Marine Stereo systems

[Cptkid570]

Hey everyone,
I've been shopping around for a marine stereo system for a while now and I wanted to get some opinions. I've found some real cheap stereos, but they are only like 25watts x 4 (100 watts). I don't care to play my stereo so loud that everyone on the water hears it, but I don't know if this is enough. I'm thinking that 200 watts is about what I'll need (50x4). Does that sound about right??

I need a stereo and 4 speakers. Anyone know of real inexpensive places to get these? I looked on here and they are more expensive than some other sites that I've found..

 

[lncoop]

Re: Marine Stereo systems

Based on your intended use that should be fine. Iboats has price matching.

 

[RickJ6956]

Re: Marine Stereo systems

Most cheap car stereo manufacturers (Dual, Pyle) rate their systems at absolute peak wattage, so the 50x4 system is really giving you useable undistorted power of about 17 RMS watts per channel. You may find that to be enough, but I've found that 50 watts RMS (150 peak) per channel is about right. For that you'll have to add an external amplifier.

If you buy one of the cheap deals, make sure the speakers can handle 150 peak and make sure the head unit has connections for an external amp. You can always add one later.

 

[Cougar_Bait]

Re: Marine Stereo systems

I picked up a used Sony car stereo and two pioneer speakers for 75 bucks. It was way better then my 1987 cassette player that was in there lol.

Just tossing the idea out there as a cheap alternative. It does what I need, plays some good sounding tunes while floating on the water drinking a beer.

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: Marine Stereo systems

Thank you everyone. I've definitely looked at the car stereo option. I have one of the stereo mounts so that it doesn't get splashed too. My problem is that the boat has no speakers, so after buying that stereo, I'd still have to buy 4 speakers..that's why it's tempting to get a package deal that has speakers included.

Honestly, I prefer no stereo as I like the sounds of the water (beach sounds I guess you could say..wind, water, waves, etc)... but passengers seem to like the radio, and it is almost football season, so I wouldn't mind listening to games on the radio if I'm out on the boat.

 

[Matt_99CAPRI]

Re: Marine Stereo systems

look around you can find some pretty good deals online depending on that you wanna spend, if your looking for a whole package i would say dual makes a pretty decent, two, or four speaker set up i know the cheapo one in my boat was like 149 and came with a ipod hookup.

 

[JimJam]

Re: Marine Stereo systems

I believe that one of these Sony Marine Amplifiers should bridge the gap.

 

[RickJ6956]

Re: Marine Stereo systems

You probably won't be happy with "dual cone" speakers. They are cheap, but have no woofer/tweeter components.

Look for "two-way" speakers with a tweeter mounted inside the woofer cone.

 

[scca vette]

Re: Marine Stereo systems

I bought a PYLE receiver that came with 2 speakers and paid around 80 bucks for it. It plays SD card, USB and has a AUX input. I do not think it plays CD's never looked dont own any. It is a REALLY decent stereo for the money. I added 4 more speakers and a SUB and it REALLY sounds good.

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: Marine Stereo systems

SCCA - where did you get your PYLE receiver?

 

[scca vette]

Re: Marine Stereo systems

SCCA - where did you get your PYLE receiver?

I will PM you the information!