New Stereo Head Unit

[25cents]

I currently have a Clarion CMD4 and I am looking to upgrade to a new head unit. I am looking to get something that offers bluethooth connectivity. It would be nice to get something that was compatible with the current clarion remotes on the helm and swim deck but I am not opposed to replacing everything.

I have a friend that recommended a sony with their remotes but I am looking to the group to see what you all have and like. Thanks

[chpthril]

Nothing that Clarion currently offers is actually compatible with your existing remotes. So changing head-units will require changing the remotes.

Clarion, Sony, Fusion and kenwood all offer a marine unit with BT and supports remotes. The kenwood remotes are not LDC though. With an add-on Bluetooth receiver like the Wet Sounds, all you need is a head-unit with rear RCA AUX inputs. JVC has released a new marine unit with BT that does support remotes, but last I checked, the remote was not out just yet. One feature that im not a huge fan of, is a front 3.5mm AUX. Too easy to get damaged IMO.

[JLG]

I replaced my cmd4 a few months back for the newer clarion cmd8 and the newer MW1 remotes which are required to operate it as the older remotes won't run it. Head unit, 2 remotes, and the cables needed were right at $550. It doesn't Bluetooth but can get the wetsounds controller or similar to operate it. I leave my IPhone hooked up in the glovebox and can control everything including Pandora from the driver or rear transom remote so have no use for the Bluetooth. Check ebay as that's where I got mine. you could wait for the cmd9 which is supposed to be available anytime.

I had a sony with remotes on my last boat and prefer the clarion over them any day. Just my preference though.

[25cents]

JLG- Thanks for you insight and preferences. That is a great point about Bluetooth. I really only care about being able to control my iphone/mps unit from the remotes,

[BrettLee3232]

Nothing that Clarion currently offers is actually compatible with your existing remotes. So changing head-units will require changing the remotes.

Clarion, Sony, Fusion and kenwood all offer a marine unit with BT and supports remotes. The kenwood remotes are not LDC though. With an add-on Bluetooth receiver like the Wet Sounds, all you need is a head-unit with rear RCA AUX inputs. JVC has released a new marine unit with BT that does support remotes, but last I checked, the remote was not out just yet. One feature that im not a huge fan of, is a front 3.5mm AUX. Too easy to get damaged IMO.

I know kicker is coming out with new head units and remotes. I wonder if they will be able to control the Bluetooth?

[chpthril]

if bet there will be a model with integrated BT and a couple of remote options.

[25cents]

Mike- What would be the deck that you would recommend for someone in my shoes. BT is not the most important thing I am looking at. The most important feature would be just being able to have full control from the remotes Ie- switching songs and playlists from the remote or head unit and not on the iPod or phone. Also do you have any insight into the CMD 9? Would this be an easy switch , is it worth it, etc?

Thanks

[chpthril]

Honestly, I find them all cumbersome to navigate through the source when its connected USB or Ipod specific. I would have to say the Fusion is the most user friendly in this regard.

The CMD9 requires the same 2 x 7 inch cut out, so it will fit the current spot. The power harness should be color for color and the RCAs and other cables should be fairly straight forward. The mounting holes are different, so new pilot holes would need to be drilled, but I think the face of the 9 would come close to covering the footprint of the cmd4

[JLG]

The power harness from the cmd4 to the cmd8 are the same so no wiring to do there, just plug and play. The mounting hole is the same for the unit and new mw1 remotes also which is extremely nice. I believe the new cmd9 will have a square remote available for it. he cmd9 are like $900 by themselves w/out remotes! but you do gain video with them. The cmd8 remotes will control all the options you mentioned above with your IPhone safely out of harms way and that's what I like about it.

[25cents]

@chpthril what version of the Fusion do you like? Is it the IP600? Based on your recommendation I have looked at these and they seem pretty cool. How easy is the install from the CMD4?

[chpthril]

The 700 series is the one i have the most experience with. It requires the same 2x7 opening, but you will need a filler plate to cover the footprint/mounting screw holes left behind by the CMD4