Help with audio upgrade on the 212se

[NorCalBoater]

What would you folks recommend for upgrading the audio system on the '21 212SE?

It seriously needs some oomph, will an amp do that or does it need a subwoofer?

Do you recommend sticking with wetsounds or a different brand? Any help would be appreciated, I've never done the audio on a boat before.

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

What is your budget? An amp could help improve the mid-bass of the speakers but if you want low-end you should add a subwoofer.

 

[212s]

What would you folks recommend for upgrading the audio system on the '21 212SE?
It seriously needs some oomph, will an amp do that or does it need a subwoofer?

If it has an amp, it's de-tuned so it won't have as much output as a typical amp, and the speakers are likely wired in series to reduce strain on the system which also cuts the power output in half. If there's no amp, then an amp will make a big difference to volume and also enhance sound quality.

I added an amp and ran new wires for the speakers for proper output. It made a huge difference. I also added mid-cabin speakers beside the pilot and co-pilot chairs to spread out the soundfield.

Do you recommend sticking with wetsounds or a different brand? Any help would be appreciated, I've never done the audio on a boat before.

The Recon series from Wetsounds are good speakers, they just need some power to get them jumping. As Adrian said, if you want more deep bass then you need to add a sub (and amp) to power it.

There's lots of threads here on speakers and amps. Read through them and it may help you decide what you want to do.

 

[NorCalBoater]

I believe it has an amp, but it sounds like it could be de-tuned. Can you increase the output?

I was trying to see the difference between say a budget of $1000 and $2000.

 

[212s]

I believe it has an amp, but it sounds like it could be de-tuned. Can you increase the output?

If it's a Wetsounds amp, then it's customized and de-tuned for Yamaha. There's no way to program it for higher output - Wetsounds won't do it. You would need to replace the amp and rewire the speakers to get them out of series connection and ideally drive them all on their own channels.

I was trying to see the difference between say a budget of $1000 and $2000.

That budget would get you a couple of Wetsounds 4-ch amps and wire to redo the system properly with 100w/ch to each speaker. If you want more volume in the cockpit, you could install a pair of speakers beside the pilot and copilot seats like myself and others have done and drive them with the two amps - 8 channels total. If you wanted to add tower speakers, you would need to expand your budget a bit. Good and loud sound is not cheap.