yet another stereo question

I have an 03 VLX with the stock cd player, which is a JBL. I have 4 tower speakers and a sub in the boat and have had 4 clarion component speakers instaled now. I just had the tower speakers re wired because of them cutting out, which has worked so far. There is still popping coming from the speakers in the boat though. The stereo shop it has been at says it has to be coming from the head unit, as they have checked everything else.

My question is does this sound right? Also I have been checking around on prices and I'm amazed at what those remotes cost. If I switch brands from the JBL, I'm gonna have to switch those as well, which are about 100-120 bucks a piece. Should I just get another JBL? I found one in the Overtons magazine, but thats it. I would like to get the clarion unit but really don't want to spend that much changing those remotes. What should I do?