2015 24 MXZ Stereo Black Box Quit

[klewislx]

Stereo stopped working.

Dealership diagnosed as black box needs replacement.  Estimate $700.

Do I have any other options?

[Stevo]

Yes, if you have a tiny bit of DIY in you

go stereo delete with a Bluetooth EQ, 

wetsounds ws420bt  and 12v switch wired to your factory +- distribution blocks should run about $400 and you get much better zone control and frequency tuning of your system 

[Brandonloos21]

Could DIY it and end up ordering off of Malibu parts for cheaper, this route you would still retain screen controls. 
Malibu Black Box

 

Even found a cheaper one on eBay, might be worth a shot. Same model as Malibu parts, I just am unsure if Malibu has any special programming or anything. 
eBay Black Box

Edited February 24, 2023 by Brandonloos21

[Stevo]

The benefits of replacing the the OEM black box are basically just retaining the use of the sport knob , and factory screen.

but in my opinion the 2015-2017 tech leaves much to be desired, the latency in the knob is horrible and the zone control or lack there of in the screen isn’t much better.

@klewislxif you have a 3 zone system tower/cabin/sub , in my opinion the WS420BT is the way to go. If you are just cabins, or cabin /sub it’s probably not worth it.

a quick google search and it seems prices are up on those as well $479, but I bet a little internet homework could get you 10-20%off. 

Edited February 24, 2023 by Stevo

[shawndoggy]

7 hours ago, Stevo said:

The benefits of replacing the the OEM black box are basically just retaining the use of the sport knob , and factory screen.

but in my opinion the 2015-2017 tech leaves much to be desired, the latency in the knob is horrible and the zone control or lack there of in the screen isn’t much better.

@klewislxif you have a 3 zone system tower/cabin/sub , in my opinion the WS420BT is the way to go. If you are just cabins, or cabin /sub it’s probably not worth it.

a quick google search and it seems prices are up on those as well $479, but I bet a little internet homework could get you 10-20%off. 

This would be a viable knockoff if the WS version is too rich for your blood.  I ran their non-BT marine EQ on my last boat and thought it was pretty decent for the price.

https://www.memphiscaraudio.com/product/mxazeq5bt/

 

[Brandonloos21]

7 minutes ago, shawndoggy said:

This would be a viable knockoff if the WS version is too rich for your blood.  I ran their non-BT marine EQ on my last boat and thought it was pretty decent for the price.

https://www.memphiscaraudio.com/product/mxazeq5bt/

 

Does exile make one too I believe?

[shawndoggy]

6 minutes ago, Brandonloos21 said:

Does exile make one too I believe?

Yes.  Theirs isn't BT or dual zone tho and is priced kinda high.  IMHO the value isn't there.  For pure value it's hard to beat the clarion eqs 755.  The Exile is a little nicer than the clarion, but not 6x nicer.