AMP and Subwoofer Installation

[harrydnyc]

I was wondering if anyone would know a good place to find someone to install a new AMP, Stereo, Subwoofer, and Speakers. My marina will do it, but they are going to charge me the same rate they would for any labor. I dont think I should pay that much for something that is not even their specialty. <br /><br />I know it is not rocket science to install this stuff, but I would just rather it done right. I am not sure where I should place the amp or the subwoofer tube. I live in City Island, New York. If anyone has any ideas, let me know. Should I just call some car install places, and ask them if anyone could come to by boat? Sorry, I know I am clueless in this.<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[--GQ--]

Re: AMP and Subwoofer Installation

Harry, I know a few people here in California I can point them out to you. For the right price they will be at your door 9 am sharp tomorrow morning . <br /><br />All kidding aside, for the few hundreds to have it installed, I'd rather do it myself and donate the $$$ to my local charity. Ofcourse if your a CEO of some big company let say GM then ignore the above statement. Throw in all the bells and whistles and mark the tap "business expenses" . The fools get fooled everytime.<br /><br />If you like tell me what you got and I'll make a drawing/diagram for you. <br /><br /><br />HEAD UNIT: what brand? how many channels? pre-amp. output? sub. output? <br /><br />AMPLIFIER: what brand? how many channels? cross over built in? ohm rating?<br /><br />SUB-WOOFER: how may sub-speaker? single/dual voice coils? ohm rating per coil?<br /><br />The best place to put a Sub box is within the four corners of your listening environment. A good spot is under the console on the passenger side or star-board side (not sure of the boating lingo). If space doesn't allow, place it front most as you can.

 

[harrydnyc]

Re: AMP and Subwoofer Installation

OK, Here is what I got.<br /><br />Subwoofer : Bazooka SM104 10" Marine bass tube<br />4-ohm impedance <br />frequency response 39-1,000 Hz <br />handles up to 200 watts RMS<br /><br /><br />AMP : Bazooka Bazooka MA460 Marine Amplifier (4 Channels, Built-in Crossover, 65 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms (85 watts RMS x 4 at 2 ohms) 175 watts RMS x 2 in bridged mode (4-ohm stable in bridged mode) <br /><br />Head Unit : Clarion M455 (4 Channel 17 watts RMS/52 peak x 4 channels<br /><br />I have a 25 Foot 96 Crownline 250 CR.<br /><br />The bass tube is about 21 inches long which is why i am concerned about where to place it. <br /><br />Thanks for any help.

 

[harrydnyc]

Re: AMP and Subwoofer Installation

I forgot something. Here is what I have in mind, maybe you can let me know if this will work.<br /><br />I plan to run the cabin speakers directly off the head unit since volume is not that big of a deal inside. I plan to run the two outside speakers off two of the 4 amp channels then bridge the remaining two channels to use them for the sub. I believe this should be ok.

 

[--GQ--]

Re: AMP and Subwoofer Installation

Originally posted by Harrydnyc:<br />[QB] I forgot something. Here is what I have in mind, maybe you can let me know if this will work. I plan to run the two outside speakers off two of the 4 amp channels then bridge the remaining two channels to use them for the sub. I believe this should be ok.<br /><br /><br />This I will not recommend. Sound quality will be diminished. Distortion will increase. Power output is limited to the lowest rating speakers (power handling). Also most amplifiers can not be independently bridged between channels.<br /><br />Your Clarion has 4 pre-amp. RCA outputs. They go directly to the Amplifier RCA inputs. Make sure you don't mix match between front and rear channels or left and right. Sound quality will be compromised.<br /><br />These wires on your Head Unit need to be wired correctly. <br />Accessory wire - usually red, connect to the ignition.<br />Batt/memory wire - usually yellow, connect to constant hot from battery<br />Remote wire - light blue or blue with white stripe. connect to amplifier remote turn on wire or screw. This wire sends a signal to turn the amplifier on/off when ever your head Unit is activated.<br /><br /><br />

<br /><br />Note: your head unit has an adjustable Low Pass Filter as-well as your Amplifier. This feature allows you to adjust the bass depth coming out your speakers. On your Amplifier, leave it in the off/normal position. Do the adjustment from the head unit.

 

[imported_darren2569]

Re: AMP and Subwoofer Installation

only problem with having your sub and other speakers running off the same amp, is that you'll either be getting only bass to all the speakers or your sub will be getting the full range of sound. Either way will sound crappy.

Best soloution would be to use a seperate crossover to control the signal to the sub. Chespest would be to just run all the speakers (except sub) off the HU and just the sub off the amp.

p.s. I'm not sure but I dont think you can run one amp with 2 channels bridged and 2 not.

Check out caraudioforum.com or carstereo.com for a ton of info on installs. (in cars but it should give you a real good idea)

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: AMP and Subwoofer Installation

Don't want to argue here but I'm pretty sure Harry can run that amp as a 3 channel amp as he indicated, there may be a little compromise in quality but we're taking about audio in a boat (not the same as a car) here is a bit of the description of the amp's capabilities from the Crutchfield site which I've always found to be pretty good.


Not only is the MA460 well-built, it'll handle several system configurations. You can drive two sets of speakers in 4-channel mode, power a pair of subs in 2-channel mode, or switch to 3-channel mode to run a pair of speakers and a sub.

However you use it, you'll find it has the tools to get the job done. Filters adjust the frequency output to match your setup, and a bass boost adds depth to the lows. Preamp outputs simplify hookup if you add another amp later on.

 

[b00tstrap]

Re: AMP and Subwoofer Installation

My vote:

Connect the two speakers that you want to be the loudest to the amp along with the sub. Then connect the remaining pair to the head unit front channels.

The amp should use 2 channels for the regular speakers, and bridge the other 2 channels for the sub.

Turn on the x-over for the sub and dial down to 80hz or lower 9use your ear to decide). Turn on the x-over for the other 2 channels and set around 200hz.

When you crank it up, adjust the gains on the amp with the head unit 3/4 way up. Move the gains so that nothing sounds bad (amp not clipping). If the speakers connected to the front channels of the radio are sounding bad, but the amplified ones are good, fade the stereo to the rear. This will act as a gain control for the stereo front channels.... or get a 6ch amp and do em all!