Replacing Stereo and installing Amp in 185 Sport Advice.

[Akeap]

Hey All

I currently have the Clarion m275 basic head unit and the standard speakers (don't know what make) and I can whisper louder ! I would like to upgrade this.
Changing the head unit I am ok with and I think the covers on the speakers come off pretty easy so changing them should be ok.
I am looking at installing an amp and sub and have a few questions about the install and what kit to buy.

I think I read somewhere that the Sea Ray factory amp upgrade places the amp under the co-pilot glove box in the little storage area? Maybe screwed to back of the bow seat?

Regarding the sub where has anyone installed one of these? I thought below the bench seat at the rear but thought it might get kicked by passengers and very wet if cleaning/water in the boat.

The head unit I am swaying towards a Fusion MS-IP700i (so I can plug my Iphone 5 in) but would have to place the connector cable somewhere and affix the phone somewhere too as it does not go inside the stereo like an iphone 4 I believe.

Main reasons - 3-4 Preouts, Ipod control and decent waterproofing but will look at Alpine head units.


Amplifier - Fusion MS-DA51600 - 5 channel Amplifier so I can use a preout for front and one for rear and another for sub seems good spec and not so expensive.

Speakers - I am undecided at the moment - its either Wetsounds XS 650 ( don't seem to be able to buy the WS version in UK) - Don't know if there is a great difference although only use the boat in the sea.

Or the JL MX650-CCX-SG-WH the sports grill ones.

If anyone has any advice and tips and opinions on the kits I am considering or alternatives (Baring in mind limited stuff available in the UK :smt021) would gladly be taken!

 

[beernutz]

It looks like it should kick a$$. Does the Fusion receiver support bluetooth? I don't have nearly as refined a system in mine--just a new moderately-priced JVC receiver, some Polk marine speakers I picked up on sale at Amazon, and the original Clarion amp but it sounds more than decent even when playing back Pandora from my android phone via bluetooth. I like the convenience of being able to adjust the source without futzing with the receiver itself which is in the glove box.

 

[First Born]

Here is the stereo upgrade i did in mine...


http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/7348-First-Born-s-Audio-makeover?highlight=stero+upgrade

 

[Akeap]

That setup rocks! I especially like the lights in the cockpit etc. I was wondering how you wired them up?

Also even though I am living in the "gateway to the world" ie Southampton in the UK with massive docks and water area the marine audio supply is very poor. Finding someone to cut holes in boats and knowing about the best way to install subs/amps etc is very hard to do, maybe a business opportunity for me to look into ;-)

I am now looking to maybe just have a powered amp say from fusion and screw it to the back of the bow seat under the stereo location, although that is probably where the amp should go too....unless I try the unbox seat like First born.

 

[Shaun77]

Not sure what year your in but I emailed Sea Ray and was told there was no sub option offered on my 2011. I too have seen them in the panel under the bench seat. I chose against it because traffic and when I rinse all the water flows right there. Im thinking of putting mine on the port side in that giant un-used cubby. Just not sure if the sound will distort bouncing off the opposite side, other than that, there really is no place for a sub. Was also thinking of just amping some JLs like Wes has done.

 

[michaelcabrera1]

i have an 04 180 sport. I put two ten's polk audios under the drivers and passengers console. I put two amps under the passenger console too. worked out perfect. The amps can breathe so they never over heat. Ive gotten tons of complements on the sound.

 

[10sport185]

I just redid the stereo in my 185. I have a 5 channel amp mounted behind the left side panel above the storage area, 10" sub under the bench and its awesome! Doesn't take away from any storage which is great!

 

[Akeap]

That's cool do you have any pics to share?

 

[Golfnit]

I have an 07' 185 and still have the single disc CD player. I connected up one of those fm modulators (plug in to the antenna, not the over the air type) and listen to the android or ipod or whatever someone brings and wants to listen.

I put in the JL's in the cabin area in 11'. What an big difference from the stock speakers, which if I remember correctly were Panasonic and have one of the smallest magnets i've ever seen (not that it's a true determination of a quality speaker). The next season I installed two JL's in the of the bow (only had 2 speakers, now 4). Liked them so much I put in the JL's in my car. Still enjoy them. As far as an amp, I would defer to others, I would only do it if I had a sub (no where to put it in my boat) or a tower.

 

[surfinjoe]

I have (6) Polk db series, (2) Kenwood 10" subs. Power is Clarion 90X4 plus Quartz 60X4. Some people say the Polks tweeters are harsh however I love the crisp sound. My system sounds really great and is quite loud. Don't underestimate how much power you need when you are on the water. Better to have more power than you need then to be running your system on the brink of distortion.

The only thing I need to do now is upgrade my power cables to my Clarion amp. I ran it to the fuse panel and it works but I think it may be taxing the wiring.