Drop in bluetooth replacement for Jensen MSR3012A

[patrickgrizz]

I am looking for a direct replacement for the head unit on my 2012 180 Challenger 215SE. I'm trying to get proper bluetooth connectivity on my head unit without having to replace my Jensen MWR75 remotes. I have 2 speakers added on the transom as well as one of the MWR75 remotes that is identical to the one that came with the boat at the helm station.

The MSR3012A that came stock is a pretty big piece of junk, but it's going into a 500 watt amp that is doing the heavy lifting and equalization, so the only real concern is bluetooth/iPhone connectivity on the head unit. The biggest thing is I was looking for is a head unit that would be compatible with the two remotes.

Thanks

 

[Chris0260]

Dumb question but can you just use one of these or do you need a new head unit?

https://www.amazon.com/Mpow-Bluetoo...pID=41YxUktypRL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

 

[JPass]

Dumb question but can you just use one of these or do you need a new head unit?

https://www.amazon.com/Mpow-Bluetoo...pID=41YxUktypRL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

I have that BT unit and it sux. The volume is so low its barely usable. I do not recommend it.

 

[patrickgrizz]

Yep I also tried that exact one. The sound quality was total garbage. Even plugging directly into the Aux outlet there's a noticeable drop-off vs testing it with a CD. I was also hoping to have all the controls on the remote work, vs just being able to adjust volume while plugged into aux outlet.

 

[patrickgrizz]

Ordered a Jensen AS2ARTL from Amazon. At least it'll work with my remotes, the rest I supposed I can work out.

 

[Chris0260]

I have a different Bluetooth receiver (similar to the one I linked to) and the sound quality is excellent.

 

[SD_Challenger]

I looked up AS2ARTL and couldn’t find anything....Do you have a link to the one you ordered?

 

[patrickgrizz]

Sorry it was an MS2. Link below. I put it in last night and it works great. It mounts a tad differently, 4 screws on the faceplate that just screw into the fiberglass dash.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ACMMOXQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[glenn2726]

Hi, I just replaced the stock radio in my 97 Challenger 1800 with this one from Walmart...Dual Electronics XDM16BT High Resolution LCD Single DIN Car Stereo with Built-In Bluetooth, USB & MP3 Player ,it was less than $20 and sounds great. I mainly wanted bluetooth with USB and MP3 availability, no need to carry CDs..the stock radio had bit the dust. The price won't set you back much if you need to replace it down the road. I also replaced the stock speakers which were disintegrated with a couple of Pyle 6 1/2 inch speakers for less than $20...and they also sound great for the money. I know I could have spent more for the radio and the speakers but they work well enough for me. Good luck...

 

[Nosnibor]

I got this guy (apparently I can't post links?) installed on my boat. Not sure if they did it in the head or the amp I had installed. It replaced the remote perfectly. I still have the same head you have that basically acts as a volume controller.

Since I can't post links for some reason the unit is a JL Audio MBT-CRX