upgrading Clarion stereo

Veg

Veg

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Hi all - it's been a while!

I want to upgrade the head unit and speakers on my 2001 Tiara. I've read that newer Clarion units can quickly replace my XMD1 in terms of connections.

I've also read that I'll have to buy a new wired helm remote and cable (they've changed the number of pins at connection), although some people suggest there's an adapter that can be used and works well.

What about if I have an amplifier? My manual collection tells me I do have one and that makes me wonder if I can really go ahead and replace the head unit and speakers or if this will quickly become a bigger project.

I'm looking at the Clarion M505 and MW1 remote, since it seems like sticking with them will facilitate some connections.

Has anyone updated a similar system?

Thx!
 
I did the same project on my 1998 SeaRay this year. I thought about replacing Clarion with Clarion but after due consideration, I went with JL Audio through out. The only thing I kept was the speaker wiring. Very pricey but holy crap! What a sound. Went with the M series speaker, M series 6 channel amp, M series sub and the MM100 head. Pricey, but again you cannot believe the sound.The amps do not clip one iota, and the blue tooth streaming through the MM100 head is rock solid. One thing I like about the MM100 head is it is software upgradable. They came out with NEMA 2000 control of the head and all I had to do was download the software and plug the thumb drive into the unit and bam, latest and the greatest unit. I am very happy.

That all said, if you decide to go with Clarion which is a good unit, I have two brand new still in the box MW2 remotes I did not use. Good remote for the transom since you can Y it into the MW1.
 
Hey Greg, nice to see you still around! Sounds like a KILLER system... Not sure I want to spend that kind of effort and money, but mainly effort. LOL. Someone told me they just added a Bluetooth module to the same radio I have, although I don't see where it would plug in (back maybe?). I may look into that as the easy option, then just replace the speakers.
Basically, I'm trying to resolve two things: replace my speakers, and add bluetooth so that I don't have to keep using a radio tuner.
For speakers I was looking at Polk Audio for my cockpit 6.5" speakers as they seem very well reviewed. I do have two 6" speakers in the cabin (only three screws in triangle pattern) that I can't find replacements for. I may buy a pair of Fusion 6" shallow mount speakers as other than the holes I imagine those might fit well. Are you concerned with mixing brands?
I was about to buy the new head unit and remote, but honestly I guess IDK if at that point I'd have to replace the amp also and maybe even additional wiring, and at that point it's definitely more than I'd like to tackle right now!
 
Good to hear from you Ernesto. Well, I had to put it in because my Salsa dancing lessons were not doing so well so I figured better music might help! Any way you can't go wrong with Polk. I am concerned about mixing brands unless you put them on different amplifiers IMHO.
 
Cool... Thanks! I knew this was going to turn into a bigger project........
 
Veg: Could you let me know if you decide to upgrade your Clarion? (littlebookwormat optonlinedotnet) or via PM. My Clarion is terrible and old (1997) and I could use an upgrade. I'd be interested in buying the unit from you. Right now I've spent so much on the boat over the last two seasons the admiral would have my head if I told her I'd like to replace the stereo! Thanks. Hy
 
quote:
Originally posted by littlebookworm

Veg: Could you let me know if you decide to upgrade your Clarion? (littlebookwormat optonlinedotnet) or via PM. My Clarion is terrible and old (1997) and I could use an upgrade. I'd be interested in buying the unit from you. Right now I've spent so much on the boat over the last two seasons the admiral would have my head if I told her I'd like to replace the stereo! Thanks. Hy

Click to expand...


I am replacing it, and it looks and works well... but keep in mind it's hardly newer than yours! My boat is a 2001.
 
Ah, yes. But yours works; mine doesn't! Minor detail but very important. Hy
 
I also had this dilemma.
Replaced with unit that had blue tooth.
Mostly play pandora/iheart radio.
Now I control with Iphone not remote dash control.
This way I have control from bridge and cockpit or any other place in range.
 
I just installed a Fusion with satellite and bluetooth. I wanted a hardwired full functional remote, that is why I chose this one. I have a bridge boat and installed the wired remote in the cockpit.
 
I upgraded my system (sold the boat last month!) piece by piece. I added a nice amp, two more speakers in the rear of the cockpit, and upgraded the two speakers in the radar arch. It was nothing high dollar, but it really paid dividends in sound.

Here's the big one - it is VERY easy to cheaply add bluetooth. Do you have easy access to the back of the head unit? If so, you can just get a rechargeable bluetooth receiver. The one I used lasted easily 8-10 hours and recharged quickly via a standard mirco USD cable. I am an Android phone user, so it's just the same cord. You just get a 2 into 1 adapter for one of the extra RCA outputs. You would want the 3.5 mm female end. I never had an issue on the 43' streaming from any part of the boat.

Oh, and receivers tend to be tiny - fit in the palm of your hand tiny. Spent about $25. Use them at home too.
 
I did! It's sitting in my garage now. BTW - It doesn't have any port in back to plug a Bluetooth unit to. Super easy change though, I kept the old 16 pin connector and plugged the new unit in, then connected the rear speakers, and used an adapter to connect the old remote.

In any case, how much do you think it costs to ship it? I'll send it to you for that cost.
 
What kind of adapter did you use to connect the old remote to the new head unit? Where did you get it?
 
Veg: Thank you. I'll find out the cost of a priority box to fit it in tomorrow and will send you the cost via paypal if you have a "friend" account there. If not I can send you the money, either cash or a check, We'll deal with getting your address and mine after I find out the cost. Hy
 
Veg, I'll be doing this same upgrade shortly. Please let us know about the remote adapter. I presume you went with the M505...
 
Veg: I'm fairly certain it will fit in one of the medium sized Priority Mail boxes, cost $13.60. Let's call it $20 to cover your gas and inconvenience. Do you have a Paypal account? If so, I can send it to you that way. Or, you can email me your info at: littlebookworm at optonline dot net.Thanks again. Hy
 
littlebookworm: yes paypal to ernesto.ruiz.garciarb2rb2@gr5tgr5tgmail.com ... I will ship out as soon as possible but I'm away this weekend so likely early next week.

dudaduma: I bought the "CCUMRA1 Marine Wired Remote Adapter Cable", worked like a charm. Yes, I went M505. Surprisingly I had to sand the hole LARGER, because I used the casing and the original installation didn't. But it was a matter of 1/16" or so. I got a laser cut cover plate online to cover the faded wood area.
 
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