Good Head Unit
#2
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 3,895
Likes: 124
From: Chicago, IL; Onekama, MI
I really like the Rockford Fosgate Marine collection. I feel Fusion is a bit overpriced and stripped down. Rockford and Raymarine have also teamed up to integrate with each other if you are thinking of adding a multi function display.
#4
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,041
Likes: 712
From: Toledo Oh
#5
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
If it's mounted in the cuddy, I'd recommend the Sony MEX-XB100BT. The class d amplifier built into the head unit is far more powerful than most anything around and will give good power to speakers without having to do an external amp. It's also 2 ohm stable if you want to add speakers later on.
#7
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 441
Likes: 71
From: KCMO
If it's mounted in the cuddy, I'd recommend the Sony MEX-XB100BT. The class d amplifier built into the head unit is far more powerful than most anything around and will give good power to speakers without having to do an external amp. It's also 2 ohm stable if you want to add speakers later on.
#9
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 922
Likes: 128
From: Hemlock, MI
I too am in the market for a new head unit. I would like to at least have a wired transom remote or RF waterproof handheld remote. Looking for a single-DIN unit as boat already has a hole and not much room to fit the very large newer marine displays at that location. I really want Bluetooth and Pandora capability with Android.
Historically, I have always been very happy and usually exclusively bought Pioneer products......but no longer making a "marine" unit although it is cabin mounted so don't really care about non-marine. No wired remotes produced either.
I have bought several boats/vehicles that contained Sony receivers....I hated every one so I am leery about the Sony unit mentioned above although I do like the features. Unfortunately Sony has also dropped their marine wired remotes.
I am currently leaning Clarion M303 and their RF1 waterproof remote control. Although it looks like the RF1 remote can be used on any brand unit with the 3.5mm steering wheel control remote port. Can get the NMEA2K adapter for this unit in the future although that costs as much as the receiver itself!
I will be adding a 9" multi-function GPS in the future and would like to eventually link that with the stereo. The Rockford units do look nice but for the price, I cant believe the NMEA link isn't built in. From what I can see that is the only advantage to a Fusion unit though for an audio enthusiast, they are very basic in function.
It't interesting how marine audio has gone either very basic and cheap or very expensive and high-end. Nothing in the middle anymore.
Historically, I have always been very happy and usually exclusively bought Pioneer products......but no longer making a "marine" unit although it is cabin mounted so don't really care about non-marine. No wired remotes produced either.
I have bought several boats/vehicles that contained Sony receivers....I hated every one so I am leery about the Sony unit mentioned above although I do like the features. Unfortunately Sony has also dropped their marine wired remotes.
I am currently leaning Clarion M303 and their RF1 waterproof remote control. Although it looks like the RF1 remote can be used on any brand unit with the 3.5mm steering wheel control remote port. Can get the NMEA2K adapter for this unit in the future although that costs as much as the receiver itself!
I will be adding a 9" multi-function GPS in the future and would like to eventually link that with the stereo. The Rockford units do look nice but for the price, I cant believe the NMEA link isn't built in. From what I can see that is the only advantage to a Fusion unit though for an audio enthusiast, they are very basic in function.
It't interesting how marine audio has gone either very basic and cheap or very expensive and high-end. Nothing in the middle anymore.
#10
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,169
Likes: 82
From: Henderson, KY
I went with the Fusion RA-70N with N2k capability. I have it tied in to a Garmin 7607. Although we rarely use the Garmin to control the audio. I'm happy with the Fusion
I too am in the market for a new head unit. I would like to at least have a wired transom remote or RF waterproof handheld remote. Looking for a single-DIN unit as boat already has a hole and not much room to fit the very large newer marine displays at that location. I really want Bluetooth and Pandora capability with Android.
Historically, I have always been very happy and usually exclusively bought Pioneer products......but no longer making a "marine" unit although it is cabin mounted so don't really care about non-marine. No wired remotes produced either.
I have bought several boats/vehicles that contained Sony receivers....I hated every one so I am leery about the Sony unit mentioned above although I do like the features. Unfortunately Sony has also dropped their marine wired remotes.
I am currently leaning Clarion M303 and their RF1 waterproof remote control. Although it looks like the RF1 remote can be used on any brand unit with the 3.5mm steering wheel control remote port. Can get the NMEA2K adapter for this unit in the future although that costs as much as the receiver itself!
I will be adding a 9" multi-function GPS in the future and would like to eventually link that with the stereo. The Rockford units do look nice but for the price, I cant believe the NMEA link isn't built in. From what I can see that is the only advantage to a Fusion unit though for an audio enthusiast, they are very basic in function.
It't interesting how marine audio has gone either very basic and cheap or very expensive and high-end. Nothing in the middle anymore.
Historically, I have always been very happy and usually exclusively bought Pioneer products......but no longer making a "marine" unit although it is cabin mounted so don't really care about non-marine. No wired remotes produced either.
I have bought several boats/vehicles that contained Sony receivers....I hated every one so I am leery about the Sony unit mentioned above although I do like the features. Unfortunately Sony has also dropped their marine wired remotes.
I am currently leaning Clarion M303 and their RF1 waterproof remote control. Although it looks like the RF1 remote can be used on any brand unit with the 3.5mm steering wheel control remote port. Can get the NMEA2K adapter for this unit in the future although that costs as much as the receiver itself!
I will be adding a 9" multi-function GPS in the future and would like to eventually link that with the stereo. The Rockford units do look nice but for the price, I cant believe the NMEA link isn't built in. From what I can see that is the only advantage to a Fusion unit though for an audio enthusiast, they are very basic in function.
It't interesting how marine audio has gone either very basic and cheap or very expensive and high-end. Nothing in the middle anymore.


