Clarion XMD1 upgrade.

[Haden]

Is there anyway to make this capable of Bluetooth? If not, what Fusion receiver should I update to?

 

[bobeast]

If it has an aux input you can use a BT dongle to stream audio to it, but you won't be able to change volume, turn it on/off, etc. with BT.

I went with the Fusion MS-RA70N. It has NMEA 2000, so I can control it via my MFD. You can also control it via BT if you are so inclined. Pretty much any of the fusion units will require you to fashion a mounting plate. I just replaced the panel in which the Clarion was mounted with a new one cut out of Starboard, and got rid of the disk changer altogether.

 

[Darrenfon]

Do you have Sirius on the boat, if so get the MS-RA70NSX so you can add the Sirius receiver. You can utilize the antenna that's already there with a plug in adapter.

 

[Dabble]

Fusion RA-70N here also. Get a couple Bluetooth remotes and you’ll be quite happy. Fusion-Link app also works great from iPhone.

 

[Kwik]

I just installed the Fusion RA-70NSX also. I realized after the fact that since I have in running on NMEA2000 with my MFD, I didn't need the SX model for my sirius weather and radio stuff because the MFD is controlling all that. But, the integration with radio, mfd, sirius and bluetooth from my phone are excellent! Plus, I added a wireless transom remote so I can reach up and make changes while floating with friends. We are very happy with it.

 

[bobeast]

If you don't have the SX variant, you can also just stream XM from your phone via BT as long as you have cell service and a plan on one of your other vehicles.

 

[scoflaw]

Crutchfield would have your answer. I bought a MBT-RX for my old Clarion and it works just fine. Volume, on/off, remotes, phone, everything works. $35

 

[Haden]

Do you have Sirius on the boat, if so get the MS-RA70NSX so you can add the Sirius receiver. You can utilize the antenna that's already there with a plug in adapter.

.

It sounds like fusion is going to be my best option, especially with future upgrades.

 

[dtfeld]

What you buy depends on what you want to do. I want to be able to have zones that can play their own separate sources, so I’m moving to the Apollo line. It’s a little bit more money, but if you have or will add TVs up to and/or down below, might be something to consider.

If you have the original amps, they are probably getting to the end of their useful life. I’d would as part of this upgrade consider new amps, or plan for them soon. Mine while they worked, had a bad hum problem that we finally diagnosed as failed/leaking components in the amps.

 

[Haden]

What you buy depends on what you want to do. I want to be able to have zones that can play their own separate sources, so I’m moving to the Apollo line. It’s a little bit more money, but if you have or will add TVs up to and/or down below, might be something to consider.

If you have the original amps, they are probably getting to the end of their useful life. I’d would as part of this upgrade consider new amps, or plan for them soon. Mine while they worked, had a bad hum problem that we finally diagnosed as failed/leaking components in the amps.

Yes, I will be adding a tv to the helm area. You make a superb point!! Thank y’all so such!!!

 

[Don Howes]

Crutchfield would have your answer. I bought a MBT-RX for my old Clarion and it works just fine. Volume, on/off, remotes, phone, everything works. $35

I have the Clarion XMD1 radio with remote. Were you able to plug and play? Do you have RCA inputs or did you find an RCA to DIN converter? I’m very interested in adding Bluetooth.

 

[superwa]

I added bluetooth to it. Used a trazit blu HF that I connected behind it. https://www.amazon.com/TRANZIT-BLU-HF/dp/B018AGM1BG

 

[bbwhitejr]

I have the Clarion XMD1 radio with remote. Were you able to plug and play? Do you have RCA inputs or did you find an RCA to DIN converter? I’m very interested in adding Bluetooth.

The XMD1 does not have an aux input so Bluetooth adapter is not doable. I will go with a Fusion in due time. In the mean time, I bought a Clarion CMD4 on eBay for $75. It was plug and play with the XMD1 and has an aux input. At least we can stream music now and the change over was 10 min.

Bennett

 

[Don Howes]

The XMD1 does not have an aux input so Bluetooth adapter is not doable. I will go with a Fusion in due time. In the mean time, I bought a Clarion CMD4 on eBay for $75. It was plug and play with the XMD1 and has an aux input. At least we can stream music now and the change over was 10 min.

Bennett

Thanks for the reply. Was the CMD4 compatible with the M101RC remote? I might go this direction.

 

[bbwhitejr]

Thanks for the reply. Was the CMD4 compatible with the M101RC remote? I might go this direction.

if the M101RC is compatible with the XMD1, then yes. CMD4 and maybe 5 is/maybe 100% plug and play.

Bennett

 

[bigaudiofanatic]

My recommendation would be to install a new marine plastic plate over that and install a new single din unit. This will give you two things, a new area for single din unit and space behind if you wanted to install mini/micro amps. I'm doing something similar tomorrow on a sea ray I can post photos.