Opinions on small system...
 

I've got a 2004 x2 with the 4 in boat speaker, 2 factory tower speakers, and an Alpine type R 12. The in-boats are run off the old clarion xmd3 and the tower speakers and sub are running off of a JL M4300. I'm thinking of either getting another M4300, which will allow me to amp the in-boats or a mono sub amp to run the sub and then just amp the in-boats with the M4300 and run the tower speakers off the radio. I'm not too concerned about hearing the music while riding or anything, so I don't really care if the tower speakers are loud, so I'm leaning towards that second option.

I guess my biggest question is...I have a single optima blue top, am I gonna drain down my battery if I stop and listen to the stereo for 5 minutes? I really don't stop and sit that much, as we have a house on the lake and if I want to sit I will just go to the house.

All opinions are appreciated.

Justin,
The easiest and most cost effective approach would be to add a small JL Audio monoblock amplifier for the subwoofer and run both the in-boat speakers (all four on two channels) and the single pair of tower speakers off the other two channels of the M4300. Even at moderate volume levels you really need to have external amplification on all speakers in an open boat. Its more about the ease and cleanliness of sound rather than just the volume. Properly tuned you'll enjoy the system more under all listening conditions.

David
Earmark Marine

I like that suggestion. I know nothing about the technical side of this other than wiring things up...is that going to be an issue with ohms and stuff or is it not enough power or whatever to worry about it?

Justin,
In the above scenerio two channels of the M4300 running the four in-boats would be operating at 2-ohms which is perfectly safe and the other two channels would operate at a conservative 4-ohm load. Also, given that you will be running this amplifier in the highpass mode all around you won't be placing much stress on it. The M4300 uses a more dated rating method but is actually the power equivalent to the newer but also discontinued G4500 which is a 500 watt amplifier. So you have more than enough power for your needs. Add a JL Audio G1300 monoblock for the subwoofer and you're done.

David
Earmark Marine

Dang. Thanks for the advice. I think that's what I'm gonna do.