Upgrading Stereo in Phases - Suggestions?

My wife and I recently purchased an '03 Launch, and it came with the stock stereo - a Sirius ready Kenwood head unit with 2 sets of RCA outs. I had an extra Clarion amp {http://www.crutchfield.com/S-cN49FX5vN5n/cgi-bin/prodview.asp?I=020APA450&search=APA450,http://www.crutchfield.com/S-cN49FX5vN5n/cgi-bin/prodview.asp?I=020APA450&search=APA450}the garage, and was contemplating installing it in the boat. At this point I don't have tower speakers or a sub - but that's where I want to get to.

Is it worth it to install this 4-channel amp in the boat for the 6 stock boat speakers?

Is it feasible to run subs / towers / boat speakers off of one 4-channel amp? I don't want to break the bank here, so would love to only install one amp. I was thinking that I could possibly run a splitter off of one of the RCA outs on the head unit, and run it to a powered sub. That way, I could still run four channels for the towers / boat speakers. What would you recommend? If you had 4 - channels of amp for towers / 6 speakers, how would you wire it?

Thanks!

Eventually you will have to add more amps to satisfy the requirement for more equipment (subs, tower speakers, boat speakers). What I currently have going (far from great) is a 4ch amp powering my system. Of course I only have 4 boat speakers and 2 tower. I run the four boat speakers off of 2 ch at 2ohm and the towers off the other two at 4ohm. So for know what you could do is (assuming 2 speakers in the bow)

1)Run the 4 in the boat at 2 ohm and the bow at 4
2)Run the 4 in the boat at 2 ohm and the tower bridged at 2ohm (depending on the speakers).
3) Run each of the tower speakers bridged and the boat speakers off the head unit(depending on the speakers).

Realistically you need more amps in general. I do understand about being on a budget but there is only so much you can do with what you have. Since you said upgrading in stages you can eventually get there. I would recommend dealing with the boat first then invest in some quality tower speakers, dont skimp. I made the mistake of not waiting on the tower speakers because I thought the bazooka tubbies would be great, there ok but not what I expected. Take the time, save some $, and do it right. As many people will tell you there is no real way to achieve top notch sound on a budget. Ultimatly I think you ncan use what you have for part of your system but not the whole.

Thanks for the prompt reply. I think I'll do that and get the towers up next. I'll grab an amp with enough power to run my subs / towers. I'm sure there are lots of posts with recommendations for tower speakers but what would you recommend under $500 / pr?

(Message edited by advertdave on May 28, 2006)

You won't find anything for under $500 a pair except on eBay. The minimum point of entry for tower speakers is $800-900 unfortunately.

Yeah, I guess that is what I was seeing. Is it safe to say that the ones listed on eBay aren't that great? Some appear to be better than others - such as these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Polk-Momo-POLISHED-Alum-Wakeboard-Tower-Speakers_W0QQitemZ7244308250QQcategoryZ23807QQrdZ1 QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rockford-Fosgate-6-5-Wakeboard-Boat-Tower-Speakers_W0QQitemZ7245069207QQcategoryZ23807QQssPa geNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

David,

For right now... amp 4 of the cabin speakers and then run the other 2 off the headunit. Then finish it in two phases.

Phase 1- save up and get the wetsounds Pro 80s, for around $850 they are the best deal for the money hands down. You can get a kicker amp to power them for around $200 on ebay. Better to do it right now so you can actually HERE the music then to do it over later.

Phase 2- if you want to use as little amps as possible... buy another kicker 4-channel off ebay and bridge 2 of the channels for your sub and run 4 of the interior speakers off the other channel.

Dave, you can build a tower box if you are good with your hands and have some patience, for far less money. Check this site.
http://www.epicmarine.com/docs/Box_How%20To.pdf

If you pick up a sub I would leave the interior speakers on the deck. Run the tower on the front channel and bridge the sub to the rear on the amp.

my .02
Unless of course you get an amp first.