Boat Stereo

[badhabit]

I know that there has been a few threads on stereos in this forum. However, last weekend I went over to one of the local boat dealers looking for a new head unit and speakers. However, after looking at their quote and doing some research I realized how ripped off I was going to get.

My question is if I am looking to spend around a grand, what is the best deal for a head unit and speakers? I would also like something that is compatible with an iPod

[cherryCobalt272]

Absolutely, Kenwood. I went thru the grommet last year and tried Pioneer, Sony and finally Kenwood. I had Ultimate Electronics do everything so if I was unhappy they would keep swapping it out for me no charge. I was most pleased with the Kenwood. Its the only one that wouldnt start clipping, and I had all of the brands hooked up to the same amps/speakers in my boat. I wasn't talking cheapies either! They were all $300 or better after they gave me a discounted price (25-30% off sale price) I ended spending over $1900 there so they really were giving me some decent discounts.

Definitely, Kenwood. JMO.

In the next week, I am starting my install on my new boat and I will start posting the pics as I progress. Looking forward to it!

Hope all goes ok.

Also, don't get duped into buying chitty "marine grade" stereo equipment. Most of the time its no different than anything else, except its white.....most of the time that is, unless your talking JL Audio or something really high end..

[smilie=042.gif]

[Christian]

I am swaping out my headunit next week. I have gone with Alpine with the full speed iPod interface. I changed out last year to the memphis marine speakers and the kick ass :mrgreen: , My subs are still the Alpine type Rs and my amp will be augmented with a couple of the new Alpines.

All in all they are your ears, listen to several brands and let your ears make the decision. I am sure JC will also be chiming in soon as well.

I also picked up so of these so I can have remote capabilites without having to have a specific stereo.

http://www.h2owaves.com/index.php

[John P]

Bad Habit if your speakers are out were they can get wet I would stay with marine speakers, Fusion has the best marine speaker at the best price. [IMO] For a head unit Pioneer has several good one's to pick from. Good luck with the stereo.

[the bear]

PM Amer3 he is a huge help in this area.

[1BadStinger]

I've always had good luck with Kenwood as well. I've currently got a pioneer in the stinger now and love it. I don't think it has ever skipped. And as far as speakers...I've got 4 non-marine polk audio's in the bassboat and they get completely soaked when fishing tournaments in the rain....never had any problems. For $1000, you should have a pretty kick ass system!

[docjimm]

I still like the Clarion Marine Head units. Waterproof and ipod compatable.

[Crownie 11]

I'm a big fan of Infinity speakers, both for home and mobile audio. Yeah, you pay more, but they handle a ton of power and still sound clear. I'm running four 602m 6.5s and two Perfect 10 subs in my 202, powered by two JBL Marine amps. I went with a Clarion M455 because you can run an iPod through it using Clarion's interface. Pretty slick. But I like Kenwood, too; I've got a complete Kenwood system in my '89 Silverado, and it takes a beating and still cranks.

I picked up a lot of my stuff from eBay. Got about $1500 worth of equipment for half that.

[eddie]

I like the Diamond 661i, Polk Momo 650 or 6500 and the Alpine PDX amps. As long as the cones are poly you don't have to worry about water much.

Start with this pile, you can't go wrong :lol:

[BrettM]

Clarion Head units for sure. We have sold well over a hundred over the last couple years and almost no problems. The CDM4A is I-pod ready too!

[CUBLUJAY]

I picked up the CMD-5 New clarion unit on e-bay for about 244 w/ shipping. I have a pdx 4.150 amp and the momo's in the pic. Haven't installed it yet but look on e-bay for all of this stuff. I also got the ipod interface from clarion that lets you run your ipod like a cd changer. I will be going in by next weekend. All the stuff came to about 1100.

4 polk momo speakers 360 from Hi Tech Redneck
Clarion CMD-5 head unit 244 with shipping e-bay
Alpine PDX 4.150 amp about 390
Clarion ea1276 90 bucks ebay
Kicker amp installation kit 132 bucks from Stereo west.

Good luck

[AMER3]

give us a call I have a Sony 4volt head unit for sale very good price

[badhabit]

Thanks for everyones input. I purchased a new system this weekend. I ended up chosing a Kenwood eXcelen headunit that has an iPod adapter. I looked over my boat (2004 Searay 185) and decided that I really could not support more than a pair of speakers without alot of customization. Therefore, I went with a pair of oversized Kenwood speakers and got an amp to ensure I had enough power. I should have the new system in by this weekend. I cannot wait to get out on the river and take the new system out for a spin. Now if the weather would would only warm up. I can't believe that we hit a record low this morning (18 degrees).

[cherryCobalt272]

I like the Diamond 661i, Polk Momo 650 or 6500 and the Alpine PDX amps. As long as the cones are poly you don't have to worry about water much.

Start with this pile, you can't go wrong :lol:

Ed, I am starting on my stereo system tomorrow night and I would love to do the new PDX, but am gun shy since the MOMO6500s are only rated for 125 RMS, what do you think????
[smilie=265.gif]

[HiTechRedNeck]

We put the 650's behind a bridged pdx 150-4 in the 35 outlaw. 300W per channel Bridged. Worked great. Ran 6 pair off two of those amps, no problem. Extremely loud. Amazing Clarity. Pull the trigger.

[CUBLUJAY]

We put the 650's behind a bridged pdx 150-4 in the 35 outlaw. 300W per channel Bridged. Worked great. Ran 6 pair off two of those amps, no problem. Extremely loud. Amazing Clarity. Pull the trigger.

Bob,

Got the system in last week and it sounds great! The momo's work great with the pdx 4.150 Cherrycobalt, haven't gotten it to distortion but you don't have to. Plenty loud. I'd give the old setup another chance.

Take care
Trav

[jclax01]

I got my system upgraded over the winter. I went with Jensen marine speakers for my mid range, got several kenwood tweters installed near the gunwales. I also got a punch p1 sub installed by the engine conpartment. The punch subs come with rubber seals around the cone which works very well in water. Sounds really great. I got away with 1200 and the dealer installed it. He had spare carpet which matched my interior so just looking at the boat, it appears stock.

[smilie=bc.gif]

[cherryCobalt272]

Currently, I have an Alpine mono for Infiniti subs, Alpine 2 channel for front 2 speakers, Diamond Audio D6 Amp for the rear 4 speakers. I was interested because of the efficiency of those PDXs....cooling is a major factor obviously in the summertime....

I will be taking pics over the next couple of days and really appreciate everyone's input! [smilie=trink39]