Stereo head unit

[Bottom Line]

Looking for advice....I have the stock Clarion head unit (cant recall the number) that were installed on 2002 models. I probably want to stay with Clarion, so it should fit back in the same spot...although I will look at other options. Two things I would like to have is satellite radio and IPOD connection capability. Looking on some sites such as Crutchfield.com, the CMD4 is around $180...the new CMD5 is about $380 and the only difference (I can tell) is the CMD5 has a remote control. Thanks for the input.....

 

[teekster]

The CMD5 has slightly better Ipod capability, but both suck. I have seen the Harmon Kardon Drive + Play for as little as $20 lately. This is what I use on my boat. Just plug it into the aux in jack. I have the Clarion Ipod interface installed, but it has very limited functionality.

BTW, the faceplate is different on the CMD models compared to the XMD models. I think the new ones are slightly smaller and the screw holes for the old unit may be partially exposed.

 

[wish2fish]

you probably have an xmd1 or xmd2 on your boat. The benefit of staying with clarion would be that the plug on the back of the radio is the same for cmd4 and I think for the CMD5 so you wouldn't have a lot of work to do with re-wiring the system. Both have Aux input. I use a cable that connects to the bottom of the ipod so it uses the line out connection. Also connects to the battery to charge the ipod.

Do you ebay? there are some good deals out there on these radios on ebay.

 

[caymancanuck]

I have the CMD4A with Sirius, CD changer and I just added the ipod interface and I like it. You need to get used to how it controls the ipod and it is not identical functionality but I think it works well.