stereo head units

[wingtime]

The FM receiver in my 245 Jensen stereo has gone Tango Uniform.  I'm shopping around for a new head unit and there seems to be a large selection out there.  I'm looking for a single DIN style unit since that will be easy to install in my existing mount in the cabin.  I don't need a CD player since who buys CDs anymore?  I like the sound of the Bluetooth feature that will allow me to stream audio directly from my smart phone or even Pandora.  Bluetooth is not a must be a usb input for a ipod or android device is a must have.  The would like the ability to ad a RF remote or at least a wired remote since the unit is mounted in the cabin. So far I like a few of the Kenwood's and Clarions I have found.  I have come across the Boss audio and Dual brands but I don't know much about them.  The Worst Marine units look to have some nice features at a good price but I have no idea who makes them for Worst.  Any experience or input is appreciated!

[Blue Agave]

Check this one out.....

http://www.firstchoicemarine.com/p-9159 ... nAodCUYABg

[pigbike]

This is what I went with and includes speakers and a splash cover. I don't use the CD but it's there. It has a USB on the front, it also has  a remote, but you have to be facing the unit to use it. The remote will work thru the closed splash cover however.  Shop around as I bought the whole setup for under 100 bucks, but don't remember where I ordered it from.
http://www.rocktheboataudio.com/html/58452.html

[gran398]

Happy Birthday Bruce

Bob recommended and installed a Fusion MS-RA 50 head, 40 watts X 2 channels. AM/FM, iPhone/iPod compatible. Two RCA inputs for aux MP 3, CD, old/other sourcing, etc.

It sounds good.

One thing to note with this unit...an accessory cable (not supplied) or waterproof bulkhead mounted iPod dock is required to input Apple products. It is a 30 pin male connector, not USB.

Fusion wants 39.95 for the patch cord. They are all over ebay for ten bucks.

We have a bunch of CD's and an old portable CD player. Checked with the geek squad at Best Buy...they said it was impossible to connect the old CD player directly to the Apple 30 pin male.

Wrong...you can find anything on the net

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-5mm-audio-plu ... %26ps%3D54

[fitz73222]

Shop Crutchfield.com. I've been buying anything audio from them for almost 20 years. There customer service is unlike any other. Just check them out! Every vehicle or boat I've ever had is riding with a stereo from them.

[GoneFission]

Make sure you get one that will take a USB or SD card.  CDs are not really worth the trouble these days when you can load 200-400 songs on a thumbdrive or SD card.  I've got one of these on one boat and have been happy with it - price is good too:  

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PLCD35MR-PYLE-M ... 745wt_1010

[mainefinn05]

If you have a smart phone do what my buddy did. He simply bought an amp and two speakers, his smartphone inputs to the amp as the head unit.

[gran398]

If you have a smart phone do what my buddy did. He simply bought an amp and two speakers, his smartphone inputs to the amp as the head unit.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/i10547_J ... views.html

[RickK]

If you have a smart phone do what my buddy did. He simply bought an amp and two speakers, his smartphone inputs to the amp as the head unit.

Make sure you figure out a way to charge the phone into the equation - most smart phone batteries suck.

[wingtime]

I ended up picking up a Kenwood head unit and installed it today.  Everyone had the same price on it so I was lucky to find a single one in stock at my local Best Buy.  This is the model I ended up with: http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entertainment/Marine/KMR-555U  The install was easy.  The old Jensen did not require a memory circuit power source (I liked that feature) so there was not a separate constant power supply so I just tied in the memory circuit into the main supply.  Yes the clock and presets will go away but I won't have a dead battery in a few weeks.    I'm very happy with the unit so far... it picks up every station around clear as a bell.  The Bose speakers never sounded better!