My clarion CMD5 radio apparently has a blown amplifier and I'd like to replace it. It was an AM/FM/CD player but wasn't bluetooth, MP3, IPOD capable. It was an expensive unit and still is so not sure why uinits made by competitors like Boss have more features but are less?
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Steve
You don't need a "marine" stereo, if it is in the cabin. I have not seen any of the "marine" stereos last any longer than a standard "car" stereo.... Fusion does make some
neat systems but their
form factor may not always work with what you have fitment for...
What I find most useful is a stereo that does Bluetooth audio then your smart phone becomes the remote and all your music is at your fingertips. I stream music to the stereo from my pocket or where ever my phone is... We use iTunes & Spotify, and use offline mode for Spotify when out of cell range, works great. For iTunes my phone holds about 33GB of music.... IIRC our stereo is a Kenwood Excelon. Not too expensive and I purchased it from Crutchfield.
If you buy one with an AUX input jack I would strongly suggest finding a model that has a REAR AUX input, not front. I have seen too many "front AUX" jacks broken on boats. I replaced two stereos last season due to front AUX jack issues. If you can't find a rear AUX unit at least use a
right angle AUX cable that has less
leverage on it to destroy the AUX jack...
Any of the reputable brands Sony, Alpine, Pioneer, Kenwood, Clarion, JVC, Dual, Fusion etc. will be good.. Just pick your features....
Personally I prefer a unit with Bluetooth, rear aux jack, pre-outs for sub including full control over sub, including volume, cross over points and EQ control. In addition to sub pre-outs I also prefer front and rear pre-outs also with full control. iPhone integration is okay but I prefer to stream it so my music is where I am.......
