Who makes good and cheap am/fm radio?

ZZ13

Well-Known Member
Nov 25, 2009
5,319
Lady's Island, SC
Boat Info
2001 400 Sedan Bridge
Engines
Cummins 450 Diamond
My boat has two separate audio systems. One for exterior which has the money head unit, two amps, subwoofer, 6 speakers. That's where I crank the tunes.

The other system is the stock Clarion XMD1 directly driving four cabin speakers. I usually just listen to Sirius talk radio in there.

So the XMD1 tuner has crapped out. So I am looking for an inexpensive replacement that basically just needs to accurately tune to stations and last 10 years. Boss and Dual have done real cheap stuff, like in the $20-30 range. But that sounds scary cheap. Thinking Pioneer or Sony in the $50-$75 range. Anyone have a recommendation?
 
I have used both BOSS and DUAL products over the years and they are OK for low end applications....I would think that today's low end units like BOSS and Dual probably perform as good or better than the 2001 Clarion unit they would replace with more features....

cliff
 
I am about to pull a 5 month old apline out of my boat. With waterproof floating remote.

Could send it and remote to you for 100plus shipping
 
Whats AM/FM???? ;)

Are you wanting to retain the use of SAT radio on this unit? It would require a new SAT tuner as the current one would not be compatible.

JVC has a decent marine "mech-less" unit with blue tooth and SAT compatible. Tuner, front AUX 3.5mm and USB but no CD.
 
Why not just get a good Bluetooth speaker like a smaller Bose unit and just use you playlist on your phone or iPad....
 
some amps have Bluetooth built into them so you don't even need a head unit....just connect directly from your phone or tablet to the amp.....

cliff
 
I replaced my old Clarion with a Pioneer head unit last year - been happy with it.
 
Whats AM/FM???? ;)

Are you wanting to retain the use of SAT radio on this unit? It would require a new SAT tuner as the current one would not be compatible.

JVC has a decent marine "mech-less" unit with blue tooth and SAT compatible. Tuner, front AUX 3.5mm and USB but no CD.
Ha! I have vintage Sirius unit that pushes out an FM signal.
 
Look guys... If you didn't know, Bill (ZZ13) can actually chew on a dime and spit out a quarter. This guy wants a $300.00 radio for 18 bucks!

Just razzing you a bit Bill! Personally I would just stick with a name brand, the issue is the Clarion is a DIN and a half unit and the new models are mostly single-DIN so... you can either install an adapter kit or just buy a DIN and a half unit. Clarion's new model is M606 which I found for 219 on eBay. ...you do know if you get a fusion or a Rockford you can control it from your Furuno TZT Touch 2 you are about to buy! ;)

Josh
 
Actually, the clarion chassis is single DIN, just has a larger face. No adapter needed to make a new chassis fit unless the cut out was sloppy and larger then needed. Even with the new M606, the xmd mounting screw holes will be visible.
 
Thanks Wylie for the correction. I didn't realize it was different behind!

Bill I have scoured the internet but I just can't find a unit that plays 8 tracks... :)

If it's just a single DIN then I would just find a reputable brand with good power output and get it done.

Josh
 
Thanks for the accurate assessment, Josh. And for looking for a new unit for me. I was hoping to find a 8-track/cassette combo unit.
 
My alpine is Bluetooth, with waterproof floating RF remote. Haha
 
My alpine is Bluetooth, with waterproof floating RF remote. Haha
That's actually my outside head unit (UTE-52BT). Which model is the one you are removing, and why?

By the way, I grew up in Hunstville back in the space race days. What a fabulous time and place to be a kid.
 
Thanks Wylie for the correction. I didn't realize it was different behind!

Bill I have scoured the internet but I just can't find a unit that plays 8 tracks... :)

If it's just a single DIN then I would just find a reputable brand with good power output and get it done.

Josh

I just happen to have a couple of hundred 8 track tapes.......
 
I am only removing because I am installing a fusion with nmea 2000 to connect it all to my new lowrance GPS.

I can get the model number tonight when I go home Box is still on my tool bench. Ha
 
I have had good luck with Jensen Marine stereo products. I just ordered a new CD/AM/FM unit and a on dash remote for around 200.00 for both. Same units I had on a 270 Sea Ray. Served me will on the 270 and decided to get the same units for my Sea Ray 340.
 

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