Audio knowledge: Factory vs Aftermarket
 

I spoke with a marine audio installer friend a while back and he had stated that most factory amps/speakers that come with boats are detuned or dialed back a bit so your not getting the full power. He said its to protect the equipment from the user of course and cant be dialed up. As I'm looking into a new boat purchase I wonder what would be the better option to buy everything installed from the factory or build my own with generally the same equipment?

For example, I'm looking at the ZS 232 that has an option for 2-12s, 4 rev 10's and 6 8" interiors (not sure what amps). Does anybody have direct experience with this and how much of a difference is does it make?

I had that exact boat last year with the 4 REV 10s and the 8" interiors and the stereo was pretty legit. Had the 2 subs as well. I'm sure it could have been tuned to get more out of it though, but you'd want to check to see if it voids the warranty.

Thats good to know. From my understanding, there's little adjustments that can be made with the factory amps to get more out of the systems. It sounds like most of the adjustments are factory set and mostly locked. The smps may have the same adjustments as aftermarket but the adjustments are muted Ive heard.

find out what the amps are and call the company, they will be able to tell you if they are locked and cannot be adjusted.

i think the easiest route is to get the factory system and conveniently mount tge non dsp version of same amp in same exact spot

the amp will have dsp in the model number i think

I ordered the last boat stereo delete and will do the same on the next one. I prefer the old school way of having the stereo hooked up independently of the boats computers. This helps minimize the chance of engine noise being heard in the speakers as well as being able to maintain control of the stereo in the even that the computer screen(s) fail. I also don't like the lack of control provided with the factory installation such as zone, sub, highs and lows. I don't know about your ZS but the Malibu factory system has very large training wheels on them.

i have an independent totally remote power and ground system including the acc switch used for system power. i also made sure the RCA’s were not near the WS controller as they can cause noise on speakers with lights. i have zero noise of any kind