Stereo Receiver recommendations

P

Peterbr

Member
Joined
Jun 16, 2009
RO Number
31404
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6
Anyone have any recommendations for a good quality stereo receiver? I'm looking for something that handles Bluetooth media along with hands free calling with a remote mic and can handle multiple remotes either wired or wireless that have good displays.

Am I asking for to much?

thanks
 
Look at the FUSION marine stereo's they should do everything you want with the possible exception of hands-free calling, it will mute when paired with a BT phone. The displays and main unit run off a NMEA2000 buss. They also integrate with most of the newer MFD's via NMEA2000. I believe they were purchased by Garmin last year.
Bill
 
I have had / installed several stereo's over the years. Here's my observations. Boat stereo use is different than what are accustomed to in your car. Unless you are in the salon of your houseboat in front of that big TV.
KISS. The more multi function buttons and knobs you have (Kenwood comes to mind) the more PITA it is to just do a simple command like turning the volume up or down. Or adjust the sub output.
Current stereo is a Sony. Simple to operate, has features that are easy to adjust while on the go. Added a remote extender, can use my remote from the helm even though the stereo faces the cockpit.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Robyns Nest

+1 for the Fusion.

If you want bluetooth calling look at this Cobra Unit. I had one on my last boat and it worked very well. Blocks wind noise so the person you are talking to doesn't know you are playing hooky and are out fishing.

http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-MR-Waterproof-Technology-Bluetooth-Enabled/dp/B001GL0OAI

Click to expand...

I had the identical BT set up from COBRA at the upper helm.
It worked great.

As far as simplicity the FUSION was very easy to use. It's by far the #1 marine stereo/ audio center in my opinion.
Bill
 
How far does the Fusion Bluetooth range extend to? I would love to be able to have the stereo in my boat reach to the beach-approx. 60-75 ft. to a bluetooth speaker so I could listen to the ball games. Is that possible or with an aid?
 
quote:
Originally posted by cmariner32

How far does the Fusion Bluetooth range extend to? I would love to be able to have the stereo in my boat reach to the beach-approx. 60-75 ft. to a bluetooth speaker so I could listen to the ball games. Is that possible or with an aid?

Click to expand...
No in my opinion that range is too far for reliable Bluetooth.
Bill
 
Cut that number in half, bluetooth technology is 10 meters. Also, if that feature is your only concern, there are many other less expensive options. I do agree Fusion is nice equipment though, but that comes with a nice price tag.

I use Sony, JVC, and some others, at 100 bucks or less, it is disposable.
 
The fusion radio requires a Bluetooth antena, connect via 10 cable. I leave mine coiled under dash, I can reach about 30 feet that way. When I'm at the dock behind the boat I pull the antena out and place on dash where I have a direct line of sight. It has worked to about 50 feet that way
 
We just upgraded to the Clarion with blue tooth
Also added two hard wired remotes and two portables
We can sit on the dock, about 35 ft away and have no problem controlling all functions.
It was a challenge to install the new hard wired remotes as they are large in diameter then the old ones and also require new cable.
Well worth the effort
Best of luck
Abouttime
 
Well, my 4 channel fusion amp took a dump this weekend, it's 2 years old, trying warranty...
 
With the latest FUSION marine sound systems there is even a smartphone application that takes almost total control of all the unit's functions.
With my NMEA2000 buss using a Garmin 6212 MFD I had all the same functions as if I was at the main unit. However it would not work with my older 4212 but that was right next to the FUSION's main unit in the Salon. I did purchase one of the initial release units in the 700 series, I found their technical support awesome, it was one of the few company's that returned my phone call on a Saturday and resolved the issue within an hour. They e-mailed me the software upgrade/patch, I downloaded it to a spare USB memory stick inserted it in the unit and scrolled to update.
Bill
 
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