Suggestions for Stereo upgrade SD240 CMD4

[MORobb]

Hello All,

Just purchased a new-2-me 06 240 Sundeck. It has the Clarion CMD4 head unit with a dash remote, steering wheel controls (That work) and a transom remote. I would like to upgrade it some as the stereo is not loud enough while running. I don't think I want to replace the head unit since it has the remotes etc. That being said I was thinking add an amp and new speakers.

What have others done that you think made it awesome. Looking for suggestions. I added a second battery and switch so that I can keep a starting battery separate in case we run the house battery down.

What have you done to yours?

MORobb

 

[JimT]

I would replace the 6.5" speakers with four 7.7" JL Audio speakers. Add a 10" JL subwoofer and JL MHD900/5 amplifier.

 

[Wylie_Tunes]

Adding an external amplifier where one does not exist, is a way to increase volume. You can also make improvements in volume by adding additional speakers.

So id start with how many existing speakers and they locations. Look for a couple spots that will bring the music to areas not currently. This is more efficient then just turning the volume dial up.

 

[emunns]

We have an ‘07 240SD with your same setup and looking to do the same. Let us know what you ended up doing.

 

[MORobb]

Thinking about JimT's suggestion. Going to Car Audio shop next week

 

[MORobb]

Thinking about JimT's suggestion. Going to Car Audio shop next week

Ok well I made decision as a starting point. I am going to replace the factory speakers with JL M3-650s and add a JL 400/4 amp. Probably will come back and add a sub, but want to see how this worked. It will be installed on 6/25 so I will report after the install.

OH yeah, I liked JimT's suggestion on moving to the JL 7.7, but the rear speaker on the port side is recessed in upholstery and it would have cost quite a bit to have it altered, hence the M3.

MORobb

 

[OllieC]

You'll like the improved sound with that setup alone. I have the m400/4 but bridge 2 channels to a sub. 7".7's and 10" JL M speakers and sub like JimT suggested. I only have 2 speakers on deck and 2 speakers in the cuddy. I run the deck speakers and sub off the amp, and the cuddy speakers off the head unit. My only regret was not going with an M600/6 for future modifications of adding speakers, but I'm still happy.

 

[MORobb]

Ok, well it has taken a little bit for me to get back to this thread. But I had all 4 speakers replaced with JL M6s and added the M400 amp. Boy that made a big difference. I did not add a sub but may at some point. Sound quality is great and definitely more volume. Glad I did this upgrade.

MORobb

 

[MrB-Bryce]

Hi friends, looking for some advise.
I have 26' 2006 Sundeck 240 and I want to upgrade the Clarion CMD4 head unit to the M508. The current system has two remotes that wouldn't be compatible with the new HU. Since I can control everything with my phone via Bluetooth, is there any reason to also upgrade the remotes?
I'm a new boat owner and could use some feedback/guidance.

Thanks

 

[ttmott]

Hi friends, looking for some advise.
I have 26' 2006 Sundeck 240 and I want to upgrade the Clarion CMD4 head unit to the M508. The current system has two remotes that wouldn't be compatible with the new HU. Since I can control everything with my phone via Bluetooth, is there any reason to also upgrade the remotes?
I'm a new boat owner and could use some feedback/guidance.

Thanks

Fusion Audio make both wired and wireless remotes for their head units. Their wireless "stick-on" remotes are pretty slick. Fusion is also Bluetooth and IP controllable. I have Fusion on the boat and am very happy with it.

 

[Skybolt]

Fusion Audio make both wired and wireless remotes for their head units. Their wireless "stick-on" remotes are pretty slick. Fusion is also Bluetooth and IP controllable. I have Fusion on the boat and am very happy with it.

Same here, the most adaptable great sounding stereo at any volume. So many expansion options, I would not change it for anything.

 

[bobeast]

Fusion Audio make both wired and wireless remotes for their head units. Their wireless "stick-on" remotes are pretty slick. Fusion is also Bluetooth and IP controllable. I have Fusion on the boat and am very happy with it.

A bonus for Fusion stereos is that some of them have NMEA 2000. Garmin MFDs have great support for them, so you can control everything from the screen in addition to the slick wireless remotes. I believe you can even control them from a Garmin smart watch.

 

[Skybolt]

... I believe you can even control them from a Garmin smart watch.

Yes with their Fusion Link app, but only for some models of their watches. I received a Venu 2 as a gift and found that watch wasn't supported. Then I contacted Garmin and was told they're supposed to add that watch to their compatibility list soon.

 

[TheDudeAbides]

Hi friends, looking for some advise.
I have 26' 2006 Sundeck 240 and I want to upgrade the Clarion CMD4 head unit to the M508. The current system has two remotes that wouldn't be compatible with the new HU. Since I can control everything with my phone via Bluetooth, is there any reason to also upgrade the remotes?
I'm a new boat owner and could use some feedback/guidance.

Thanks

Ok, so technically the 2 remotes can be used with the newer head unit if you get the adapter pigtail to go from the old 6 pin connection to newer 8 pin. About $100-ish on Ebay but you can likely find some NOS items online for about $40. You lose some features going that route though. Assuming you have 1 dash remote with the LCD screen. You lose the display with the 8 to 6 adapter, but buttons still function. You can also upgrade the dash remote to be compatible with the new head unit with the MW-1, 3 or 4 remotes. MW-1 is still made, 3 & 4 are discontinued but can still be found on Ebay occasionally. Then you get a 8-pin Y-splitter, hook up the dash to 1 leg, do the converter pigtail on the other and plug in the existing rear remote cable to the adapter. But I'm pretty sure you lose backlighting on the swim platform remote (assuming it's the smaller round remote with no display) using the adapter/6-pin configuration, if that matters to you.

I'm currently going thru an "upgrade" myself on a 2006 sundeck 200. So same stereo setup. My wife REALLY wanted to keep a CD player and no one seems to make a current marine stereo that isn't 100% digital and i didn't want to have to deal with a new dash remote that needed some sort of blank off plate. So I found a brand new CMD8 still in the box for $60 and got the MW-1 & 4 remotes and changing everything out to the 8-pin cabling. Also got the wireless RF remote for it (it floats!) so we can do volume, skip & such floating on the tubes and not have to take the phone out and deal with bluetooth. I'm just not comfortable with taking the phone out on the water, no matter how good the waterproof case claims to be (they still sink). Old-school but works. I'm enlarging the swim platform hole so I can install the round remote with display and be able to see titles, etc while in the water and holding onto the swim platform.

Fall/winter project is upgrading speakers with RGB lighting rings and getting the $30 "brain" to hook up the Sirius for next season.

 

[toddh]

Fusion RA 70 for me to replace my CMD4. I also added a 10" bazooka. Sounds very good. Original speakers. Not overly loud but the quality is very good.

 

[ColoSR]

I got the fusion RA70 nsx, great radio. It works with the wireless Fusion ANT remotes, we got three of them one for the front, helm and transom. You just stick them in place

 

[MrB-Bryce]

I just upgraded to the Clarion M508 just to find out that the audio can’t be controlled via Bluetooth
So I will be forced to replace the two factory remotes with the MW1

 

[TheDudeAbides]

I just upgraded to the Clarion M508 just to find out that the audio can’t be controlled via Bluetooth
So I will be forced to replace the two factory remotes with the MW1

Good luck. They can be pricey. On a good day you might find them used on Ebay for A Benjamin & a Quarter. Normally they're closer to $180 a piece. I just changed out the last of my remotes this past weekend with the 8-pin cable. Enlarged the hole on the swim platform for the MW1, but works nicely to be able to see what's playing and adjust while still in the water hanging onto the platform.

There's a MW4 on Ebay right now for $230. also a MF2 wifi module that will let you control the stereo from your phone with wifi instead of bluetooth (it came about before bluetooth was a thing). A little old-tech and requires you to use Clarion's app. MW3 (oval) for $131. Sometimes you just have to spend awhile to hunt for them.

 

[TheDudeAbides]

I just upgraded to the Clarion M508 just to find out that the audio can’t be controlled via Bluetooth
So I will be forced to replace the two factory remotes with the MW1

I just saw a new/open box MW1 on ebay for $85. That's a damn good deal. Better jump on it if you're serious.

 

[MrB-Bryce]

I just saw a new/open box MW1 on ebay for $85. That's a damn good deal. Better jump on it if you're serious.

Thanks!! I just checked out the link and it looks like the connector end was cutoff. I’m not sure what the process of wiring/replacing would be