$1500-$2000 Budget/Want to hear music while riding

(poland34) · (poland34) **Join Date: Jan 2008** 09-24-2008, 11:14 AM

So i will admit ignorance in the audio department. I am looking to install new tower speakers along with an amp to run them. I am looking for suggestions on the best setup for my budget. I know of Wetsounds, JL and Polk just dont know enough to make an informed decision. Please Help!!!Thanks

(jarrod) · (jarrod) **Join Date: May 2003** 09-24-2008, 11:18 AM

NVS are my favorites. Never had any problems, and I've never heard ANYTHING louder.

Great people at NVS too.

As far as I know, HSE, NVS, and Wetsounds are the only real contenders when it comes to high volume.

(jarrod) · (jarrod) **Join Date: May 2003** 09-24-2008, 11:20 AM

We're running these. http://www.nvs1.net/deviant.html

They're recessed up into the tower so that you get more head clearence, even with the 10" drivers.

(ndavis03) · (ndavis03) **Join Date: Jul 2006** 09-24-2008, 11:24 AM

I have a pair of the NVS Addictions and they scream. Also, Duane the owner of NVS is top notch when it comes to service. I highly recommend.

(stewart) · (stewart) **Join Date: Feb 2006** 09-24-2008, 11:24 AM

(4) Bullet Hollow Point 650's with Boston GT-24 amp $1898

(4) Bullet Hollow Point 770's with Boston GT-24 amp
$2098

http://www.bulletspeakers.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=2&option=co m_virtuemart&Itemid=1

(poland34) · (poland34) **Join Date: Jan 2008** 09-24-2008, 11:29 AM

J-Rod and Nick,
Thanks guys, I like the looks of the NVS speakers. What amp are you running with the pair?

(jarrod) · (jarrod) **Join Date: May 2003** 09-24-2008, 11:43 AM

I'm not sure Steven. I'll see if I can find out, or maybe Neptune Audio can chime in. They did the instal.

If you want loud, you'll be looking at speakers with pro-audio driver. The bullet speakers mentioned above are coaxial. They can probably be heard behind the boat, but not with the same protection as the three I mentioned.

(ndavis03) · (ndavis03) **Join Date: Jul 2006** 09-24-2008, 11:50 AM

Steven-I am running a Kicker 650.4 bridged to a pair of the NVS Addictions. I think each speaker is getting about 325 watts RMS.

J-Rod-I think the Bullet Hollow Point are pro-audio.

(jarrod) · (jarrod) **Join Date: May 2003** 09-24-2008, 11:54 AM

I clicked on the link, they said coaxial.

(ericlee) · (ericlee) **Join Date: Apr 2007** 09-24-2008, 11:59 AM

Wetsounds are so crystal clear. I have not heard NVS but I would say you cant go wrong with either of them. Just pick which look cooler. I have the illusion tower and Wetsounds were hands down better lookin on my tower.

(sidekicknicholas)

2 sets of the kicker outlaw (4 speakers) = 450
1 big 2 channel amp ~250

the newer version of our setup and I can hear it just fine when riding.... its not NVS/Wetsounds but for half of what you're looking to spend not so bad

$700 and you have saved money.

(acurtis_ttu) · (acurtis_ttu) **Join Date: May 2004** 09-24-2008, 12:04 PM

I'm very happy with my wetsoudns threesome setup, don't foget the quick release is standard on the wetsounds, and the housings ( whatever plastic polymer it is) on the wetsoudns are maintence free...both issues for me as I store my boat on a lift.

(wakereviews) · (wakereviews) **Join Date: Sep 2006** 09-24-2008, 12:18 PM

I have teh NVS Deviants as well and drive them with the Zapco Reference 1000.4 amp and they scream.

(billhall) · (billhall) **Join Date: Jun 2006** 09-24-2008, 12:26 PM

Another vote for the wetsounds threesome. Crystal clear at 80 feet.

(stewart) · (stewart) **Join Date: Feb 2006** 09-24-2008, 12:40 PM

J-Rod The Hollow Point 650 and 770 are Pro Audio. They also sell a 6-1/2" coax. You need to scroll down the page......

http://www.bulletspeakers.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.f lypage&product_id=37&category_id=2&manufacturer_id =0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

(billy2603) · (billy2603) **Join Date: Mar 2007** 09-24-2008, 12:41 PM

+1 for Wetsounds

(I haven't heard NVS, but I'm sure you are splitting hairs when it comes to NVS vs Wetsounds - you are in great shape either way)

(rallyart) · (rallyart) **Join Date: Nov 2006** 09-24-2008, 12:54 PM

Buy an FAE exhaust and come out ahead by spending less on the stereo.

(liquidmx) · (liquidmx) **Join Date: Jun 2005** 09-24-2008, 1:07 PM

Dont forget on how you plan on storing your boat. Personally I would want quick disconnects on my tower speakers since it seems to draw attention to thieves. I know the NVS are pretty slick with the quick disconnects.

(jarrod) · (jarrod) **Join Date: May 2003** 09-24-2008, 1:12 PM

Yep, NVS quick release stuff is sweet.

Art, I'm sure your FAE exhaust really gets the energy pumping on your boat. I'll be sure to bring my iPod and headphones if I ever ride with you!

(chpthril) · (chpthril) **Join Date: Oct 2007** 09-24-2008, 1:15 PM

Kicker KTM6's = $300

Kicker ZX550.2 = $300

Cable, fuse, etc = $100

Put the rest in your pocket

(ndavis03) · (ndavis03) **Join Date: Jul 2006** 09-24-2008, 1:16 PM

What swayed my decision was the amount of midbass produced by the Addictions. Its all personal preference, but I wasn't looking for a ton of highs with no midbass. IMO, the Addictions have a very full sound.

(jarrod) · (jarrod) **Join Date: May 2003** 09-24-2008, 1:28 PM

"Kicker KTM6's = $300

Kicker ZX550.2 = $300

Cable, fuse, etc = $100

Put the rest in your pocket"

He said he wants to hear it while he rides!

(rallyart) · (rallyart) **Join Date: Nov 2006** 09-24-2008, 1:35 PM

J-Rod, the FAE drops the signal to noise ratio of broadcast sound by at least 12dB. How much are you going to spend on an amp to improve that much?
And the iPod is a good idea behind my boat.

(chpthril) · (chpthril) **Join Date: Oct 2007** 09-24-2008, 1:44 PM

J-rod,

Not sure how to take that, but I have a set out there running 175W's RMS to each pod and are plenty clear @ 80ft.

"He said he wants to hear it while he rides!"

P.S. I CAN read, but can you, cause I dont see this stated in his post?

"So i will admit ignorance in the audio department. I am looking to install new tower speakers along with an amp to run them. I am looking for suggestions on the best setup for my budget. I know of Wetsounds, JL and Polk just dont know enough to make an informed decision. Please Help!!!Thanks"

(Message edited by chpthril on September 24, 2008)

(hatepain) · (hatepain) **Join Date: Aug 2006** 09-24-2008, 2:04 PM

I have the Bullet Hollow Point 770's and they sound amazing even slightly under powered. They can be heard on the water easily at a 1/2 mile away. I have been told time and again by friends around the lake that they can hear me loud and clear in their homes. The thing that sold me on them was their midbass production and looks. I previously had 4 cans with typical car audio speakers and these take up less space on the tower than those yet are larger.

And yes they are a pro audio HLCD set up.

Upload

(papag) · (papag) **Join Date: Nov 2005** 09-24-2008, 2:10 PM

TigeMike, read the title of the post.

(ponte_06_x2) · (ponte_06_x2) **Join Date: Jan 2006** 09-24-2008, 2:18 PM

nvs brother. loud and clear Upload

(chpthril) · (chpthril) **Join Date: Oct 2007** 09-24-2008, 2:20 PM

^^^ Thanks Nick, I stand corrected.

I still stand behind the Kickers for their price and performance. The OP was looking for budget option, and that's what I posted. Am I saying they stand next to WS's, NVS's, or the Hollow Points, no, but they dont cost as much either. There was nothing wrong with my recommendation, it fit with in his budget $.02

(sidekicknicholas)

for the $ kicker is awesome.

(david_e_m) · (david_e_m) **Join Date: Jul 2008** 09-24-2008, 2:31 PM

Steven,

Bullet actually has two classifications of tower speakers.

One type consists of 7-inch pods with upgrade coaxials that are very impressive as conventional speakers go.

The second type use HLCD ProAxials in a 7-inch (650) or 8-inch (770) version. And, these are loud!!!

The Bullets feature spun-aluminum pods in either powdercoat or chrome.

Go to http://www.earmarkcaraudio.com/install_bullet-hp-gallery.asp to view several examples of finished product.

David E.M.

(ponte_06_x2) · (ponte_06_x2) **Join Date: Jan 2006** 09-24-2008, 2:33 PM

i dont know if you care but nvs are made in america. help out a american business. god knows we need it.

(stewart) · (stewart) **Join Date: Feb 2006** 09-24-2008, 2:45 PM

Bullets hand spun Bullet housings are Made in the USA!

(bond) · (bond) **Join Date: Nov 2002** 09-24-2008, 2:56 PM

Bullets:

(bond) · (bond) **Join Date: Nov 2002** 09-24-2008, 2:58 PM

lETS TRY IT AGAIN Upload

(jarrod) · (jarrod) **Join Date: May 2003** 09-24-2008, 3:07 PM

I'm just sayin...

He has a big budget.

There's a difference between hearing the music, and rockin it loud.

I don't know exactly which kickers you're talking about. I started out with 4 6" Kicker drivers on my tower, and that shiat was waste of money.

NVS is a different level of volume.

(hatepain) · (hatepain) **Join Date: Aug 2006** 09-24-2008, 3:18 PM

He's talking about the KMT6 which is Kickers tower specific set up. http://www.millionbuy.com/kik07kmt6.html

Racer #5 that right there is an insane set up!

(davomaddo) · (davomaddo) **Join Date: Feb 2003** 09-24-2008, 4:01 PM

waterproof ipod .... seriously - if you really want to hear music while riding

(poland34) · (poland34) **Join Date: Jan 2008** 09-24-2008, 7:16 PM

Thanks to everyone for the input. The entire reason I am taking on this project is i rode behind a Mastercraft this past weekend and the music was like i was sitting in the boat. After speaking with him today, he in fact is rockin the NVS speakers. I have decided to take J-Rods advice and from experience go with the NVS. Thanks again everyone.

(ryan11) · (ryan11) **Join Date: Jan 2008** 09-24-2008, 7:25 PM

DONT DO IT WET SOUNDS ALL THE WAY

(eargasm) · (eargasm) **Join Date: May 2007** 09-24-2008, 8:17 PM

NVS all the way, there is no comparison. Sorry Wetsound guys, your 8" aint touching my 10".

When I was playing it loud in Norcal you could hear it all the way in Orlando. Amazing those NVS's.

(bond) · (bond) **Join Date: Nov 2002** 09-24-2008, 8:22 PM

Iff I ahd to do it all over again, I would have to go back with the Boss Cans loaded witH teh MB quartz, but the Bullets sounds tight, I'm getting ready to re-load mine with the Hollow Points this winter

(ponte_06_x2) · (ponte_06_x2) **Join Date: Jan 2006** 09-24-2008, 8:30 PM

yeah steven. you just decided that your going to spend your money wisely.

(val_cal) · (val_cal) **Join Date: Aug 2008** 09-24-2008, 10:24 PM

NVS

(deltawake) · (deltawake) **Join Date: Sep 2004** 09-25-2008, 6:47 AM

HSE! You won't find anything with a cleaner sound behind the boat than the HSE Trident speaker system. Neptunes is the primary dealer for HSE. You can also add a revolution volume control. It is the best audio accessory out there bar none, and is essential equipment as far as I'm concerned. http://www.hsetrident.com

(jarrod) · (jarrod) **Join Date: May 2003** 09-25-2008, 7:13 AM

Steven, be sure to post some pictures once you're all set up. I'm stoked for you. Those speakers are so much fun.

All Eyes, your tower looks sick with three sets up there. I'm jealous! I don't think we can fit three of them.

(ndavis03) · (ndavis03) **Join Date: Jul 2006** 09-25-2008, 8:30 AM

Wise decision Steven. Which NVS setup have you decided on?

(hatepain) · (hatepain) **Join Date: Aug 2006** 09-25-2008, 9:23 AM

Racer #5, I had the Boss too (4) and going to the Hollow Points is light years better. If you wanted to you could have the best of both worlds and only do 4 of your cans up there. This way you could still have the good in the boat sounds of conventional speakers and the HP's could rip all the way to the rider and then some.

(trdon) · (trdon) **Join Date: Sep 2007** 09-25-2008, 3:15 PM

I will second the waterproof Ipod. Cheaper, better sound from where you are vs speakers, and no chance of pissing off your surrounding people/neighbors :-)

(wakereviews) · (wakereviews) **Join Date: Sep 2006** 09-25-2008, 3:51 PM

NO worries boys, we got Steven hooked up with some black Deviants and a Zapco Amp today. The entire lake will be kickin it to whatever he wants in a week or two :-)

(poland34) · (poland34) **Join Date: Jan 2008** 09-25-2008, 3:52 PM

I ended up going with the pair of NVS Deviant speakers along with the Zapco 1000.4 amp. Of course i went above my budget but i have come to expect that owning a boat. My next project is installing a gas grill off the tower...Kidding

(poland34) · (poland34) **Join Date: Jan 2008** 09-25-2008, 3:54 PM

Oh yeah Ian at Onlyinboards hooked me up, he is a quality guy!

(ndavis03) · (ndavis03) **Join Date: Jul 2006** 09-25-2008, 4:55 PM

Good to hear. I'm sure you will enjoy.

(tanner) · (tanner) **Join Date: Oct 2005** 09-25-2008, 5:01 PM

Get the ear plugs out ... talk about harsh! LOL

(ponte_06_x2) · (ponte_06_x2) **Join Date: Jan 2006** 09-25-2008, 5:32 PM

post picts when you get them on. welcome to the family. hey j rod. if i had a choice of any boat to buy it would be a bone crusher. im jealous

(clubmyke) · (clubmyke) **Join Date: Aug 2004** 09-25-2008, 6:39 PM

food for thought - one of the loudest setups that i have ever heard (ie to my ears) was 4 - 6x9 in a glass box with a really big amp (mixed mono of course)

(clubmyke) · (clubmyke) **Join Date: Aug 2004** 09-25-2008, 6:43 PM

food for thought - one of the cheapest and loudest setups that i have ever heard (to my ears) was 4 quality 6x9's in a glass box with a really big amp in mixed mono.

(Message edited by clubmyke on September 25, 2008)

(oddos2525) · (oddos2525) **Join Date: Mar 2008** 09-25-2008, 6:57 PM

NVS Entitys with quick release. Loudest speakers I've ever heard

(hatepain) · (hatepain) **Join Date: Aug 2006** 09-25-2008, 7:14 PM

Didn't a X 80 with 6x9's win the drive by SPL at C.I.E. spring ride?

(clubmyke) · (clubmyke) **Join Date: Aug 2004** 09-25-2008, 7:49 PM

hatepain - wouldnt surprise me... setup is everything.

(Message edited by clubmyke on September 25, 2008)

(ponte_06_x2) · (ponte_06_x2) **Join Date: Jan 2006** 09-25-2008, 8:32 PM

hate. it was a sanger or supra that won the drive by. even the owner of the supra knew that something wasn't right. hes a cool dude though. the x 80 hit. i believe a 156 or 158 in spl. something was wrong with the meter that day. but theirs a HUGE difference between load and crappy sounding and load and clear.

(Message edited by Ponte_06_x2 on September 25, 2008)