Marine Stereo that allow Streaming

cod

cod

Active Member
Nov 25, 2010
920
Bonita Springs, Fl.
Boat Info
Boatless
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O
Looking for recommendations on a marine stereo that allows streaming for Pandora. I was considering a Fusion Stereo but I don't think they have the Bluetooth feature... Any suggestions appreciated....
 
Are you interested in streaming audio from a smart phone and that is why you are looking for a head unit with bluetooth?

FWIW . . . I use a Netbook PC and the HRT Music Streamer II that is a direct connect to aux input on head unit. It is an excellent external USB DAC for mobile/marine audio. http://highresolutiontechnologies.com/music-streamer-ii

I have never Bluetooth'd audio for myself but have heard a couple systems where owners did just that with Pandora and their own music playlist. The bluetooth presentation was not near as dynamic as their same IPhone connected to their head units USB input. There was also a great difference in bass depth. While I have no personal bluetooth experience I assume there is a fidelity difference.
 
Pandora is by definition, streaming. I am assuming that you mean you want to connect your phone/pad to the stereo with Bluetooth. I have a head unit that I connect my iPhone with a cable which also charges my phone. I typically listen to Pandora but today we had KFOG Acoustical Sunrise streaming.

I'm no help with a Bluetooth enabled unit but here is a recent thread on THT on the subject http://www.thehulltruth.com/marine-...bluetooth-stream-music-pandora-my-iphone.html
 
MonacoMike said:
Clarion M502 is a great answer. It will control your IPad or phone streaming Pandora. As fast as high tech changes this is a good system.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-cVN3DCI3snJ/p_020M502/Clarion-M502.html

MM
Click to expand...

Mike, thanks, that's what I'm looking for........ I'm not a Clarion fan as I have had my fair share of problems with them in the past on various boats that I have owned. I actually have a Clarion stereo now which has a cd stuck in it.. I think Dean Martin.... But the one you suggested may be the answer but will look into the other wireless suggestions. I'm looking to control the music from an IPad.....
 
Don't limit yourself to marine head units look at the new pioneers

I stream all my music and it sounds fantastic ........
 
cod said:
Looking for recommendations on a marine stereo that allows streaming for Pandora. I was considering a Fusion Stereo but I don't think they have the Bluetooth feature... Any suggestions appreciated....
Click to expand...

If I am understanding correctly, you have a portable music source, an I-pad, that you want to connect via Bluetooth to your boat's main source unit. Most marine head-units do not have BT built in, its an add-on receiver. So if you purchased a new H/U unit, you still may need to buy a BT receiver extra, depending on the H/U you went with. But, if your current H/U has an AUX input, you can easily and inexpensively add a BT receiver.

Miccus Blueridge Mini http://www.miccus.com/products/blubridge-mini-jack-rx 8 hours play time on a charge, or can be charged via a 5V USB port. Decent range and decent sound quality.
 
I wanted the same set-up but also wanted to include satellite, HD Radio and few other features. I installed Alpine CDA-9886 (with two amps, 10 speakers, and a sub. (ya a bit overkill but I get to relive my high school days LOL)) You will just need to add Alpine Bluetooth adapter if you want Bluetooth or you can do it the same way I did use the built in iPod/iPhone cable and control your phone/pad with the Alpine remotes. I been really happy with the Alpine head unit. [h=4][/h]
 
magstang1 said:
I looked at the Clarion m502, but it was a nightmare to actually use with the single knob control and small display screen.

I ended up with this:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_020M309/Clarion-M309-Marine-Receiver.html

With one of these:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_020MW1/Clarion-MW1-Marine-Remote-Control.html

And if I want Bluetooth, I'll add one of these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wireless-Ca...luetooth_Adapters_Dongles&hash=item2c664cb9bb
Click to expand...

I second the M309 as I have it. I don't desire the bluetooth as I like it connected via USB to control the iPad I am running. The Pandora info displays on the remote above as well. I also have a RF remote I can use anywhere on the boat or dock without line of site.

MM
 
Last edited:
magstang1 said:
I looked at the Clarion m502, but it was a nightmare to actually use with the single knob control and small display screen. /QUOTE]

I am sure that it is yet another example of form over function but it is the coolest looking marine head unit that I have ever seen,
Click to expand...
 
You will get better sound quality with a wired connection as well.

The Alpine 9886m is a fantastic head unit. I had one in my 280ss. It would have cost me about double what my Clarion setup cost though.

Another option would be to hard wire the music source ( iPad, iPhone, thumb drive... ) to the hear unit and use a wireless remote like this:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_020MF1/Clarion-MF1.html

Now you're wireless with good sound quality, waterproof, and the remote floats.
 
magstang1 said:
You will get better sound quality with a wired connection as well.

The Alpine 9886m is a fantastic head unit. I had one in my 280ss. It would have cost me about double what my Clarion setup cost though.

Another option would be to hard wire the music source ( iPad, iPhone, thumb drive... ) to the hear unit and use a wireless remote like this:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_020MF1/Clarion-MF1.html

Now you're wireless with good sound quality, waterproof, and the remote floats.
Click to expand...

That is the remote I was suggesting if my brain fart had not put IR instead of RF.

MM
 
The Alpine is not cheap but I had issues with service and integration with other components out of the Clarions. So that is the reason I went a different direction. I can understand why someone may not want to spend the additional dollars for the Alpine. It was worth it to me knowing I could integrate with blueray player, TV and other systems I have on my boat. Again, for me it the Alpine remotes ( http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/mc20 ) provided me with the ability to see and control the iphone/ipad on the display. So, while I did spend a little more cash it gave me the ability to expand the system on the boat. Maybe a little too much because I don't seem to stop expanding/adding/changing the system. Just ask my wife....LOL
 
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