Phased Stereo Upgrade Opinions

[Nick Hughes]

I'm wanting to upgrade as a phased approach to determine what I think gives me the sound I'm looking for. I could just add the tower and interior slampak's and be done with it. But having never heard this setup, it may be more than I need to spend. Here is the approach Im thinking:

Phase 1:
Add JL Audio M600
Power all 6 interior Polks off this amp.
Rewire transom speakers to direct to M600
Tower tweeters direct to head unit (not sure these even really matter, but they'd get full power)
This gets me well powered to the Polk db521 and db651's

Phase 2:
Assuming I think the Polks are sufficient, but wanting some more sound outside the boat, do this:
JL Audio MX770 Tower speakers
Powered by another M600
Bridge 2 channels to each tower

Phase 3:
Add IB3 JL Audio Sub, powered by bridged channels 5/6 on amp 2.

Phase 4 (Depends on what I think about the Polks, this could be phase 2 or not at all):
Replace all interiors with JL Audio MX650

To me this feels like the most economical approach to determining what I like without really wasting too much money. The 2nd M600 amp could be considered too much, but I think a sub is going to happen, especially at only a $200 expense.

Thoughts?

 

[jcyamaharider]

I would add the sub before making a judgment on the polks.

 

[Nick Hughes]

If i ran the db521s off the head unit and the 651s+sub off the M600, how would that work?

 

[octavio3311]

If i ran the db521s off the head unit and the 651s+sub off the M600, how would that work?

The db651's sound pretty damn good when they're amped up. The amped 651's with a sub will sound good. Not sure how much good sound you'll get out the unpowered transom speakers.

 

[Nick Hughes]

Maybe I'll do an M800/8 then. And then something else for the towers.

 

[David Analog]

Once you add external amplification, you no longer should use HU power to drive full-range speakers. Power ratings may seem close enough but the real world power isn't close. And this creates gain inequities that are not solved without compromising the overall system.
The Polk Audio DB series is the #1 value speaker in the sub $100 category. But they do not compare to the exceptional JL Audio MX650s.
You cannot justify going from the MX to the M series in a 6.5" in-boat speaker. However, the M series is definitely warranted on the subwoofer and the tower speakers.
You can run the four cockpit speakers off two channels. The transom should have its own zone control. Also the tower and in-boat zones should be independent controlled. With bow, cockpit, transom, tower, and sub, I see the need to break this system into two separate amplifiers. Maybe not initially but I would construct my amp panel and all DC supply cabling & distribution so that I could add a second amplifier later without re-doing or re-purchasing any portion of the first or second phase of the system.
Definitely get with Odin at Earmark Marine. He's an authorized on-line JL Audio dealer. Most importantly he will guide you through a number of system building and installation issues that you have yet to consider.