Lake Erie Boater
Member
- Oct 24, 2007
- 486
- Boat Info
- 2018 Sabre 38 SE
2019 Blackfin 272CC
- Engines
- VP IPS400's
300 Merc Verado's
OK . . . I am surprised the Fusion does not have a power fader control. I am REALLY OK with that if you plan to operate in one zone. I can also provide a solution if you want to build another zone but let's focus on your main listening area.
You stated you would be willing to make an amp(s) change. You also mentioned adding a third set of speakers. You also asked about the Audio Control Overdrive. Let's do all this!
The Fusion has a low 3 volt pre-amp output. These ratings can be misleading from one brand to another but, in print, Fusion was honestly low. Great opportunity for the Overdrive and what an excellent and inexpensive upgrade.
Six speakers and a sub means four channels to seven/eight channels of amplification. A new six channel amp is in order. I would get a six channel amp for your speakers and a two channel amp for sub. We will bridge the sub amp for your single subwoofer. Most of the great multi channel amps have some bridging and cross-over controls. The six channel amp will like your six 4 ohm speakers.
We will not use the Fusion Sub out. This will be a simple two channel system with tons of control for speaker and sub balancing. Fusion audio out to Overdrive. Overdrive audio out to amp(s). Connect speakers correctly, make some critical adjustments for cross-overs and gain controls and enjoy.
There is one area I will struggle with on recommendation . . . how much power will be needed for your listening needs. If you purchase too much power you can turn it down. If you purchase too little power you will have to upgrade. Let me know what you are thinking of for amp(s) purchase and I will opinionate for you.
Random thoughts . . . Are the six speakers you are using the same brand/series? You may not care but I do. Are you designing the system with forward staging in mind? Not for everyone but I like all the attributes.
HIFI,
The head unit actually has 3 zones with independant volume for each, maybe it was their intent to utilize each zones volume to act as the fader? Regardless, I am treating the 6 cockpit speakers as 1 zone.
Yes, all 6 speakers will be POLK db6501 components. I used these to replace the four clarions when they rotted out. I plan to add a pair directed more toward the stern in an attempt to bring the sweet spot further into the cockpit as well as to carry more sound onto the swimplatform for those anchor outs.
I have also read that it is better to go bigger with the amps and turn down the gain for the best sound. I do want to have a full range of sound at LOW to medium volume levels as my wife requires this 90% of the time. :smt021 That being said, I wouldn't mind being able to rock the sandbar, within the limits of my "mid-size" budget and speakers when the opportunity arises.
With this in mind I am thinking JL amps, but am really on the fence when it comes to spending the big dollars for their Class D HD amps only to have them driving the POLK speakers. Besides, they don't have a 6 channel HD amp. What do you think? Is it worth the big bucks?
I am also a bit curious about your comment to abandon the sub-woofer pre-outs. The FUSION does have sub-woofer control built into the head unit. Will I lose this control by not using this pre-out? I do like the idea of being able to turn the base down when the music goes from say Metallica to Flo-rida.
THANKS again for your input.