Head Unit question

[crimedog]

I've got an 07 210 with the stock Clarion XMD4 head unit, stock Polk in-boats on a Kicker IX 400.4, pair of REV 10's on SYN 4 and stock sub on a whatever POS amp I had left over. The plan was to work on the sub and amp this year, but all last season, it seemed to me that the entire starboard side of the boat sounded weak compared to the port, including the tower. So today, while I was having a beer in the boat after cleaning it all day, I decided to try a couple things to see if it was in my head. First thing I did was plug my phone directly into the in-boat amp, and sure enough, it sounded much better on both sides of the boat, same thing on the tower. So my question, what are suggestions on replacing the head unit? First thought was to get the WS eq with BT, but I read somewhere (and now can't find the post) that they were reworking their unit to fix some noise, or range, or something and that it would be re-released this summer. I've also seen Exile has a pretty slick looking BT media center unit, anyone tried it? I've also seen somewhere that WS is going to introduce a new head unit at some point, but haven't seen an update on when it's going to happen recently, and quite frankly it sounds so bad arse that it might not be in the budget. Any other suggestions?
Bottom line, I can live with this problem for a while as it seems I'm the only one that notices it, but would like to get it squared away this summer, so if waiting a month or so will mean new products are available, it won't be an issue. Thanks.

[MLA]

To start with, it sounds like there may be an output issue from the head unit. If so, a pre-amp EQ will not solve it. You need to pinpoint and isolate the issue before adding new equipment.

This is shipping and is bad AZZ http://www.kicker.com/kmc20

That other "media center" is also labeled by 2-3 other brands, so nothing really special there.

I would not hesitate to install the WS-420BT or the WS-420SQ and BTVC right now.

[swatguy]

Lot of people are ditching head units and just going with Bluetooth unit straight into a 420.

Great solution for some. Not such a good one for others.

-by ditching the head unit you loose all your remotes (if you have them)


The new BT units like the Exile Media Center and JL MBT CRX allow full control of your phone or device though their unit but you need something like the WS 420 or Exile ZLD in order to get a strong signal to multiple amps. You also gain zone control with this option.

With that said how is your phone/device getting to your CMD4? Have you checked all the balances and fades from the head unit? Have you checked the NF volume level on the pre outs? Have you checked the AUX sensitivity setting on the head unit? Could also be pair of bad RCA's
Here is how to check those settings on the head unit

[rlwagens]

I have the WS-420BT and the range on the bluetooth is pathetic, like 4 feet away bad, and once you put it in a nice harness its about nonexistent. And swatguy is right, if you go with one of the bluetooth receivers with knobs for zone control you still need the 420 or equivalent to pump out a good signal without headunit. But your issue sure sounds like bad RCA or balance/fade issue on receiver.

And the wetsounds blackbox/dash display/remote combo could take another 2 years to come out easily, see: A-link, etc.

[crimedog]

Thanks Swat. I'll take a look at that, didn't realize that was a thing. I've been using the AUX input as well as an Ipod adapter, they both sound similar. MLA, I should've added that I was thinking of ditching the HU all together. Agree that i've got a problem at the source, so adding something downstream won't help. That KMC20 looks ridiculous.

[crimedog]

I've read several places that the range isn't the greatest on the 420BT, guessing it has a lot to do with mounting location. How is the range on the BT-VC? Do the 420BT and the BT-VC have a sound that plays at full volume when they connect to a BT source? I've got one a Fusion BT100 in my RZR and it plays an ear splitting tone at full volume when it connects. It doesn't seem like something to complain about since, in theory, you should only be connecting once or so a day, but man, it is irritating. How about those Exile/JL media centers? Any experience with range or that god awful noise?

[MLA]

If mounting location is an issue, we'd see range issues with the JL, cerwin vega Metra and exile BT as they are all installed behind the helm or similar. You also see this with the JL, MTX and exile media centers. All of which are the same units.

One overlooked factor in BT range, is the transmitter. In most cases of poor range, I find the user has an I device. I have an adroid and do not see the same range issues as others. Its also fair to point out that there have been some major leaps in BTs just in the past couple of years.

No, the 420BT and BTVC do not have a full volume tone.

[crimedog]

Thanks for all the info. Pretty sure I'm going to go with 420Sq with the BTVC. Will also spend a little time troubleshooting the HU, but just bypass it if it's an issue. Thanks again.

[crimedog]

So I got the 420SQ and BT installed and plan to bypass the HU all together which leads to a few questions. When tuning the amps, should I simply hook my phone (Samsung) to the 420 via the 'Main' input, set it to 75-85% of max and tune that way or connect thru the BT and follow the same procedure? If so, will there be a noticeable affect when using another type of phone (eg Iphone)? Also, what are some recommendations for a remote turn on signal? Currently I am using the remote wire from the HU since it's still installed but am not sure if this will introduce noise into the system. I would like to completely get the HU out of the loop if possible. All the amps, 420, and BT are running from the same power/ground source with the exception of the remote on.