FUSION Entertainment this week unveiled its Stereo Active product at a media event on the Gold Coast.
The Stereo Active is a waterproof and portable stereo system designed to be used on small water craft. For fishos this product would be ideal for kayaks and tinnies. Stand up paddle boards and jet skis are another intended purpose. Beyond that it’s also a very versatile product. Unlike a conventional mounted stereo, the Stereo Active is portable and can be taken from the tinny or kayak and used indoors at home, by the pool or spa or even camping. It’s also very tough, so if you have kids, this product should endure the punishment.
The Stereo Active features bluetooth audio streaming and AM/FM radio and can be securely attached to any surface via a “Puck-it” mount system. The mount can attach to any RAM or Rail Blaza mounts. Many boats and fishing kayaks already have these mounts fitted, so installation is too easy!
Whether standing on a paddleboard or sitting in a kayak or canoe, the Stereo Active is controlled with easy to press, scalloped buttons which are adjustable with the touch of a finger or the tap of a paddle.
The unit can stream audio via bluetooth from any popular music service such as Pandora or Spotify, from a compatible A2DP Bluetooth enabled device or playing music with the built-in AM/FM tuner and internal antenna. The stereo also contains a waterproof cavity designed to provide secure housing for a low profile USB for MP3 playback, while keeping the flash drive waterproof to a rating of IPx7. Audio playback over USB is available for Apple lightning products and AOA 2.0 Android phones so users can simply plug and play.
Engineered to play quality audio, the directional speakers matched with the off axis correction of the polycarbonate grille works by directing the audio efficiently and powerfully through the 20 Watt speaker system. A flat mounting surface has been positioned on top to allow for the mounting of a Garmin Virb or other third party action camera. With a long-life battery, the unit will keep music playing for up to 20 hours and the type-A USB port also provides charging for Apple iPhone lightening connector products and Android AOA devices.
Fusion is a major player in marine entertainment and needless to say the quality and sound of the Stereo Active is second to none. I’ve used similar, yet cheaper water resistant bluetooth speakers and the sound just doesn’t compare to Fusion’s latest offering.
Fusion has also released an optional accessory called the Active Safe. Designed to be mounted flush beneath the Stereo Active, the Safe will securely hold your phone and keys and keep them out of harms way while on the water. It’s fully waterproof and mounts using the same simple “puck-it” mount system as the Stereo Active. Unless you have a waterproof phone or phone case, and somewhere to leave your keys, it’s a worthwhile investment. I’d imagine some kayakers and stand up paddle board users buying the Active Safe as a stand alone waterproof safe while on the water.
The price for the Stereo Active is $399 and $129 for the Active Safe. Fusion says its will be available around October.
Check out the video we filmed with Fusion MD Chris Baird and visit the Fusion website for more info.