Polk MM651UM vs. Wetsounds xs65
 

OK, Its time to finally do it. I've read and read and read, I've narrowed it down to these two speakers. My absolute main concern is quality and durability. I want these speakers to last. My Rockford Fosgates did not.

My boat is stored indoors, so I don't have to worry about the elements as much as if it was stored outdoors.

And I know the XS650s are going to be mentioned as how I should consider those, but I can't afford it, so they are out of the question. The MM651UM are going for $131 online, and the XS65 are going for $159 online. I'll be buying 6 sets so the wetwounds are already more expensive, but $100 isn't the biggest deal.

So lets hear it and help me out.

Oh ya, and due to an awesome special from Earmark Marine, the XS65 option is less expensive, so the price difference is even less.

Just in case u missed it the first time,

http://www.wakeworld.com/forum/showthread.php?t=790606

If you ask me the Polks would be the better choice. More wattage, bigger tweeter. However we al know the Wetsounds stuff loves extra power.

Essentially the two speakers are the same price at the moment.
The marinized construction of all the Wetsounds and specifically the Polk UltraMarine series is as rugged as it gets. Polymer injection-molded baskets, totally water resistant, composite spiders, coated tinsel leads and everything construction wise that you could ask for in a true marine coaxial. Both have tweeters suspended by the grill rather than post-mounted which yields a sealed midbass cone and more surface area. The most significant difference is that the Wetsounds has a metal dome tweeter and the Polk has a textile dome tweeter. Two different sounds in that respect and usually two different camps as to what they like best.

David
Earmark Marine

So what kind of sound difference would you expect. I bit higher/crisper from the WS or the Polks?

Speakers like Focal Access, MB Quart and Wetsounds use titanium or aluminum metal dome tweeters. They are usually a touch more aggressive on the percussion.

David
Earmark Marine

I am in the same situation and found some exile sx65's online for 130 canadain a set which is what i think i will be going with. May want to consider these speakers did a lot of reading and seem to be great.
100-125 rms 200-250 peak watts.

Bu Coo,

Tough to go wrong with either choice. I have the XS650s and love them, but I have always loved the Polks. I've heard the 65s and like them too. Good luck and have fun.

Where did you find these, I could use a few pairs myself?

Found them on visions.ca with free shipping, however I see they are the old style which is the sx65c vs. the sx65-M but from reading they are still great speakers for the price and am what i am going with in my boat.

David at Earmark, please tell me your honest to god choice! If this was your boat, stored in-doors, 50-100 hours a year, limitied budget, what would you put on your boat?!?!?!?!? MM651UM or XS-65?!?!?!?! I really want your opinion! :D

seriously look into the exile sx65's they are priced similar to the xs-65's but can handle more power. Many people on this board have them and seem to really like them.

Brett,
My choice may not be in line with your choice. Some are soft dome people and some are hard dome people. Some listen to classic rock or classic vocalists while other people listen to top 40 or hip hop with recessed vocals that are heavily aided by AutoTune.
But the following applies to everyone. Your in-boat coaxial speakers carry most of the musical fundamentals and virtually all the harmonics that really shape your music. The larger and more powerful your subwoofer the better midbass you need from your coaxials to seamlessly integrate with the sub. Just turn off your coaxials entirely and listen to any subwoofer by itself to prove this point. Tonal construction and pitch accuracy for your bass will mostly come from your coaxial midbass components. So personally I place alot more value on in-boat speakers than most do.
Here is what I would do. Skip over both choices and make a lasting investment with the Wetsounds XS650s. Yes they are more but you can get a deal on this Cyber Monday. And you'll know you got the best where it counts the most.

David
Earmark Marine

Earmark has some pretty good deals on wet sounds display tower speakers right now!

What deal can you give now on the 650's?

We all enjoy making a technical contribution here. According to the forum rules, the forum is not the place to conduct pricing and direct sales from vendors. I would take it private or contact the vendor by email.

which in boat speaker do you recommend under $200 with this great
amp?http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...ne-MA6004.html

KR,

That amp will be respectable power for 2-3 pairs of just about any marine in-boat you can find. Go with the ones that you like the looks of and sound of.

will the amp be enough for a pair of exile XS65's plus a pair of exile SXT65Q tower speakers?

It will be perfect for the in-boat pair, but on the low side of where I like to be for a 6.5" coaxial tower speaker. So, it really depends on what your expectations are for those tower speakers. They will project fine when at rest floating behind the boat, but may struggle a little to overcome the engine, water and wind noise while underway.

For in boats how about the Polk DB651's?