Stereo help

Ghblue

Ghblue

New Member
May 9, 2009
38
Grand Haven, MI
Boat Info
260 DA
Engines
Mercruiser w/Bravo III
I have a 2004 260DA that has a clarion marine radio and four speakers total. I don't think I have a amp. I want to add two speakers to my radar arch.

I'd like some general advice on speakers and installing them in my arch. My arch has two cutouts ( circles ) already. I am contemplating a amp for this project as well. Any advice is helpful thnx
 
Ghblue,
There are several approaches to this depending on what you want to achieve.
You will need an amplifier in any case because a source unit will not tolerate more than a single speaker on one channel, unlike an amplifier. For a flushmount coaxial you might consider a small 4-channel amplifier for the cockpit versus a two channel. This will give you independent gains to offset the positional dis/advantage of your different speaker locations so that you hear a balance and more than just the higher and dominant arch-mounted speakers. For this we like the JL Audio MX series in a 6.5" or 7.7".
Another option is to add a pair of fixed bullet-shaped white speaker pods that are directed to project past the transom. Since the 260 Dancer doesn't have a particularly tall arch these would be mounted at the top of the interior arch vertical surface rather than under the arch. With this set up you will get music past the swim deck when at rest and lounging around in the water. Plus, the rear cockpit occupants will get a fair amount of residual sound from these overhead speakers when underway. A separate zone level control is essential in this set up to vary the output of the arch speakers on the fly for different listening circumstances.
A variation of the above would be to use a rectangular outdoor waterproof speaker like the Boston Acoustics Voyager series. These will swivel 180 degrees so that you can direct the speakers to project to either the bow deck or past the transom. One speaker can be used to facilitate all three areas.
You can visit our installation photos and specifically the Sea Ray gallery to get a few visual references of what I've described.

David
Earmark Marine
 
Wow your company does great work! I only wish you were closer! I am now thinking of the amp for sure! Id also use four of the suggested flush mount JLs in the cockpit replacing my existing speakers! Will an amp drive four speakers and a sub?
 
Yes, a single multi-channel amplifier will power a subwoofer and four satellites with the independent gain controls for the different satellite positions. The specific subwoofer choice will narrow down which amplifier is optimum.
Shoot me a PM if you want.

David
Earmark Marine
 
I'd like a recommendation if you would. I will be installing four of the Jl audio ms650 (6.5") speakers. Four of them because I'll take the existing out and replace them to match. I'd also choose a Jl sub just to keep it matching. What sub and what amp should I buy?

Also can I install a switch for the two cabin speakers so I can turn them off if the kids are downstairs? What specific switch?
 
Ghblue,
You won't need a switch as the source unit fader will provide that function already.
We typically use the JL Audio IB woofers in that application. I responded to your PM.
Phlorida,
Yes, impedance matching is part of it and matching the thermal power handling to the amplifier is part of it. The largest determining factor for me is matching the amplifier power to the responsiveness of a given woofer. Every woofer has an internal efficiency and is easier or harder to drive based on its mass. I'm not that enamored with giant power handling specs when it often means the woofer is insensitive and difficult to drive. Versus an enclosed vehicle cabin, for open air environments I really prefer to stay with responsive woofers.

David
Earmark Marine
 
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