stereo help..

upupnaway 03-08-2005, 5:41 AM

There are alot of stereo gurus on here, I was hoping to tap into your knowledge.
When putting together your systems, do you guys use dedicated marine stereos and speakers, or do you use car audio items?
I want a new system in my boat, but all of the "marine" stereos I have seen have been ghetto looking.

(acurtis_ttu) · (acurtis_ttu) **Join Date: May 2004** 03-08-2005, 6:00 AM

I use all car audio equipment. Marine grade audio equipment is usually overpriced and for the most part not up to par with regualr car audio. Use the search function for reccomendations on equipment.

(clubmyke) · (clubmyke) **Join Date: Aug 2004** 03-08-2005, 7:44 AM

the big difference between car audio and marine-

1. warranty- you are paying a lot more in case it gets wets.

2. speakers- use a poly or kevlar cone and silicon grease the rear connector wires (marine speakers will use a insulated wire)

(mikeski) · (mikeski) **Join Date: Aug 2003** 03-09-2005, 11:24 AM

Mike,

In my opinion it really depends on your particular application and how you use your boat. I have had great success with non-marine speakers and decks but after I started adding weight the deck got a good dousing one day and quit. Also keep in mine they you may be able to buy two decks for the price of a marine unit. The subs in my last boat had paper cones, I used raw mdf for the sub box too but my boat didn't leak and the box was in a place where it would only have gotten wet if the boat was sinking. If you ever to salt I would recommend marine stuff. If you stay out of the rain the car stuff might work fine.

(rem_pss308) · (rem_pss308) **Join Date: Mar 2004** 03-09-2005, 12:54 PM

I use only auto. I had a head unit get really wet and it died. But other than that, I have had no problems.
Places like Best Buy, and Circuit City have extended warrantees that cover anything( no questions asked ) , for very little. It is good insurance to have.

(clubmyke) · (clubmyke) **Join Date: Aug 2004** 03-09-2005, 6:47 PM

btw, jbl seagim is a very good headunit enclosure.

(phall925) · (phall925) **Join Date: Feb 2005** 03-09-2005, 8:48 PM

I just did a system for my friend with all Memphis audio stuff.

Marine 5 channel amp (The Memphis Belle 600)
I ran 2 sets of cabin speakers off the front channels
and the tower speakers off the rear channels
The sub channel for a Memphis M3 12" in a ported box

Amp - $700
3 sets of Memphis marine Coaxials 6.5" (140.00 per pair)
12" M3 Sub $250

The only thiing not marine was the sub but it will be fine it is in a dry place.

This sytem bumps and gets loud. The Marine Speakers get real nice sound for not that much. The reason you don't see memphis in any catelogues or websires is becasue you have to buy from an Authorized store dealer. Wihtout tax the system was 1250. I know that is alot to drop at once but take it from me. I have tried to poece sytems together month by month and never have been satisfied. This stuff is great gear and doesn't cost as much as big name brands. As far as a deck I would go with one of the Clarion XMD models. Those things take tons of water a still work. You dont have to hide it in the glove box becasue the face is waterproff. Also you can have two remotes one for the driver and one on the ski deck. Those head units can be high but they are woth it. You can get a factory reconditioned one at www.bass-entertainment.com for 169.

Hope that helped. If you want to know more just email me

www.memphiscaraudio.com

later
P

(phall925) · (phall925) **Join Date: Feb 2005** 03-09-2005, 8:50 PM

sorry the link to the Clarion for cheap is http://www.bass-enterprises.com/

sorry my bad