Fusion Upgrade - noise from the amps.

I called Milo and AVC...not sure which way to go.

I can tell you that AVC installed $6k worth of audio equipment on a dock neighbor’s boat. 3 visits after the install, they could not get it right. Milo came out and in 30 mins, it is perfect.

The neighbor behind me dropped $12k with them for stereo and satellite tv. A month and 5-6 visits after install, he wound up getting his right.

Based on what I have personally witnessed, I want nothing to do with AVC. Just my $0.02.....

Bennett
 
I installed all kinds of audio gear over the years, never had this kind of trouble!! I'm pretty capable with fixing and installing boat stuff, but this in beyond me (mostly out of time and ideas).
 
Dave,
I replaced my old Fusion 600 (died a sudden death) with a 650 earlier this summer and it went smoothly with zero issues. Even fit perfectly in the same cutout.
Looked at the 755, but didn’t need the extra features it had. Found an online retailer that had the 650 for $429 and had West Marine price match it for me.
Biggest PIA was having to also replace the old remote with a new NRX 300 because the old one wasn’t compatible with the new head unit, but that went smoothly too and I like the new remote a little better.
Also, if you want to stick with the Apollo unit you might try calling Fusion tech support before throwing in the towel. They were pretty good to deal with when I called them with questions about the old 600. They ultimately pronounced it dead after going over a few things, but they were good about it and also let me know upfront about the need for a new remote and the part number for the adapter plate for the remote.
 
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I called in a pro. There was an update to the firmware today too, improved some issues...we’ll see tomorrow and I’ll post anything I find out
 
I had a very annoying speaker hiss with a Fusion unit. Happened w genny running AND engines running. Went through quite the same bs as you. It was the Fusion. Bought a new one and it’s all good. This is a known issue w Fusion HUs and RCAs. Not only did I get a hiss.....but my zone controls would control the other zones. Ie: when I turned up my flybridge zone, my cockpit/aft deck speakers would make noise.
 
I had a very annoying speaker hiss with a Fusion unit. Happened w genny running AND engines running. Went through quite the same bs as you. It was the Fusion. Bought a new one and it’s all good. This is a known issue w Fusion HUs and RCAs. Not only did I get a hiss.....but my zone controls would control the other zones. Ie: when I turned up my flybridge zone, my cockpit/aft deck speakers would make noise.

I’m thinking there is a problem eith the fusion units, I noticed the zones bleeding over yesterday too. What head unit did you end up with?
 
I’m thinking there is a problem eith the fusion units, I noticed the zones bleeding over yesterday too. What head unit did you end up with?

Lol, well, I got another Fusion! I’ve got a UD755 now and everything is fine. I was gonna go w the JL head unit, but I didn’t care for the JL remotes. I like my Fusion remotes so I just stuck w Fusion. Haven’t had any issues so far.
 
I had Milo out on the boat this morning and plugged in an inexpensive JL Audio BT module. Sounded great! Had a dockmate who manufactures high end audio gear, and we all agreed the fusion Apollo is junk.

Everyone is recommending the JL Audio, but I don’t like the remotes either.

I’m back to the drawing board. I may go with 2 head units. I want to be able to watch a TV down stairs while listening to the stereo on deck. I’m not sure if any of the units can do 2 sources to different zones. the Fusion Party bus allowed that, hence the Apollo unit. But I don’t think that an option right now
 
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Have you looked into the Fusion BB300 media box unit? Not sure if will work for you but I have been real happy with the 3 zone cability, the network connection to my chart plotter and overall function.
 
I had Milo out on the boat this morning and plugged in an inexpensive JL Audio BT module. Sounded great! Had a dockmate who manufactures high end audio gear, and we all agreed the fusion Apollo is junk.

Everyone is recommending the JL Audio, but I don’t like the remotes either.

I’m back to the drawing board. I may go with 2 head units. I want to be able to watch a TV down stairs while listening to the stereo on deck. I’m not sure if any of the units can do 2 sources to different zones. the Fusion Party bus allowed that, hence the Apollo unit. But I don’t think that an option right now
Sorry to hear about the issues with your Fusion. I'd recommend sending it back for a new one since that doesn't sound like an issue generally found in any modern equipment. Likely a defect. I just installed a new Apollo three weeks ago and absolutely love it. No noise issues at all. But I also replaced everything and didn't hook it up to the old speakers or wiring. New JLA speakers and sub with JLA 600/6 amp, and 12 ga twisted speaker wire.
 
I’d just get another Apollo. I believe Fusion has a 3yr warranty, and I’ve read on THT that they are very good with warranty stuff.
 
My JL system with three amps, 12 speakers and 2 subs is amazing. Maybe its a Fusion problem.....
 
Sorry to hear about the issues with your Fusion. I'd recommend sending it back for a new one since that doesn't sound like an issue generally found in any modern equipment. Likely a defect. I just installed a new Apollo three weeks ago and absolutely love it. No noise issues at all. But I also replaced everything and didn't hook it up to the old speakers or wiring. New JLA speakers and sub with JLA 600/6 amp, and 12 ga twisted speaker wire.

I had a replacement unit shipped, same result. Wondering if a bad lot?

I've reinstalled the XMD 1 system as at least I can play 1 radio station and it has a CD changer. I just need an Aux input for now, but the XMD was prior to that being available.

I'm going back to the drawing board, reconsider my options. Of course I can go old school...

Clarion.jpg
 
If I could get that with RCA's to plug in a BT module, I'd be all over it, otherwise I have to perform surgery on it.
 
two defective units out of the box, in a row is rare, very rare. Although I do believe you have a ground loop issue, its rarely the cause of a defective unit and usually not the cause of one unit, but rather the electrical relationship between the main source unit and other components down stream in the signal path. Connecting an external source direct to the amp, eliminates the amp as the cause, but does not prove the head is the cause and does not solidify it is a ground loop.

I have not installed any of the new Apollo series but have used a number of other Fusion head with a variety of amp brands/models, without issue.
 

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