PART ONE:
Overview:
Before you drop a penny on your stereo installation think about your budget and desires. I think most of us have champagne taste but beer money mentality . . .. This will apply to your stereo.
Some things to decide early on . . .
How many speakers?
Will I want a REAL subwoofer?
Do I go component or coax?
6x9 or 6.5?
How much power should I plan for?
Will I add a wakeboard tower with speakers at a later time?
Do I want an IPOD, USB or other external input digital input device?
Do I want a CD changer? NO WAY JOSE!!
Everyone has different ideas and opinions so this write up may seem off the wall to some folks but here are my thoughts and answers to the above questions.
My .02 . . .
Most boats come with 6.5 inch marine speakers as a standard part of the boat. In many cases they are about 40 watts RMS. Coupled with those speakers is usually a head unit that will output about 15 watts per channel (to each speaker). As most peeps are aware these just don’t do very well with all the ambient noise out on the lake. You can add a small amp and bring these speakers to life but as many find out, it just is not enough out on the lake.
After years of installing stereos, my base recommendation for a boat is four 6.5 inch speakers (components preferably) and at least one 10 inch subwoofer. At this point and time, there are no drivers on the market that can produce the entire spectrum of sound required to make a system sound good. Don’t be fooled by companies selling 8” mid bass drivers that claim the ability to produce the entire spectrum. It just won’t happen. I often hear people saying that 6x9 speakers can alleviate the need for a subwoofer. Although they will have a little more mid bass than a 6.5, they will not sound as clean (due to the odd shape) nor will they deliver the visceral effect of a subwoofer.
Audio systems can produce music in a frequency range from 10Hz to 30,000Hz+.
A really good set of human ears can "hear" the range between 20Hz to 20,000Hz.
When properly setup your crossover points will be approximately as described below.
20Hz – 90Hz (Subwoofer range)
80Hz - 20Khz are mids and tweeters.
By properly adjusting the settings on your amps and if your stereo has them; the highand low pass filters - - -.each of your drivers will be pushed with the PROPER frequencies they need to produce the sound quality most listeners are after. This will make the best use of your amps by not “wasting” power trying to produce frequencies not available to each driver.
It may sound confusing right now, but hang in there it is pretty easy . . .
I am sure some of you are saying, my speakers say they CAN produce x to x frequencies. Without going into a dissertation on audio components . . . I would say to those peeps, fine purchase what you want. I am trying to put this together for folks that want a quality sound system.
Localization:
Your ears can localize most music in the frequency range above 90Hz. Since most subs should operate below 80hz (in the 20Hz – 80Hz range), in a good system you should not be able to localize the Bass. In other words, you ears can not tell where the bass is coming from. On the other hand, music above 90Hz, is easily localized. You ears can tell where the music in this range is coming from. This is why the placement of your drivers (speakers) is extremely important.
What to buy?
Well there is a plethora of choices. I used the following equipment in this installation:
Alpine PDX-4.150 - birth sheet shows 784 WATTS RMS
Alpine PDX-1.1000 - birth sheet shows 1202 WATTS RMS
Alpine 9886 Head unit with IPOD, SAT and USB interface(s)
I used this equipment because of the very small footprint and the huge power output. Also the head unit has a high pass filter and a great ipod controller feature. Obviously you can purchase whatever you want, but consider your space and overall power requirements / desires.
Alpine RF Remote Wireless / Waterproof
Polk Momo MMC6500 x 4 - 125 Watts each RMS
Changed to Image Dynamics XS 65s
I originally purchased the Polk Momo speakers because of the marine rating and because the foot print allowed me to install without modifying my current speaker holes. After repeatedly burning up crossovers from extended play, I decided to go back to my mid level component speaker. My favorite high end are DLS or MB Quart.
Image Dynamics IDMAX V3 12 & Custom Sub Box - 1000 watts RMS
Image Dynamics is probably best known for their world class subs.
Amp Installation Kit - boat ready
Dist Blocks x2
In Line Fuse Holder with voltage meter x 1
Signal Patch Cords x 3
Speaker Wire 100 Foot oxygen free - 14
Sub Wire - 40 foot 12 G
Connectors – Misc
There are a number of items you will need for your installation. If you are not a DIY type of person, I would not go to the local “chain” stores. Look for a small shop with a long track record. Most of the folks at the chain stores are terrible installers and will do a terrible job.
Where to buy:
For many years, I used to purchase my equipment at retail pricing from large chain stores or popular audio websites. After some research, I found that using ebay can save you lots of money and yield better warranties. You can check out http://www.squaretrade.com/pages/
For more info on how their warranties work.
I purchased the Alpine PDXs brand new on ebay along with a square trade warranty for about half price. I purchased the Polks on ebay from a great seller. At the time they were about half the price as well. The amp installation kit also from ebay.
I will link you to some sellers but you should do some homework of your own. Note, the square trade warranty has a great track record and I have used it twice in the past. Sellers with square trade warranties generally have a great track record. And if the seller goes out of business, no big deal . . square trade does all the stuff directly.
Alpine PDX - http://stores.ebay.com/DISCOUNT-SOUND-INC
Saved about $700 purchasing here.
Polk Speakers – http://stores.ebay.com/Bills-Electronic-Gear
Saved about $260 at the time (Polk will be discontinuing this model)
Boat Amp Kit - http://stores.ebay.com/TACOTUNES-COM-Tacoma-Audio-Store
Save about $350
Ipod – Purchased on ebay – sorry no links
Subwoofer cabinet – Built myself for $45
Saved about $250 over custom built
Subwoofer – Image Dynamics purchase from ebay as well sorry no links
Saved about $200
Installation – did myself over two days saved $780 – two different quotes from local installers.
Limited Edition 230BR 8.2Liter/502CI (GSI Volo Penta) DP-S
LAKATION
Project(s) Completed:
2000 Watt Stereo Systerm
Swimplatforms.com
Coming Soon:
Wakeboard Tower and Speaker Setup
Custom Graphics