Fusion MS-RA70

[JMT]

Has anyone considered this marine head unit? I keep going back to it. I want something simple and reliable and not something everyone wants to steal. It's single DIN, rugged, IPx7, dimmable screen, glass display, plenty of pre-amp outs and a sub-out.

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-vMP1k...wVlzLSYB7IE_JQ1OeErKzcTyalzQfVlxoCbDwQAvD_BwE

 

[GATORB8]

Only fusion piece I've actually used is their BT dongle in my golf cart (works fine after 5 years), but everything I've seen has been solid quality and high end.

I think the only gripe I'd have about the specs is the 3V preout, but that's higher than the closest Wetsounds offering. JL's is better but not single din.

One note, the preouts it references are not like a normal car stereo (because a boat doesn't need fading) also, you only need one zone. So you will only have one stereo non-fading pair of full range preouts and two mono sub preouts. The other pair are set for a second zone, like a boat cabin. It looks like same issue goes for if you want to use the onboard amp.

 

[JMT]

Only fusion piece I've actually used is their BT dongle in my golf cart (works fine after 5 years), but everything I've seen has been solid quality and high end.

I think the only gripe I'd have about the specs is the 3V preout, but that's higher than the closest Wetsounds offering. JL's is better but not single din.

One note, the preouts it references are not like a normal car stereo (because a boat doesn't need fading) also, you only need one zone. So you will only have one stereo non-fading pair of full range preouts and two mono sub preouts. The other pair are set for a second zone, like a boat cabin. It looks like same issue goes for if you want to use the onboard amp.

View attachment 690957

Thanks for that. I already have a 5-channel amp, so I'm pretty sure I don't want to try to figure out the two non-fading zones and only one stereo pre-out. Just seems a little wonky.

I noted the Wetsounds had lower V pre-outs. Unfortunately, most of the car head units rely on 2V. Very frustrating because to get the higher pre-out V you are automatically spending more $$$ and then it comes with a lot of other options that make it attractive to a thief.

The other types I've been looking at are these round ones. This one is pretty spendy and I think it would work, but only 2V pre-out. For this I'd need a Double Din and a custom mounting plate. Not that difficult to do. I think Crutchfield sells some ready to go. Would leave options to mount other electronics in the remaining space, but not sure that's a real advantage for a KISS person like myself. They sure want a lot of money for it.

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-2dVvb...uOghf7pp3mv8cz5Oy-Wur445x3tarPMhoCc3EQAvD_BwE

 

[GATORB8]

Thanks for that. I already have a 5-channel amp, so I'm pretty sure I don't want to try to figure out the two non-fading zones and only one stereo pre-out. Just seems a little wonky.

I noted the Wetsounds had lower V pre-outs. Unfortunately, most of the car head units rely on 2V. Very frustrating because to get the higher pre-out V you are automatically spending more $$$ and then it comes with a lot of other options that make it attractive to a thief.

The other types I've been looking at are these round ones. This one is pretty spendy and I think it would work, but only 2V pre-out. For this I'd need a Double Din and a custom mounting plate. Not that difficult to do. I think Crutchfield sells some ready to go. Would leave options to mount other electronics in the remaining space, but not sure that's a real advantage for a KISS person like myself. They sure want a lot of money for it.

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-2dVvb...uOghf7pp3mv8cz5Oy-Wur445x3tarPMhoCc3EQAvD_BwE

You can use RCA splitters (that's what I do on my boat to use two sets of amp channels), but like any other adapter they just add another spot to fail (and I've had several issues over the years on the boat because of it).

 

[GATORB8]

Just to throw it out there as an option. You can run a bluetooth dongle at the amp, and a bluetooth controller (Been awhile, but I used one from Chubby Buttons on the boat), and completely delete the head. Can't steal something that isn't there.

Been a few years since I got a dongle, but I think Wetsounds, JL, and Fusion made them then. Be nice if someone had a high-end one now.

 

[JMT]

This might work. A bit spendy too. BT is version 2.1 and that is way outdated. I think I'm giving up on some type of alternate head unit that is more rugged and allows more dash space. They all suck or are outdated.

https://www.hifisoundconnection.com...XDtD3kpg8mwqqjR2FC2Wc9fKv5NuMCLRoCaLYQAvD_BwE

 

[WVJeep304]

Have you considered one of these? I actually just gave the infinity one to a buddy a couple of weeks ago to get it out of my way. I'm 99% sure he's not going to use it. If he isn't, and you want it, it's yours for the cost of shipping. You'll just need to order the harness which if i remember correctly is around $40 (or maybe it's not even necessary in this application).

 

[rasband]

I really like the idea of these and have been thinking through a new radio for a while... the rain in Moab last year rendered mine... barely usable. Following along to see what people are doing... I know @psrivats has something pretty minimal in what Blaine was working on for him that looks appealing.

 

[JMT]

I really like the idea of these and have been thinking through a new radio for a while... the rain in Moab last year rendered mine... barely usable. Following along to see what people are doing... I know @psrivats has something pretty minimal in what Blaine was working on for him that looks appealing.

When I started looking at these Sri's Blaine build was the first thing that crossed my mind.

 

[JMT]

Have you considered one of these? I actually just gave the infinity one to a buddy a couple of weeks ago to get it out of my way. I'm 99% sure he's not going to use it. If he isn't, and you want it, it's yours for the cost of shipping. You'll just need to order the harness which if i remember correctly is around $40 (or maybe it's not even necessary in this application).


View attachment 691030View attachment 691031

I did look at these and found them pretty attractive. The Infinity has 2 preamp outs. If I can confirm that I can run those 2 via RCA (F & R) as well as 1 set of high-level line inputs to the amp for the Sub and it all work then I'd do that for sure!

I looked at the round Kicker too. It didn't have the pre-outs I was looking for so I moved on, but their 46KMC4 and 46KMC5 are up to the task.

 

[GATORB8]

Kinda digging this, but looks like it’s a single pair stereo pre out. They have a cheaper version where the head is the size and fits in a Carling switch opening.

https://ssvworks.com/collections/un...bluetooth-media-controller-with-lcd-display-1

I would personally split the rca before using high level for the sub, you loose some clarity and likely some low frequencies from the on board amp.

 

[GATORB8]

Thanks for that. I already have a 5-channel amp, so I'm pretty sure I don't want to try to figure out the two non-fading zones and only one stereo pre-out. Just seems a little wonky.

I noted the Wetsounds had lower V pre-outs. Unfortunately, most of the car head units rely on 2V. Very frustrating because to get the higher pre-out V you are automatically spending more $$$ and then it comes with a lot of other options that make it attractive to a thief.

The other types I've been looking at are these round ones. This one is pretty spendy and I think it would work, but only 2V pre-out. For this I'd need a Double Din and a custom mounting plate. Not that difficult to do. I think Crutchfield sells some ready to go. Would leave options to mount other electronics in the remaining space, but not sure that's a real advantage for a KISS person like myself. They sure want a lot of money for it.

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-2dVvb...uOghf7pp3mv8cz5Oy-Wur445x3tarPMhoCc3EQAvD_BwE

Well shit, I lead you astray.

I just bought a boat with a Fusion head unit and now know how they work after putting together plans for the aftermarket setup.

The zones aren't media zones, they are independent volume zones. It's a little finicky, but when you use the volume knob, you have multiple options pop up on the screen. In the case of two zones, you should be able to run 1 0-100, 2 0-100, or lock in where they are and adjust them together. Pushing the volume knob cycles between the three methods.

The sub output is tied to a single zone and it's volume is controlled by what you choose for that zone.

Sorry about that.

 

[JMT]

Well shit, I lead you astray.

I just bought a boat with a Fusion head unit and now know how they work after putting together plans for the aftermarket setup.

The zones aren't media zones, they are independent volume zones. It's a little finicky, but when you use the volume knob, you have multiple options pop up on the screen. In the case of two zones, you should be able to run 1 0-100, 2 0-100, or lock in where they are and adjust them together. Pushing the volume knob cycles between the three methods.
View attachment 697071
The sub output is tied to a single zone and it's volume is controlled by what you choose for that zone.

Sorry about that.

That's no problem. Interesting that you now have one and nice to see how they work. I got dissuaded from them just due to the added complexity as well as the BT specs (which are probably incidental). I opted for another Sony head unit. I chose the XAV-4000 this time rather than the slightly better XAV-6000 that I have in my other rig. I'm pretty happy with it so far.

The Fusion should work good for a boat with separate rooms. I'm now thinking it could work well for my home as long as I have a reliable power source and speakers!