Toofast

Hey guys! Hopefully someone can lead me in the right direction with this. I would like to replace the two 6 1/2's under the back seat and add two more 6s in the front (don't think the 6 1/2 will squeeze in) along with a sub, new head unit and amp if possible. I'm hoping I can stay in the $500ish range? I know that isn't very much to spend on all that but have some house things going right now that take priority. However, still need some decent tunes in the boat! Just looking for some recommendations on radio/speaker brands or models, marine grade necessary, etc...?

These are the only two interior pics that I currently have. The rear 6 1/2s are all the way out to right and left, that's why you can't see them under the rear seat. I'm thinking that another 6 1/2 won't fit under the shifter either so maybe a 6 or something smaller like that would work.

T-RAV

iTrader: (1)

I run alpines and have been happy with them you can find some good deals online but I think that will still be out of your budget. You might be able to squeeze it if you go with non marine stuff. I would save a little longer and get good quality stuff than buying cheap stuff and not being happy with the sound quality.

4bus

iTrader: (4)

It can be done, amazon.com has great deals on brand name equipment. Stay away from the off brands like Pyle, Boss, etc.

I have this amp running 2 DVC 12" subs and 6 6 1/2 polk audio speakers, great amp http://www.amazon.com/Soundstream-RU...7184218&sr=8-1

These speakers can not be beat for the money, 6.75 inch price is for 4! http://www.amazon.com/Rockford-Fosga...184285&sr=1-10

One 10" or 12" sub in a box the center of that back seat, or in a box up in the cabin will work, subs don' t car where there are, they make bass. Get a DVC sub so you can run bridged to get more power out of the amp. You can run this sub at 1 ohm bridged because it is a 2 ohm sub, it will pound

http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Refer...7184467&sr=1-3

They make it in 10" or 12"

This head unit is the best, comes with ipod cable and has 6 channel output with sub control and remote

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-CDXM60UI-...7184641&sr=1-1

There you go, add 4 gauge amp wiring kit, long ground cable, wood for the box or premade, you are about $500 and you have no idea how loud it will be!

I had that same set up in my cruiser, plus one more sub, always got compliments, and never an issue for the stuff not being labeled "marine" I don't belive in the marine stuff. So say it was the best sounding loudest stereo on the lake, I had $600 bucks into it


Use stainless screws for everything, don't use the supplied screws.

Hellbent

I doubt you'll be buying a full system with Rockford's for $500....or many other brand names people may throw out in this thread. You can however build a complete system with the cheaper stuff. Ebay is your friend....just search for 'marine speaker', 'marine stereo', 'marine amp', etc. I just built a complete system for about $550 with a nice Sony receiver, SiriusXM kit, 2 10" subs, amp and 4 6x9's. The only thing I didn't need was a 4 channel amp...I'm using my existing one for now. Here's what I got:

Sony receiver = http://www.ebay.com/itm/190653839749
Sirius kit = http://www.ebay.com/itm/230784041362
Subs = http://www.ebay.com/itm/400288078705
6x9's = http://www.ebay.com/itm/350545168672
Sub amp = http://www.ebay.com/itm/350496949399
amp install kit = http://www.ebay.com/itm/230749726272
speaker wire = http://www.ebay.com/itm/180695648620

The subs are probably the weakest link but for the price I really don't care. I'm not entering a stereo contest. There are plenty of 6" or 6+1/2" speakers available instead of the 6x9's...I just used what my boat is already cut for.

4bus

iTrader: (4)

Really? Cause the stuff I sent him came to $486.00. Soundstream amp, Rockford Speakers, Sony Marine head unit, and an Infinity sub.

Aside from head units I have not used "marine" stuff in years. I have installed stereos that are 8 years old in boats and they are still running strong, a few are even kept on the water.....no issues.

Aside from the JL speakers most marine stuff is just white

Nightlife1970

I will make a few recomendations.

Get a good set of 5 1/4" speakers (if you cant get a larger size to fit ) and get them up as high as you can in the boat. Forget the 6" down low it's the worst spot possible for them to be.

Get the biggest sub you can in the bench. In a box would be best sound.

Get a good 4 channel amp that you can bridge to 3 channels.

I would also look at the JVC line of head units that dont have a cd player. They just work off of an Ipod or USB storage device.

Get the best stuff you can in this configuration. Then latter if you want you can expand the system. Add another set of 5 1/4", another sub and another amp just for the subs.

SkaterMike82

If theres a budget go with pioneer theyre great for the money and better than many others that are more expensive. If there's no budget JL Audio is 2nd to none

low_psi

I have said this in other threads..... DC gold makes some pretty kick a$$ marine speakers. I have a pair of their 6x9s in my transom and they are completely waterproof (not just water resistant). I have kicker 6.5s in my cockpit and they sound pretty damn good as well. But if I was buying again, I would go with DC Gold in my cockpit as well. They are a bit pricy, but well worth the investment.

soldier4402

you can get factory refurbed amps all day on ebay for less than 100 bucks. A new deck will run you another 100. I have pyle marind subs 2 10's cost me 79 on ebay, they work pretty good.. Amp kit 20-40 bucks. 6's probably another 100. So it can be done. check ebay and amazon. Also if your deck is in the cabin might save some money on a non marine unit, most marine units do nothing more than water proof or water resist the face anyways. Your on a budget build but that doesnt mean you cant do a descent set up. I got a pyle marine head unit with all the hook ups for 69 on sale from 99, two subs for 79, two pioneer 6's for cabin for 69 bucks, sony explod 600w amp refurb from ebay for 69. And do I have the best no, but its ounds fine to me.

Tug Life

I am using an Alpine Marine Head unit and it has everything you need to do everything you want with a stereo. A lot of adaptability for outside music sources (ipod, smartphone,aux in from other boats). Bluetooth capable. Lots of options and so far it is working great. Just got it this winter. It has a floating remote that works up to 30 ft from the boat and it has the available transom controller as well. 8 Memephis marine 6.5's and 3 jbl 12" subs running off of a combined 2000w from 3 rockford fosgate amps. The water shakes around the boat and it sounds incredible.