audio cd player... upgrade

Cant Wait

Cant Wait

New Member
Jan 2, 2012
26
Knoxville, TN
Boat Info
41 Sundancer 2000
Engines
454 twin engines..
We have a marine clarion cd player with a cd changer in it and a remote up top bulit in.. All works great but no place to plug in a iphone etc to play music from. I checked around and the new cd player cables will not fit the remote wires to work. Was wondering if i got a new one with a hand remote if it would work up top with the player down in the galley? Also the harness do not match so i guess i will have to cut the wires and replace them with the new ones.. Yep that sucks... Well last thing is do i really need a marine radio will a normal car one not work the same. It is never going to get wet downstairs in the galley.. Any help would be great.. Saw were people are hooking up there i pads but i am sure that cost alot...
 
I recently purchased a new Clarion M309 receiver and MW1 wired remote. I have not made the install yet so I can't say for certain, but I don't think there's any chance the wireless remote will work from the helm to the salon because I think it needs to be unobstructed. It may work if you point it through the doorway toward the receiver, but that doesn't seem very practical. The new MW1 wired remote does have a sensor so that the wireless remote can operate the wired remote from the cockpit.

Regarding the wiring, any new Clarion receiver will not connect to the existing CD changer as newer models use a CeNet connection system and older models use a CBus system. There is an adapter that will make this transition possible that I found here: http://www.partstore.com/Part/Clarion+Corporation+of+America/Clarion/RCB138/New.aspx which now is available only through special order and runs about $80.

I'm sure you can use a car receiver if you prefer and you'll be fine. But even though nothing necessariy gets wet in the salon, the electronic components and connectors in marine receivers are designed for moist environments so it may last longer (at least that's the argument). The reason I stuck with a marine model is because it's compatible with the wired remote on the dash and I'm not sure if a car model would be.

Lastly, if all you care about is connecting an iPod to the receiver and don't want to upgrade in general, then I suggest spending a few bucks for a cassette adapter. You won't be getting ideal audio quality but it's certainly acceptable and I'd recommend at least seeing if it works for you before tearing everything out if the iPod connectivity is your only issue. You can find them virtually anywhere electronics are sold but here's a posting from Amazon FYI: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1XKW4A72ZW3NC24DMCBS
 
Last edited:
Having just replaced all of my Clarion system I can say they are way over rated brand of head units. I still have my wired remote in the dash till I find something else to go there. I now run the Alpine CDE 123 and an RF remote. That remote allows me to be able to change anything I want from in the cockpit or on the dock or in the water from 100' away. Also the remote is waterproof and floats. I do not use the marine version as there was no need to. Don't need the marine wired remote with the RF remote. That head unit runs my IPod IPhone, TV and Blueray surround. That unit cost around $200-300 depending where you buy. The RF reote is about $60-100 also depending where you buy. The remote is an easy instal as it the logistics wire in to the head unit. I have never been more pleased with my stereo EVER, and I am running a huge system in my boat now. Best of luck with whatever you decide.
 
If you just want to be able to play an ipod on your existing system, pull out your receiver. And if you have an open set of RCA cables (the red and white) or if the existing ones are going to an unused component, you could simply add an adapter. Google clarion RCA to 3.5mm adapter. You can make it look nice. This won't give you ipod control from the stereo though. You will need to control from the ipod. I am adding one to the helm, fishing it back to the stereo, and using it that way.

Mike
 
DustinL said:
Having just replaced all of my Clarion system I can say they are way over rated brand of head units. I still have my wired remote in the dash till I find something else to go there. I now run the Alpine CDE 123 and an RF remote. That remote allows me to be able to change anything I want from in the cockpit or on the dock or in the water from 100' away. Also the remote is waterproof and floats. I do not use the marine version as there was no need to. Don't need the marine wired remote with the RF remote. That head unit runs my IPod IPhone, TV and Blueray surround. That unit cost around $200-300 depending where you buy. The RF reote is about $60-100 also depending where you buy. The remote is an easy instal as it the logistics wire in to the head unit. I have never been more pleased with my stereo EVER, and I am running a huge system in my boat now. Best of luck with whatever you decide.
Click to expand...

The only drawback I see to your set-up is that you can't see the ID3 tag with the RF remote unless yours is different from other ones that I've seen.
I also purchased an M309 with the M1 wired remote PLUS a key Fob RF remote to use when I am sitting on the dock. I am installing it for this season so I can't comment on it's performance yet.
 
tdschafer said:
The only drawback I see to your set-up is that you can't see the ID3 tag with the RF remote unless yours is different from other ones that I've seen.
I also purchased an M309 with the M1 wired remote PLUS a key Fob RF remote to use when I am sitting on the dock. I am installing it for this season so I can't comment on it's performance yet.
Click to expand...

Todd - I assume this is the RF remote you got: http://www.clarion.com/us/en/products/2012/marine/remotes/MF1/us-en-product-pf_1259559425523.html? I'm holding off for now just to see how much I'd use it since I can easily add it as a component at any time, but looks pretty cool.
 
That $199 MSRP for that remote appears to be pretty high...I see it for $83 on Amazon. I think I'll just get it. Todd - is that that model you got (MF1) to go with the M309?
 
THJeff said:
Todd - I assume this is the RF remote you got: http://www.clarion.com/us/en/products/2012/marine/remotes/MF1/us-en-product-pf_1259559425523.html? I'm holding off for now just to see how much I'd use it since I can easily add it as a component at any time, but looks pretty cool.
Click to expand...

This is the seller I bought it from but, mine turned out to be an offbrand of some sort. I think I paid about $150.00 too!!! I would buy this one if I had it to do all over!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CLARION-MF1...920?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35bb300840

Edit: I didn't buy the remote from this seller. I bought some of my other stereo equipment from him. I bought mine from a Greg Deniz and I think he built it himself or something because it came in a ziplock bag and is lacking any Clarion ID markings but, as long as it works I don't really care. I did check paypal and I paid $149.00 so this one looks like a real good deal! Just make sure that you purchase the "Y" adapter for the remote input on the stereo if you plan on using the M1 too. You will need to plug the receiver end of the wireless remote into it along with the M1.
 
Last edited:
Excellent!! I may purchase one of those Clarion brand key fobs too just in case this one is a loser!! The funny thing is, when I searched over the winter, I couldn't find anything except the one that I purchased. Now it seems these are readily available!! That's just my luck!!
 
Cant Wait said:
We have a marine clarion cd player with a cd changer in it and a remote up top bulit in.. All works great but no place to plug in a iphone etc to play music from. I checked around and the new cd player cables will not fit the remote wires to work. Was wondering if i got a new one with a hand remote if it would work up top with the player down in the galley? Also the harness do not match so i guess i will have to cut the wires and replace them with the new ones.. Yep that sucks... Well last thing is do i really need a marine radio will a normal car one not work the same. It is never going to get wet downstairs in the galley.. Any help would be great.. Saw were people are hooking up there i pads but i am sure that cost alot...
Click to expand...

I pulled my clarion unit forward and got behind it to find an open pair of RCA plugs in the back. Got a RCA to 3.5mm Stereo plug (http://www.cables.com/Products/6-35mm-STEREO-PLUG-to-RCA-Plug-x-2-Y-CABLE__STEREO-RCA-6.aspx) and ran the cable through the backboard. Can now plug in my iPad, Android and laptop into the AUX. When listening to Pandora through my Android and receive a phone call, call comes in over the PA. It's the original Clarion unit that came with my boat. Works great. 2007 Sundancer 38.

Hans
 
spikedaddy99 said:
If you just want to be able to play an ipod on your existing system, pull out your receiver. And if you have an open set of RCA cables (the red and white) or if the existing ones are going to an unused component, you could simply add an adapter. Google clarion RCA to 3.5mm adapter. You can make it look nice. This won't give you ipod control from the stereo though. You will need to control from the ipod. I am adding one to the helm, fishing it back to the stereo, and using it that way.

Mike
Click to expand...

I was dealing with the same issue with mine and did exactly what you said. I ran from the back of the bose receiver and it does look a lot cleaner than having several wires hanging out. The only set back is its only in the galley and I don't have any way of it running outside.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,274
Messages
1,429,792
Members
61,147
Latest member
Boudica
Back
Top