Thinking about adding a sub? Question.

[mnm99]

My plan is to replace all 4 cockpit speakers with either JL, Polk ect. Not sure yet. I'm keeping the stock head unit and amps as of now. It there a way to add a Sub with the existing head unit? I know I would need a another amp with this setup for the sub, but I don't think the stock Clarion unit supports it. Ideas?

 

[Stee6043]

I assume you already have a head unit with RCA outputs if you've got an existing amp? If so you can simply buy Y splitters for your RCA outputs and run both amps from a single signal. The audiophiles would not approve of this method but it will work...

 

[JimT]

If you are going to invest in 4 new speakers, a sub and an amp to run the sub why not spend a few hundred more for an amp that will power the whole system? Look at a JL M600/6. Perfect for 4 speakers and a sub.

Yes, you can run the new amp off of the existing HU. You can reuse the existing amp to run the galley speakers.

 

[Wylie_Tunes]

mnm99,

If your head unit has RCA or speaker leads, you can add an external amp for your woofer. You indicate plural amps, if so, what is there are how are they purposed? Rather than adding in a 3rd or 4th for a woofer, I would take Jim's advice and swap one for a 5 or 6 chnl amp that can drive the two pair of cabin speakers and a woofer. In addition to the JL m600/6, look into the JL M700.5, Kicker KXM800.5 (the new KXMA has wireless bass level controller), Wet Sounds HTX-6. All are great amps at a good price point. All are fairly comparable. I would first choose the right woofer, then let the amp choice fall into place.

Depending on how many total speakers, their placement and the existing amp, a 5, 6 or 8 chnll could actual replace both those original amps. Certainly going to gain some efficiency, maybe less footprint.

If you boat in salt or brackish waters, I would suggest an actual marine speaker, so steer clear of the old polk db series. Stick with the MM if you go with polk.

 

[tdgard]

If you are going to invest in 4 new speakers, a sub and an amp to run the sub why not spend a few hundred more for an amp that will power the whole system? Look at a JL M600/6. Perfect for 4 speakers and a sub.

Yes, you can run the new amp off of the existing HU. You can reuse the existing amp to run the galley speakers.

I second this approach. I used a JL 700/5 to power 4 cockpit/2 bow/and 1 sub. Worked out very well.

 

[mnm99]

mnm99,

If your head unit has RCA or speaker leads, you can add an external amp for your woofer. You indicate plural amps, if so, what is there are how are they purposed? Rather than adding in a 3rd or 4th for a woofer, I would take Jim's advice and swap one for a 5 or 6 chnl amp that can drive the two pair of cabin speakers and a woofer. In addition to the JL m600/6, look into the JL M700.5, Kicker KXM800.5 (the new KXMA has wireless bass level controller), Wet Sounds HTX-6. All are great amps at a good price point. All are fairly comparable. I would first choose the right woofer, then let the amp choice fall into place.

Depending on how many total speakers, their placement and the existing amp, a 5, 6 or 8 chnll could actual replace both those original amps. Certainly going to gain some efficiency, maybe less footprint.

If you boat in salt or brackish waters, I would suggest an actual marine speaker, so steer clear of the old polk db series. Stick with the MM if you go with polk.

Thanks for the info. Currently I have 2 amps. One feeding 4 speakers in the Cockpit and the other feeds 4 speakers in the Cabin. They are connected by 2 sets of RCAs. They are pretty small, around 6x6 each. The speakers sound fine in the cabin for what I need. I am going to start with the 4 speakers in the cockpit. If I want more Bass I may replace the one amp that feeds the cockpit 4 speakers and add a sub. For now it's the 4 speakers. I would need an amp that would output 4 speakers and 1 sub out with only a 1 set, Left and Right RCA feeding it. Just getting ideas