Giving up on HU reviews! HU suggestions?

[91Sunsetter]

I am running in circles trying to find a HU/transom remote combo that people aren't complaining about. I would just run the WS420, but I constantly change volume and songs from the transom while in the water at the sandbar!! I have the alpine cda-9886M, MC10, and MC20 in my old malibu but started having a few problems last summer when I only had it for a year. Plus reviews agree with unhappiness with product.

Suggestions please!!!!

Guessing brand specific comments will be few and far between cause of forum hush hush rules. Fingers are crossed.

[robtr8]

If you're bound and determined to have a HU with wired remote but aren't happy with the major players, check out Fusion Audio.

[Falko]

I've never had an issue with the Clarion marine units over teh years. But a lot of people hate them.

[chadwick02]

We've done really well with the 9886, MC remotes, a M1RF remote (gets the most use out of anything), and a ws420. I've put it into several buddies boats and had no issues at all, pretty slick system. Maybe I need to read up on some of these other issues.
That being said, we're going to build this new MXZ without a HU at all. I'm skeptical, but the guys I ride with regularly have me convinced the HU is nothing but a big volume knob (we dont use am/fm, CD, or anything else really), so we're gonna try without for now. Can always ad one later.

For me eliminating the HU isnt as big a concern as eliminating the RF remote that goes with it.

If not for the 9886 I'm not sure what I'd go with, maybe a kenwood 555u or 700, maybe a clarion 502, but I have very little experience with those two.

[nyryan2001]

I have a Clarion in my boat... I don't like the interface or setup. Much prefer the RF black box with remotes.

[91Sunsetter]

I keep coming back to alpine. But its a serious investment to have to buy all 3 components when I dont really need any of them! :-( "Could spend that on more speakers or LEDs!!!!!!!" What about some sort of waterproof remote I can take into the water??? I just would hate to get out of the water everytime time: the system is a little too loud or too quiet, or terrible song comes up(cusing with the wrong crowd)....

Most probably come with some cheesy little remote correct? I want to be able to swim with it. What is the most waterproof HU? It will be exposed to rain for sure!

[bareftskier]

That being said, we're going to build this new MXZ without a HU at all. I'm skeptical, but the guys I ride with regularly have me convinced the HU is nothing but a big volume knob (we dont use am/fm, CD, or anything else really), so we're gonna try without for now. Can always ad one later.

I'm interested in your idea about not having a HU. I'd love to do a system with an ipad taking over that function. Have you figured out how you're going to do it?

[Falko]

I think Poly Planar is probably the most water proof HU's. But doubt the sound quality is as good as many others.

[Bradley Thornton]

I have the clarion m502 with 2 remotes looks and works great. The thing I don't like is the out puts it only has 2 no sub out put. I made it work but if you have the ws420 it want matter. No matter what HU you get make sure it has Bluetooth priceless. The M502 has it.

[shawndoggy]

What about eq to Bluetooth and a lifeproof iPhone case?

[Nitrousbird]

What about some sort of waterproof remote I can take into the water???

Alpine also sells that:

http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/rue-m1rf/

I installed it last season, but it was so late in the season I didn't really get any time to play with it. I think I scored it for $20 new shipped.

[Ronnie]

What about eq to Bluetooth and a lifeproof iPhone case?

I have a few visitors on the boat that do this or tie a clear waterproof pouch to the grab handle if we are swimming. With Bluetooth as my only music source, we move the iPhone/iPad around a lot if we are tied up or at the dock. We might be two or three boats away from our's and still can control the music through a waterproof pouch.

[91Sunsetter]

I ended up getting the Kenwood KMR-700U and the KCA-RC107MR, both brand new for $320! ipx rated, so should be as waterproof as it gets. Units arrived and look to be of good quality build!