Upgrade stereo system with amplifier

[QT1]

On my "things to do list" during the off season, it is my intention to add an amplifier to the new head unit I installed this summer to add more speakers. Anyone have any good suggestions as to placement on the boat for the amp? NOTE: the previous owner direct wired the radio leads to one of the batteries, so the unit will come on at all times

 

[NorCal Boater]

I guess it kind of depends on the result you are looking for. If you are looking for loud, pounding, fish-killing bass you will need the biggest amp you can get and a couple of big subwoofers. I have personally never been a fan of that.

I was just looking to fill in the "bottom end" of the sound from my Fusion stereo on the Flybridge of my last boat. I bought a 10" subwoofer in it's own cabinet with an 800 watt amp built in. The installation was pretty straight forward. The result? My stereo was louder without distortion....to a point I was happy with and the entire sound was much fuller.

 

[QT1]

No, not looking for loud pounding bass, just able to hear the music in the cockpit while traveling without having the volume turned all the way up. Looking into using the 2 hole covers in the radar arch to place speakers

 

[Wylie_Tunes]

Additional speakers is the most efficient way to increase volume in the cabin. How many speakers are in that area now and what is their proximity to the helm?

Ample wattage to those speaker is a must, for clean dynamic volume while at speed. Doesnt require supper high power, just something better then a traditional head units 15-18 watts rms. An external also gives you better tuning control over the speakers. This can make a significant difference in a speakers high volume sound quality.

I would consider at least a small woofer with mild wattage. like a 10" in the 200-300 watt RMS range. Lost of missing program material that the small full range speakers just dont want to reproduce.

Cant hel on an exact amp location in that model, but look for a spot thats dry with no chance of drips from above or direct water spray. A forward locker is best. Need to be able to run cables to this location, from head unit, batteries and speakers.

 

[QT1]

Thanks Wylie, I'm thinking about mounting the amp in the storage space under the dinnette cushion and adding a vent in the face of the seating in addition to a small audio fan to turn on at set temps. Currently in the cockpit there are 2 6 inch coaxial speakers located low under the side comings, thus the need to bring some speakers higher mounted on the radar arch where I can mount 2 on each side. I really dont have anywhere to mount a sub unless I use the space previously mentioned for the amp in the cabin...OR, I could modify the unused space under the seat at helm to create a custom enclosure for subs........

 

[Wylie_Tunes]

Honestly, the right amp, supplied with proper cabling and tuned correctly, you will not need a cooling fan. With todays quality class-D amps, they are super efficient. We've run the snot out of quite a few with no thermal issues. A nice 5 or 6 chnl amp will give you 4 chnls for the speakers and a chnl for a woofer. Easy to install and wire.

 

[QT1]

Great input. As I was sitting here the sub location came to me, which would be facing to the rear of the boat.

 

[tdschafer]

Great input from Wylie. When I started my upgrade I had purchased several Class AB JL Audio amps. Upon further review, I realized that these heat producing behemoths would not do well in the 2 locations that I was considering for them. I jettisoned those & replaced them with a couple of Class D amps. Much more energy efficient & cool to the touch. Although my cockpit is done, I now will turn my focus to the inside of the boat! Good luck with your upgrade.

 

[QT1]

Great input from Wylie. When I started my upgrade I had purchased several Class AB JL Audio amps. Upon further review, I realized that these heat producing behemoths would not do well in the 2 locations that I was considering for them. I jettisoned those & replaced them with a couple of Class D amps. Much more energy efficient & cool to the touch. Although my cockpit is done, I now will turn my focus to the inside of the boat! Good luck with your upgrade.

Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving to a fellow New Yorker!

 

[tdschafer]

Thank you & Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!!

 

[QT1]

And a Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours Wylie! Going to Marina Sunday afternoon to look at some possibilities on that sub project.