Head unit decisions

[bkstroop]

Got everything else planned out but can't decide on a head unit.

I like the clarion cms1 because it has the wired remote included.....but I will have to use a zone controller to split the single RCA output on the clarion. I would also have to buy the iPod adapter.

I also like the Sony cdx-60ui. It has 3 RCA outputs and is iPod ready as is. With the cost of the remote it will be about the same price as the clarion.

I'll be running a kicker 700.5 for the 4 interior and Cvr 104. And a 450.2 for a wet sounds 485 in the tower.

Can I get some experienced opinions please?

Thanks,
Brian

[chpthril]

The Clarion CMS1 is a "Black Box" type of unit. The remote is basically the control head for the brain of the unit. If you wanted a transom remote, you would needs to add that on extra.

Since you are looking at a device without a CD player, such as the CMS1, take a look at the Sony DSX-MS60. It has the Sony "Tune Tray" in place of the CD player. Im using one in the shop right now and it functions pretty good. The MP3 navigation is not as good as the Alpine, but not bad.

Neither the Sony or the Clarion have true zone control. But the CMS1 control head would give you "Fade" at the helm, where as the Sony would have to be controlled from the head-unit.

The CMS1 has USB, so the Ipod specific interface is not really needed.

For your 2 amps, you only need two chnl RCA outputs. Use the Kicker sub controller function on the ZXM-700.5 to control the sub volume. Signal for the sub will be passed through from the "Amp-1" RCA cables. But adding in something like the ZXM-RLC will give you true 2-zone control as well as a line driver for improved signal. With the sub controller, you now have 3.

[bkstroop]

Chp,

Will I only need to run one RCA output to each amp? I've searched for a while and came up with nothing. The 700.5 has an amp1 and amp2 and sub input. If I only use one of those will the other amps use this signal?

Same question for the 450.2. I'll be bridging the channels but do I only use one set of inputs?

If so then if I have a head unit with 3 outputs could I run the front to the amp1 or amp2, and one to the sub in on the 700.5
Then use the rear for the 450.2?

Thanks,
Brian

[chpthril]

Chp,

Will I only need to run one RCA output to each amp? I've searched for a while and came up with nothing. The 700.5 has an amp1 and amp2 and sub input. If I only use one of those will the other amps use this signal?

Same question for the 450.2. I'll be bridging the channels but do I only use one set of inputs?

If so then if I have a head unit with 3 outputs could I run the front to the amp1 or amp2, and one to the sub in on the 700.5
Then use the rear for the 450.2?

Thanks,
Brian

Since the 450.2 is a 2-chnl stereo amp, it will only need a single "Left" and "Right" RCA input

The 700.5 can also work off only a single left and Right RCA input. If its an older KX series, they will need to be split, but if its a new XZ or ZXM series, then it only needs a single pair plugged into "AMP-1" to signal all chnls.

Since your head unit has Ft, RR, Sub (sometimes called non-fade), then I would run that 3rd sub/non-fade to the sub chnl inputs on the 700.5 (there's a switch that needs to be set) and then you would have some 3-zone control.

[bkstroop]

Thanks CHP,

I think all the ducks are in a row now!

[wired1236]

Have you looked at the Apline CDA-118M? I just insatlled one and really like it so far. It has all the remote capibilites, amp outputs (rear, front, sub, and zone2) and comes with the iphone/ipod apaptor. The only thing that bugs me so far is the dash remote takes a while to warm up sort to speak. It takes a minuite or two to actually control the deck. I also got the key remote for sitting on the beach.

[chpthril]

Have you looked at the Apline CDA-118M? I just insatlled one and really like it so far. It has all the remote capibilites, amp outputs (rear, front, sub, and zone2) and comes with the iphone/ipod apaptor. The only thing that bugs me so far is the dash remote takes a while to warm up sort to speak. It takes a minuite or two to actually control the deck. I also got the key remote for sitting on the beach.

Something doesnt sound right. The few Alpines I have installed, the remote is the primary control point, and the head-unit seems to respond in about the same time as just about any other head-unit/remote I have used: Clarion, Sony, Rockford, JBL, Kenwood, etc. I would double check the B= and ground to make sure they are clean (drawn from a BUSS and not shared with something) and then maybe try to resync. the remote.