Rockford Fosgate PMX-2 vs. PMX-3

Introduction

The Rockford Fosgate PMX-2 is one of the best marine grade source units available. It features a 2.7" LCD display that remains visible, even in the brightest conditions, a large rotary volume knob, front subwoofer control, Bluetooth, Pandora control, USB, Auxiliary, 4 channel selectable pre-outs, an AM/FM tuner, and a built-in 4x50W (2 Ohm) amplifier. The form factor of the unit itself is very compact, and it can mount from the front with a 3" round opening. The PMX-2 was released and was damn near perfect. Always striving for greatness, Rockford Fosgate then developed and release the PMX-3. The PMX-3 has all of the same features as the PMX-2, but it Sirius XM ready with the SXV300 module, it has a direct, compositve video connection, and it has an external trigger input so that you can activate reverse camera mode.

PMX-3 is Sirius-XM Ready

The PMX-3 is Sirius XM ready while the PMX-2 is not. Both units have built-in AM/FM/WB tuners. An antenna is not included, but if you add an antenna, you can pick up radio signal. If regular radio isn't good enough and you want Sirius XM, you need the PMX-3. You will also need to purchase the SXV300 module. The SXV300 module plugs into the back of the PMX-3 and will allow you to control, save, and listen to Sirius XM. It will require a SiriusXM membership and you will need to install the Sirius XM antenna in order to pick up stations and the signal.

PMX-3 Has a Compositve Video Input

The compositve video input on the PMX-3 allows you to connect a back-up camera to your source unit. New cars today are required to have a back-up camera and many customer's have become used to the ease and convenience of a back-up camera. With the PMX-3 you can purchase a backup camera, connect the video output of the camera to the video input on the PMX-3, and the camera will be connected. Next, you will need to use the exteranl trigger input so that you can tell the PMX-3 when the car or boat is in reverse. When in reverse, the PMX-3 will display the video from the camera on the 2.7" display.

So the only difference is Sirius XM ready and the backup camera capability?

Yes. If you are trying to decide between the Rockford Fosgate PMX-2 and the PMX-3, it comes down to Sirius XM and a back-up camera.

Our recommendation

If you don't care about SiriusXM and having a back-up camera, save a couple of bucks and get the PMX-2. If you want a back-up camera, go with the PMX-3. If you don't care about a back-up camera, but you want SiriusXM, you could use the app on your phone and stream it via Bluetooth. The phone app via Bluetooth is not as convenient because you have to change stations on your phone, but you don't have to buy a tuner, you don't have to add an additional radio to your subscription, and instead you just pay for app access. If the Sirius XM app sounds inconvenient and/or you need to make sure your phone stays in a safe dry space, get the PMX-3 and the SVX300 tuner.

Comparison

PMX-2

SiriusXM Ready

No

Composite Video Input

No

External Trigger for Backup Camera

No

Screen Size

2.7"

Bluetooth

Yes (Streaming Only)

Tuner

AM/FM/WB

Power Output

25W x4 @ 4 Ohm

iPod/iPhone Compatible

Yes

Android Compatible

Limited

Auxiliary Input

Yes

Clock

No

USB Charging

Yes

USB Capacity (Data)

32Gb 999 Song/Folder Max

RCA Pre-Outs

Front & Rear/Sub (175mm)

Width

4.5" (115mm)

Height

4.2" (106mm)

Mounting Depth

2.9" (74mm)

Speaker Impedance

2 Ohm Stable

PMX-3

SiriusXM Ready

Yes (SVX300 Tuner Req'd)

Composite Video Input

Yes

External Trigger for Backup Camera

Yes

Screen Size

2.7"

Bluetooth

Yes (Streaming Only)

Tuner

AM/FM/WB

Power Output

25W x4 @ 4 Ohm

iPod/iPhone Compatible

Yes

Android Compatible

Limited

Auxiliary Input

Yes

Clock

No

USB Charging

Yes

USB Capacity (Data)

32Gb 999 Song/Folder Max

RCA Pre-Outs

Front & Rear/Sub (175mm)

Width

4.5" (115mm)

Height

4.2" (106mm)

Mounting Depth

2.9" (74mm)

Speaker Impedance

2 Ohm Stable