Marine Electronics Forum - Sonic Hub vs. Fusion MS-RA200

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View Full Version : Sonic Hub vs. Fusion MS-RA200


starbright55
05-23-2012, 09:54 AM
Ok, can't decide between the two.

A couple of people here made the comment and so did another couple of friends about the Sonic Hub: "It's not super easy to get to the music controls quickly through the HDS, make sure you get a remote or a separate head unit"

I'm looking at price and ease of use. I did a little cost analysis using BOE prices as examples and the requirement that if I went Sonic Hub, I'd get a remote so I can get to the volume quickly, etc.

1a. Sonic Hub $284, NMEA Starter Kit $48, Wired Remote $123, Total $455.35
1b. Fusion MS-RA200KTS w/Speakers $225, Fusion USB Dock MS-DKIPUSB $93.97, Total $319

In round 1 of comparisons, if there is no satellite radio/weather in the equation, Fusion wins in ease of use, with same dock, same speakers, same amp, etc.

2a. Sonic Hub $284, NMEA Starter Kit $48, Wired Remote $123, Lowrance LWX-1 $97, Total $552
2b. Fusion MS-RA200KTS w/Speakers $225, Fusion USB Dock MS-DKIPUSB $93.97, Lowrance LWX-1 $97, SIRIUS SCC1 Connect Universal Tuner $48, Shakespeare SRA-25 Ultra Low Profile Sirius Marine Antenna $68. Total $533

In round 2 of comparisons, if I ever wanted to add satellite radio and weather, the Fusion still seems be the way to go.

Honestly, I don't know if I need satellite radio. I had it in my car when I first got it (free) and never renewed. I will rarely be so far offshore that FM won't work....maybe 40 miles. And, I don't know about satellite weather, seems very expensive!!! (Also, I don't have a reason for an NMEA network yet ...just have HDS-7 & LSS-1)

New question...any reason I should go with the Sonic Hub instead of the Fusion? I've got a new sheet of aluminum and am getting ready to make a new dash, but don't want to start cutting until I decide.


boydski
05-23-2012, 10:10 AM
..any reason I should go with the Sonic Hub instead of the Fusion? I've got a new sheet of aluminum and am getting ready to make a new dash, but don't want to start cutting until I decide.


I have the Sonic Hub in one boat and the RA200 in another. The only advantage of the Sonic Hub is that you don't have to mount a Stereo/head unit on or near your dash, just a dock for your Iphone/Ipod out of sight. It is nice if you have limited space. The disadvantage to the Sonic Hub is that you have to have one of your HDS units on in order to listen to music. It also behaves rather poorly with multiple, networked HDS units.

The RA200 is simple and works well. The Sonic Hub works well, impresses your friends and takes a few seconds longer to adjust volume, etc (yes, I also have a remote). Navigating IPod/Iphone menus on the HDS is much easier than doing so on the very small RA200 screen.

Good Luck!



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