What's your current favorite marine head unit.

[Gavin17]

The HU in the 2004 23 LSV I just bought doesn't work. What should I replace it with? I've always preferred Alpine in cars but it doesn't look like they make marine models anymore. I'm pretty sure they used to. Should I wait for the new Wetsounds deck? Can any HU control cabin speakers and tower speakers separately or do I have to get the Wetsounds 420 for that? It seems like everyone loves the 420 but I'm not really a stereo snob and would rather spend the money on my new dream ballast system. I'd prefer Bluetooth connectivity.

[MLA]

If you current unit is a single DIN and under the armrest, I would have to say that either the Clarion M505 or M303 would be my choice. other wise, I would consider the Fusion 700 series or the Polk PA4A unit fallowed by the Clarion CMS5. I have not used the rockford DIN units, just the BB series thats offered in the current Bu's, so nothing to say on those.

Any head-unit with fade, can allow you some volume control between a tower and in-boat zone, but thats not typically as easy as having fingertip control and its rarely accessible through a wired remote. Fusion offers actual zone control. The Kicker KMC20 offer zones as well as the Wet Sounds soon to come unit.

For zone control, its hard to beat the price, effectiveness and simplicity of the Kicker ZXM-RLC. No frills zone control, 9V line level driver and uses data cables in order to keep RCA cables short.

Most of the standard single DIN units will have integrated BT. Both those Clarion M units do. I know the Kicker KMC20 and Wet Sounds do and Fusion offers 2 BT units, one universal and one specific.

[09vRide]

My vote is to go with a 420, even if you're not a stereo snob. I got ride of my head unit and went with a wet sounds 420BT last year. Best thing I ever did to the stereo on my boat. They're simple, offer BT connectivity and full independent zone control. The increased line level output really woke up my system too.

[Gavin17]

Ohh I never considered that you could use the bluetooth 420 instead of a head unit. I like that idea. I guess I'll have to deal with the dud transom remote then.

[Fman]

+1 zld or 420. Simple. Effective. Total control.

Friends don't let friends install head units anymore!

[jonyb]

^{To go with what Mike says, I sell a lot of the Clarion M303 and M502, people really like them, and they work well. Both have Bluetooth/FM/USB/Aux. The 303 has CD, 502 does not. Keeping a head unit allows you to have a transom remote. That way you can be in the water behind the boat and control the stereo without having to get back in.}

^{fusion head unit's are pretty nice, but different shaped,so they may not fit.}

^{There's a volume loss in the 420BT that's pretty noticeable. A 420SQ and BT-VC would be a better option, IMO.}

[Gavin17]

I'd like to keep the transom remote. If I'm going to have a deck maybe I'll wait for the new wetsounds unit although it may be pretty expensive.

[Gavin17]

Can the clarion unit control 2 speaker zones. Tower and cabin

[theGrant]

I ordered a fusion H/U. The biggest selling feature to me was the ease of zone control. I had an old iPhone 4s that I keep in the dock just for boat tunes. I considered the WS-420 BT but opted for the Fusion unit because of 4 zone control. I also was able to find a Fusion MS-IP700i for $235 Canadian Funds. A crazy good deal for us in Canada compared to the $399 USD for the Wet sounds option.

http://www.fusionentertainment.com/marine/products/700-series/ms-ip700i

Edited February 7, 2016 by theGrant

[jonyb]

I'd like to keep the transom remote. If I'm going to have a deck maybe I'll wait for the new wetsounds unit although it may be pretty expensive.

The Wet Sounds head unit is going to be an odd shape, similar to the Rockford control units, and the Fusion. If you have the armrest head unit location and want to keep it in there, the Wet Sounds head unit won't work.

A standard single DIN head unit is all that will fit in there. If you have any other mounting ideas, or the radio is on the dash on a flat panel, you can make the change.

The Clarion head units don't have zones. They have front and rear/sub RCA outputs. I strongly recommend a WS-420 for use with any head unit, that way you get complete control over zones, AND a 5V line driver built in, among many other features.

[cheezwizard]

I'd like to keep the transom remote. If I'm going to have a deck maybe I'll wait for the new wetsounds unit although it may be pretty expensive.

You can use a bluetooth remote or smart watch to control volume and tracks. I've heard of guys surfing with smart watches and being able to control the stereo. Something like this might work http://www.ebay.com/itm/iSimple-ISBC01-BluClik-Wireless-Remote-Control-For-Bluetooth-Devices-Dash-Mount-/131461796553

[shawndoggy]

I'm strongly considering pulling the black box altogether this year and going with one of these:http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/details/pmx-2

Native USB/ipod integration and A2DP BT all in one at the dash. Plus weatherband. plus crossovers and an EQ (don't need with WS420, but still... not something offered on the black box). There's even a compatible remote: https://jet.com/product/detail/b4048aa83e41451686d10aeee2c387ad?jcmp=pla:ggl:cwin_vehicles_parts_a1:vehicle_parts_accessories_motor_vehicle_electronics_motor_vehicle_speakers_a1_other:na:na:na:na:na:2&code=PLA15&k_clickid=224f5dcb-2bd8-5fc9-2be3-000053845f36&abkId=403-901658&gclid=CPaH162v6MoCFc0lgQodkUwCwA

The only thing I'd be "missing" would be sat radio.

The unit itself is sized differently from the RFXMR5BB remote in the dash of my boat so it will take a little bit of fabrication to get working correctly I'm afraid.

[Falko]

I have the M502 and not impressed with it. Maybe it is just me but the single control paddle/button is difficult especially under your arm. I have a hard time keeping BT linked to it.

[MLA]

I have the M502 and not impressed with it. Maybe it is just me but the single control paddle/button is difficult especially under your arm. I have a hard time keeping BT linked to it.

I agree, but theres good news, The M502 has been discontinued for quite some time now. The current M505 that I suggested above, was just released this past Aug, and is MUCH better.

[jonyb]

I haven't used the 502 in a long time, so I didn't know they were discontinued.

The Rockford is pretty popular at my place. I put one in my Yeti and it's pretty nice. We're also doing a Teryx4 in the shop right now that's getting the PMX2.

[Truekaotik]

About a year the 502 has been "discontinued", the 505 was actually a 2015 release in the brochure. Clarion is a very good Marine head unit and shouldn't be overlooked. I see it as one of my top 3 recommendations.

Anywho, I think it's funny how certain audio gods like to correct the other audio gods on these sites...

For the OP,

The PMX2 is pretty nice, we have done several as well and like them. They have only been out since fall of 2015 so not much water time for my area yet. So I cannot give a "this things is the bomb" comment but I did like installing and using it.

[jonyb]

Anywho, I think it's funny how certain audio gods like to correct the other audio gods on these sites...

The unfortunate part about the 12V industry is that most installers are hot shots that are never wrong.

[Falko]

My 502 has been great quality wise, just functionality is difficult. That is all I was trying to say. IF the OP had run across one that he felt might work, I just wanted to throw it out there that it isn't a great choice, imo, for marine use especially when it is under your arm. I wasn't trying to correct anyone or put anyone's suggest down.

[MLA]

Falko,

Dont worry, true-k's comments are directed at me. Im sure if I actually did correct someone and they took issue with it, they would reach out to me through private message and have a professional conversation.

[Gavin17]

I think I'm just going to go with the 420...