Sound system

[Home Bouy]

Looking to upgrade OEM sound system on my 240 cabin cruiser. Has anyone used speakers with LEDs? Original speakers are clarion 60W. New speakers range from 180 to 400W. Do I need to get radio and amp as well or existing radio would work? Speaker wires looks like 14 gauge.

 

[JimG]

I used my existing Clarion head (for now) and added an amp, 10" sub, and two piezos... made a huge difference!

 

[Home Bouy]

Good to know... thanks!

 

[Wylie_Tunes]

I would not get hung up on those wattage specs between the old and any potential new. Id focus more on what speaker is best for you.

As to the LEDs, yes, ive used a number of speakers with LEDs. They range from speakers with single color blue to speakers with RGB leds. You can wire these to either single color red, blue or green, so wire all three colors to an RGB controller for multi-color effects. Whether single color or RGB, the LEDs do require their own power harness to be run. The lights do not work off the speaker signal leads.

14ga is more than enough to support any in-boat you go with, powered by an external amp.

I highly suggest an external amp. Does not have to be a ton of wattage, but typically greater then most any head unit. This allows the speaker to perform much better, especially at the higher volume levels. This makes a significant difference when up on plane competing with engine, wind and water noise.

 

[Home Bouy]

Thanks! I appreciate the advice...

 

[Little Ducky]

What's your end goal?

Party boat or background music?

I'm one to keep it neat, tidy and not be entertainment for the neighboring boats anchored or docked.

 

[Home Bouy]

Both. Background at dock, party on water.