www.iFourWinns.com

I am in the market to pick up a new audio deck for the boat.


Does anyone recommend anything in particular? I need at least 2 rca pre-outs and a MP3 or some sort of audio jack on it to connect my ipod.


Anyone changed their stock radio to something new???

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Rob

Present: 1999 Formula 280SS
Past: 1989 180 Horizon

http://www.robcamerondesign.com

check out the new Fusion stuff. It is supposed to be pretty good. Alpine does a nice job as well.

what is the budget?

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

I'm not much of a radio guru, but I was looking at the new Clarion unit on-line and thought it seemed impressive for a marine application. It's not yet available, but lists for 250 on Amazon....

http://www.amazon.com/Clarion-CMS1-Sour ... 517&sr=1-1

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Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.

I am trying to stick in the 100-200 range. I really just need it to have powered Pre outs and play CDs occasionally. I plan to run my Ipod most the time.

I would consider running the Ipod straight to the amp, however the opportunity to crank the volume accidentally leaves me weary of that route.

There have been a few Sony's and Kenwoods I have crossed that seem reasonable. Do I really need to run a marine head unit??

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Rob

Present: 1999 Formula 280SS
Past: 1989 180 Horizon

http://www.robcamerondesign.com

My boat came with an AM/FM cassette in it that barely even worked, so I had replaced it with a (I think, it's been a while) Kenwood AM/FM/CD receiver with a detachable face plate and IPod jack on the front. I also bought 2 new speakers to replace the originals. Something like this should fall within your budget if you look for sales or clearance items.

For us, the IPod jack was also the most important part since all of my cds are stored on it.

None of what I bought was Marine, so I don't expect it to last forever, but it's a world of difference over what was there. I also have a cover for the stereo unit and it's placement doesn't make it easy for it to get wet.

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-Rob.


Current boat: 2011 Yamaha AR210
Previous boat: 1998 Horizon RX 4.3GL SX

I just installed a Sony HU to replace the older Sony that came with the boat. It was a significant upgrade in overall sound quality. For $94 at Best Buy, it was well worth it.
It has the pre-outs on back and mp3 jack on the detachable face. We plug or TV into the front jack, and watch movies played through the stereo, much better than the 1" speakers built into the TV. It's not marine grade, but is located in an area that will not get wet.
The wireless remote is also a handy feature. J&R has it for $89.

http://www.jr.com/sony/pe/SON_CDXGT330/

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

might want to look on ebay - can find lots of deals - I purchase lots of boating stuff there & have found some great deals. Currently getting ready to get a set of MB Quart marine 6.5's speakers for a great deal.

I just installed the "Sony CDX-GT630UI MP3/WMA/AAC Compliant CD Receiver with iPod Direct Control via USB" in my Horizon 230. It has the USB port the front that you hook up to your iPod or you can actually plug a thumb drive directly in a play music off it. Nice feature if guests want to bring along some tunes. Only drawback is that this connection is only in front (and thumb drive would stick out), but for around $150 you get the head unit that doesn't require anything additional to hook up to your iPod.

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John
2001 Four Winns Horizon 230
VP 5.7 GSi / DP
2007 Ford Expedition EL

Clarion CMD series are the best out for marine use right now. MB makes an I-pod dock that is winning praise that can hook to about and head unit. You won't beat this combo.

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The clarion CMD-4a came stock on my 2007, and are still widely available. You should be able to find them new for considerably less than $200. The CMD5 features a line of sight wireless remote, in addition to some other features, and would be slightly over $200.

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2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

I think this is what I am looking for! I really prefer the MP3 jack vs the direct I pod connection. I would rather be able to control the songs using the ipod vs the stereo, considering I have like 25 gigs of Music scrolling would really bother me!


Thanks everyone for your input.

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Rob

Present: 1999 Formula 280SS
Past: 1989 180 Horizon

http://www.robcamerondesign.com

You will be happy with it.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

just a little update, I ended up picking up the Sony from ebay for $84, shipped!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0337864056


Thanks for the input Cap'n!

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Rob

Present: 1999 Formula 280SS
Past: 1989 180 Horizon

http://www.robcamerondesign.com

Good deal on that HU. Glad it was what you were looking for. I'm still very happy with the way ours sounds with the old stock speakers.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy