New receiver: Rockford-Fosgate PMX-1 or PMX-2?

sunedog

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I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a new receiver for my 2017 23RSB. I have landed on the Rockford-Fosgate PMX receivers. Now trying to narrow it down to the PMX-1 (PMX-1) or PMX-2 (PMX-2). I've Googled and conclude the major difference is the PMX-1 for $224 has a black and white dot-matrix screen and the PMX-2 for $377 has the full color screen. (The PMX-3 adds Sirius radio capability to the receiver and I have no interest in that feature.)

A big drawback for me on my OEM Kicker receiver is, in bright sunlight, I can't see anything on the display with my polarized prescription sunglasses. And I can't read just about anything without my corrective lenses.

Do you think the dot matrix screen will be easier to read than the color display in bright sunlight with polarized sunglasses?

I'm open to suggestions on other receivers but I'd like to keep the budget at under $500.
 
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I just bought a new Bennington and I am going to upgrade when I take delivery of it. I am leaning towards the PMX-3. If screen brightness in the sun is important for you, I'd go with the PMX-2 from what I've read. You can get them on sale right now.
 
I just bought a new Bennington and I am going to upgrade when I take delivery of it. I am leaning towards the PMX-3. If screen brightness in the sun is important for you, I'd go with the PMX-2 from what I've read. You can get them on sale right now.
Thanks. That's probably what I'll choose. But I'd still love to hear a first hand report from someone that has either.

Looks like list price is $420. I'm seeing them for $377.99 just about everywhere (Amazon, Crutchfield, eBay, West Marine). Have you seen better than that?
 
Thanks. That's probably what I'll choose. But I'd still love to hear a first hand report from someone that has either.

Looks like list price is $420. I'm seeing them for $377.99 just about everywhere (Amazon, Crutchfield, eBay, West Marine). Have you seen better than that?
The cheapest I see is $368 but all prices are close so I'd go with Crutchfield just because of their top notch support.
 
I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a new receiver for my 2017 23RSB. I have landed on the Rockford-Fosgate PMX receivers. Now trying to narrow it down to the PMX-1 (PMX-1) or PMX-2 (PMX-2). I've Googled and conclude the major difference is the PMX-1 for $224 has a black and white dot-matrix screen and the PMX-2 for $377 has the full color screen. (The PMX-3 adds Sirius radio capability to the receiver and I have no interest in that feature.)

A big drawback for me on my OEM Kicker receiver is, in bright sunlight, I can't see anything on the display with my polarized prescription sunglasses. And I can't read just about anything without my corrective lenses.

Do you think the dot matrix screen will be easier to read than the color display in bright sunlight with polarized sunglasses?

I'm open to suggestions on other receivers but I'd like to keep the budget at under $500.
Have you tried adjusting the brightness on the Kicker? I wear polarized glasses as well, but I’ve never had a problem seeing the screen in bright sunlight.
 
I have a 2021 PMX-2 - never an issue being able to see the screen - But, I always have my double bimini up. I just HAD to compare on Crutchfield - The 1 is not compatible with IPhone, Display is (1,2,3) White/Multi/Full color, the 3 is SiriusXM ready. The 3 also has a connection for backup camera. Price jump to to a 2 is $150, from there the 3 is $30.
 
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Have you tried adjusting the brightness on the Kicker? I wear polarized glasses as well, but I’ve never had a problem seeing the screen in bright sunlight.
I have and still can't see the screen in direct sunlight. But that's not the primary reason for the upgrade. Connecting to Bluetooth is hit or miss and maddening when you're trying to get underway with a boatload of people and it won't work the way it is supposed to. Thanks!
 
The 1 is not compatible with IPhone, Display is (1,2,3) White/Multi/Full color, the 3 is SiriusXM ready.
Not compatible with iPhone is a deal breaker. I was super surprised to see this so I verified on the Rockford Fosgate site. The instruction manual for PMX-2 clearly states it is made for iPhone models...and lists about 8 specific models that were available when this model head unit was originally released. I will take the risk that it is also compatible with all the iPhones that have been created since then. There is no list of compatible iPhones in the PMX-1 manual. Thanks!
 
I have and still can't see the screen in direct sunlight. But that's not the primary reason for the upgrade. Connecting to Bluetooth is hit or miss and maddening when you're trying to get underway with a boatload of people and it won't work the way it is supposed to. Thanks!
Yeah I was going to suggest adjusting the screen like Michigan but you already did that! Heard you had some dicey weather near Columbia this morning!!!
 
I have the PMX-2 and I link with Bluetooth to my iPhone and it works well. I can see the screen in the sun. Glad I upgraded from the standard stereo.
 
Yeah I was going to suggest adjusting the screen like Michigan but you already did that! Heard you had some dicey weather near Columbia this morning!!!
It got pretty windy as the storm rolled through, but no damage that I'm aware of. And my boat is currently at the the dealer's and they certainly would have contacted me by now if there was any damage over there. Thanks, Daril.
 
I have the PMX-2 and I link with Bluetooth to my iPhone and it works well. I can see the screen in the sun. Glad I upgraded from the standard stereo.
That's what I was looking for. I'm almost certainly getting the PMX-2. Thank you.
 
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