Which stereo system to run on my boat?
 

I'm going to be putting 4 8inch speakers under my rear seat and also 2 6x9 in the front. My boat already has the 4 holes for the 8 inch speakers which is why I'm doing this setup. I'm not looking for anything ridiculous just want to be able to hear some music as I don't have any right now. My question is what type of speakers and amplifier would be ideal for this type of setup? 2 channel, 4 channel amp, and exactly what type of 8' speaker would I need? I wanted to do my homework before I start purchasing speakers. As always thanks for any help!

Exactly how big are the holes that are there now?????

About the only decent 8" marine speakers are the Memphis Audio speakers.

IMO, you should cut 2 of the holes bigger and put subs in. The other option is DC Gold 9.5/10's.

If you wanted to go with smaller speakers you can make some trim rings. I replaced my speakers and the original ones where a little bigger so this is what I did. The trim rings are thru-bolted and then the speakers lagged into the rings.

JL Audio makes a 7.7" component speaker, they sound incredible and as someone already stated cutting two of the holes bigger and installing 10" subs would be ideal

I only run JL. The best IMO.

I just got a new products flyer from JL and they now have an 8 or 8.5 inch speaker as well, cant remember the exact size.

Thanks guys, the holes right now are about 7.5'. Does it matter if you run 2 channel or 4 channel amplifier?

2 channel is for 2 speakers at 4 ohms or 4 speakers at 2 ohms
4 channel is for 4 speakers at 4 ohms or 8 speakers at 2 ohms

With a 4 channel, you can also run 4 speakers at 2 ohms(off 2 channels) and 2 speakers at 4 ohms(off 2 channels).

The Alpine PDX amps are excellent and are 2 ohm stable. Low power draw, compact and do not get very hot.

The 7.5" hole will limit your selectionunless you make a trim ring as mentioned. The JL 7.7's and DCGold 7's both need both use a 6.25" hole.

The DCG 9.5's use a 8.85" hole.


Didn't know that.

You can use jl amps. They are not cheap but one amp could run all those sPeakers. The 750/1 is neat. It's one Ohm stable and plays full range. That amp alone would run everything and be incredibly loud. We run 8 6x9 on one and man it's sounds good. They also have a 5 channel. I believe you live in fl correct? Just remember salt water kills everything but the jls have lasted us a year. So far....

http://www.jlaudio.com/header/News/P...+better/885893

Kind of pricey MSRP, haven't talked to my guy yet to find out real world price, but could be a good way to go if you dont want to do subs.