Fusion,,,JL Audio and JL Audio amp.... Boat show..

Siboatguy

Active Member
SILVER Sponsor
Mar 28, 2016
499
Holmdel,NJ
Boat Info
1999 Sea Ray 290 Sundancer
2005 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer
2005 Sea Ray 340 Sundancer
Engines
Twins V-Drives
8.1 Mercruiser
Going to buy a Fusion Radio just not sure witch one i need.... Don't want anything too crazy just something that works and will work with my Garmin so i don't need anther remote... And was thinking of a JL amp to run my 4 JL speakers that Im gonna change out.... And maybe down the line do a 10inch sub... But i want to see how it sounds first with the Fusion,, JL audio and a JL amp.... I'm putting this all in a Sea ray 320 that still has the factory speakers and radio in it......And do they really give discounts at the boat show??

This is some of the stuff I'm thinking about....

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Going to buy a Fusion Radio just not sure witch one i need.... Don't want anything too crazy just something that works and will work with my Garmin so i don't need anther remote... And was thinking of a JL amp to run my 4 JL speakers that Im gonna change out.... And maybe down the line do a 10inch sub... But i want to see how it sounds first with the Fusion,, JL audio and a JL amp.... I'm putting this all in a Sea ray 320 that still has the factory speakers and radio in it......And do they really give discounts at the boat show??

This is some of the stuff I'm thinking about....

View attachment 65181 View attachment 65182

Add a JL 10IB3 sub to that setup and you will have a very robust sounding system. I enjoy mine. Fusion RA70 would be a good choice.
 
Dont know who they is, but I highly recommend purchasing through a source that can lend assistance before, during and after installation.

There is no substitute for a woofer. There is a great deal of program material lost, that small full-range speakers just dont want to reproduce. Go ahead and plan for it, and install a 5 chnl amp.
 
I second the RA-70 but make sure you get the RA-70N, it has Nmea2000 capability that will connect you to remotes and get your head unit integrated into the Garmin. Assuming your Garmin is capable. I have a Garmin 840 and it works great. Take a look at the $50 fusion arx remotes that are awesome.
 
Even though they are a little more, maybe step up to the "M" series of speakers vs. the "MX". They have better dynamics which work better with the AMP. It is my understanding the "MX" series are more designed for stock receivers .
I upgraded to the 7.7" M Series and a 10" sub about 6 years ago. Love it!

I will be upgrading to a Fusion RA70NSX this spring to utilize the Garmin Watch, and Garmin Chart plotter NMEA connection like yourself.

Also, check out the Fusion 'ANT' wireless remote. A CSR member turned me on to those. You can add up to 2 wireless remotes ($50ea). I want to stick one next to the swim platform
 
I second the RA-70 but make sure you get the RA-70N, it has Nmea2000 capability that will connect you to remotes and get your head unit integrated into the Garmin. Assuming your Garmin is capable. I have a Garmin 840 and it works great. Take a look at the $50 fusion arx remotes that are awesome.


LOL - typed the same thing
 
So maybe ill just use a amp for the sub... And just use the JL audio's off the Head unit....
 
Wouldn't recommend that. I used the head units amp for the cabin speakers. Although I
agree the M series is a better speaker, they are more than twice the price. In a 320 your
Not going to notice a huge difference unless
The volume is really high. Normal levels the MX actually sounded better to my ears. The 700/5 is a great match for either. You will hear a difference over head unit amp.
If money is no object go with the M's. Sound is subjective. Buy what sounds good to you.
 
Siboatguy, are you sure you don't already have an amp? I haven't seen a 320 that came without one. Adding the JL amp you have pictured above would be great but you could use the factory amp that is already there. The head unit usually powers the salon speakers and then an external amp powers the factory cockpit and sub.
 
So maybe ill just use a amp for the sub... And just use the JL audio's off the Head unit....
I would absolutely amp the full range in-boats rather then run them on a head unit.

IMO, the MX650 is a better sounding speaker compared to the more expensive M650. The smaller tweeter and slightly larger mid-bass cone on the MX, make a significant difference.

Although the M series does have a higher power handling then the MX, you can and should drive the MX650 with an external amp. It is designed to handle more wattage then a head unit will supply.
 
I wonder how the 7.7 will fit in the port side front speaker near the companion way.
I know the 6.5 won’t fit without a spacer.
I am trying to decide for myself going 6.5 or 7.7 in the front?
 
I wonder how the 7.7 will fit in the port side front speaker near the companion way.
I know the 6.5 won’t fit without a spacer.
I am trying to decide for myself going 6.5 or 7.7 in the front?

Don't need a spacer. The 7.7 would sound similar to the 6.5 if you have a sub. Better if not. Need a bigger hole.
20180708_103520.jpg
 
So you know JL has updated and upgraded their speaker line- they are designated with an “M6” prefix now ant the tweeters are painted black. I’m told there is something like a 20% performance improvement. I’m still installing so jury is still out - I went with M6-650, 3 pair, M6-770, M6-880 and the M12IB and a M10IB powered by 2 MHD 900/5 ‘s and the Fusion Apollo 770.
The JL Head unit had better line out voltage than the Fusion but just didnt have the functionality. So far so good but still figuring things out -
 
Siboatguy, are you sure you don't already have an amp? I haven't seen a 320 that came without one. Adding the JL amp you have pictured above would be great but you could use the factory amp that is already there. The head unit usually powers the salon speakers and then an external amp powers the factory cockpit and sub.

Yes i do believe there is a amp in there under the seat.... But since its the Factory amp not sure how to Adjust it and if it has enough power to push the new speakers and not sure if it has a sub output.... Since theres no sub in the boat now.... Was going to cut a hole under the Port seat bench and mount a 10 inch into that... But i do worry about Vibration and rattleing..
 
The folks at BOE were very helpful with my Fusion setup. You may want to reach out to them.
 
I have a 340 and installed the 750M 5 channel amp from JL audio. The 4 inch speakers you are looking at and also a JL audio 10 inch sub that was around $300.
I installed a JL audio MM100S head unit and it plugs and played perfectly and it also does NMEA and works with my MFD. You will have the best control if you connect it thru NMEA whcih ever way you go.
 
If they will fit go with the M880's and the 12 inch subs.... they make a significant difference
 
I have a full-blown JL system. Best system I've had on any of my boats. Mix of 6.5's, 7.7's and 8.8's with two 10" subs and a MM head unit with appropriate amps for speakers and subs.

One thing I don't see many people talking about, as everyone desires ease of use and functionality - is this remote. I had one installed, and I can work the system from anywhere on the boat, and anywhere within about of 150' or so of it. Sitting on the dock listening to tunes, out on a floatie and need an adjustment - no biggie, it's right there with you.

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