Marine Audio Questions
 

Just curious to what people are doing to satisfy marine audio needs for their boats. Where are you getting product; are you happy with the system in your boat now; and why? What do you not like about the present day marine audio industry?

The problem is guys that own auto install places think they can do boats and they do not have a clue. So their fresh out of highschool drop out installers use steel screws in a boat and they wind up rusting. Not to mention instead of through bolting the speakers and amps in they use screws and they all fall out. They do not realize the difference btwn the ussually high school dork driving a 500 dollar car putting in a 10,000 dollar system and a 100-500K boat and they do not take the proper precautions to protect the boat and do the installation to a higher level. Should I stop now or go on :D:D

I have had good luck using an automotive stereo with marine speakers. I'm not really into the high end stuff though. I just want something that sounds decent and will last.

What don't I like about the marine audio industry? The price of marine equip vs. their auto equivelent.

Dave M.

What about new boats? The boat that you just bought or are looking to buy. Does the factory audio system installed in the boat reflect it's 100K to 500K price tag? Or in other words, is it what you would expect in a boat of that price range? I think that boat manufacturers are missing the boat in this area. It seems to me that the audio systems that are currently available in these boats are last minute decisions. They are the last thing considered in the manufacturing process. On paper this might not be a big deal. But what raises eyebrows is after you pay lets say, 400K for a boat, you still have to go out on your own and drop another 5K to 10K on a audio system that is compatable with the boat you just bought! And nine times out of ten it's some guy who does car audio and he's thinking, stainless? What's that? So it gets rough out there, well, then we'll double up on the velcro! :eureka: There's ways the manufacturers can solve this problem, but the issues are not getting back to them. Audio systems in boats are a hidden obsession with boaters.

Have to agree with above posts, stock stuff is crap. Most boat manufacturers find the cheapest stuff to fill the holes.

I am currently installing a new system. I picked Sony this time because I like their wired remote. Never tried them before, we will see how it goes.

Steve H

The Sony line with wired remote is great. You may also want to look at;
http://www.ssiamerica.com/Merchant2/...egory_Code=CMP
This has a wired remote and can plug into the AUX port on any head unit. I have a 50gb mp3 library. By storing it all on the NEO unit no more CD's to lose or scratch! You can also get an additional bay and put in your tow vehicle. Comes with a home/computer adapter.

If anyone is interested I have a source at somewhat of a discount from the SSI site. Nothing in it for me, just where I got mine.

I run all sony eclipse, it is loud and sounds good outdoors. Remember most speakers are designed to be in an accoustic environment that bounces sound around back and forth, in a boat you lose that effect except in the cabin.

Don't forget to finish off your system with quailty looking billet audio covers.

Sorry could not resist.

What brand are those speaker grills????Those are cool.:D

Blown they are advertisers. Go to the advertising section and check them out :D:D

Hey Audio.... I like your insight on 500 dollar cars with 10,000 dollar audio systems... too funny I've seen what happens to grabber screws in a marine environment... Toast in one season!

I have had great luck with Clarion Marine audio. I have had it in three different boats and it has always worked great. In this boat I have the clarion unit that is waterproff and has sirrus sat. radio with the wired remote w/ LCD on the dash.

my $.02 on audio:
for marine, Clarion makes good decks and components. For Amps, I run Precision Power, and for subwoffers, I run infinity (good), but am upgrading to JL (The BEST).

Stock audio setups work fine at the dock or at the beach, but if you want to run while underway, you almost always need to upgrade. Even my two 260hp 350's will drown out what I have now.
~Paul

I own a high-end car, marine and home audio business and have seen many installations performed by amatuers that think they are experts. There is no substitute to experience and dedication. With twenty-one years in the biz, rarely do I see a detail oriented, well thought out installation.

When choosing a system, remember that the long-term performance and reliablity of the system begins with your choice of whom you choose to do the installation. You can purchase the best equipment and still have a poor system if not properly installed.

Have you seem the new MBQuart marine radio. Has a wired remote like the Clarion with many marine features like 30 skip memory, conformal coated board, many auxilliary inputs, low battery warning and shutoff and more. The new MBQUart speaker line rocks loud and clear.

If you need equipment advice feel free to private to: [email protected] or when you are in Tampa, feel free to visit Buzz-Off Alarm Systems and Maximum Audio.

Andy Buzz

I agree with what has been said, get the manufactor to install better equipment. If someone is buying a new boat talk to Andy, he's in the business and owns an outerlimit so he truly understands high end. I will have him talk to the manufactor and tell them where to install backing plates, what size hole to cut and what gauge wiring to rig and then have Andy install the componants.

Hey guys. I'm waiting for an intergrated system that has a hard drive to store music, plays dvd's, mp3,s cd's and satellite xm or sirius. Even a combination of most of these options. It would have to be simple too! A remote is definately needed. And after it comes out, I'll wait until the price is under $1500 If I had an electronics engineering degree I'd be inventin' If we can have cell phones that send color pics. we can have these too...
Until then I'm reasonably happy with a Jensen CD W/remote 50W.x4 Auto Zone apx. $120
Cartech publishes an excellent book called High Performance Car Stereo. Many of the principles and tech. info can be applied to a marine application. Having enough power output from the alternator(s) along with heavy enough power leads to amps is a good starting point. If anyone does this type of installation themselves it is Important to have more than just expensive components. I'm talking Real Insight is needed here baby! I know what it's like to underpower an Orion 700W amp and fry it ! I like Pionneer. I have a ridiculous system in my car. Pioneer 8200 deck with built in crossover and sub woofer controller with 3 sets of RCA outputs. 12CD changer,Mtx Amp, drives my 6000 series(I think) aluminum framed, heavy constructed woofers. They throw some punch!!! And clean bass!!! You need good enclosures. I have seperate 1" thick boxes. After I put a 540 0r bigger motor in my boat maybe then I'll do a killer system. Maybe I should just get a bigger boat. Check out the book. I feel that good Acoustics are very important to get the most out of any amount of money spent on audio. I also agree on the proper installation. I'm A NY City Fireman and see many car fires due to shoddy installations. I'm sure it has happened with boats too. Have fun :) BBB

I am with Herbert(A bear)
If you can, Bring it to Andy.
BBB