44 DA Speakers and Amp Upgrade

B

brucecultrera

New Member
Mar 28, 2011
6
New Hampshire
Boat Info
2007 44DA
Engines
Cummins QSC-8.3
I have a 2007 44DA with the stock Clarion stereo system. I would like to upgrade at least the cockpit speakers and the amplifier. A couple of questions: Where is the stock amplifier located and what is a good suggestion for upgrading it in terms of manufacturer and output power. As far as the cockpit speakers go (the ones in the hardtop/arch) what is a good replacement for the stock speakers. I'm a new owner of Sea Rays and still trying to figure it out! Thanks.
 
I can not tell you were it is mounted but someone will come through. I would bet that it is a salvageable amp. It is likely Clarion, four channels, might be bridged on two channels for a sub. The speakers will play a larger role in the over sound quality than the amp. Lots of speakers to pick from and many of the members here at CSR like the JL Audio. Jim, here on CSR, sells the full line of JL Audio and he has good prices. I would change speakers first, get the good ones you like, and see what you have. You also may find yourself wanting a little more sound around and out so you will need more amplification then.
 
Sounds like a good plan. Replacing speakers is probably an easier task that finding and replacing the amp. the amp works fine, I just think I need more poop than it give me. Any idea how to get ahold of Jim for a price quote? The boat will be back in the water in a month (still got snow on the ground up here in the frozen north) and I'd like to make the speaker replacement one of the first jobs. One of them is blown and I'm sure the other is not far behind it.
Thanks for the help. Talk soon.
 
I read your whole post on the upgrade project you did. Excellent info there. I think I will start with the speakers, see how they perform with the stock amp and then if I don't like the sound quality, I'll try to first find the OEM amp (not sure where Sea Ray hid it on my boat...) and the take the next steps with amp, pre-amp, etc. If I still feel ambition/rich, maybe I'll replace the Subwoofer. There is one now, but I have never been impressed with it's performance. Maybe there is some tuning to be done on the stock system to boost it's bass response, but I may have to bite the bullet and replace that too. My boat is in storage about an hour from where I live, so it is not convenient to go and see what size the OEM speakers are, but I'm thinking they are probably 6.5" like yours. I bet Sea Ray uses the same size speakers for all of their cockpit applications, but I may have to drive over and take a measurement. Or.....I can wait exactly 1 month from today when it will be back in the Atlantic! Thanks for the help, guy. Let me know if you have any other words of wisdom. Your system looks really sweet, I'm sure it sounds just as good.
 
I am sure you will be very happy with the sound quality you get from the JL’s even with your existing amp and it is a good starting point, but for me the addition of the subwoofer really made the difference. I can’t accurately comment on your speaker’s size but I would be taking a good guess with the standard 6.5 inch speakers. The JL M650 CCX is a drop in replacement, even the mounting holes lined up.

The JL sub I purchased was an “infinite baffle” type which means it does not have to be mounted in a custom made “box” enclosure to produce good bass quality. This is very important when it comes to the subwoofer. That may be the reason you where “not impressed” with your current sub. The JL M101 B5 sub is infinite baffle so no worries on a custom made enclosure there; it will run you a little over 200 dollars for it. Also, the tuning of your crossovers will make a big difference in the subs quality as well.
 
All the amps are located behind the salon Couch . If u need pics of anything let me know. ( I have factory installed sub )

Rob
 
Thanks Rob! I'm going to head over to the warehouse where my baby is stored for the winter tomorrow and scope things out. I am assuming that there is more than one amp from what you are saying? Did you do the speaker/amp upgrade on your boat? Bill suggested JL Audio, I'm looking at the 7.7 inch speakers and hoping I can go with them. I may have to cut some material to make them fit, but the big question is whether or not there is room for them (width and depth). If memory serves, there are two in the hardtop arch, one behind the helm chair and one on the port side just before the cabin door??? I'll check out the specifics tomorrow. I see you have the QSC 8.3s also. Do I have to replace the impellors in them like I do on the genset every season? I've only owned our 44DA for less than a year, so still felling my way around.

Any pics you have would be appreciated, especially of the amps. Don't go out of your way, but if you have some, that would be great.

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated, Rob.

-Bruce
 
Bruce, you mentioned earlier that you may consider replacing the Subwoofer. I think your rig has a Clarion sub and it is good. Replacing it with the JL Audio Subwoofer M10 IB will make a huge difference. The M10 IB is the infinite baffle version Bill mentioned earlier. I will also add that I hope you have room for the larger JL M770 series speakers. The larger mid bass driver has more gusto!

Here are a couple links you can look at to help you tune your main speakers and subs :

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/40568-Maximizing-Your-Multi-Amp-amp-Sub-Sound-System

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.ph...-Amp-amp-Sub-Sound-System?p=452398#post452398
 
I up graded my 1997 Clarion head unit to a M-309 along with an additional amp. I kept the stock amp and added a Boss Marine amp powered through the aux output channel. The result being I have 8 speakers and two sub woofers on the upper saloon. I can control the added amplifier and its’ five speakers; on and off and volume, from controls at the helm. Also keep in mind that any upgrade to a newer head unit will most likely require a change of the wired remote system; wiring and all. Do your home work before getting to the boat with a bunch of pieces and parts that will not work well together. :thumbsup:
 
HiFi, I went over to the marina where my boat is in storage and took out the speaker that was blown. I measured the existing mounting place (in the side of the support for the hardtop) and there appeared to be enough "meat" to cut a larger hole and mount the M770s, but the depth was short by about 1/8 inch. That would mean that the speaker would be hitting against the outside of the hardtop while the speaker mounting holes would still be 1/8 inch from their mounts. I didn't want to mess with that situation (building spacers or so forth), so I opted for the MX650s which will bolt right in. I did also purchase the M10 IB5 subwoofer and it should drop right into the hole where my existing subwoofer is. As soon as they come in (should be some time this week), I'll run back to the marina, hopefully install then without issues and then be ready for launch on 29 April and the tuning process, that you so kindly sent me a link for. Thanks to Rob, I found the amplifier behind the sofa in the salon and it does have adjustments for crossovers, etc., so as soon as we shake down the other systems, I'll dive into the sound system and get that hopping! Hopefully this will be a straightforward upgrade with minimal expense and breakage of the stock system. I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks a bunch for the assist. Greatly appreciated.
 
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