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Another AR240 Stereo Upgrade Thread - Several Questions

ralphsmithiii

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Hey guys and gals, I apologize for this LONG winded posted in advanced =)

So after owning our 2015 AR240 for about 1 month now, I'm looking into more upgrades as time and money permits. Usually I'd go all out on something like a stereo system as I have in the past with my current and previous automobiles. However with the boat, I'm considering taking a more "staged" path, unless it absolutely doesn't make sense to do so.

With that, here's what I'm consider and looking for feedback on. This boat is mainly a cruiser/sandbar/exploring boat. Very little if any wake boarding and such. I'd like to upgrade the stereo to where you could easily and clearly hear the stereo in typical "cruising" speeds, somewhere between 25-35mph. I'm not looking for super high fidelity or tons of epic bass.

As of this moment I'm considering upgrading the current 4 speakers to JL MX650's and adding another pair of MX650's to the cockpit area for passenger and driver. My understanding is that would filling that somewhat "dead" spot there. I see people are adding M770's either all the way around or at least in the cockpit and/or swin deck area. While I'm not opposed to it, part of me is thinking that for the money the 650's powered correctly would be more than enough and I wouldn't have to worry about cutting anything additional or adding spacers (to the front at least, although I'm also no opposed to it). I know with the 7" speakers, larger cone, etc, they should sound considerably better but again from what I've read on this forum, MX650's are nothing to scoff at.

I'd like to add in at least 1 10" JL IB sub to start. Possibly a 2nd down the line, probably both mounted in the storage compartment stern side unless there's a reason to mount them both stern and port facing each other. If I wanted to provide more sound/volume to the rear, say if we're out behind the boat, then maybe add in a set of swin deck speakers OR if it makes more sense, just add a set of JL 8"towers, also down the line. I am thinking that with a nice 6 speaker MX650 setup with the 1 10"IB sub, if we're behind the boat literally hanging off of it, that would give me more than enough volume + clarity without bothering others nearby.

I've reached out at @Earmark Marine regarding some pricing and such and awaiting feedback. I'll also probably tackle this project myself as I've done 99% of my own car stereo installs (basic wiring, tuning etc).

What I'm looking to find out (and I'm hoping Odin will chime in but I'm posting for other opinions) is, how much consideration should I give to going full MX770s? If I go MX650's x 6 + 1 10 IB sub, would a JL M600 amp + a M200 bridged be enough for that setup. Or, should I consider the M800 8 channel in case I want to add a set of towers OR rear deck speakers next year. Looking for the best route here. I'd need enough RMS to support 6 MX650s plus up to 2 IB 10's plus a pair of either 8" towers or rear decks.

I'm not opposed to adding additional batteries, but at what point is is REQUIRED? For the MX650's x6 + 1 10" IB sub, hanging out maybe 1 hour at a time parked, is the current stock battery configuration enough? How much fuse do I need? I could run 0 gauge wire to further proof the boat but I'm thinking that 4 gauge would be plenty for what I'm looking to do. I'd go with higher end RCA's unless crosswalk/talk isn't an issue on these boats. What size fuse should I be looking to get? It seems most mount their amps to Starboard or something similar in the helm. I'd like to go that route as well, but I'm a big dude (6'4, 250lbs) and I can barely squeeze my chest through that door way. Is there another way to get in there lol? Or, I may have to mount the amp(s) and do the prewiring and have someone "smaller" jump in there and tie it all together and mount the board.

Also, where is everyone getting their wiring, fuses, etc from? I'm assuming if Odin provides me with a solid package deal, I'll get everything from him. But in the meantime, I like to read and research. What other options/vendors, etc should I be looking for? I've had zero problems buying new from eBay, Sonic Electronix, etc in the past with luckily zero issues. However, I'd prefer to support a forum/authorized dealer first.
 

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Wow....lots of questions, some I can't answer.

If I were doing this, I'd plan on adding either tower speakers or swim deck speakers from the start. We spend a lot of time floating behind the boat and when I had an SX230 with no speakers back there, that was my FIRST upgrade (or close to it). Sounds to me like the 650s would be fine for what you want to achieve, I have a pair in my boat and love them....eventually I'll replace all my Polks with the JL 650s. One sub is likley fine based on what you describe as your desired outcome.
 

ralphsmithiii

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Good deal. So far, I'm 99% sure I'm going to do the 6 MX650's plus 1 10" IB sub, powered by a M800/8 amp. That would give me a really decent upgrade over stock. Then, I'll probably add in a set of 8" Towers and (insert proper amp here), sometimes next year before we hit water to float around as well. That won't be until April if not May unless it happens to warm up sooner down here in Florida. But, I'll be out as much as I can between now and then learning and enjoying the boat.

With towers, I'll skip the rear deck speakers as the towers should give me more options down the line (at more cost, of course). And if I start with the MX650's, I'll pass on the M770s for now and could always upgrade later and repurpose or sell the 650's.

Just need to figure out at which point additional batteries are required and go from there.
 

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I have a monster stereo in my AR240 and the JL650's keep up just fine. Sounds like you are on the right track with equipment. 6 JL650's, and an IB JL 10" sub on that 8 channel will get you where you want to be. If you do decide to add a set of towers later, it would be possible to run it all on the same Amp. You could run 4 of the in boats off of 2 channels at a 2 ohm load. If you still wanted more, then you could explore adding a dedicated sub amp or something.
 

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I'm going to do the 6 MX650's plus 1 10" IB sub, powered by a M800/8 amp.
This will give you plenty of sound inside the cockpit!
With the dual battery system, if those batteries are in good shape and well maintained I would not think you need anything else.

 

ralphsmithiii

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Thanks for the feedback thus far everyone! I've been in contact with Odin he's expressed similar sentiments. Run the 6 MX650's + M800/8 off the stock batteries (they are like new) for now. Upgrade to towers + possible additional amp when ready.

I've spent a ton of time digging through many, many posts regarding the cockpit placement for a set of 6.5 speakers. It seems like there's tons of examples of people who have done with with their 242's but I couldnt find much on 240's. It looks like the mold is somewhat different on the 240's and thus, may present more of a challenge when mounting.

Does anyone have pictures of their install using the MX650's in the cockpit and passenger side area? I swore I've seen some where people have placed the speakers really down low, but I'd imagine that wouldn't sound as "good" as if it where up by the cup holders. Maybe I'm wrong about that but ideally I'd like to place them there somewhere. I've seen @Julian method of measuring on his 242 but would still like to see actual install or pics of these speakers on a 240 (2015+).
 

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Julian

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ralphsmithiii

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This thread has lots of ideas and photos of mid cabin speaker installs (including mine):

https://jetboaters.net/threads/easiest-way-to-add-amplify-music-at-the-helm.12049/page-8

You can always find this thread any many more in the Yamaha 242X link in my signature.....I've tried to link to all the mods there that I've done on my boat thus far.
That thread was the first one I found with the detailed photos! But, I believe the hull is slightly different on the sides on the 240 vs the 242. I'll continue to reference it as that's the place is like to install the mx650's.
 

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Check post#7 for some pics
https://jetboaters.net/threads/how-many-speakers-can-you-fit-on-an-ar240.15524/#post-267201

And @fraserjr posts on the topic, he was the first to cut into the plastic (FRP) above the throttle levers, I think, lol.

--
@swatski thanks for those as well. I'm not 100% sure but are the mid cabin holes up top non-symetrical from driver to cabin? It may not be a deal breaker for me but I'd like to try and get the speakers installed across of each other more for aesthetics if possible similar to the fronts and rears.
 
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swatski

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@swatski thanks for those as well. I'm not 100% sure but are the mid cabin holes up top non-symetrical from driver to cabin? It may not be a deal breaker for me but I'd like to try and get the speakers installed across of each other more for aesthetics if possible similar to the fronts and rears.
Well, the passenger side captain chair is mounted about a foot aft of the one on the driver side, and the dash is also fore as compared to the passenger facing the glove compartment, along with the side FRP molding being shifted/asymmetrical as it reaches further aft on the passenger side.
There is a good deal of room to move a 6.5" speaker mounting holes around, too.

--
 

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After I posted my reply (while eating dinner, lol!), that thought crossed my mind. Is the boat even symmetrical in the mid cabin area? Its in dry storage so I can't look at it this very moment but as you pointed out, I dont think it'll matter a whole lot since there is some room to play with regards to mounting the speakers. And as Julian has pointed out in other posts, worst case I believe I could use a 1/2 spacer come to it.
 

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ralphsmithiii

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@J-RAD Thank for your post! I hadn't looked in that thread yet and there's several gems hidden in plain sight =)

I like your speaker placement mid-cabin as well. I can't tell but did your 650's require spacers where you put them?
 

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@J-RAD Thank for your post! I hadn't looked in that thread yet and there's several gems hidden in plain sight =)

I like your speaker placement mid-cabin as well. I can't tell but did your 650's require spacers where you put them?
No spacers on them. Do yourself the biggest favor and get yourself one of these: https://m.grainger.com/mobile/product/WESTWARD-5-1-4-Dia-Hole-Saw-for-Wood-29VU45?breadcrumbCatId=5167&fc=MWP2IDP2PCP and one of these to fit it: https://m.grainger.com/product/mobile/WESTWARD-Carbon-Steel-Quick-Change-29VU98?searchQuery=29VU98&searchBar=true

10 seconds a hole, nice and clean.
 

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@ralphsmithiii - @J-RAD knows his stuff!
The only thing I would add is to use a shop vac when you cut, with the nozzle positioned as close to the cut in progress as possib;e.

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@ralphsmithiii - @J-RAD knows his stuff!
The only thing I would add is to use a shop vac when you cut, with the nozzle positioned as close to the cut in progress as possib;e.

--
Well... I fake it in a believable manner. Lol! :rolleyes:
Thanks! I'm learning as I go.
 

Julian

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X2 on the shop vac! Even better if you can have someone operating the shop vac while you are cutting. Also, if you include you location in your profile, people local to you might offer up some help...like I have a 5 1/4 in hole saw just waiting to cut more holes in things!!! LOL

Watch out for the cleat backing when you put them in mid ships. Mine are not lined up with each other, but neither are the seats, so it looks fine.
 

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Pro tip: you can easily view the cavity between the hull and the area where the new speaker is installed on the driver's side from inside the helm storage area (that's probably obvious). The port/passenger side can be accessed by removing the small panel with the light mounted on it inside the head storage.
 

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Awesome, thanks man! If those are the exact parts for the MX65o cut-outs, then I'll get them ordered tonight!
 
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