and Sub woofer if I change to something else? I'm looking at going towards the Jensen AWM970 and then get the Jensen JE1909RTL DIGITAL hd LCD TV that will work with the radio's remote. I may need an amp to run the Sub (not sure though) as an alternative.
But that's a lot of $$, I WAS trying to save $$ but if it means spending more now to save $$ later, not to mention all the aggravation with these Concertones, than maybe that's what I have to do.?
Otherwise my alternative seems to be - I would have to settle for the ZX550 that FR is offering me. Then use a Digital TV converter that I already bought (Winegard RCDT09A).
Which not to change the subject, but when I got the Winegard RCDT09A, I read that it only supports Channels 2-69 ! I think once the roll to digital in June is done they mentioned that there is supposed to be soo many more channels available. Can anyone confirm this?

[bobby.andrews]

What state do you live in? If you live reasonably close I would be happy to help you install whatever system you buy for nothing.

[ILUVRVing]

Umm - I Think I'm a bit far for you - Eastern Long Island NY.
Thanks for the offer though !
I get what to do with the speakers, but I'm not so sure about the sub, and if I'll need to include an amp with my list of of electronics to buy.
So far I'm looking at the Jensen AWM970 $269.99 , JE1909RTL DIGITAL HD 1080p LCD TV that will work with the radio's remote $349.99 , and then I would have to change/add wiring, by feeding the audio out from the new TV back to the new Jensen unit (on the other wall), as well as adding antenna/catv feed back to the TV. The Wifie is not too happy when I gave those numbers

So The New ZX690 / ZX700 doesn't have a TV tuner and they're asking $549.00 for it ?

OR

DO you think it's still worth trying to get the ZX550 that FR was offering me @ a lower cost and use the Winegard RCDT09A Digital TV converter (ch 2 - CH 69) or some other converter that will get more channels ?

[dezolen]

Personally I would go to a used or 2nd hand store and pick up a used surround sound receiver and a new dvd player. Throw the concertone in the dump. I can live without a 12v system

[KyDan]

The problem with that is everything will have to run off an inverter which is
not really such a bad idea.......
Using a unit like the Jensen you only need inverter for your TV.
If you're listening to radio/CD or MP3 you won't need your inverter on at all.

The Jensen is 12v and I wonder if another amp would be necessary.
Here's a partial copy/paste from an online dealer spec page.

The jensen has 3-Zone audio output, which allows your customers more control over where they hear their audio entertainment.

• 12V DC Power

• 108 Watts (6 x 18 watts)

• 3 Zone (A, B, C) Speaker Output

http://www.asaelectronics.com/detail...catid=&pid=268
has all the specs.
It's made for our applications!!
It has enough power by itself to nearly blow you out of the trailer.
I "think" our subwoofers are powered..... I'm not sure about that.
If so you can simply hook the jensen to your sub and you're good to go.

Keep us posted!!

[ILUVRVing]

FYI .....
The Jensen JE1909RTL DIGITAL HD 1080p LCD TV that will work with the Jensen radio's remote, IS 12 volt also ! They call it the RV TV
http://www.jensenrvdirect.com/index....t_details&id=4

[KyDan]

Jensen JE1909RTL
$349 at campingworld.com

Get yours today!

[roamerr]

I replaced my Concertone ZX75 in my 2009 Cherokee 27DFWP with a JVC KDDV5400 approx a month ago.

The JVC KDDV5400 went in great in my Cherokee 27dfwp. No need to use an amp -- I had one but opted to not use it. I hooked up the 4 small inside speakers in series/parallel (fronts series, rear series) to the front left output; the sub to the front right output, and the two outside speakers to the rear outputs. This hookup allows me to play the speakers the same as the Concertone A/B/C selector. Worked great and the sound is incredible! I watched the Chronicles of Riddick (lots of good action) and it really sounded good. The family and myself have watched 4 movies since the change and the sound output quality beats the Concertone. The FM stations also were crisp and clear.

For a Concertone hole cover I used Shelving board from Lowes. Looks good. Since the pics I have added a small black strip at the top to hold the kids IPODS -- looks alot better now with the black top strip.

[kcla]

I have problems with the cd,& dvd player. i will not buy one at this time so i have a portable player i hook to input video and works fine.

[Fre tech]

On the zx550 it as a built tv tuner but it will not pick up digital tv

[ILUVRVing]

Thanks for the info - Fre tech on the ZX550...
Can you confirm features on the ZX690 / ZX700? Does it have a TV tuner (Digital or not)?

[ILUVRVing]

I've been dealing with a representative from Forestriver since we bought our trailer about this crapy Concertone. This is his last response from my request of trying to get a new unit:

[quote] " Thomas,

I have been getting your emails and phone messages. I must apologize in that we have been very busy over the last several days.

At this time, our one and only offer that we presented to you earlier is the only thing we can do and that was to sell a ZX550 at a 50% discount to you.

Although we understand your frustartion with the stereo issues you may have had in the past, warranty on your unit has expired and we need to draw a line in the sand at some point. If our offer is not acceptable to you given that your claim of so many complaints, you may be better off purchasing a suitable unit at a retail outlet that will fit your expectations.

Please let me know which way you would like to proceed.

Thanks, " [quote]
I like how they refer to another unit as a suitable unit, and fit my expectations! You mean in other words, one that always works ????
I guess if I'm going to put money towards anything, it's not going to be another Concertone!

<<<< Concertone system

[ILUVRVing]

I also asked a friend of mine (a electronic equipment repair specialist) about fixing the one we have and he said that he and the people he knows would not be able to fix the unit we have, let alone sounds like they wouldn't want to, with all the problems these things have that I told him about.....