Originally Posted by jasonmd2 (Post 3679399)

The sub amps got me confused...why isn't anything a 2 channel? Wouldn't that be logical for a sub application?

Originally Posted by ChargeIt (Post 3679324)

Some thoughts.......

You will lose significant bass going from two 12" subs in an enclosure to two 10" free air.
The recomendation for 4 10's would stay closer to the existing sound level if that is a goal?

Your first plan for two 600.4 delivers the power needed for 4 pairs of speakers and leaves some head room.
The Class D computer controled amps like JL and Alpine PDX eliminate the benifits of running lower Ohms, just increase wiring flexibility. If only one 600.4 is used, yes the load will be 2ohm but the computer makes changes. Net result, each speaker will only receive 75w.
No extra power is delivered like tradtional A/B amps that effectively double power.

As for subs, a 750.1 may be a better route than another 600.4. Less $$ and more power. A third 10" FA could be nicely run with that amp.

It sounds like you are pretty set on brand and it rolls off the tongue sexy to say the system is 100% JL but have you comparatively listened to other combinations?
To my ears, the JL speaker / JL amp is too controlled/muted for open air boating. They sound great in a car or in a quiet demo listening room but lack in the noisy, open air of a boat cockpit with wind noise or rafted up.
Seeing you are in FtLauderdale, there should be several quality stereo shops to explore options. Again picture in a noisy environment listening to the type of music and volume you will be playing, not necessarily a fine jazz track that the sax sounds incredible.

I like the white grills that blend vs black on white vinyl, personally.

Originally Posted by 4bus (Post 3679847)

I guess I should have read more......

Yes I agree, free air can't compare to boxed subs! Most miss the concept of a free air, they work great when they are in a sealed area that can be any size, however under the back seat where air from the back can escape is no good. Most consider free air sub don't need a enclosure it, they do....it can just be any size. I installed 2 12" kicker free airs in the gunwhale og my old cruiser, they sounded great because the gunwhale area was sealed off from the rest, in fact they hit hard....prob was 30 cu ft on either side.

Also was not aware that the new digital amps are not bridgeable, good point!

Also agree that the "marine" rated stuff is a waste of money. High quality auto amps work fine. I installed auto JL stuff in my freinds checkmate 7 years ago, he keeps in on the water and is very lax with the care of his boat....not one prob. Good amps use good metals that have all the corrosion resistance you need....plus it is not like the marine stuff is water proof, just resistant.

Today's speakers are mostly all made of some type of plastic. I always use a non paper speaker with ss fastners....no issues.

The JL 7.7 do sound great! Given a choice always go with more power than recommended. Clean power will rarely hurt a speaker, even when overpowered. However if you are under powered the distortion at higher volumes (sometimes you can't hear it) will be the death of the speakers.

Originally Posted by hotjava66 (Post 3680649)

That's what I am doing, running 3 pair off a 600/4, maybe down the road will add a fourth pair and another amp if I feel the need.

Originally Posted by jasonmd2 (Post 3680651)

3 pair of the 7.7's? Let me know how they sound when you're done. Are you running any subs?

Originally Posted by hotjava66 (Post 3680686)

I am running JL 6.5's, didn't want to cut bigger holes. Yes, I am running 3 JL IB-10's on a MHD750-1
It sounds great, get a lot of compliments, very clear and plenty loud.

Originally Posted by hotjava66 (Post 3680704)

Yes, they are under the seat. They hit hard, not like a sealed enclosure but still pretty good. I ended up having to velcro the seat to the base because it was jumping like mad, that improved the sound a ton because it sealed it up tighter also. Pretty happy with it so far, was thinking about boxing them up but I just can't give up the storage. Talked with the guys at JL and you can box the IB's, but you need a minimum 1.25 c.f. and optimum is 2 c.f. My seat base is pretty close to 6 c.f. total, I think that is why I get good sound out of them.