Clarion CMD4 Upgrade

[Boris the Tug]

I wanted to upgrade my Clarion CMD4 so I could play music from my phone. I realized I could just add a Bluetooth interface to my existing system using this dongle. It would connect to the auxillary input in the back of the CMD4 and allow me to play through Bluetooth into the aux. Has anyone done this? How well does it work and sound?

I also found that my 6.5 inch Clarion 1605 cockpit speakers were completely deterioted. I guess they’re not all that waterproof apparently. Has anyone found replacements that can handle a good hose down and nature’s wrath?

 

[scross]

If you want a real easy upgrade look for a good used Clarion CMD6. Same wiring and same panel cut out size. You get a USB Audio input that we use with our iPhones to play music. There have been a couple of prior posts about upgrading to the CMD6.
For cabin speakers, I like my JL Audio MX650. Not sure how they would hold up in the cockpit though.
PS: The wireless remote for the CMD4 does not work on the CMD6 so buy a CMD6 that comes with its own remote.

 

[Boris the Tug]

Thanks I was looking at that option also if I swapped the receiver because it’s the same wiring and mounting. It looked like all the newer CMDs (even the CMD 8) connect with a usb cable from the back though. Does that mean you have a cable sticking out of the cabinet door every time you want your phone plugged in?

 

[scross]

For my CMD6 upgrade USB input install, I drilled a hole and mounted the USB plug on the outside of the panel. This is the input cable that came with the CMD6 - Clarion CCAUSBAV USB Extension Cable with 3.5mm Audio Video jack. Bought a cigarette plug mount and cannibalized it for “framing” parts. See photo of finished install below.

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[Boris the Tug]

That looks great, well done. I bought those JL audio speakers today, the other posts you mentioned recommend them as well and it sounds like the mounting holes should line up too.

For the receiver I think I’m going to keep the CMD4 for now and try the Bluetooth interface in the back. First because I don’t see many used CMD6’s out there right now, and second I may prefer to have the Bluetooth anyway instead of USB. It’s worth a shot for 40 bucks.

Question though, are you aware of any other major differences between the CMD4 and the CMD6? I’m not an audiophile but if there are other big improvements other than usb, I may choose to go with a CMD6.

I appreciate the info and the specs!!

 

[scross]

I believe the three main functional and performance differences between the CMD4 and the CMD6 are:
1. In addition to using an iPhone on the USB input, you can plug a USB memory stick there and use that as your source for music. The CMD4 required optional iPod hardware adapter.
2. CMD6 has more RMS power 21 W vs 17 W
3. CMD6 can use optional Bluetooth module and I don’t believe you can add that to the CMD4

I sold my 8 year old working CMD5 for about $50 less than what I paid for a brand new but old stock CMD6. So for me, once I saw that CMD6 listed for sale on eBay it was an easy decision.

PS: A really small micro 64GB USB thumb drive ($20 or so) can hold about 650 hours of music. The hard part of using the thumb drive is controlling the order of play.

 

[Boris the Tug]

You can add a universal Bluetooth interface to a CMD4, but it’s an RCA connection to the Aux. I just bought this one on Amazon. I’ll try it out because I’d prefer wireless anyway. Could work great!

I got the JVL speakers today, the mounting holes would have lined up if the original Clarions were mounted using the outer mounting holes, but the inner mounting holes were used instead. No biggie though, the old holes will not be visible.

I’ll keep my eye out for CMD6 on eBay and will probably scoop one up. I’ll take the 4 Extra watts!!, lol.

 

[doke01]

I've done it. I used this and it works and sounds great: https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Bluetoo ... ics&sr=1-3

Very nice quality. Excellent sound. Inexpensive I cut and ran the power wire straight to 12V and RCA wires into the 'glove box' from the backside and set the button on top so it is easy to push for connecting when you need to (after the first time it usually just syncs up on its own).

 

[Boris the Tug]

Cool cool. I knew there had be someone out there. Do you have to press the button every time you power down and back up again? Or only push the button once the first time to do the initial Bluetooth pairing?

 

[Boris the Tug]

Just to close the loop on this, that JL Audio MBT-RX Bluetooth Audio Receiver I hooked up to the Aux input on my CMD4 works like a charm. I can now play tunes from my phone wirelessly! Power completely off and back on again restores connection to my phone no problem.

 

[doke01]

You usually only have to push it when you first set it up. As long as the phone is in range and bluetooth is enabled it usually picks up automatically without an issue. It will also work with multiple devices. I use my TV, my phone, and my wife's phone. By having the button easily accessible it makes it easy to push if you do need to. It looks nice too. The button is powered on all of the time the way I have it set up. If I want it off I just pull the power cable from the rear jack. Very low power draw. I'll see if I can take a pic this week and post it.

 

[scross]

Just added the JL Audio MBT-RX Bluetooth receiver to my Clarion CMD6. Easy install to the Clarion’s AUX1 input RCA jacks. For my iPhone 6s, the MBT-RX communicates using a SBC codec so the sound quality is not quite as good as using the USB connector directly into to the iPhone. Still respectable sound though!
Now we can play movies on my laptop in the v-berth or anywhere else on the boat and hear the soundtrack over the stereo system using Bluetooth! Since there’s no TV in our 2009 RT 25 Classic this setup gives us an excellent portable entertainment solution.