robbo8199
New Member
I’ve done a good amount of research on this subject and also wanted to get anyone else input before I set out to make purchases. I know this topic has been discussed at length in the past as I have spent a bunch of time researching :smt024, but I wanted to try and get some thoughts on my specific application. I have a 1995 Sea Ray 175 that my wife and I bought last summer. We are looking to add a stereo system as the one it came with was basically non-existent (tape deck and one speaker...yikes:huh.
Although we are not looking to add some monstrosity of a system I do want to make sure we have quality sound and do it right the first time. The vast majority of our time on the water is spent anchored just of a sandy shore where we can grill and wade out into the water a bit. So my number one priority is to make sure we have as much reserve capacity in the system to allow us to play some music as long as possible (we have been known to spend 4-5 hours on the beach). Obviously adding a second battery to the system is a must.
So with that being said I’m looking to keep the stereo fairly simple as to not draw too much power off the system. Right now I’m looking at adding a Sony receiver that will probably run 1 or maybe 2 pairs of speakers. I’d also like to have a 50x2 RMS Alpine amp to run a decent pair of 6.5 speakers or some MTX TM7702 speakers which seem to get good reviews for the price. My thinking with these is if powered well they would get enough bass that I would not feel compelled to add a sub at any point. I’m also towing with some ideas of how to best mount these so that they will project towards us in the water.
I’ve done some research and the receiver I am looking at draws 3-5amps. The Alpine amp does not have a rating (this is an old one I have around the house). It has a 20amp fuse built in to my guess is it’s somewhere below that but who knows.
My biggest questions with this project revolve around the battery and reserve capacity. It seems a vast majority of people use Optima batteries and have had success with them. While it appears that these are a much higher quality battery, when comparing these to other “wet cell” batteries they tend to have less reserve capacity. You seem to pay about 50% more for an Optima with 120 reserve capacity vs. a “wet cell” with 205 reserve capacity. I don’t mind spending the extra coin in something of better quality but my question is will it meet my particular needs better.
My number one priority is reserve capacity to run the stereo. I’ll use a switch to makes sure I do not drain my starting battery. Since we will be doing much more anchoring then running I will probably have to do most of the charging at home with a charger for the second battery.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts! :thumbsup:
Robb
Although we are not looking to add some monstrosity of a system I do want to make sure we have quality sound and do it right the first time. The vast majority of our time on the water is spent anchored just of a sandy shore where we can grill and wade out into the water a bit. So my number one priority is to make sure we have as much reserve capacity in the system to allow us to play some music as long as possible (we have been known to spend 4-5 hours on the beach). Obviously adding a second battery to the system is a must.
So with that being said I’m looking to keep the stereo fairly simple as to not draw too much power off the system. Right now I’m looking at adding a Sony receiver that will probably run 1 or maybe 2 pairs of speakers. I’d also like to have a 50x2 RMS Alpine amp to run a decent pair of 6.5 speakers or some MTX TM7702 speakers which seem to get good reviews for the price. My thinking with these is if powered well they would get enough bass that I would not feel compelled to add a sub at any point. I’m also towing with some ideas of how to best mount these so that they will project towards us in the water.
I’ve done some research and the receiver I am looking at draws 3-5amps. The Alpine amp does not have a rating (this is an old one I have around the house). It has a 20amp fuse built in to my guess is it’s somewhere below that but who knows.
My biggest questions with this project revolve around the battery and reserve capacity. It seems a vast majority of people use Optima batteries and have had success with them. While it appears that these are a much higher quality battery, when comparing these to other “wet cell” batteries they tend to have less reserve capacity. You seem to pay about 50% more for an Optima with 120 reserve capacity vs. a “wet cell” with 205 reserve capacity. I don’t mind spending the extra coin in something of better quality but my question is will it meet my particular needs better.
My number one priority is reserve capacity to run the stereo. I’ll use a switch to makes sure I do not drain my starting battery. Since we will be doing much more anchoring then running I will probably have to do most of the charging at home with a charger for the second battery.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts! :thumbsup:
Robb