Clarion vs. Alpine HU

[ou812]

I am looking at replacing my old Clarion head unit in my 01 21V. I'm thinking of going with either the Clarion CMD6 or an Alpine CDA-118M. I'll be adding a sub/amp and upgrading the 4 channel clarion amp that is in the boat now.

Does any one have any input on which would be the better head unit to go with, or any other suggestions? I recently found some Alpine wireless controller's for a real good price, so I started looking at the Alpine HU's. Any advise would be great!

[Nobody]

I am looking at replacing my old Clarion head unit in my 01 21V. I'm thinking of going with either the Clarion CMD6 or an Alpine CDA-118M. I'll be adding a sub/amp and upgrading the 4 channel clarion amp that is in the boat now.

Does any one have any input on which would be the better head unit to go with, or any other suggestions? I recently found some Alpine wireless controller's for a real good price, so I started looking at the Alpine HU's. Any advise would be great!

I put in the Mechless head unit. There is NO CD player with this unit. Just USB, Ipod, Aux, etc. Clarion locks you into Sirius, which we dislike and prefer XM. CMD6 is nice, but a radio unit in the glove box is like underwear on your head. Here's a picture of our Mechless install. Of course, you just see the control pod (Garmin in rear), the head was mounted under the console. We enjoy the functional aspects of easy reach control immensely.

[dcspain]

I just bought a new RZ2 and removed the CMD6 for the CMV1 (dvd player). It has less than 5 minutes playing time. Let me know if your interested. It's not doing any good sitting in my garage.

[Dave K]

I bought the Alpine CDA-118 primary for a few of reason:

1. Display size easier to see
2. sat ready
3. wireless remote (which is an option though)
4. USB
5. It doesnt have a metal sleeve that the head actually slids into like any other single din deck head. It uses bolts and I found it is much more secure. IMO
6. I have had Alpine decks in 4 or 5 boats now, and I find they work great. No sense trying to fix something that not broke !!

[carcrz]

I've got the CMV1 & it has a crazy slow delay from the touch screen. Not sure if the touchscreen is compatible with other stereos though.

[ou812]

I ended up going with the CDA-118M. I too have had good luck with Alpine in car audio and liked the layout and design of the Alpine. I also picked up two of the wireless controllers to go along with it.

What is the success rate of using car audio amps instead of the marine amps? It seems like there are a lot of people running car amps in their boats.

[chpthril]

What is the success rate of using car audio amps instead of the marine amps? It seems like there are a lot of people running car amps in their boats.

Location, location, location.

[laserfish]

My success rate of using anything car instead of marine was very short. If you put it in a closed cubby, the humidity will kill it quick unless you have great ventilation. Boats are harsh on unsealed electronics as I have found out.

[Dave K]

I bought marine from chpthril this time around but in the past I havent had in issue. Lazerfish is bang on about ventalation. Strategically place a small round pushin vent it keep things dry or maybe something like this.

I'm think I'm going to cut this in:

[Dave K]

You can also get them louvred which will enable you to open and close

[Dave K]

wireless control is going to be great. I'll be putting one in for sure!

[Coop]

What is the success rate of using car audio amps instead of the marine amps? It seems like there are a lot of people running car amps in their boats.

I had non-marine Alpine (head unit, amp & cabin speakers) in my last boat for 6 seasons and 415 engine hours with no issue. The amp was in the passnger mid-ship storage compartment with no extra ventilation and never gave me problems. Only freshwater lakes, and most in dry/desert climates. I think the Alpine head units are great, particularly when it comes to iPod integration/navigation.

wireless control is going to be great. I'll be putting one in for sure!

Alpine's had them for a while, but Clarion recently came out with a wireless RF remote that's compatible with the CMD6 and CMV1. It's on their website (Model # MF1). I had one of those with my Alpine HU on the old boat, and it was great when hanging at the cove -- didn't have to get to the boat to change songs or adjust volume.

I've got the CMV1 & it has a crazy slow delay from the touch screen. Not sure if the touchscreen is compatible with other stereos though.

Is the touchscreen slower with the CMV1 than with the CMD6? How's the speed of the iPod navigation with the CMD6 and the touchscreen? Thanks.