Boat Stereo

[aluijten]

The Simrad is a rebadged Fusion product and certainly good, but more expensive than a basic car radio.

True, but also much nicer on a boat then a basic car radio. For example, it doesn't loose the settings when all power supply is taken off (incl. the permanent 12 volt wire).

Some more advantages exist. Compared to a decent brand car radio they are not that much more expensive. Compared to some of the 'top' line car stereos they are actually quite cheap.

Both Lowrance and Simrad integrated the Fusion stuff into their plotters. A nice thought but I would like to keep these two things separated for several reasons.

 

[neale]

I have a Fusion system on the boat and it is very good.

I also own a Pyle stereo. Got it for the M/C as wanted a waterproof wired remote. So far it has been fine but I do have one warning, if you listen to FM radio. Because it is designed for the US market, you only get channels ending in an odd post-decimal number. So if I want to listen to 95.8, I can't. Radio 2 OTOH at 89.1 is fine

 

[prv]

Another vote for the Fusion Marine Radio. Modestly priced and very nice feature set including an excellent iPod integration
See: http://www.fusionelectronics.com/marine/products/head-units-200-series/MS-RA200

Thanks for that. I looked at Fusion a while back and concluded that, while good, they were too expensive for me with many features I don't need. However, you prompted me to look again and their range seems to have expanded - I think the MS-RA50 with the iPod cable (not dock) might be just what I need.

Pete

 

[prv]

A quick question for any Fusion owners, before I press the button and buy one.

When an iPod is plugged in, you can choose songs etc from the Fusion device. That much is clear from the web site. However, I want to select songs on the iPod, because I prefer that interface and because I'd have to bend down to see the screen on the Fusion. Is this possible, or does the Fusion put the iPod into a "slave" mode where you can't control it directly? This isn't mentioned (as far as I can tell) in the manual or the sales pages.

Cheers,

Pete

 

[neale]

A quick question for any Fusion owners, before I press the button and buy one.

When an iPod is plugged in, you can choose songs etc from the Fusion device. That much is clear from the web site. However, I want to select songs on the iPod, because I prefer that interface and because I'd have to bend down to see the screen on the Fusion. Is this possible, or does the Fusion put the iPod into a "slave" mode where you can't control it directly? This isn't mentioned (as far as I can tell) in the manual or the sales pages.

Cheers,

Pete

In mine the iPod is in the hosuong so you can't access the buttons but the user interface on the Fusion is the best I have seen for an iPod and the remote control means you don't have to do it at the head unit.You do,however, need to be able to see the screen.

 

[aluijten]

A quick question for any Fusion owners, before I press the button and buy one.

When an iPod is plugged in, you can choose songs etc from the Fusion device. That much is clear from the web site. However, I want to select songs on the iPod, because I prefer that interface and because I'd have to bend down to see the screen on the Fusion. Is this possible, or does the Fusion put the iPod into a "slave" mode where you can't control it directly? This isn't mentioned (as far as I can tell) in the manual or the sales pages.

Cheers,

Pete

Same for me. I'm using the iPod dock, so can't use the clickwheel even if I wanted.
If I have to guess I'd say you still can use the clickwheel as the display also lights up when inside the dock.
But as the other forumite said, the interface from the radio is excellent and very fast as well. As opposed to many other systems.
By using the dock you have the added advantage of a secure place to put the iPod in so it won't launch itself during a tack or so.

 

[prv]

If I have to guess I'd say you still can use the clickwheel as the display also lights up when inside the dock.

Possibly it's just lighting up with a symbol showing it can't be used, though. Like it does when docked with a computer.

Guess I'll need to ask Fusion themselves; seems everyone here has gone with the dock option

Pete

 

[billmacfarlane]

I've a fairly cheap Sony set I bought from Halfords. It cost about £60.00 and it works a treat both with radio and plugging my ipod into it. It's now 7 years old and still going strong. I wouldn't spend much more on a system.