I need it all

[08 RINKER]

My boats stereo is stock. I need subs (1 or 2), components & amps. I have no idea where to start. I don't want to break the bank, I don't need to win any competitions, but do want to set the boat up as well as possible for the $$. Then, I need someone to put it in. All advice appreciated.

[Reggie]

Lot's of peeps on this site can help you with that one.
I've been there too, I had a couple put in, and they worked just fine.

[John P]

I know its 150 miles but would be glad to help you out if you want to bring it over or I can make you a great deal if you want to tackle it yourself.

Here is a link to our web site and a few pics of a install.
http://www.wacondawelding.com/stereoinstalls.html

[08 RINKER]

What's your opinion on what I would need? I have an '08 Rinker Captiva 226. Both driver & passanger sides have angled foot rests-would think that would be a good place for subs; one side or both sides?

[Griff]

Figure out a budget and go from there. What does it have for a stock head unit???

You could probably get by with 4 good speakers, 1 sub and an Alpine PDX 5 channel amp.

You may also want to consider a second battery if you don't have 2 already.

[08 RINKER]

Stock head unit=Clarion M455A Marine CD w/ Sat. I'm happy enough w/ that. I went to a local shop & they're wanting over 2 G's... Seems high for what I want. Here's what I want: 1 12" sub, 4 2-way speaks & 2 amps (pdx 1.600 for the sub & pdx 4.150 for the speaks). I'd like to do it for 1/2 that. Probably can if I buy all the stuff off ebay & do it myself. That's the problem-I can't do it myself. I need someone to drop the stuff in.......[smilie=042.gif]

[cabin fever]

Where did you get the quote from?

[John P]

I would think you would just use 1 5 channel amp to run that. And installed for maybe 1200.00.

[Griff]

Stock head unit=Clarion M455A Marine CD w/ Sat. I'm happy enough w/ that. I went to a local shop & they're wanting over 2 G's... Seems high for what I want. Here's what I want: 1 12" sub, 4 2-way speaks & 2 amps (pdx 1.600 for the sub & pdx 4.150 for the speaks). I'd like to do it for 1/2 that. Probably can if I buy all the stuff off ebay & do it myself. That's the problem-I can't do it myself. I need someone to drop the stuff in.......[smilie=042.gif]


The amps, speakers and sub will cost about $1400 off ebay. I bought a lot of my stuff off ebay.

The amps will cost you $750
Sub and box is about $300
4 good speakers about $400
Wire will cost about $100.

Like John said, you can run 1 PDX 5 channel amp and it will sound very good. Its 4x75watts and 1x300watts. That is RMS watts.

If you want 100% waterproof speakers, go with 4 DC Gold 7" speakers. They handle at least 80watts rms and have a 3 year warranty. I have them and they are excellent and about $200/pair. Then go with one JL Sub.

[John P]

Griff I have a few customers that buy stereo stuff from ebay also, but just read the fine print in most cases they are not a authorized dealers and there will be no warranty. And if there is any question just call the manufacture and ask about ebay sales.

All the audio we install carries a great warranty some of it is 5 years!

08Rinker I have 1 5 channel amp that is powering 4 8" Rockford speakers and 2 10" Kickers subs and 2 6.5 " Rockford speakers in the cabin.

There are a lot of options on stereo equipment and a lot of new products hitting the market the next few months so take your time and find what you want.

[08 RINKER]

Where did you get the quote from?

ICE. Sweet shop - just spendy.

[08 RINKER]

Griff I have a few customers that buy stereo stuff from ebay also, but just read the fine print in most cases they are not a authorized dealers and there will be no warranty. And if there is any question just call the manufacture and ask about ebay sales.

All the audio we install carries a great warranty some of it is 5 years!

08Rinker I have 1 5 channel amp that is powering 4 8" Rockford speakers and 2 10" Kickers subs and 2 6.5 " Rockford speakers in the cabin.

There are a lot of options on stereo equipment and a lot of new products hitting the market the next few months so take your time and find what you want.

1 5 channel w/ all those speakers? Or, is the head unit handling some of them?

[John P]

All on the amp.

[08 RINKER]

I'm a stereo retard, but 8 speakers on a 5 channel amp? I thought a 5 channel amp would push 5 speakers?
Anyway. I would like to go w/ the pdx 5 pushing the 4 speakers & sub, but wonder if that's enough power? I kinda like the idea of a dedicated amp for the sub (pdx 1.600) & another amp dedicated to the speakers (pdx 4.150). But, if that's too much, & the pdx 5 channel is sufficient.... I may go that route. Thoughts? :confused:

[BDM]

I would guess that he's got one speaker hooked up to the "sub" (high power) output, and the rest are hooked up in pairs.... probably 4ohms on each one, resulting in a 2 ohm load on each channel, which effectively doubles the RMS power.

Is that close John? ;)

[zdatzkc]

We did ours last fall. After much thought we went with the professional install. Zero regrets. Waves and Wheels at loto did an awsome job. The addes fuses and other lines of defence so when it dose get abused the cheap stuff goes first. They had alot of tricks that made the cost very worth while.

[Griff]

Griff I have a few customers that buy stereo stuff from ebay also, but just read the fine print in most cases they are not a authorized dealers and there will be no warranty. And if there is any question just call the manufacture and ask about ebay sales.

All the audio we install carries a great warranty some of it is 5 years!

08Rinker I have 1 5 channel amp that is powering 4 8" Rockford speakers and 2 10" Kickers subs and 2 6.5 " Rockford speakers in the cabin.

There are a lot of options on stereo equipment and a lot of new products hitting the market the next few months so take your time and find what you want.

I understand the no factory warranty from ebay. I got the amps, head unit, subs and wire off ebay. For the prices I paid, it was worth the risk. I wasn't in a hurry and waited for some ebay coupons and great deals when I got the stuff. Also, I only buy from high volume ebay sellers that offer their own 1 yr warranty, and fortunately I've never had any problem. The speakers came from an authorized dealer.


I'm a stereo retard, but 8 speakers on a 5 channel amp? I thought a 5 channel amp would push 5 speakers?
Anyway. I would like to go w/ the pdx 5 pushing the 4 speakers & sub, but wonder if that's enough power? I kinda like the idea of a dedicated amp for the sub (pdx 1.600) & another amp dedicated to the speakers (pdx 4.150). But, if that's too much, & the pdx 5 channel is sufficient.... I may go that route. Thoughts? :confused:


Like John said, the PDX 5 channel will have plenty of power. They are under rated and it will put out more like 85watts x 4 and 340watts x 1. You can actually run up to 10 speakers efficiently off a 5 channel amp.


I would guess that he's got one speaker hooked up to the "sub" (high power) output, and the rest are hooked up in pairs.... probably 4ohms on each one, resulting in a 2 ohm load on each channel, which effectively doubles the RMS power.

Is that close John? ;)

The PDX amps put out the same power at 4 ohms or 2 ohms, but most amps do double the power when you cut the ohm load in half.

[08 RINKER]

:confused: Wow - I don't know what to do. I just got back from another local shop & they had all the major stuff; $3k amps, $1300 component speakers in $100k systems. They had a Hummer decked out w/ all Focal stuff-the entire back end was closed off w/ 4 18" subs. The doors were covered w/ tv screens & compenent speakers. The thing about bounced us into the street. He told me this was their comp/show truck & they win most comps... coming in at 275db's. Anyway. I don't need that. I just want to drop a decent stereo in replacing the stock - - 4 components, a sub & an amp.... as cheap as possible. He showed me an MTX system - 4 2ways, 12" sub & 5 channel amp. He told me he would sell & install it for $1200 this week; they're really slow. It was all in a display so had to use my imagination a little, but didn't sound bad. Thoughts on this MTX deal?

[BDM]

I wouldn't do MTX... but that's cause I'm not a fan of them. Jason has MTX in his boat I think... so you could ask him.

And as far as the 275db's? I'ma have to call bullshit on that one. No one that I know of, car or not, has hit that kind of sound pressure... plus, on top of that, the energy it would take to create that level would destroy the vehicle... I.E. rip it into shreads.

[cabin fever]

its only money man. You'll make more!

[08 RINKER]

Yeah, I don't know about the db's. He didn't have a meter. All I know is it felt like I was getting hit in the back by d-linemen & my head about popped off. The 5h1t was loud. He only had it up for a few seconds & my ears were ringing for 30 minutes. Crazy.

[John P]

MTX for 1200.00 is no deal!

[08 RINKER]

MTX for 1200.00 is no deal!
Thanks for the advice everyone!

[Helmwurst]

08Rinker,
I have attached a link to a good website to educate yourself on the theory, design and install of 12 volt audio. I used some of the information from this site and some from Justin at Waves and Wheels. I built my system using Focal Speakers, Kicker Square Sub,Pioneer head w/remote, Ipod hookup, JL Audio amps (300/4 & 500/1) Most stuff was purchased from individuals, ebay and even a pawn shop. The bids for custom install were 2500-4000 for what I have. It was a pain in the rear and took a long time to do. 2 weekends plus all the shopping time. Overall I am very pleased and I did it all for about 1600. If you are not comfortable with putting together a design yourself, then pay or beg someone to do it for you. Trust me on this one, if you spend all that $$ on crap components and poor system design you will be sorry. They only reason I eneded up doing it myself was that I was short on cash when I was ready to do it. Plus I myself have a little bit of experience in electronincs and installations. If you have the $$ have W&W do the work. They carry some lower priced stuff that will fit most budgets. Good luck, take your time and do it right.

Helmwurst
http://www.bcae1.com/

[Griff]

That sounds like a very good system for the $$ and very similar to what I've got in mine. Mines getting 4 more speakers soon and then its done......for now:mrgreen:

Like you, it was a lot of hours to install it and I waited for some really good deals on stuff.

[08 RINKER]

I don't have the patience or knowledge to do it myself. So, I'll be paying someone. I may have found the system I want @ the 3rd shop I visited this week. Give your opinions on Alpine; 4 6.5" coaxial, 1 10" sub & 1 pdx 5 channel amp.

[bsloop]

I don't have the patience or knowledge to do it myself. So, I'll be paying someone. I may have found the system I want @ the 3rd shop I visited this week. Give your opinions on Alpine; 4 6.5" coaxial, 1 10" sub & 1 pdx 5 channel amp.

I would say there are other comperable $$ names that will be louder and more durable than the alpine. Alpine is accurate but the lake environment is not condusive to accuracy between wind noise, open air enviro, and the alcohol effect.

If you can fit a 12", it will sound much better in the boat. 10" is great for a small areas like a car but you will sound better with the boom a 12" will throw. I dont really care what kind, but a Kicker 12" L5 is pretty good for the $$ vs boom. If you are going take care of your boat, keep it covered and dry it out, and keep the sub in a dry area, dont fall into the sealed marine hype. Get a ported box and the sound will be much better.

The stock speaker wire should be fine to power most any 6.5 speaker.
Save a few bucks and have them just wire the existing speakers into the new amp.
6 1/2 speakers are EASY, tell them you may do that upgrade later ;)
Unscrew grille cover, unplug two spaded terminals, plug two spaded terminals and screw the grille back on. Save the "labor" $$ of the 4 and put toward some higher quality components. Installing 4 6.5 is beggable by a friend if you have to and takes little time. A whole system, has to be a REALLY generous guy.
Two pair of WetSounds 6.5 < $500 shipped. You WILL NOT be disappointed.
http://www.wakeside.com/product/boat/audio/boat_speakers/wet+sounds+xs-650+6.5%22+coaxial+speaker+pair.do

The install is a chunk of cost regardless of what you install. Spend the $$ for good speakers and when you feel the urge, upgrade the amps and your speakers can handle it.

Summary -
480 - 2 pair WetSound 6.5
300 - Kicker L5 12"
120 - sub box - PORTED!!!
100 - fuse & wire
------
1000

600 - PDX 5 or $1200 PDX 4.150 + 1.600 (if you get addicted to sound the +600 is $$ well spent upfront)
xxx Labor to wire the amp and install sub

Looks like you are in for a little over 2K installed. I just quoted direct retail prices since that is prob what you are looking at with a install shop.
If you are dead set on going cheaper cause u are in sticker shock for just buying a 40K boat, go with the solid sub upgrade alone, shred the stock speakers for a year or two, then replace????

[BDM]

Personally, I'm not a fan of ported boxes, but as Sloop said, in the boat environment, they do sound better then sealed... at least the ones I've heard.

Also, from my car audio days.... If I remember correctly, it takes more power for sealed boxes then it does for ported to get the same db level.

But, memory is sketchy there... There's been a lot of dead brain cells since then... [smilie=crazy]

[08 RINKER]

I don't have the patience or knowledge to do it myself. So, I'll be paying someone. I may have found the system I want @ the 3rd shop I visited this week. Give your opinions on Alpine; 4 6.5" coaxial, 1 10" sub & 1 pdx 5 channel amp.

The all Alpine Marine system (amp is not marine) installed - $1100. I didn't think this was bad to upgrade the stock system...

[08 RINKER]

I would say there are other comperable $$ names that will be louder and more durable than the alpine. Alpine is accurate but the lake environment is not condusive to accuracy between wind noise, open air enviro, and the alcohol effect.

If you can fit a 12", it will sound much better in the boat. 10" is great for a small areas like a car but you will sound better with the boom a 12" will throw. I dont really care what kind, but a Kicker 12" L5 is pretty good for the $$ vs boom. If you are going take care of your boat, keep it covered and dry it out, and keep the sub in a dry area, dont fall into the sealed marine hype. Get a ported box and the sound will be much better.

The stock speaker wire should be fine to power most any 6.5 speaker.
Save a few bucks and have them just wire the existing speakers into the new amp.
6 1/2 speakers are EASY, tell them you may do that upgrade later ;)
Unscrew grille cover, unplug two spaded terminals, plug two spaded terminals and screw the grille back on. Save the "labor" $$ of the 4 and put toward some higher quality components. Installing 4 6.5 is beggable by a friend if you have to and takes little time. A whole system, has to be a REALLY generous guy.
Two pair of WetSounds 6.5 < $500 shipped. You WILL NOT be disappointed.
http://www.wakeside.com/product/boat/audio/boat_speakers/wet+sounds+xs-650+6.5%22+coaxial+speaker+pair.do

The install is a chunk of cost regardless of what you install. Spend the $$ for good speakers and when you feel the urge, upgrade the amps and your speakers can handle it.

Summary -
480 - 2 pair WetSound 6.5
300 - Kicker L5 12"
120 - sub box - PORTED!!!
100 - fuse & wire
------
1000

600 - PDX 5 or $1200 PDX 4.150 + 1.600 (if you get addicted to sound the +600 is $$ well spent upfront)
xxx Labor to wire the amp and install sub

Looks like you are in for a little over 2K installed. I just quoted direct retail prices since that is prob what you are looking at with a install shop.
If you are dead set on going cheaper cause u are in sticker shock for just buying a 40K boat, go with the solid sub upgrade alone, shred the stock speakers for a year or two, then replace????

WOW! Thanks for the info. Without help, opinions, suggestions, etc... I would probably end up w/ something I would not be happy w/.
All suggestions, comments, opinions, etc... are appreciated. Keep 'em coming. Thanks. [smilie=042.gif] [smilie=trink39] [smilie=appl]

[bsloop]

The all Alpine Marine system (amp is not marine) installed - $1100. I didn't think this was bad to upgrade the stock system...

So looking at Crutchfield, the marine prod other than amp....

200 - Alpine SPS-M600 2pr
200 - Alp SWRM100 sub
600 - Alp PDX-5
80 - fuse & wire
-------
$1080 equipment alone

I know there are better prices but Cruthfield is at least a benchmark.
I am sure he has margin on the hardware he is eating into to get the job, and maybe he is REALLY desperate right now but.......
You are missing out on a TON of potential sound with a free air sub. Its a simple install but last resort IMO.
Also check if he is cutting corners on not installing an inline fuse...big mistake.

If that is the 6.5 speaker, it is only rated 30w RMS, 100w max. You run a good chance in cooking those if you turn it up.

I know I have not been happy with any "marine" grade equipment from a power handlng standpoint. One thing that makes them marine is a heavily sealed voice coil. This limits power and heats up during extended play.

Example: I cooked two Kicker "marine" subs SKM10 last year. Melted a hole in the center cone. Opened them and it was their basic Comp 10, 150w with the voice coil sealed tight. Replaced with CompVT, same basket size but made to take 400w. Regulars 3 boats down that know me, noticed as soon as I fired up. :mrgreen: Played the rest of the year, no problem.

We are not dealing with a salt water enviroment and if you take care to dry and shelter your boat, equipment will last just as long.

[08 RINKER]

[QUOTE=bsloop]So looking at Crutchfield, the marine prod other than amp....

200 - Alpine SPS-M600 2pr
200 - Alp SWRM100 sub
600 - Alp PDX-5
80 - fuse & wire
-------
$1080 equipment alone

Quote I recd.
160 - Alpine SPS-M600 2pr
170 - Alpine SWR-M100
500 - Alpine PDX-5
70 - wires, etc..
----------------
900 + 250 to install
I don't know anything about this, so I really appreciate your input. I don't need to make waves, I'm just really looking for good sound w/ some volume... [smilie=trink39]