Stereo head unit crapped out, looking for recommendations

[kennetht]

Hey all, so my stereo (Clarion M109) on my ar190 crapped out today. This is actually the second unit that I have had crap out on me over the past three years.

The first unit after one season of owning my boat began giving me an error code and would not function at all, and now, my replacement stereo powers on, and I can hear the radio sounds coming from the speakers, but it does not allow me to change the volume either up or down. And when I just got home from my day on the water, I actually couldnt even power the unit on anymore...

So I am in need of a replacement unit. I just want a simple plug and play, that is compatible with my existing wire harness. My ownly ask is that the new stereo has built in bluetooth, as my old unit did not.

Any recommendations out there? Thanks in advance!

 

[tdonoughue]

Recommendation: Fusion. However, unless you go to Crutchfield you will need to wire it normally (not the same harness). That said, love mine. Well worth the extra install effort.

 

[FLBulldogger]

we love our marine audio (stock) on or '18 SX195, great app, sound. That being said if you go to Crutchfield and can find a unit that has a wiring harness that would be great. Bluetooth is awesome so consider adding bluetooth.

 

[giroux68]

I have a clarion m505. Its ok, ut i wouldn't buy it again. And the rear remote has water in it and messed up all my settings. I disconnected it....

 

[kennetht]

I went with the Clarion M508

Clarion M508 Marine digital media receiver with Bluetooth® (does not play CDs) at Crutchfield

Appears that it has identical connections to my existing stereo, so it should be just plug and play.

Will keep you updated

 

[PEARCE]

I would have recommended the Fusion too. Still do! Well worth the extra effort. So if and when this one craps out, go with the Fusion. You won't be disappointed.

 

[redthumper9]

Anything Fusion...... Top of the line for Marine Audio

 

[JBehrens]

Upgrade Recommendation: Kenwood M328, best bang for the buck: KMR-M328BT | Marine/Motorsports | Car Entertainment | KENWOOD USA

Or pickup a spare M109: https://jetboaters.net/threads/clarion-m109-from-a-sx190-25-shipped-huntington-beach-ca.26937/

 

[giroux68]

The 508 and the 505 zone volume sounds great, but...you need a separate volume controller.

 

[kennetht]

The 508 and the 505 zone volume sounds great, but...you need a separate volume controller.

What do you mean a separate volume controller? I just want to use the stereo with the stock speakers that came with my ar190. Cant I just control the volume from the unit for the entire boat?

 

[giroux68]

The 505 has zone volume. Mine has fader for front/back as normal. Then it has an extra zone. I put speakers next to the driver seat and across from driver so I can have sound while driving. That is conteolled by this extra volume knob i had to buy. Otherwise, it's controlled by the bluetooth input volume. I had quite the suprise when i fired it up for the first time and it was on max! Probably could have done a triple lindy It startled me so bad. Hope that explains it.