Who makes the best marine speakers?

R

ridley

New Member
Jul 9, 2009
34
Virginia
Boat Info
1997 400 Sedan Bridge
Engines
454 Mercruiser inboards
I'm going to replace the 6 1/2" speakers in my boat. I'd like to hear your opinions on marine speakers. Who makes the best?
 
Boss makes nice audio. I was a big Clarion fan until the new JL Audio came out. I run a pretty large system so (10 in cockpit including 2 10" subs) the clarity is a big importance two me. They are not cheap so it depends on what you are looking for. If you dont want to spend a lot of money go with Boss Audio good sound with good price. Otherwise JL audio would be my best bet. Bose is good but you will pay more for it just because its Bose....Hope this helps you....
 
also Polk audio has stepped up the marine division as well......
 
I did buy the Bose 131s. These are round flush mount speakers with built-in enclosures. On the backside, the fairly large built-in rectangular enclosure makes installation a bit tougher than typical flush mount round speakers. They sound nice with good bass response, but I doubt they sound any better than other good quality speakers.

I have heard Infiniti and Polk marine speakers, and they sound really good.
 
JL Audio by far....I had Polk's POS.
 
I have been really happy with JL Audio components (amps and speakers) in our boat.
 
Does just replacing the speakers themselves improve the sound quality that much or do you need to add an amp and woofer as well?

I have to agree that the standard speakers are not very good so likely just replacing them will give some improvement.

Dave
 
I had, and used to like, Pioneer, but on 2 of them, the cones disengrated in 3 years. I called Pioneer and they proclaimed "out of warranty, can't help you". I even shipped the things to them so they could see what POC they were. I've heard nothing from them. I bought Clarions and so far I like 'em.
 
Dave S said:
Does just replacing the speakers themselves improve the sound quality that much or do you need to add an amp and woofer as well?

I have to agree that the standard speakers are not very good so likely just replacing them will give some improvement.

Dave
Click to expand...
Dave, I have the SR premium sound system, so I don't know what you'll see by just replacing the speakers on the std system. But the Polk cockpit speakers were nothing but junk. SR kept replacing them with the same junk. So this spring I spent the bucks and dropped in JL Audio 770s in and was amazed how much better the sound was and how much more volume without loss of sound quality I could get. This summer has been much richer with the kids and a rocking sound system. I still run them off the Polk amp though, so imagine how great it will get if I ever drop in the JL amp :huh:
 
Dave S said:
Does just replacing the speakers themselves improve the sound quality that much or do you need to add an amp and woofer as well?

I have to agree that the standard speakers are not very good so likely just replacing them will give some improvement.

Dave
Click to expand...

Dave:

I agree with ChuckW. You would see some quality improvement in just replacing the stock Panasonics in our boats with the JL's powered by the radio amp. This may be enough for most people but to really hear how good the JL's can sound you need some power....expecially if you are trying to listen to the stereo under way.

Kendall
 
JL for sure. Their speakers are the best I've heard and they can play extremely loud and handle it well. Their HD line of amps are amazing based on size and power but PRICEY. The 900/5 I just put in is a fantastic piece. The volume and clarity from the 7.7s is simply fantastic. They are built to last.
 
I had some MB Quart marine speakers 2 boats ago and they were great. Throw a decent AMP at them and it was amazing.
They weren't cheap though.
 
Have always used Infinity Kappas both in the car and the boat, and have been very happy.
 
I can't say who makes the "best" as sound is subjective. I am very happy with the JL Audio 7.7s I put in my boat this season.
 
JL is light years ahead of everyone else. The quality and sound is amazing. I put JL amps and speakers in my boats and cars and have always been very pleased.
Super high quality product.
 
Now that the best has been discussed... I have 6 of the original speakers round ( 12 yrs old) the rumbble badly. Whats the best speaker for the money that will fit in to the Stock holes and use same covers for the interior speakers. Thanks
 
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