I am probably going to replace the two 6.5's in the cabin of my boat with 6x9's when I replace the whole system this winter. My question is...do these speakers perform better with enclosures? I could easily mount a small sealed box inside the storage compartment. Would there be a noticeable difference in the lower freqs, like a sub? Anyone have any experience with 6x9 boxes?

My $.02, I dont know that the 6x9's would be worth the effort (enlarging holes) as far as sound quality.

6x9's will take lots of abuse if you get a decent pair.

Some sort of enclosure will help the lower frequencies quite a bit. However, if you are going to spend more $$ on 6X9's and build an enclosure anyway, why not add an inexpensive sub and amp combo and keep the 6.5"s??

Totally agree with what tim said. I wouldn't bother replacing the 6.5s especially if you are adding a sub.

Tim has the right idea. Use 6x9s only if you are not able to use a sub. The 6x9s will perform better with enclosures but it is very minimal (prob. not worth the time or $).

The reason for considering the 6x9's is because the only sub I am putting in right now is the XS10 sub from Wetsounds. I didn't want to give up my foot room under the dash, and I didn't want a sub in the compartment under the glove box. I may add a bow sub at some point, but not this winter. <BR> <BR>Ben, any feed back on the XS10 yet? You speak highly about Wetsounds tower speakers, have you used the 10" sub yet. I have heard the 12" from WS pounds, but I haven't heard a thing about the 10.

Darin- <BR> <BR>I believe that with even a single ten in the boat it will compensate enough to eliminate the need for the 6x9s. I would stick with the 6.5s. Are you going to amplify the cabin speakers? If so make sure the highpass crossover is turned on. If not invest in some capacitors to take some of the bass away to allow them to play more of the mids and highs instead of straining to play bass frequencies. <BR> <BR>I need to admit that I do love the Wetsounds tower speakers but do not have much experience with the XS10. I have heard them in once in a boat and once in a demo room environment. What I did hear was positive but wasn't enough listening time or familiar music for me to make a solid opinion. <BR> <BR>When looking at them for the first time in January I was very impressed with the built quality and attention to detail such as tinsel leads, connectors, fit and finish, material coatings etc.. The included grill looks good too. <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/520923.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/520924.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR> <BR>I know that Wetsounds it not done yet in the marine subwoofer category. <BR> <BR>Good luck in your system design.