Fusion Stereo, SonicHub, Clarion CMD5, Wired Remote Opinions Needed

[MExcelsior]

I'm looking at upgrading my Stereo System.

I currently have a Clarion CMD5 with two wired remotes at the helm and swim platform. I have the premium stereo setup for the 07' 310. I will have a NMEA2000 backbone with a Simrad NSS9 Evo 2 at the helm.

Now, I have many choices, but I'll narrow them down. (Opinions wanted). The plus on all of these is that I will now have bluetooth.

#1 Replace CMD5 with a Fusion unit (w/face). Big plus here is that I have bluetooth. However, it will render my two remotes useless and a wireless remote for the Fusion are a bit pricey. If I don't get the wireless remotes, I still have either holes or useless remotes to look at.
- can't control from NSS9
- remotes will be useless

#2 Purchase a SonicHub with a phone case and replace CMD5. (Basically a fusion without the face). I can then control from the helm with NSS9.
+ can control on NSS9
- remotes will be useless
- no useful unit face to work from in Cabin, only from bluetooth remote.

#3 Purchase a SonicHub and hook up to aux in CMD5 which would allow for a full control from the CMD5 in cabin and at the helm as well as limited control from wired remotes. This will allow for full control, but it is basically 2 different stereos on my boat.
+ can control from NSS9
+ existing remotes will work as far as volume and source selection
- more complex in that I will have essentially 2 stereos, duplicating many of the same functions.

#4 Purchase a bluetooth module and hook up to aux on CMD5.
- can't control from NSS9
+ existing remotes will work as far as volume and source selection

I am tending toward 3 or 4. (#4 is really inexpensive at about $40.00)

Please let me know if I am missing anything and please give me your opinions.

Mike

 

[KnotEasy]

Fusion. Buy their remotes, and also, you can control the Fusion with iPhone or iPad from anywhere on the boat, which sort of
makes the wired remotes less needed.

My opinion.....

 

[src]

And find something useful to fill the Clarion remote holes. I'm looking at the putting a Xintex M1 Gas fume detector where my Clarion remote used to be.

 

[Do Over]

sorry....double post

 

[Do Over]

not sure on the number of pins for your remote with the 5 but if it's 9 you could go to the Clarion 6 or 8....get Bluetooth and USB capabilities (for plugging in your IPod/phone).......and keep your remotes.....Amazon for under $300....plug it right in.

 

[NorCal Boater]

Definitely go Fusion. All you need to do is plug an inexpensive wi-fi router to your Fusion (already wired to accept) and it will create its own network. Get the free Fusion-link app and put it on all of you devices. I have it on my iPad, my wife has it on her Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and I also have it on my Sharp Aquos phone. The head resides it the salon and we are never far from a remote. I have the Fusion i700 and loaded all my playlists into an old iTouch that I keep in the Fusion. I have hours and hours of music at hand. We usually just turn it on and let it play. Plus it will communicate via NMEA to other devices and you get the capability of controlling 4 zones.

I'm sure you could find something to replace those remotes with.

 

[spirt320]

Another option....You could go with the Cłarion M303. I just replaced my CMD6 with it. I can still use my Cłarion MW1 remotes and it has Bluetooth built in, and uses the same plug in wiring harness. Very easy replacement.

 

[MExcelsior]

I would like to thank everyone for their help. I have decided to just add a bluetooth module to the AUX in my existing radio. This is the easiest and less expensive at least for now. This way, I can digest everything and do some more research in deciding.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[sea hare]

the fusion RA205 head unit is a less expensive option that you can control from your NSS, I am going to be replacing my sonichub with a RA205.. If you would like to buy my sonichub shoot me a PM $75