Sound system upgrades

[Haycor]

I have a 2015 Yamaha 212X. It has the factory sound system with the Clarion unit that works great. There are 6 speakers I believe that sound good. I’d like to add to it and include a sub for sure and wouldn’t mind getting a bit more volume. There aren’t tower speakers but if I’m not towing a ton behind the boat so I really need them? I don’t mind spending to upgrade but I don’t want to replace everything. Anyone have good recommendations on what I could add to the system? Thanks

 

[adrianp89]

Need to know budget, it can vary greatly.

 

[Haycor]

I guess $1500 or so

 

[adrianp89]

I believe that system is already amplified, somebody can correct if I am wrong (that would also change my recommendation). But assuming factory is already amplified, I would add subs and tower speakers.

I would do a pair of Kicker IB subs (KMF10) (~$300 for the pair). They are SVC, so would need to make sure you get the 2ohm version and wire them to 1ohm. Then I power it with a Kicker 500.1 amp ($220) - that takes care of subs for ~$500.

For adding volume, I would definitely add to the tower. Something like this Kicker/WetSounds Package ($750) would work well: Kicker Marine 8" Black Tower System, 8" Silver Kicker KM Coaxial Speakers, Wet Sounds HT-4 Amp, & 41KMLC LED Remote you could also do a soundbar and you can point it down for volume in the cab. ($800) Wet Sounds Stealth 10 Surge Amplified Powersport Soundbar with WW-BTRS Bluetooth Rocker Switch Controller Receiver

In either case above, I left some wiggle room for wiring and connectors. All in all you should end up right around $1500 all in.

 

[Haycor]

I believe that system is already amplified, somebody can correct if I am wrong (that would also change my recommendation). But assuming factory is already amplified, I would add subs and tower speakers.

I would do a pair of Kicker IB subs (KMF10) (~$300 for the pair). They are SVC, so would need to make sure you get the 2ohm version and wire them to 1ohm. Then I power it with a Kicker 500.1 amp ($220) - that takes care of subs for ~$500.

For adding volume, I would definitely add to the tower. Something like this Kicker/WetSounds Package ($750) would work well: Kicker Marine 8" Black Tower System, 8" Silver Kicker KM Coaxial Speakers, Wet Sounds HT-4 Amp, & 41KMLC LED Remote you could also do a soundbar and you can point it down for volume in the cab. ($800) Wet Sounds Stealth 10 Surge Amplified Powersport Soundbar with WW-BTRS Bluetooth Rocker Switch Controller Receiver

In either case above, I left some wiggle room for wiring and connectors. All in all you should end up right around $1500 all in.

This is great info, thank you! I will check these out over the weekend.

 

[anmut]

As already stated, depends on your budget and sound goals. The previous suggestion will be good enough to get it loud over the engines at cruising speed and allow you to enjoy the sandbar. Add tower speakers and amplification if you want to use for watersports. Add a full system if you want the option to override other music at the sandbar and feel the need to be that a**hole. Btw, I'm that a**hole currently.

 

[Haycor]

As already stated, depends on your budget and sound goals. The previous suggestion will be good enough to get it loud over the engines at cruising speed and allow you to enjoy the sandbar. Add tower speakers and amplification if you want to use for watersports. Add a full system if you want the option to override other music at the sandbar and feel the need to be that a**hole. Btw, I'm that a**hole currently.

For me it’s just wanting to enjoy it while on the boat or possibly behind it. Not looking to be that guy ?

 

[traderfjp]

I've installed many systems over the years in cars but never a boat. Top of the line amps are Alpine, Focal, Audio-Control and JL. There are others but those are the three I like. It's not about watts but about clean power that is distortion free. In my Corvette I have an Alpine PVX 5 channel amp. It's not rated for a wet environment so not sure if it would work for you but the sound is amazing. My favorite little 10" sub is Polk. I've tried a few. Dual voice coils, on a sub, will allow you to wire your speakers so they play louder and they usually go as low as 2ohm. This usually puts more strain on the amplifier but most higher end amps can handle it without turning into a toaster. You have to check your specs and reviews. For speakers - I like Focal but for the money I really like Hertz. JBL, Alpine and many others make good mid line speakers. Once again they are for non-marine use but I read of a lot of boat owners who just put in regular car electronics with no problems. In my Vette I had to buy a special box (forgot the name) that allowed the amp to talk to the head in my Corvette. Not sure if you can completely change out the head unit or not in your boat. I don't have my boat yet but will in a few weeks. I guess when I do upgrade my system I will be looking at power draw since everything is run off 12v. If you are always running the engine and charging the battery then I guess it doesn't matter. One of the first things I will do is put in a 2nd gel battery so I can dedicate one battery to starting the boat and one for the sound system. Lastly, if you are serious about good music then I would suggest you install a bass knob. It allows you to adjust the bass for tracks that are too bass heavy and those that are too bass thin. I use mine all the time. It's nice to play my music at a normal level but still have deep, punchy bass. Good luck and let us know how things turn out.