Need speaker recommendation for a new stereo setup

[vetting]

Im in need of a speaker recommendation for new setup. I just need some clean crisp sound for when I'm salmon trolling and be able to crank it out a bit for river cruises without distortion.

I dont want to go with subs or anything too crazy. Wouldnt mind some speakers that can handle some bass though.

I currently have a Clarion M303 for a deck.
RMS Power Output 18 watts
Peak Output 45 watts
RMS Power Bandwidth 20-20kHz
Preamp Outputs 4-channel
Sub Preamp Outputs No
Switchable Rear Preamp Outputs Yes

For an AMP I have a mini Clarion Amp - XC1410
RMS Power Output (Watts x Channels) 50 x 4
Peak Power Output (Watts x Channels) N/A
Power at 2 Ohms (Watts x Channels) 75 x 4
Bridged Power (Watts x Channels) N/A
Minimum Impedance Bridged N/A
Minimum Impedance Unbridged 2
Best Frequency Response 20-20k Hz
THD at Rated RMS Power 0.1%
Signal to Noise Ratio 80 dB

I want to replace the front 6.5" speakers that are just outside the cabin and I also have a set of box speakers towards the back tucked under near the floor. There is enough room to build a small enclosure and put in 6.5" speakers instead.

So looking for a recommendation for a set of 4 marine grade speakers that will work with this setup and be ok exposed to the elements (just rain and deck washdowns) - no salt water.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[sweet addiction]

Re: Need speaker recommendation for a new stereo setup

How much are you willing to spend?

 

[OllieC]

Re: Need speaker recommendation for a new stereo setup

What SA asks - and - do you have room to up the size to a 7.7"? I upgraded mine from a 6.5" Clarions to JL Audios 7.7" and they sound phenomenal...
Obviously you would need to make the hole larger than the 6.5" - however it's a piece of cake with a Dremel tool. You just have to deal with gel coat dust.

I also added LED speaker rings for night time or Happy Hour ambience....


edit: I said the same thing last year as well.."I don't want anything crazy" and ended up getting a sub. You can't beat it IMO. That will give you your cleanest sound separation.

 

[sweet addiction]

Re: Need speaker recommendation for a new stereo setup

I have heard those JL 7.7 s'. They are awesome!

 

[doyall]

Re: Need speaker recommendation for a new stereo setup

The specs on your amp at Clarion's web site suggest that 50W x 4 may be peak output, not RMS, and even then that is at 14.4V. Unless the engine is running you will never be at that voltage so whatever wattage output there is will be reduced as well. Don't think you will have enough juice for the JL's to really perform, and for the average guy's needs a pair of speakers in the $400 plus price range is really overboard. If you would really like some bass, you are not going to find any with 6.5's though.

Another question for you ... what do you have now?

 

[OllieC]

Re: Need speaker recommendation for a new stereo setup

I forgot to mention, my; "I don't want to do anything crazy"; included an AMP. It's a small one though... JL Audio M4/400

 

[vetting]

Re: Need speaker recommendation for a new stereo setup

All I have now were some cheapie boss or pyle 6.5" speakers in the front and some box speakers in the back under a panel. They actually dont sound too bad since my boat has higher sides which traps sound and its is also partialy enclosed. I dont really want to go with anything bigger than 6.5" cause if you ever have to switch back - its kinda hard to add back the glass/gel coat you cut out

So not looking to break the bank - maybe $300 ish for the set of 4.

Mind you I'm on Lake Michigan in a slip. Up here we really dont do the park your boat on the beach and blast the tunes thing

 

[OllieC]

Re: Need speaker recommendation for a new stereo setup

JL makes an MX series designed more for stock head units and/or smaller amps. They come in a 6.5". Of course I'm biased towards JL. They make great marine products and when I needed help configuring my amp, the were very responsive - Plus it's made in the USA.

I heard the Rockford Fosgates aren't bad.

Here's a review page;
http://marine-speakers-review.toptenreviews.com/jl-audio-mx650-review.html

 

[doyall]

Re: Need speaker recommendation for a new stereo setup

vetting, check your private message.

 

[vetting]

Re: Need speaker recommendation for a new stereo setup

I was looking at the JLs. So whats the difference between MX650 vs M650?

 

[OllieC]

Re: Need speaker recommendation for a new stereo setup

The M Series are designed to run with a higher output Amplifiers vs. the MX. MX are lighter duty. If you ran the "M" series, you wouldn't utilize their full potential unless you upgraded your AMP......but don't get me wrong, you can run an upgraded AMP with the MX's as well.

 

[doyall]

Re: Need speaker recommendation for a new stereo setup

I was looking at the JLs. ...

Unless you are going to upgrade your amp you will be disappointed.

 

[achris]

Re: Need speaker recommendation for a new stereo setup

I really can't understand people wanting to have 5000watts of audio power... You're in a boat! you can't get more than (generally) about 20' away from the speakers. If you have too much power you are going to do a few things.
1. Scare all the fish off (yes you will!)
2. Annoy everyone else around you with crap they may not want to hear
3. Not be able to converse with others on your boat
4. Damage you ears

I have a very standard Alpine car stereo unit fitted with a couple of very normal 6" speakers. I think the stereo puts out about 14W peak. I RARELY have the volume turned up beyond 1/3 when I'm out on the water. It might go to about 1/2 when I'm in the shed working... Any louder, it's too loud. And just so you don't all think I'm some kind of old fart, I like any Pink Floyd or ACDC and Fleetwood Mac's Tusk up LOUD!

Here's something to consider. Generally the more power a speaker is able to handle, the LESS efficient it is at handling that power. Meaning you need more power to drive it. So, get 'less powerful' speakers, a less powerful driver (Amp or unit direct), use less power out of your battery, and have cleaner sound reproduction. BTW, this is not MHO, it an electronic fact!

Chris......

 

[OllieC]

Re: Need speaker recommendation for a new stereo setup

I get what your saying achris, however it's "different strokes for different boats".

Even though I fish, my primary use is entertaining. For me, I wanted sound "quality", not; "Let's see if Jeff in the other Bay can hear my tunes." With a proper setup, including an Amp and sub, just like at home or in your car, you can achieve this.

IMO my setup sounds great. When my in-laws are aboard, I play some Sinatra and they love it. My kid loves to play her music and when I'm working on the boat, I like to listen to mine, ROCK, and the quality is there.

As far as the JL's - The MX Series is designed as a direct replacement for stock speakers - with or without an AMP. If you currently "do not" have coaxial speakers, these will be an improvement. I believe they also have a built in crossover for woofer and tweet separation .