When we’re hitting the tracks, there’s something about travelling and music that simply goes together. We’re not saying we’re the camping neighbours from hell, but we reckon good music vibes are part and parcel of touring. Having music on the go these days comes in a range of options, and we’ve taken a closer look at the Fusion Stereoactive.
WORDS & IMAGES BY GRANT HANAN AND LINDA BLOFFWITCH
GEAR
Superior technology meets premium style for highway driving
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WHAT’S IN THE BOX
The Fusion Stereoactive is a portable Bluetooth unit for streaming media from a range of Apple and Android devices. But you’re not limited to these devices to hear your favourite tunes, as the inside of the unit has a waterproof cavity to securely protect a USB flash drive, which can be plugged in for playing back MP3 media as well. It also has an AM/FM radio included, and allows you to program a couple of your favourite stations. The Stereoactive uses 2x2.5-inch 20W speakers for pumping out those tunes, and the built-in amplifier helps to push the sound out even further.
The Stereoactive is a compact unit weighing in at around 1.3kg. It’s a polycarbonate product that is finished with a blow-moulded material which makes gripping the stereo easy. And this adds robustness by improving its resistance to impact should it be knocked. Controlling the music with your fingertips is easy when there’s a series of buttons across the top of the stereo, or remotely through the Fusion-Link app (available for Apple and Android smartphones, and Garmin smartwatch devices). The unit comes with two high-powered lithium rechargeable batteries, which last up to 20 hours and get recharged via a 240V charger (supplied). All in all, they take up to three hours to fully charge. A mat to place under the stereo is also provided to prevent any movement when the volume is cranked up.
By now you could be thinking this sounds like a heavier version of an average Bluetooth speaker that you pick up from a local retailer. But there is a big difference when the Fusion Stereoactive can float, and is water resistant with an IPX7 rating. So unlike your average Bluetooth speaker that you wouldn’t leave out in the elements, this little beauty has been specifically designed for water activities. Not bad, hey. There’s a unique puck mounting system that’s been included in the box to attach the stereo to floating devices such as kayaks, paddleboards, canoes and dinghies. Simply attach the puck by using the adhesive or screws that are provided. Valuables can also be kept safe while out on the water as well using the Fusion Activesafe. It’s a lockable watertight container for storing items such as a phone or keys that gets attached to the stereo using their puck system; this is sold separately.
ABOVE Everything that comes in the box
BELOW The puck simply gets locked into place on the stereo
ABOVE A 240V charger is included
CHECK OUT THE TACTIC IN ACTION ON
THIS ISUZU D-MAX UTE.
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HOW WE RATED IT
One of the most important things we were looking for in a stereo was its ability to handle the environment both on the water and off and not simply be a fair-weather player. We found it didn’t matter if it was left outside overnight where either the temperature dropped to single digits or it copped a bit of rain, the Fusion Stereoactive was robust enough to withstand the conditions. But we also liked its portability and associated benefits. It means we’re not restricted and can now have music right next to us whether we’re out fishing or doing some other water-based activities, chilling around the campfire, or even simply outdoors at home. On top of this, we no longer have the worry of being in the unfavourable situation of flattening our vehicle’s battery to listen to music at camp. No doubt this is all music to our camping neighbours’ ears knowing we don’t have to blast them out when we can now keep our music nice and close.
The Stereoactive’s sound quality is also suitably impressive. While we wouldn’t consider ourselves sound experts, we like good sound and generally crank up the bass and volume a bit. Okay, maybe a lot. While the stereo can withstand water and the occasional knock, we wouldn’t be throwing it off a cliff any time soon to see if it can bounce. For the times we were travelling with others, we thought it only polite to share the music around. And the Bluetooth feature made switching devices to a mate’s playlist short and sweet. When it came to battery life, it occasionally fluctuated, but generally was around the 17-20 hour mark of music playing before needing to be recharged. While we travel with an inverter, which could be used to recharge the stereo’s batteries, we would have liked the inclusion of a 12V charger as standard (it can be purchased separately).
So whether you’re looking for a simple way to listen to your favourite music while camping or you want to funk it to some doof doof while paddling grade five rapids, you’ll find it’s easy to groove to the beat of the music with this robust and impressive unit.
RRP: $319.95, but cheaper if you shop around.
For more info, head to fusionentertainment.com
ABOVE Using the supplied adhesive to attach the puck
LEFT We used the mat around camp to prevent the stereo moving on the table
ABOVE It’s a good size to take travelling and the controls are large and clear
RIGHT Unlocking the cavity to attach the USB
WORDS & IMAGES BY GRANT HANAN AND LINDA BLOFFWITCH
GEAR
When we’re hitting the tracks, there’s something about travelling and music that simply goes together. We’re not saying we’re the camping neighbours from hell, but we reckon good music vibes are part and parcel of touring. Having music on the go these days comes in a range of options, and we’ve taken a closer look at the Fusion Stereoactive.
Superior technology meets premium style for highway driving
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
ADVERTISEMENT
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
The Fusion Stereoactive is a portable Bluetooth unit for streaming media from a range of Apple and Android devices. But you’re not limited to these devices to hear your favourite tunes, as the inside of the unit has a waterproof cavity to securely protect a USB flash drive, which can be plugged in for playing back MP3 media as well. It also has an AM/FM radio included, and allows you to program a couple of your favourite stations. The Stereoactive uses 2x2.5-inch 20W speakers for pumping out those tunes, and the built-in amplifier helps to push the sound out even further.
The Stereoactive is a compact unit weighing in at around 1.3kg. It’s a polycarbonate product that is finished with a blow-moulded material which makes gripping the stereo easy. And this adds robustness by improving its resistance to impact should it be knocked. Controlling the music with your fingertips is easy when there’s a series of buttons across the top of the stereo, or remotely through the Fusion-Link app (available for Apple and Android smartphones, and Garmin smartwatch devices). The unit comes with two high-powered lithium rechargeable batteries, which last up to 20 hours and get recharged via a 240V charger (supplied). All in all, they take up to three hours to fully charge. A mat to place under the stereo is also provided to prevent any movement when the volume is cranked up.
ABOVE Everything that comes in the box
BELOW The puck simply gets locked into place on the stereo
By now you could be thinking this sounds like a heavier version of an average Bluetooth speaker that you pick up from a local retailer. But there is a big difference when the Fusion Stereoactive can float, and is water resistant with an IPX7 rating. So unlike your average Bluetooth speaker that you wouldn’t leave out in the elements, this little beauty has been specifically designed for water activities. Not bad, hey. There’s a unique puck mounting system that’s been included in the box to attach the stereo to floating devices such as kayaks, paddleboards, canoes and dinghies. Simply attach the puck by using the adhesive or screws that are provided. Valuables can also be kept safe while out on the water as well using the Fusion Activesafe. It’s a lockable watertight container for storing items such as a phone or keys that gets attached to the stereo using their puck system; this is sold separately.
ABOVE A 240V charger is included
CHECK OUT THE TACTIC IN ACTION ON
THIS ISUZU D-MAX UTE.
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
ADVERTISEMENT
HOW WE RATED IT
One of the most important things we were looking for in a stereo was its ability to handle the environment both on the water and off and not simply be a fair-weather player. We found it didn’t matter if it was left outside overnight where either the temperature dropped to single digits or it copped a bit of rain, the Fusion Stereoactive was robust enough to withstand the conditions. But we also liked its portability and associated benefits. It means we’re not restricted and can now have music right next to us whether we’re out fishing or doing some other water-based activities, chilling around the campfire, or even simply outdoors at home. On top of this, we no longer have the worry of being in the unfavourable situation of flattening our vehicle’s battery to listen to music at camp. No doubt this is all music to our camping neighbours’ ears knowing we don’t have to blast them out when we can now keep our music nice and close.
ABOVE It’s a good size to take travelling and the controls are large and clear
RIGHT Unlocking the cavity to attach the USB
The Stereoactive’s sound quality is also suitably impressive. While we wouldn’t consider ourselves sound experts, we like good sound and generally crank up the bass and volume a bit. Okay, maybe a lot. While the stereo can withstand water and the occasional knock, we wouldn’t be throwing it off a cliff any time soon to see if it can bounce. For the times we were travelling with others, we thought it only polite to share the music around. And the Bluetooth feature made switching devices to a mate’s playlist short and sweet. When it came to battery life, it occasionally fluctuated, but generally was around the 17-20 hour mark of music playing before needing to be recharged. While we travel with an inverter, which could be used to recharge the stereo’s batteries, we would have liked the inclusion of a 12V charger as standard (it can be purchased separately).
So whether you’re looking for a simple way to listen to your favourite music while camping or you want to funk it to some doof doof while paddling grade five rapids, you’ll find it’s easy to groove to the beat of the music with this robust and impressive unit.
RRP: $319.95, but cheaper if you shop around.
For more info, head to fusionentertainment.com
ABOVE Using the supplied adhesive to attach the puck
LEFT We used the mat around camp to prevent the stereo moving on the table