anyone have a Fusion marine stereo?

rmeador · #1 (**permalink**) 03-02-2011

At the boat show last weekend, I discovered a nifty marine stereo that is much more than the typical marinized car stereo. It's made by Fusion Electronics, particularly I'm looking at the MS-CD600 (link). It has two zone volume control, so I can separately control the volume in the salon and the cockpit (really it has 3 zones, but the 3rd zone requires an external amp). It also has iPod connectivity and Sirius satellite radio connectivity, both features I desire. So, before I buy it ($300), does anyone have experience with this unit and can offer me a review? Does anyone know of units with similar features (two zones, satellite radio, aux input are the biggies) that I should look at instead? Thanks.

r.furborough · #2 (**permalink**) 03-02-2011

OK, disclosure first - I sell and install Fusion equipment and I think they make great equipment, easy to install and great quality. Made in New Zealand and have a progressive attitude with their products. Their marine products are definitely made for the marine environment and made with good materials. I like their iPod/iPhone docks, both integrated and the remote units that secure the iPod/iPhone in a water resistant housing. If you buy, you will not be dissapointed.

KnottyGurl · #3 (**permalink**) 03-02-2011

Yes I just bought them the other day with speakers and remote from cockpit. I really liked the aux input, we watch movies from the louch screen and look forward to using this as a crude but hopefully effective surround sound in the salon, will let you know of the sound aspect in two weeks when i actually have it installed and test drove with a few beeers at the cockpit and a movie.
Bill

BELLATRIX1965 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-11-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by r.furborough

OK, disclosure first - I sell and install Fusion equipment and I think they make great equipment, easy to install and great quality. Made in New Zealand and have a progressive attitude with their products. Their marine products are definitely made for the marine environment and made with good materials. I like their iPod/iPhone docks, both integrated and the remote units that secure the iPod/iPhone in a water resistant housing. If you buy, you will not be dissapointed.

FUSION audio equipment is designed in New Zealand, but made in China!
That being said, I own an older version, CD / tuner / plug-in iPod module. Had a slight problem when I installed it (wouldn't power on), so I called customer support. I must say, they were very helpful and cooperative. They even offered to provide a software update free of charge. The manual for mine doesn't indicate that you have to provide 12V + power on BOTH the red and the yellow wires ( I think that was the color code). After I wired this way, the unit worked flawlessly. Very well built, very flexible (all the features that the OP talks about) - truly marine grade. I would definately buy FUSION again!

windward54 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-11-2011

I have a Fusion stereo, and love it. This is my second unit that I have bought. The first was sold with my last boat. I liked the unit so much, I bought another as the first item I changed on the new boat. I use a iPod Classic 80gb and have thousands of songs and I'm only using about 10% of the iPod capacity. No more dealing with CD's on the boat.

casey1999 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-15-2011

I have the Ipod/ am/fm model and just installed. Can only receive a couple of stations either am or fm. Does anyone have problems receiving? Otherwise the unit is very well built, just wish it would receive better

casey1999 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-15-2011

I have the Ipod/ am/fm model and just installed. Can only receive a couple of stations either am or fm. Does anyone have problems receiving? Otherwise the unit is very well built, just wish it would receive better

rmeador · #8 (**permalink**) 03-15-2011

What kind of antenna are you using with it?

casey1999 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-15-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmeador

What kind of antenna are you using with it?

First I used a 40 inch west marine wire antenna. Only got an FM station within 2 miles of me so I tried an external marine antenna- that did no better. My location is poor for reception (blocked by hills) but took boat off shore and expected to get some reception but no luck. Got radio at west marine and they will exchange- just trying to figure out if it is the radio or my poor location. With the radio I cannot figure out how just tune manually. If I use the fwd and rev buttons the turner goes to fast. It would be nice if the knob could tune but does not seem to be set up that way. Unit looks to have a great warranty- 5 years.

windward54 · #10 (**permalink**) 03-15-2011

It does work a lot better with an external antenna. I had mine hooked up to a Raymarine AIS 250, and it worked fine. I did find a way to go to a manual tune mode, but darned if I could do it again.