2007 SX-230 Stereo Upgrade

[bronze_10]

You may be where I got the first idea of using a cutting board for the small kenwood amp I ran last year... I removed that and now have a giant cutting board to mount two ml amps to. I prob gonna place behind the helm again. I already have zero gauge power and ground cables running there. But I am gonna mount the board differently. Still working that part out.

 

[bronze_10]

It's like putting together a puzzle with no instructions.

 

[bronze_10]

Ran out of 8 gauge black wire..

 

[Hike]

Looks nice! I'm debating if I should go with a JL IB sub or a bazooka 10" powered sub for ease of install.
What kind of 2nd battery do you have to power this setup?
Thanks

 

[bronze_10]

I have two group 27 batteries. I have a third one that is in my shop that I will add to the boat if I determine this is too much of a drain. I am leaning towards a bazooka tube. Once I get the boat out of winter storage and can get some measurements I will make a decision but I like the marine 10 inch bazooka tube.

 

[Hike]

I'm getting ready to install an amp and sub in my SX230 to the JBL MR-17 stock head unit.

The build I'm looking into is:

Kenwood KAC-M8005 Marine 5-channel Amplifier.
Kicker Bass Tube 45CWTB102 10" Weather-Proof Loaded Enclosure. 500 watts @2ohm
4xPolk DB641. 50watts@4ohm

Question:
Would I be ok splicing into the existing speaker cable harness coming out of the JBL head unit or should I run all new speaker wire to the speakers?
Would the best spot for the amp be behind the helm?

Thanks!

 

[mark_m]

I'm getting ready to install an amp and sub in my SX230 to the JBL MR-17 stock head unit.

The build I'm looking into is:

Kenwood KAC-M8005 Marine 5-channel Amplifier.
Kicker Bass Tube 45CWTB102 10" Weather-Proof Loaded Enclosure. 500 watts @2ohm
4xPolk DB641. 50watts@4ohm

Question:
Would I be ok splicing into the existing speaker cable harness coming out of the JBL head unit or should I run all new speaker wire to the speakers?
Would the best spot for the amp be behind the helm?

Thanks!

I ran new, heavier gauge wire to all of the channels. Nothing from stock was particularly impressive to me with the setup. I put the amp in the helm basically re-using the studs from the seat back cushion from the bow seat.

 

[captainhook]

Informative thread. I’m about to tackle swim deck speakers in the same location. Did you have any trouble with depth? Did you have to take the carpeted engine compartment side panels off? I’ll be using Polk DB651s but it looks like your JLs were a perfect fit but you had very little room for error without running into the seat. Looks great!

 

[mark_m]

No issues with depth. Grab hole saw set from Harbor Freight to make your holes. There was no need to mess with the carpeted portions in the engine compartment.

To run the speaker wire and new remote wire back I used a plastic wire fish tool that you use to snake wire in the walls. It ran along the edge from helm all the way back into the under seat storage.

From there I just poked it thru again to the rear swim deck area. Tucked the wire underneath the carpet along the perimeter.

Same deal with the hardwire nmea 2k connection from the fusion HU to the swim platform remote.

Lemme know if you need some pictures I might have more stashed away.

 

[captainhook]

Thanks, that’s pretty much what I was hoping you’d say. I’ve taken the carpeted side off once and it was a pain. Moreso to get back on than get off.

Did you run around the stern for the midship port side speaker you installed as well? That’s not in the plan now but I’d like to possibly run wire now for future to make it easier.

 

[Bluewater272]

Thanks, that’s pretty much what I was hoping you’d say. I’ve taken the carpeted side off once and it was a pain. Moreso to get back on than get off.

Did you run around the stern for the midship port side speaker you installed as well? That’s not in the plan now but I’d like to possibly run wire now for future to make it easier.

Just cut in those speakers now. 90% of the work is already done, two more holes and a bit more wire and you're in business.

 

[captainhook]

Just cut in those speakers now. 90% of the work is already done, two more holes and a bit more wire and you're in business.

Okay, bring your hole saw and fish tape on Saturday.

 

[Bluewater272]

Okay, bring your hole saw and fish tape on Saturday.

Ha! The install shop is not mobile, BYOBoat.

 

[captainhook]

Ha! The install shop is not mobile, BYOBoat.

I don’t think so! I show up there and you’ll talk me into a new boat too!

 

[mark_m]

Thanks, that’s pretty much what I was hoping you’d say. I’ve taken the carpeted side off once and it was a pain. Moreso to get back on than get off.

Did you run around the stern for the midship port side speaker you installed as well? That’s not in the plan now but I’d like to possibly run wire now for future to make it easier.

You’re taxing my memory... I think that i ran it from helm compartment across the bow to midship port. But I can’t remember... it may have went beneath fuel hatch and across.

I’ll have a look this holiday week and let you know!

Thanks
Mark

 

[captainhook]

Thanks, I am not taking the fuel tank hatch off unless I have a fuel tank problem after what I’ve read. Wire is cheap in comparison!

 

[captainhook]

Another question, how does the cockpit speaker sound by your feet? I see a lot of 242 guys are installing them on the side next to the throttles but I’m not sure if us 230 guys have enough depth there.

Since I’m pulling tubes a lot now with older kids I’m finding I would really like to hear the music without blasting it.

 

[Bluewater272]

Another question, how does the cockpit speaker sound by your feet? I see a lot of 242 guys are installing them on the side next to the throttles but I’m not sure if us 230 guys have enough depth there.

Since I’m pulling tubes a lot now with older kids I’m finding I would really like to hear the music without blasting it.

Mine is by my feet - sounds great.

 

[mark_m]

Another question, how does the cockpit speaker sound by your feet? I see a lot of 242 guys are installing them on the side next to the throttles but I’m not sure if us 230 guys have enough depth there.

Since I’m pulling tubes a lot now with older kids I’m finding I would really like to hear the music without blasting it.

I ran the 800/8 into 6 channels powering the 6.5 and 2 powering the sub. I often drive 6 (4 in the tub and 2 with the sub) when underway. When parked, I shut down all channels except the pair of transom speakers. This seems to work best to keep balance with battery reserves and how we boat.

 

[captainhook]

I ran the 800/8 into 6 channels powering the 6.5 and 2 powering the sub. I often drive 6 (4 in the tub and 2 with the sub) when underway. When parked, I shut down all channels except the pair of transom speakers. This seems to work best to keep balance with battery reserves and how we boat.

Interesting. I think that would be ideal for me too. I’ll read the thread again to see how you’re controlling the zones, thanks.

Mine is by my feet - sounds great.

It is?!? I really need to get on your boat. I had no idea, I thought you cut it in by the throttles.