Well I've been round and round with the IPOD issue with my boat and I got the cable and then realized I didn't have a C-bus input for a cd changer... so I figure my options are... upgrade to a new deck, maybe new company... right now I have a clarion xmd2... go to the xmd1 which is an older model... right? or is it the same generation, just more options?, go to an xmd-3 and need to upgrade my wired in remote? or go with an amp/eq setup which will net me an aux input... I figure the refurbed xmd-1 will be the cheapest option, but do I want to go to older technology just to take advantage of c-bus connection? <BR> <BR>Im lost right now...

duane, do you want a hu? i cant tell if you wanted one for a cd changer or not? <BR>i dont run an hu. i run an mp3-->eq-->line driver-->amp. an eq and line driver together should be under 100 bucks and it sounds great.

Duane, Older remotes work fine with the XMD3 and the older XMD1 and 2 will work with the newer remotes except for the digital display style. <BR>The XMD2 is the same as the 1 except it has C-Bus changer controls (not the style that will work with the IPOD) and dual RCA outs. The XMD3 has dual RCA out and C-Net control. Which will work with the ea125b clarion interface. I have heard the the interface is cumbersome at best so I still just use the AUX in from a IPOD cable made by Peripheral. check it out hope this helps. <BR> <a href="http://www.electronics-pluz.com/peipdotorcao.html" target="_blank">http://www.electronics-pluz.com/peipdotorcao.html</a> <BR>Also I've installed a ton of referbed XMD3 and had no problems. This is where I get them. <BR><a href="http://www.bass-enterprises.com" target="_blank">http://www.bass-enterprises.com</a> <BR>They don't have any on the website but they do sell them. If I'm not mistaken they are less than 150 shipped. Good people to work with.

ryan, you are saying the XMD1 has dual rca out and c-bus controls, or the xmd2 has that? My xmd2 only has a single set of rca outs I think, and no place for a c-bus (13 pin?) connector, I got a 13 pin connector that connects to the bottom of the ipod... I guess this is what Im trying to do, so basically should I go to an XMD3 and ditch the 13 pin idea, or go to an xmd1 and use the 13 pin connector... I think I can get an XMD1 for cheap on ebay, any drawbacks to this over the xmd3 aside from satellite compatibility, aux input and....?

Now that you mention it I don't know. The 1 &amp; 2 are very similar with the exception of rcas and C-bus one of the two has those things. I would definately go for the XMD3, its Sat ready, has aux in and can plug into many external things such as TV's DVD player etc.