2025 AR190 speaker upgrade

[gofrogs7]

Hey everyone. We just got our 2025 AR190 and so far it’s been great except for the sound system. Very disappointed in the speakers that came stock. Attached are the current speakers that came stock with the boat.

I’m not great with this topic, so does anyone have any detailed recommendations for upgrading the speakers? We don’t mind spending a little bit, but can’t afford to go thousands into a whole new system.

Just thinking we could upgrade the actual speakers for now and maybe add 2 more (to make 6 total).

Just don’t know what to do or where to even start. Appreciate any ideas and/or help.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

The site search engine will supply a plethora of information on this topic as well as many other topics.

Here’s a good one for your sound system question.

T

Thread '195S Audio Upgrade & Wet Sounds Soundbar Install'

Apr 28, 2025

The OEM audio in my '23 195S was a bit of letdown. It reminded me of what factory car stereos sounded like in the early 90's - hollow and baseless, but with a fancy brand name slapped on the speaker grills. Trying to keep the budget low (got too many hobbies ...), I set out to upgrade the factory audio with hopes to accomplish the following:

• Improved sound quality
• Audible while under power without drowning out a conversation.
• Decent sound when hanging out behind the boat without blowing out the eardrums of anyone still in the boat.
• Factory look

The factory...

• TheArk
• Replies: 31
• Forum: Electronics-Stereo/GPS/Chartplotter/Electrical etc

• 

 

[livnlo94]

I recommend Kicker marine audio speakers.
You will definitely want an amplifier for louder music. For budget amps I recommend the Stinger brand 4 channel, or 5 channel if you want to add a subwoofer later.

 

[AR190 Pilot]

Inexpensive update was swapping out the stock speakers with Polk Audio DB651s. They were about $100 off Amazon for all four and easy swap out. It made a noticeable difference. At 35 volume I can hear music at full throttle. With stock I could not.
Polk Audio DB651

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

We always recommended power first. Either way you will eventually need an amplifier and we have people satisfied with just putting an amplifier on the stock speakers.

Something like the Clarion XC2410 300 Watt 4-Channel Class-D Marine Amplifier is a great start with little money spent.

 

[kgower]

I recommend Kicker marine audio speakers.
You will definitely want an amplifier for louder music. For budget amps I recommend the Stinger brand 4 channel, or 5 channel if you want to add a subwoofer later.
View attachment 235136

How are the transom speakers holding up after getting swamped with water?

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

How are the transom speakers holding up after getting swamped with water?

I can't speak for his instance, but I've found this set up is fine for fresh water... not very good with salt, with failures occurring rather quickly.

 

[2kwik4u]

Inexpensive update was swapping out the stock speakers with Polk Audio DB651s. They were about $100 off Amazon for all four and easy swap out. It made a noticeable difference. At 35 volume I can hear music at full throttle. With stock I could not.
Polk Audio DB651

I did the same thing.

Bought the Polks from another member here that was upgrading their 255 to something better. Significant upgrade over the stock "Marine Audio" units. Still ricking the MA200 head unit and can easily hear the music at around 30-35.

I also added a powered Wetsounds Stealth Soundbar to the tower. Not super well "integrated", but it works well for shooting sound out behind the boat while at anchor AND it's not nearly as "head bonking" as a set of traditional style speaker pods.