stereo upgrade - external fader?

[mdutton11]

I am in the process of upgrading my sound system on my 230BR. Stock as follows
Head unit: Clarion XMD1
Cockpit speakers (4): Clarion CM1622
Tower Speakers (2): Phoenix Gold Zr6.5
Amp: Clarion APA2104 (90W - 2 channel)

Way underpowered - added so far (for ~$350 with some eshopping)

-JL Audio 4ch/500w amp (wired cockpit speakers in parallel to 2 channels and tower speakers to 2 channels)
-Bazooka MBT8014 sub (wired to stock clarion amp)

Sounds WAY better already but am planning to swap cockpit speakers for JL MX650's and upgrade the headunit.

:smt100 HERE'S THE MAIN QUESTION - I want a headunit that has full ipod control, wired remote for the cockpit, wireless compatable (RF for control in the cockpit and from the from the beach with the unit mounted behind a door), and an external fader control that can be mounted in the cockpit so I can fade between the tower and cockpit depending on situation. One cool spec on the JL amp is that the clarion amp (subwoofer) is wired as a passthrough and connected to the same channel as the cockpit speakers. Fading the headunit means I am controlling the tower as the front speakers and the cockpit AND subwoofer as the rear speakers.

All input appreciated!

 

[EarmarkMarine]

Alpine has a marine source unit and remote control that allows for fade on the display remote control at the helm.
Forget the amplifier pass-through as you can't have dual zone controls and maintain that provision.
If selecting another source unit you can add two JL Audio line drivers that include remote zone controllers. Because the controller is not in the signal path all electronics stay in a tight area with no need for protracted to and from RCA runs. The added line voltage will also be a welcomed addition. Btw, all the Alpine marine decks have healthy preout voltage too as they are conservatively rated in this sense as compared to most other HU brands.

David
Earmark Marine