Boat Speakers and Amplifier?

[SmokinBarrel]

I am looking to install a stereo system in my boat, and wanted to ask those who are experience what they thought of the brands I am considering?

Head Unit = Sony CDX-M60Ui
Amp = Memphis 16-MM2.100, or JL Audio M200/2 (2 - Channel)
Speakers = Polk MM651um (4 ohm) (100w RMS - 200w Max) (1 pair only)
Sub = no sub at this tiime. I don't plan to add a sub. Just 1 pair of speakers for good solid listening.

Are Memphis Amplifiers good / reputation? Would you consider any other amplifiers besides Memphis or JL Audio that maybe just as good at a good price?

And, if my speakers are 4 ohm rated, how would I hook them up, in parallel? Hooking up the speakers (as I researched) is kind of confusing. It is my understanding that I don't want the amp to drive 2 ohms, which could create problems for the speaker since they're rated at 4 ohms?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Boat Speakers and Amplifier?

Do you really need an amp if you aren't adding a sub? Modern head units put out plenty of power to drive a set of speakers. Just one less piece of electronics being exposed to the harsh marine environment.

 

[SmokinBarrel]

Re: Boat Speakers and Amplifier?

Do you really need an amp if you aren't adding a sub? Modern head units put out plenty of power to drive a set of speakers. Just one less piece of electronics being exposed to the harsh marine environment.

I suppose not, but I was told that an amp will supply a much cleaner sound, and be as less damaging to the speakers. Because it will be operating at close to its intended level?

 

[chrclo]

Re: Boat Speakers and Amplifier?

All those brands are of high quality. Memphis and JL being the best.

 

[BatDaddy1887]

Re: Boat Speakers and Amplifier?

I would recommend a receiver that also has an SD card slot like the Boss Audio MR1520UA (comparable in price to the Sony). Along with a jack for your iPod, an SD card lives inside the unit away from the elements whereas an iPod has a chance of getting wet.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Boat Speakers and Amplifier?

You are looking for "cleaner sound"???? You are in a boat -- not a concert hall or your living room. All you will experience with an amp is the abilitiy to create more sound and it can be no better than the quality of the head unit that drives it or the speakers attached to it. More loud (as in more power) does not make cleaner loud. Sound travels great distances over water so whatever you do -- respect the peace and quiet everyone (well, nearly everyone) expects.

 

[jp10]

Re: Boat Speakers and Amplifier?

Unless you have a specific need for a head unit, I would eliminate it. I connected my Ipod directly to a JL Audio amp which is wired directly to 4 speakers and a 10" sub. The sound is amazing and the install simple.

 

[swire]

Re: Boat Speakers and Amplifier?

Modern head units put out plenty of power to drive a set of speakers.

They don't really. A head unit might advertise 50 watts per channel but that is peak power not RMS. The RMS value is around 13 to 15 watts. If you compare a set of speakers running at 15 watts versus 75 watts there is no comparison on sound and volume. Plus on a boat you may have the motor running, the boat you are tied up to might have their motor running, jet skiis screaming by, the extra power might come in handy.

 

[Hiya Bayaya]

Re: Boat Speakers and Amplifier?

I had an original crapppy Jensen head unit and 2 no name speakers made in China, 40 watts each . I thought of installing an amp, but then I realized that amp would drain the battery and might leave me in the middle of the lake. Which meant installing a second battery, switch, and hardware, which is a good idea, but of course more money. After talking to stereo shops they suggested to ONLY change the head unit, and not spend the money on a amp(which they could have made more money from), but on good speakers. I am a Kenwood guy, so I went with the Kmr 440U and 2, 100 watts speakers. The sound is a lot better and clearer than the prev. unit. I can now hear music at full throttle.
See what you head unit and speakers sound like first without an amp, you might not need an amp.

 

[sike1700]

Re: Boat Speakers and Amplifier?

Did you run your Ipod to your amp with head phone jack to rca...did you have to spit it so it ran all four speakers..Maybe should just ask you how you ran it all together...I'm like you don't want to by a head unit if i don't have to..I touch and phone do the exact same thing as a head unit...what size of amp did you use...any specifics on the amp to make it sound good...sorry to run on..just want as much info on how you set this up as you can give me...thanks...for your time...

 

[Silverbullet555]

Re: Boat Speakers and Amplifier?

For speakers I would go with the Polk DB651 speakers. They go on sale at amazon for under $50 per pair.

As was previously mentioned, acoustics in a boat suck so there is a steep law of diminishing returns. My upgrade is down below and most of it focused on amps and controlling the different amps. I went with Class D amps to save on space and used JL and Alpine. For the deck, I used one that I had around because it had a USB and 3.5mm input. It is probably the weak link in my system.

 

[SmokinBarrel]

Re: Boat Speakers and Amplifier? ** Updated **

Re: Boat Speakers and Amplifier? ** Updated **

Update......

I finally installed the speaker system in the boat.

1. Head Unit - Sony
2. AMP - Phoenix Gold x100.2 (Car AMP) (Mounted with protection from moisture)
3. Speakers - 1 pair, Polk Audio 651mm

I am very happy with my selection, and install. The sound is incredible and almost overkill or to load. But, it sure is crisp sounding!!