Stereo head unit upgrade

[AsLan7]

Has an aux input coming of the back so u could put a port on the wall.

They make options with cd/DVD capabilities. Imagine laying in your bunk at night watching a movie on 32inch tv with gas generator roaring outside if I don't have shore power

Now you're talking my language.
Thank u!
I do want a small flat screen in the cuddy eventually.

[Bobo87]

The Fusion and Sony both look nice and appear to have similar specs. It sounds like some have upgraded their factory Sony only to find the factory hard wired remotes do not work. Does anyone have any experience in changing those while swapping out the head unit? I see Fusion, Fosgate & Clarion all make a hard wired remote for the sims deck and such.

[thunder550]

I'm waiting for someone to pair a bluetooth Echo to their head unit, then use voice control to play music. Alexa, shuffle my lake playlist!

[Bfun220]

The Fusion and Sony both look nice and appear to have similar specs. It sounds like some have upgraded their factory Sony only to find the factory hard wired remotes do not work. Does anyone have any experience in changing those while swapping out the head unit? I see Fusion, Fosgate & Clarion all make a hard wired remote for the sims deck and such.

I wanted to go with the fusion but didn't think the head unit would fit. So i ended up going with a Clarion. I got a rf remote that I mounted to the dash. I can pop it out of the mount and take it anywhere in the boat, no wiring.

[Big Block Power]

I've used Sony head units and have not had any issues with the remotes or at least as long as the volume control works that's all I care about.

[ColinC]

I bought the Sony head unit earlier this week and just pulled the trigger on some Polk DB651 speakers to replace the old factory stuff. Will likely go with the Kenwood KAC M3004 amp. Expect that I will add a sub (and second dedicated amp), but want to see just how much better the sound is with each incremental upgrade. It's a bit of a budget build at less than $400 for the head unit, six speakers and Kenwood amp, but based on research it should provide a lot of bang for the buck! Also, I'm not looking for massive bass or extreme volume. I want clarity and balance.

[Big Block Power]

I think you will be happy. Bfun has Polks.

[Ytmsn]

I have Polks in my 240. Amazing sound. You're going to love them Colin!

[Bfun220]

Yes, happy with the polks.

[ColinC]

Thanks for the input gents. I felt confident getting the Polks based on online reviews, but getting the CC perspective is even better. I'm excited to hear the new set-up.

Over the weekend I did some online window shopping and now I'm thinking about changing the amp to the Kenwood KAC M8005. With five channels I would be able to use one amp for the speakers and subwoofer, and I'm pretty sure I want a subwoofer, even thought I'm not a bass head. For the subwoofer I'd likely use an enclosure and keep it in the port side bow storage compartment. It may not be optimal to use an enclosure, but I'm not sure I want to drill a 10" hole in the interior of my boat!

Would be curious to hear from the group on how an enclosure located in a storage compartment sounds, as I know some are running this type of set-up.

[Driller]

I mounted mine in the same location as the factory. Not an enclosure, but location is perfect and it sounds great.

[AsLan7]

It almost looks like you could have a liquor display in that curved area, Driller. Like something out of a bar in the movie Cocktail!
Let me guess...you are a Tom Cruise stunt double too.
.

[ColinC]

Thanks Driller. I *think* the factory location for my '07 212 is in front of the port side captain's chair near the floor. I will have to research. Though my DIY skills are solid, if I go this route I suspect I will get a pro to cut the hole. No margin for error on this!

[ColinC]

Here's an '07 222 with the subwoofer. I'm 99.9% sure this is also the factory location for my '07 212.

Anyone have a sense of how difficult it is to *safely* drill a hole for a subwoofer? Views on whether to go with the subwoofer mounted (i) in the factory location; or (ii) in a subwoofer enclosure box that I'd keep in the port side bow storage compartment?

[Ytmsn]

Colin on my 240 I put the subwoofer in the enclosure in front of the helm. It sounds pretty good! I'm not an audiophile, and it doesn't give you the Thump Thump Thump like a woofer at your feet would, but it still works pretty darn good.

20171111_115712.jpg