Marine Sound Systems

[hemi2005]

I'm looking for a good quality (loud) sterio for my Allison GSE.The boat has (4) 6.5" speakers right now and a receiver that accepts MP3, etc, etc, but no CD player. I'm in need of a receiver with a CD player and some good, loud 6.5" speakers. When I'm running I can't hear the sterio that I have now. Any advise and opinions on brands would be appreciated. Also I'm hoping to accomplish this without adding an external amp if possible. I"m also nearing the end of a divorce, so I need to pinch pennies.

[tony97gt]

All of the last few sentences are very contradictory. You can't really get good quality sound, loud, clear, without good speakers (and they aren't very cheap) and an amplifier. If you crank up most cheap speakers so you can hear it while running, and don't have an amp to clean up the sound, they won't last very long. Most of the newer Class D amps draw much less power than the older style amps. I can't speak for many other brands (except sonys and clarions) of speakers, but the JL Audio's I have sound awesome. I have a JL Audio amp pushing them too. I have owned sony speakers and clarions and both turned to junk after the saltwater did it's thing on them. The sonys lasted longer, the clarions only about 2 years or less.

JL makes high quality stuff that isn't the cheapest, but you get what you pay for. If you can afford it, and you can fit it in, I suggest either the 6.5's (good), 7.7's (better), or 8.8's(best) and a good 4 channel Class D amp. I happen to know several people who are designers/reps at the Jl headquarters (met them after I purchased JL equipment, so NO I don't get a kickback or anything) and they told me that by the end of this year/early next year, JL Audio will be introducing a new head unit for Marine applications that is going to sweep the market. So if you can hold out on the head unit you may want to wait for the new one to drop and see if it's what you're looking for. But it ain't gonna be the cheapest. Good luck.

[ProComp]

I have two 6.5s in my grandsport and two 6x9s up front with a 4 way amp mounted to one of the rear deck lids and it cranks pretty good. I bought an ipod receiver deck that works great. I have no luck with CD players not skipping. IPOD works great. You can buy amps that you can plug your ipod into eliminating the cost of a new deck.

[hemi2005]

All good info and I guess that you do get what you pay for. I'm not in a big rush, but I would like to hear some music when I cruise. I was looking at some JL Audio speakers as a matter of fact. I might just have to pick up some. Thanks for the info guys. :thumbsup:

[.....]

Check out wetsounds.com they have killer marine speakers and amps!

[BRB]

u wanna rock rockford fosgate marine speakers and amps.....jl is over rated imo.....the amps dont have to be marine but thier 6.5 speakers rock

[tony97gt]

IMO if you're running in or near salt water go with marine equipment and stainless hardware. Salt and sun eat everything up.

[hemi2005]

I run in fresh water 99.9% of the time and the boat is garaged so I'm not concerned about the salt or sun too much.:D

I'll certainly look into some of these other places and brands. Thanks for the help! :cheers:

[njj502]

JL Audio Speakers, JL Audio Amp & Alpine driving it! I've had this combo several times and I can't find one negative...... other than wishing I had gone to the 13W6 vs the 10W6... :cool:

[hemi2005]

JL Audio Speakers, JL Audio Amp & Alpine driving it! I've had this combo several times and I can't find one negative...... other than wishing I had gone to the 13W6 vs the 10W6... :cool:

Sounds good. I'll look into those as well, thanks! :thumbsup:

[tony97gt]

jl audio speakers, jl audio amp & alpine driving it! I've had this combo several times and i can't find one negative...... Other than wishing i had gone to the 13w6 vs the 10w6... :cool:
^^^x2

[Fasprop]

I just picked up 4 infinity 6.5's for my GS and next is to pick out a head unit and amp.... good info here. Where are you guys putting the amp in the grandsport?
I was looking and the battery side rear storage seemed like the best spot. I just wonder if it will get enough air to not get to hot. I don't want it under the bow I do know that much.

[hemi2005]

I just picked up 4 infinity 6.5's for my GS and next is to pick out a head unit and amp.... good info here. Where are you guys putting the amp in the grandsport? I was looking and the battery side rear storage seemed like the best spot. I just wonder if it will get enough air to not get to hot. I don't want it under the bow I do know that much.

PROCOMP mounted his under one of the rear deck lids.

[njj502]

Shouldn't get too hot I wouldn't think... unless it's been baking in the sun all day then you might give it a little fresh air.

[ProComp]

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n617/procomp7/021.jpg

[hemi2005]

http://i1142.photobucket.com/albums/n617/procomp7/021.jpg

That's a good idea. It's out of the way and keeps the extra weight to the rear.

[ProComp]

I can't take credit. Mine came like that but no issues with the location. i

[hemi2005]

I can't take credit. Mine came like that but no issues with the location. i

I appreciate the honesty :cheers:, but I wouldn't have known the difference :D.

[WIPolaris]

Are most of you guys still running a single battery setup? Looking to put something in the Vking this winter but dont want another weight in the boat for a battery. Just dont want to listen to tunes at the sandbar for a couple hours and then not crank over.

[tony97gt]

I run dual batteries with a switch and an isolator.

[njj502]

I dig the amp setup on the GS. Gives me inspiration to do another system but for a boat but.......I just don't think I want to dish the $$ out to do another...

On the other hand I'd love to put 2 sets of 6.5 JL components & one 10W6 sub all driven with one JL amp. I'd drive all this with an Alpine deck that's USB/iPod/XM/CD capable. I wouldn't even use the marine stuff since I'm only freshwater and it's only taken out on sunny days. :D

[tony97gt]

You should probably still get marine speakers. The uv rays will also eat up standard speakers. I've got a 5 chan jl amp pushing my 4 miss and 1 sub. Sounds awesome!

[flubyu]

JL Audio all the way...no, it's not over-rated. It's the best and that's all there is to it.:D

[hemi2005]

You should probably still get marine speakers. The uv rays will also eat up standard speakers. I've got a 5 chan jl amp pushing my 4 miss and 1 sub. Sounds awesome!

Just FYI, none of the 4 speakers in the GS will get much if any direct sunlight. At least mine won't where they're mounted. But, I do prefer marine grade in a boat as well.

[tony97gt]

I've had Sony and clarion "marine grade" and they fell apart.

[BRB]

flubyu....thats ur opinion...but ive had fosgate thump any jl ive come across and cheeper....my 2cents

[hemi2005]

For those of you with a GS, you might like this. I made my own bazookas for the rear 6.5s. Cost $0.00 and a few hours in the garage. The PVC is actually the center of a spool of RG-11 that I usually throw in the dumpster and the ends are made of 3/4" MDF that I got from my neighbor who does cabinet installs. They're ugly, but no one sees them anyway. :D

265287265288

[Fasprop]

Pretty cool idea there... Now tell me does it help with the sound? Bazooka tubes are all bass so just wondering how a sealed enclosure like that would help or hurt the speakers sound??

[hemi2005]

So far I just have the cheap West Marine speakers that came with the boat and I do notice a little more bass. I'm wondering if I should drill a 1" hole in them somewhere to vent any extra pressure (for when I get an amp and better speakers).

[hemi2005]

The biggest reason for the tubes was to get the sound to project forward into the cockpit instead of sending sound partially into the storage areas..... And I should mention that I used silicone around the end caps before screwing them in.

[BRB]

looks pretty good to me

[hemi2005]

looks pretty good to me

Thanks! Once I get some new speakers and an amp, they might sound good, I hope.

[Ziemer]

Thanks! Once I get some new speakers and an amp, they might sound good, I hope.

A small amp should make a huge difference... A head unit a 4x50W is nothing like an amp at 4x50W. Once I get all the bugs out of the big boat, I'm gonna focus on a sound system for it. I don't have anything permanent in the GS, just a 3 speaker portable unit that I can plug an Ipod into. ;)

[hemi2005]

A small amp should make a huge difference... A head unit a 4x50W is nothing like an amp at 4x50W. Once I get all the bugs out of the big boat, I'm gonna focus on a sound system for it. I don't have anything permanent in the GS, just a 3 speaker portable unit that I can plug an Ipod into. ;)

I remember seeing that boom box that you built. :D All self contained as I recall. Very cool idea! :thumbsup:

[JustMercMe]

I put wetsounds throughout the Donzi. Made a world of difference. They cost a lil more but have heard no complaints from anyone on thier products. I have a couple of buds running the Polk Audio speakers and they love them. As far as amplifiers, check amazon. Have found some pretty good prices on 4 & 6 channel marine amps from MB Quart, Rockford, & JL.

[tony97gt]

The only downside to buying products like that off Amazon is the factory sometimes won't honor the warranty. I know Amazon has a return policy and I've had to return a Clarion head unit and a Clarion Remote and they haven't given me a hard time. Just use caution when buying from random websites. Sometimes spending the few extra $$ is worth it when something goes wrong and you can return the stuff.

[willfrankjoy]

What if you use better amps, good fiber patch cables for smooth flow of current and connection.. would that be of any help? Even if you buy big and better speakers, these two tips will always help you do adjustments accordingly.
______________________
(http://www.prolinkproducts.com/categories.php?cat=Coax+Cables+50ohm+and+75ohm)buy fiber optic cable (http://www.dataaccessories.com/fiber.html)

[oregondunes]

Fusion Marine head unit. Nothing compares http://www.fusionelectronics.com/marine

Polk Audio (Db series). Best bang of the buck for drivers. Tweeters are on swivel axis so you can "aim" them where you want them. http://www.polkaudio.com/products/marine/

JL Audio, Kenwood or Polk Audio. The very best built and modestly priced subwoofers. http://www.crutchfield.com/S-QMuTByRb9y7/g_217950/Marine-Subwoofers.html

Krypt Amplifiers. I dare anyone to find one that is as efficient, clear/clean sounding, compact in size and priced like them. Dont be fooled by the low watt rating. These amps hit hard. http://www.onlyinboards.com/AccessoryShop/Products/Speakers/Amplifiers/Krypt-KMA500-1-Class-G-H-Marine-Audio-Full-Range-A.aspx

All of these items/brands can be had on eBay. Just watch and take your time bidding or google search and compare online retailers.

[tony97gt]

You buy on ebay and you get no manufacturer warranty.

[oregondunes]

I have bought lots of brand new stereo gear from long standing retailers there. some even offer extended warranties. If you buy quality gear, you dont have to worry about warranty. In the last 5 years Ive had one thing go bad. notified the seller, sent it back, they replaced it at their expense long after the mfg warranty was over.

all depends on who your doing business with.

[tony97gt]

If you buy quality gear, you dont have to worry about warranty. In the last 5 years Ive had one thing go bad. notified the seller, sent it back, they replaced it at their expense long after the mfg warranty was over.

all depends on who your doing business with.

Really? So you've never bought anything quality and had some sort of defect or anything go wrong with it? Wow, you should play the lotto too. :icon_bs:

[oregondunes]

Here's what u do. Pay with PayPal, and use your credit card. No matter what, you've got a built in warranty of 180 days if you are so concerned.

like I wrote before, I've had one thing go bad from an eBay reseller. It happened 20 months after purchase. Mfg warranty was 12 months. I emailed seller, ship it back at my expense, they replaced at their expense. Try and get best buy to do that.

A lot has to do with whom you buy from on eBay.