Clarion CMD4A Doesnt work well.. want to swap it out..

Katemma Life

Member
Oct 7, 2018
135
cape cod
Boat Info
2007 sea ray 290 SLX
Engines
Twin mercruiser MAG 350 MPI w/ Bravo III
So, just bought a 2007 SLX 290 and the clarion system wont turn on reguularly.. somtimes, when it does turn on, it stays on for a while and then shuts off.. several of the buttons dont work..
the remote is nice.
I want to replace it with a fusion head and remote. I've read the other posts on here and there just doesnt seem to be alot of information on doing this out there.
any information on a swap out from somebody thats done this (pitfalls, advise, etc...) would be very helpful.
 
Keep me posted. I have the same set up same boat etc. My radio still works except the SiriusXM does not work. I want to replace the whole set up but it is going to be expensive
 
The 2 biggest hurdles is running the new cables for the remotes, and if the existing remotes are large round LCD remotes, the rectangle Fusion remote will not cover its footprint.
 
I've done the swap to a new fusion system this summer. No issues. Wiring is straight forward and I reused the same amps and speakers. I did take out the round clarion remote and replaced it with a fusion remote that plugs into my NMEA backbone. The 40 DAs have the entire bottom of the one cabinet used only for the Clarion audio system. I took advantage of the upgrade to make a new MUCH smaller facia board out of black melamine and gained a lot of room at the bottom of the cabinet.

2018-09-09 14.05.00.jpg
 
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Hi GerryB and others. Attached is a pic of my set up. Its not in a cabinet, just on the wall. theres a mult-disc changer on top that I would abandon.. I suppose I need to fabricate another fascia plate.. How is that done?
Also Gerry - where is the NMEA backbone located? under the dash?
thanks
my clarion.jpg
 
does anyone have experience using a stereo broadcasting from your phone via wifi versus bluetooth? I am wondering becuase the stereo is inside the bathroom it might not broadcast well via bluetooth
 
I say good luck to anyone who gets into this. I have the CMD4A in my 2007 310 DA and had weird results with the AUX input only playing inside the cabin. I started pulling stuff out to investigate and due to the way the entire setup (including changer) is installed and the control panel/cabinet configuration, I have to start pulling out high voltage control panel to get more than just the head unit out of the cabinet.

This was not really designed/installed to be easily removed and I don't understand why Sea Ray didn't build in access panels for getting behind this cabinet/panel. I gave up and bought a $50 waterproof bluetooth speaker. I'd love a modern, bluetooth enabled head unit but the hours of work and hassle of replacing remotes and running cables given the existing design/access makes it just not worth the effort.
 
so, this is turning into a project that I am nervous about taking on.. what type of service provider is best to do this? typically would you have a boat yard do something like this? I store the boat at my house.. would a stereo company do this swap out?? thanks for your answers in advance!
 
does anyone have experience using a stereo broadcasting from your phone via wifi versus bluetooth? I am wondering becuase the stereo is inside the bathroom it might not broadcast well via bluetooth

I also replaced my system with the Fusion Apollo this past year. I connected it to my Ray eS9 with a Backbone placed under the helm. I use my iPod or IPad Spottify via Bluetooth, both connect using wifi. I only have issues when the boat is in her slip and under the metal roof. The Bluetooth on the unit connects with no problem and can be controlled from anywhere on the dock.
 
so, this is turning into a project that I am nervous about taking on.. what type of service provider is best to do this? typically would you have a boat yard do something like this? I store the boat at my house.. would a stereo company do this swap out?? thanks for your answers in advance!
Not the same unit, but I had my source unit moved from an inside cabinet (and dumped the useless CD gizmo) to the helm.

I had my entire system replaced, so had it done professionally by an audio company that does cars, boats etc. Money well spent for piece of mind and warranty. Just a side note - highly suggest you have a USB power supply put in as well if you don't already have one. My wife suggested it, and I did to make her part of the project - and the thing gets used every single day on the boat.
 

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