1998 250 DA Stereo question - amp and subs

[eric_a13]

I have a 250DA with the standard stereo system (two speakers in the cabin, 4 up top, remote at the helm all Clarion) and was wondering if I was to add subwoofers and amp can I keep the existing system and just add the components mentioned? I talked with a stereo guy and he said I could run the two cabin speakers off the stereo direct and then use the amp for the rear speakers and subs. My idea is to add 2 10 inch subwoofers to the boat...any input is appreciated.

 

[QC]

Re: 1998 250 DA Stereo question - amp and subs

Hey eric, welcome aboard. I am going to move this up to the electronics section and see if you get more action there. It is not really boat model specific and you'll attract an audiophile or two up there. You'll probably also attract a few who say something like "why do you want to wreck the peace and quiet of my fishing hole", but they'll get over it

FWIW I have a very similar system to what you want to end up with. Rock on!!

 

[slia67]

Re: 1998 250 DA Stereo question - amp and subs

Eric,

More info is needed.

What are the specs on your speakers? (RMS & peak power)

Does your existing head unit have pre-amp outputs? If so that would be the easiest way to add your amps and subs. I would use two amps, one for the four "up top" speakers, and one for your subs. If you only have one set of pre-amps you can daisy-chain the amps together on some amps.

If you don't have pe-amp outputs, you can buy amps that allow you to use "speaker level" inputs. The sound is not as clean, but hey we're talking about a boat, right?

Your friend was right, I would use the headunit to power your cabin speakers. Another thing you may consider if you spend nights on the hook, install a switch to cut power to your amps so that only your cabin speakers will play when you want quiet time. All you have to do is install a switch on your amp switching wire from your headunit.

Oh and one more thing. I would run better wiring to our existing speakers to handle the extra power.

 

[eric_a13]

Re: 1998 250 DA Stereo question - amp and subs

SLIA67 - Thanks for the info...I will have to follow-up on the details of the current system...I just bought the boat and it's still in storage about 1.5 hours from my house so frequent trips to visit aren't happening

Once I get the boat home (when it gets warmer here in MI) and can dig into it I plan on working on the system...maybe by then I will have the cash to over-haul the whole thing!

Thanks again for the advice...you may hear more from me in the spring!

 

[slia67]

Re: 1998 250 DA Stereo question - amp and subs

You're welcome. Just let us know when you get ready to do it, or have the additional info.