Coaxial Speaker and Amp Recommendations
 

I'm no audio specialist and my brother has asked me about speaker options for his boat. Figured you guys could help. He has a 21ft bass boat and the previous owner had cut out 6.5'"s in the seating area but the speakers were non waterproof Sonys that are destroyed. The previous owner also took out the head unit prior to him buying it. So essentially he has only two 6.5" spots to put a pair of speakers and no head unit at this point. He looked at this kit at West Marine today and liked the sound of them: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...2#.UCvtEESlDtE

He doesn't mind spending a decent amount of $ on the system, he just wants it loud, crisp and clear when running down the lake. He wants something that performs well on low end as well since he does not have room for a subwoofer. I told him he may do better with WetSounds since they are all the rage with audio specialists and are waterproof. I haven't heard any Wet Sounds interior speakers though, just the tower speakers.

Also, he isn't interested in CD, USB or AM/FM radio. Basically he'll be running his iPhone for his iTunes music and Pandora, Slacker, etc. internet radio. I told him he may not even need a "head unit" of sorts, just an amplifier with direct input of iPhone audio. He said that sounded good, but wants a volume controller so he doesn't have to control volume with his phone all the time. He would mount amp in passenger side console and keep iPhone cord and iPhone in the glove box passenger side. Needs volume control at driver's dash area. Could you guys provide your recommendations preferably with links to good buys on this equipment?

budget?

Well that West Marine kit is $300 and he mentioned he wouldn't mind spending more to get better quality. I don't think he would want to go over $500 though for a two speaker system.

Here is a cheap and ok set up for a bass boat... keeping around 300.... Using the deck he liked but, with better speakers and the power to get the low end sound he wants from running two 6.5".... Bridge that amp and rocket 120- 150 watts of power to each speaker...


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fusion-Model...item58946b289f

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MTX-TM7702-M...f34d84&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MTX-TM-904-M...34e687&vxp=mtr

He can add this by the helm for ease of use but it will put him over 300...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAND-NEW-Fu...item2a1b4f7d0a

I like true's system, but I'd use nicer speakers and a clarion eqs746 instead of a headunit:

http://www.amazon.com/Clarion-EQS746.../dp/B000EZV3T8

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Polk-Audio-M...item3cc92c425e

that puts my system at about $30 more than true's (EQ 52 + speakers 152). You'd also need an ipod cable, which I didn't budget.

Although I think he liked the Fusion system, he mostly liked the sound of it. Head unit isn't a big deal since he would run iPhone only for his audio source. Is a head unit essential for sound quality? Could he not just get an amp and speakers and run something like this to the drivers area to control volume? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Axxess-Unive...item35bb4b2f9e

Ya know Shawn I was thinkin just a EQ as well or a LC-1 on drivers side... I'm not fond of the fusion head units like most but, we install alot of them and have issues down the road it seems.. Although, This is the first year I've only had two with manufacturer defects from last year.. Maybe there stepping there game up? Anyways I'd agree to spend the $30 extra for Polk and EQ... :)

Well if it's the sound he liked and is crazy for.. Maybe I can suggest best grade 6.5"( like JL, wetsounds) moderate amp ( kicker, Polk, MTX, audio pipe) and the EQ or equivelant?? This may run upwards 400 but you should find it all for around that 500 mark..

go with this amp and I get back under $300 http://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Acoustics...ht_1152wt_1116

yeah it's a refurb. These are zed designed amps and I've had very good luck with them over the years (rated at 12.9v!)

Also agree that JL m770s on a bridged xd 400/4 would be a more expensive "do it once" solution.