Sony Sterios In New 2011 Moomba Boats

[jstenger]

I was just at the dealer today. I noticed a Sony head unit in a 2011 LSV. I asked my salesman and he said it showed up that way from SC. He said that the 2011s that showed up in the fall had the MB Quart, and the ones that showed up during the winter had the Sonys. I am just wondering if SC finally realized what pieces of crap the MB Quart radios are. My 2010 Outback V goes back to the dealer next week to get the radio replaced under warranty. I am going to try to have them install the new Sony unit instead of another MB Quart crap one, but I don't think SC will go for it. I guess it will depend on how they stand behind there product. I am interested to see if there are any other sad MB Quart owners.

[dru1974]

Why is it you think the mb quart is crap?

[TL7]

I have the MB Quart system in our 2010 and I've been pleased with it. What issues have you had?

[89PROSTAR]

I agree, my 2010 has the MB Quart also. I don't have any issues with it. In fact, I was going to suggest it to a buddy of mine. What am I missing?

[jstenger]

I appologize if I have affended anyone. My opinion is based on my experiance and what I found out at the dealer. I don't know why, but a few of the 2010's that my dealer had sold had different MB problems. Two Outback V's, mine included, have local radio reception issues. The boats parked next to mine receive the stations clear as day, where as mine is all static. Even buying an aftermarket antenna and putting it on top of the windshield didn't help. A couple LSV's were in because their MB's would be at max volume when they turned them on no matter what volume they were left on when turned off. One of my reasons for posting this was to see why SC changed radio suppliers. Their Kenwoods in 2009 were great. 2010 and half way through 2011 they used MB. Now, they are using Sony. Is it because of supplier issues, radio issues, or cost. We probably will never know. Just my opinion.

[89PROSTAR]

No need to aplogize here.....I'm just curious about any issues..

[KSmith]

My 2010 has the MB Quart, it pretty much had a mind of it's own, it would just shut off at will for seemingly no reason. During the 20hr maintenance the dealer (Atlanta Marine) discovered the driver side remote was flaky so they replaced it. I have used the stereo in the driveway since then while I tinker and it works fine. Time will tell when I get a chance to take it out. The radio is not very good in mine, but I don't listen to the radio anyway I use the USB drives and I added the CD Player. Once t dies for good I will not put an MD Quart back in, but as long as it works (fingers crossed) I'll let it be for another year or two.

Edit: It also had a tendency to change modes too when it felt like it. So we'd be listening to a USB mix and it would change to radio or whatever...

[89PROSTAR]

I agree the radio is not very good. We have only put about 20 hrs on our 2010. So far no issues, I mainly use it for my Ipod and that works great. So far (Knock on wood)!

[Brianinpdx]

Our custom shop worked on 3 supra's this year doing stereo upgrades and each time, they came across a different "buggy" sometimes very strange problem with the MBQ head unit.

It was ugly how much time the installer spent trying to establish a reference baseline. These where all new boats.

I think the change was probably for the better here guys.

-Brian
Exile Audio

[WaterBullDawg1980]

Our custom shop worked on 3 supra's this year doing stereo upgrades and each time, they came across a different "buggy" sometimes very strange problem with the MBQ head unit.

It was ugly how much time the installer spent trying to establish a reference baseline. These where all new boats.

I think the change was probably for the better here guys.

-Brian
Exile Audio

Brian and any others that may be able to help-
Can you comment on the MB Quart quality when it comes to marine equipment? I seemed to remember them having a stellar reputation with car audio. At least that was the case a few years back when I had installed their speakers in my truck.

How long have they been doing marine grade equipment? What is their reputation in this space from your experience and what you have heard?