Hot Tub Forum

Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Gomboman on April 29, 2006, 11:16:40 pm

Title: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Gomboman on April 29, 2006, 11:16:40 pm
Is the new HS SpAudio II upgradeable for us pre 06' customers? Is this system available today? I don't see it listed on the website yet? Just curious.
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: hottubdan on April 30, 2006, 12:27:38 am
I believe it is available for 2005 spas as a new unit.  I don't think it is practicle to go from SpAudio I to II.
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: hottubdan on April 30, 2006, 12:28:09 am
Oh, yeah.  It is available now.
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Vanguard on April 30, 2006, 01:15:24 am
I think about mid-2005 models are able to go to SpAudioII.  I agree with HTDan.  Not practicle to upgrade from SpAudio to SpAudioII.  

It is available.  Not sure why the website is not updated.  It is in the new brochures for '06 and has been available for about a month to dealers.

If you don't have SpAudio, now is a great time to get SpAudio II.
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Gomboman on April 30, 2006, 01:33:48 am
I'm sorry, probably too many Sierra Nevada's today. I meant upgrading from nothing to SpAudioII not from SpAudio I to SpAudio II. My bad.  :)  



Quote
I believe it is available for 2005 spas as a new unit.  I don't think it is practicle to go from SpAudio I to II.

Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: hottubdan on April 30, 2006, 01:50:13 am
Quote
I'm sorry, probably too many Sierra Nevada's today. I meant upgrading from nothing to SpAudioII not from SpAudio I to SpAudio II. My bad.  :)  
 





No bad.  Just trying to be clear w/ answers.
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Gomboman on April 30, 2006, 02:39:38 am
OK, what's the difference between the SpAudio I and SpAudio II besides the upgraded player? What's the best way to connect an Ipod to the system? The days of playing a single CD in a player are history.
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Chas on April 30, 2006, 09:00:41 am
The differences in brief are:


I plan to test to see if an Ipod can be used INSTEAD of the deck, also I don't recall if you can run MP3 discs in the deck or not.... will get back.
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Ronald5599 on April 30, 2006, 09:10:24 am
Chas - What about being able to accept satellite radio. We were out in Las Vegas and went to a dealer (I have no idea which one - I never heard of it) and its radio system had satellite built in. That would really be a reason for an upgrade.
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Chas on April 30, 2006, 09:15:51 am
The deck is not satelite ready as it stands. I know that it is simply a marine deck mounted in the holder, so I don't know if it would be tough to change it for a different deck, however the remote control system ties into the deck so you would want to stay with Sony brand for compatability in that area.

Also, are there XM or Sirius receivers which would feed the Aux inputs or go inline with the antenna lead?
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Ronald5599 on April 30, 2006, 10:46:52 am
Thanks for the info.
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Tatooed_Lady on April 30, 2006, 10:53:07 am
has anyone installed their own home-grown type stereo in these? I know a bunch of the "DIY" types, and I'd like to know if I could build a system similar to the SA without the $1700 price tag...I don't mean a hack job, either...but something that utilizes the space that SA would normally take up.   ???
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Chas on April 30, 2006, 12:46:28 pm
I promise: ONE OF THESE DAYS, I'm going to try a simple home stereo on a HS spa with the transducers. Those two componants are expensive enough as it is, but I want to try connecting to a simple home stereo.

Mind you - this may not satisfy the ETL listing and it may somehow open the door to great and grevious bodily harm somehow - but I want to try it.

I just hooked up our Spaudio II and ran it for the first time yesterday. It sounds much better: the Internal part is about the same, but as soon as you fade in the external speakers the 'brightness' which was missing comes back.

And if you want to run the tub as the sub, it really pumps. Wow - what is that, about five puns in one?
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: hottub.pool_boy on April 30, 2006, 01:09:13 pm
I've got a couple 2005 spaudios complete, anyone want to make an offer?
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Gomboman on April 30, 2006, 01:24:06 pm
I went back and looked at the latest HS 06' brochure. I didn't see anything about external speakers. Do you install those around the spa or are they made into the shell?

OK, I'm sure I don't want to hear this but, how much is the SpAudio II system?

Quote
I promise: ONE OF THESE DAYS, I'm going to try a simple home stereo on a HS spa with the transducers. Those two componants are expensive enough as it is, but I want to try connecting to a simple home stereo.

Mind you - this may not satisfy the ETL listing and it may somehow open the door to great and grevious bodily harm somehow - but I want to try it.

I just hooked up our Spaudio II and ran it for the first time yesterday. It sounds much better: the Internal part is about the same, but as soon as you fade in the external speakers the 'brightness' which was missing comes back.

And if you want to run the tub as the sub, it really pumps. Wow - what is that, about five puns in one?

Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Chas on April 30, 2006, 05:16:19 pm
The external speakers are pretty big units, they come with brackets and long direct-burial cable so you can mount them or just prop them wherever you want.

The price will vary from dealer to dealer and from area to area, but it will be about two grand.

That includes the system, the deck, the remote control, the external speakers and installation.

The remote was around $400 by itself last year, and there were no external speakers last year.
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Ronald5599 on April 30, 2006, 05:34:11 pm
I agree, I also looked at the new 2006 17 page catalogue and saw nothing about the Spaudio II with external speakers. Also looked on the website - nothing.
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Chas on April 30, 2006, 06:13:48 pm
I can verify - there is nothing about it on the web site or in the brochure.

Very cuirous - but you know how deadlines can be.

I do have a seperate sheet - let me look for it.

Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: DPS on April 30, 2006, 06:13:51 pm
Quote
I promise: ONE OF THESE DAYS, I'm going to try a simple home stereo on a HS spa with the transducers. Those two componants are expensive enough as it is, but I want to try connecting to a simple home stereo.

Mind you - this may not satisfy the ETL listing and it may somehow open the door to great and grevious bodily harm somehow - but I want to try it.

I just hooked up our Spaudio II and ran it for the first time yesterday. It sounds much better: the Internal part is about the same, but as soon as you fade in the external speakers the 'brightness' which was missing comes back.

And if you want to run the tub as the sub, it really pumps. Wow - what is that, about five puns in one?


That is how the Soundsations in my Marquis Epic works - transducers hooked up to my home sound system.  The sound quality is superb.  It also gives me unlimited options on what to listen to.  And it passes U.L.
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Chas on April 30, 2006, 06:18:18 pm
Dang - it downloaded as a pdf. Any ideas on how to quickly post that?

Can't just post the url, it is on a highly secret MotherShip page.
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Chas on April 30, 2006, 06:30:19 pm
OK I posted it on my web site - go to my home page and click on the "Spaudio" link at the bottom of the main text area.

That will open a link from which you can download the pdf with images of all the componants.

Best I could do in a rush- I have to go do a site check in Oak Park.

http://www.hotspring-ventura.com/
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: BearBath on April 30, 2006, 06:32:14 pm
Hey Chas,
Sorry to sound stupid here, but I got a SpAudio with my HS Grande. This was a new HS Grande from the factory about Thanksgiving of 2005. Are you saying that I CAN upgrade to the SpAudio II since it was a late 2005 model? The SpAudio I has been really disappointing.
Thanks!
BearBath
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Chas on April 30, 2006, 06:40:38 pm
Yes, you can upgrade.

I don't know for sure about an upgrade for you: I know you would need the new amp since it has the four channels, and of course you would want the spaudio speakers, which would revolutionize your sound quality.

You would also need a new remote since that is the ONLY way to control the volume and EQ of the external speakers. And I don't know what the trade-in value would be for your old equipment .

Transducers stay .... But I don't know if the new amp can be driven by your Ipod holder the way the old amp could. Give me a few days to test this out: I want to put it into my spa at home without the CD deck myself, so I am going to try it out on Tuesday if I can get to it.
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Tatooed_Lady on April 30, 2006, 08:08:52 pm
mmmm......musical tub.......  
I keep telling myself "someday...." like when I get some major bills out of the way, we'll get some stereo setup going for the back yard......
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Ronald5599 on April 30, 2006, 08:51:10 pm
Chas - I don't see the link on your website?
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Chas on April 30, 2006, 09:25:39 pm
Look at the bottom of this column:
      
"Spas etc. is Ventura's oldest spa retailer and has been serving our community since 1986. We take pride in offering the most reliable, efficient, and superior quality spas on the market. . . "

The link simply says, "Spaudio."
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Gomboman on May 01, 2006, 01:01:26 am
Chas, do you know what model year spas are upgradeable to the SpAudio II system? Are the newer spas pre-wired? I believe you're an audiophile type. How does it sound?
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Vanguard on May 02, 2006, 08:31:42 pm
I went by my dealer today and they had SpAudio II hooked up.  I about traded my spa in today.

The new SpAudio is a huge improvement over the previous version.  The external speakers (no idea what brand they are) sounded great.  The volume level is much much higher than the older version.  You can definitely bug your neighbors with this one.

If anyone is looking to add SpAudio to their new spa, do it.  You'll really love it.
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Chas on May 02, 2006, 09:15:02 pm
Quote
Chas, do you know what model year spas are upgradeable to the SpAudio II system? Are the newer spas pre-wired? I believe you're an audiophile type. How does it sound?

According to the Mother Ship any 2005 or newer spa can have Spaudio II.

I have spent some more time 'dialing' mine in - it truly does sound good.

I have a CoverUpright lifter, so I am going to mount the speakers up high, right next to and above the tub.

I'll get Terminator to come over and take some pictures for us all.
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: The_real_Clown_Shoes on May 06, 2006, 11:31:45 am
Just a few things on the SpAudio I v. II.

SpAudio I can be removed from a demo spa if absolutely necessary, SpAudio II cannot.  Something to keep in mind for you dealers out there who seem to have customers resistant to the SpAudio systems.

What we've done is kept one SpAudio I on-hand and ordered in the new SpAudio II for our wet floor model in our mood room.  Difference is unbelievable, but customers who weren't willing to pay 2K for the SpAudio I will find that 1295 or 1200 is a lot more suitable.
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: spectre533 on August 28, 2007, 06:35:18 am
What is the correct antenna that should be installed with the SpAudio II ?  I just purchased a new HotSprings Vanguard Spa with the SpAudio II.  I can only pull in 3 FM Stereo stations and they are all in spanish!  The stations I want to listen to are only 22 miles away and I pick them up fine on my daughters boom box sitting on a table next to the Spa.  I looked in the service door and the antenna that HotSprings installed is the same universal fender mount car antenna that Wal Mart sells for $12.95.  I called the dealer and was told it's probably because I have too many trees around my home.  I can't get any response from HotSprings manufacter at all, phone or internet.  $1800.00 already paid and it appears unless I spent more bucks on Mp3, Ipod adapters or whatever I'm stuck listening to single CD's.  I love the Spa, but this is leaving a real bad feeling about the SpAudio II
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Spiderman on August 28, 2007, 07:48:14 am
Quote
 I can't get any response from HotSprings manufacter at all, phone or internet.  

1-800-999-4688, no problem for me to speak to someone  :-?  Have you called the Hot Spring dealer in your area?  
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: hottubdan on August 28, 2007, 10:21:35 am
I have customers who have gone to radio shack and installed a booster.

Agreed, antenna is something that is weak in the system, but easily and economically remedied.
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Spatech_tuo on August 28, 2007, 10:59:03 am
I've seena  few antennas tried with little success. What has worked best that I've seen is a car like antennae.
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: michael_wobbe on August 28, 2007, 06:37:02 pm
My Dealer says that it is possible to go from one song to another with the HS remote control if you use the cd-player, but  :)is it also possible if you use the ipod ??
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: hottubdan on August 28, 2007, 08:07:53 pm
Quote
My Dealer says that it is possible to go from one song to another with the HS remote control if you use the cd-player, but  :)is it also possible if you use the ipod ??

Yes.  However, we are now talking about SpAudioCast, not SpAudio II.  

confusing, no? :-? :P
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: Gomboman on August 28, 2007, 10:49:28 pm
I think I'm having a Flash Back.   ;D
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: hottubdan on August 29, 2007, 10:26:13 am
Quote
I think I'm having a Flash Back.   ;D
Is that the new stereo system Hot Spring is coming out with...Flash Back? ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: michael_wobbe on August 29, 2007, 03:29:13 pm
I am a little bit confused, whats the difference between spaudio ll  and spaudiocast ??
Title: Re: Is the Hotspring SpAudio II upgradeable?
Post by: hottubdan on August 29, 2007, 04:37:52 pm
Quote
I am a little bit confused, whats the difference between spaudio ll  and spaudiocast ??

Spaudio II has built in deck.  spaudiocast uses a transmitter so you can use an IPod, home stereo system, etc. for your source.