Replacement suggestions for XMD1 in a 2002 SAN.

[Kid Colt]

I am overhauling the Stereo System in the 2002 SAN I bought last year. I will probably be doing it a couple pieces at a time as money permits. I'm starting with the Deck. Since the face of the stereo I am replacing is bigger than the hole it fits in, it would be nice to cover that same area. I have been looking at decks that dock an Ipod inside of them. The Ipod is my main source of tunes now a days and I like the idea of having my ipod enclosed in a watertight place and being able to control it from the deck. I want seperate outputs (controlable) for the subwoofer. It also would be nice to be able to still utilize hole in the dash for the remote. Am I forgetting something?Experiece and Suggestions please????

Also my tower speakers Say SJS Dezign on the side and SSL on the covers...Each can has a 6.5 inch speaker facing to the front and another to the back of the boat. They sound like crap! I was thinking to save some money, I could just replace the speakers and use the cans...Not sure how much Wattage I will be running yet, but I open for suggestions on this also.

THanks, Robert

[ers906]

I went with a newer clarion stereo, cant remember the name, but they do make a remote which fills in the 5.5" cutout in the dash. I actually put a clock in the smaller hole where the old remote was, and upgraded the digital tach gauge with the analog kit, I use my perfect pass for speed, and placed the new remote in the center cut out in the dash. It has all of the controls for the stereo and the ipod right in front of you while you are driving. I also have plans to put a remote on the transom and one next to the shotgun seat. Also, if you are going to upgrade, I recommend spending $ on a pair of the compression driver tower speakers. I have a pair and it makes all the difference in hearing the music while you are behind the boat. Look at the Samsonsports website. I am not very knowledgeable regarding stereo hookups, but I did have a prety good upgrade done on my boat. Let me know if you have any questions. I will look on my computer for pics

[gride]

As many have stated before, do your system in stages. Choose what's most important to you, I.e. Bass, towers, or in boats. And don't forget about wires, fuses, batteries, etc. I personally hate clarion receivers, boat or car. I really like alpine receivers. Id do your own research and see what you like, then ask an installer his opinions. Support your local shop if you can, or ear mark marine. Kicker kmt tower speakers have good reviews and won't break the bank. Wet sounds now has affordable products all around. What are your goals for the system over all?

[Kid Colt]

End result I am looking for...I good reciever that contols my ipod, I want to add a subwoofer. I've seen the boxes built on here that look like a seat in the open space behind the drive seat. I like those. I realy would like to add a second batterey, but space seems to be an issue for that. I want to change out all the interior speakers because the ones in the boat are just wore out.

Current issue...Lack of stereo stores in my area that carry a selection of marine decks that I can accually put my hands on. What will easily cover the large space the old clarion face left when I pulled it out...The hole is the standard, but the face plate was BIG. So tough to see accual sizes on the internet which seems to be the main place I have to shop in my area.

Thanks for all you help and suggestion.

[gride]

I think that's a single din unit. Going to double wouldn't be a big deal, but keeping it single is easier. I would personally suggest Some xs65 in boats from wet sounds, a xs 12 sub, an alpine 9886m head unit, Mc20 remote if u want one, And your amp choices are very numerous. I'd set up a budget, start with h/u, and plan out your whole system so if you don't get everything at once you won't be buying more amps or having free channels bc it wasn't planned. Since u said local sucks call earmark and they can put together a system for your needs and will also put together everything you need for a proper install. I would certainly add a second battery.

[Kid Colt]

So far, of what I've looked at the Alpine CDA-9886M is looking like the choice...They have a waterproof housing at the streo store that will cover the holes left by the clarion. It is a plus that it looks like the MC-20 Remote will probably fit right in where the old remote used to be and at a later date, if I wanna install another remote in the transom... it is easily done. I am thinking of running the ipod wiring back to the glove box.

[Kid Colt]

Just wanted to update my Findings after towing the boat down to the stereo shop...I want to correct myself. The Alpine remote will not fit where my old remote is. it is too big. I will probably still go with the ALPINE CDA-9886M and not have a remote for the time being...It isn't really needed 2ft away from the head unit. I might still install one at a later date on the transom. I'm going to add a second batterey and new Perko switch first thing, then after the deck, I will be going with Memphis speakers. I'm gonna start with replacing the 4 in my tower cans with these. If they sound good in that application, THey stay and I buy 6 more for the interior. If I'm not happy with the sound of them in those cans, I move them bdown to the interior and Buy completely new tower cans (a cost I am trying to avoid.) They carry a 4 year warrenty and sound good in the store. Any issues for 4 years and the stereo shop just hands me a new pair.

For the sub...I am going to put it in the jumpseat. I always have the jumpseat behind the drivers seat instead of where it is meant to be because I don't like stepping over it to get in and out of the drivers seat. It will accually make a great enclosure with little modification. It will house a single Memphis 10"...again 4 year warrenty.

The amps are still undecided. The stereo shop say 3 seperate (tower, interior, sub) is what I should have...I currently have 1 installed...I don't see where I could put 2 more, but they say they will make them fit...

I still haven't totally figured out where I want my ipod to sit when it is plugged in, leaning twards the glove box unless i get some other great idea.

THanks for everyones input and would love to hear more if anyone has something to add after all that.