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View Full Version : Best quality/price tower speaker kit



wakeboy
03-12-2013, 08:05 PM
I want to buy a pair of tower speakers with an amp for my boat (mobius lsv 09). I want good quality/price and don't want to end up putting 1k on it. Anyone has something to propose brand new or used condition would be good.

Is the tower on the lsv are already wired and ready to install tower speakers?

Thank you I'm a newbie in wakeboard boat

wakeboy
03-12-2013, 08:16 PM
http://www.h2osportswarehouse.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=BT-FIBSSP77JL-TI

This?

Or http://www.h2osportswarehouse.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=BT-FIBSSP65JL-TI

brain_rinse
03-12-2013, 08:33 PM
http://www.internetmonk.com/wp-content/uploads/can_of_worms_ahead.jpg

wakeboy
03-12-2013, 08:37 PM
Aahah so wetsounds or Roswell should be my choice?

brain_rinse
03-12-2013, 08:45 PM
Audio threads like these can get a little sideways due to brand loyalty, but we'll try to keep it clean. :)

How about let's start with your all-in budget for amp/wiring/speakers. (No wiring in the tower, sorry.) Will you install yourself? Are you looking for surfing/party cove tunes or something clear at wakeboard distances? What type of music do you listen to mostly?

wakeboy
03-12-2013, 08:52 PM
Audio threads like these can get a little sideways due to brand loyalty, but we'll try to keep it clean. :)

How about let's start with your all-in budget for amp/wiring/speakers. (No wiring in the tower, sorry.) Will you install yourself? Are you looking for surfing/party cove tunes or something clear at wakeboard distances? What type of music do you listen to mostly?

I'm looking for something that is playing good

Budget under 1k for everything

I'll install myself everything

Mostly music for wake surfing and no I don't want a concert in my boat ;)

Music don't have any preferences so rock, rap, pop, house

wakeboy
03-12-2013, 08:58 PM
This is why I taught used kit would be a best option for me

brain_rinse
03-12-2013, 08:59 PM
http://exileaudio.com/store/index.php/tower-speakers/surf/sxt65-surf-tower-speaker.html
http://www.wetsounds.com/pages/products/XST-650.html
http://www.wetsounds.com/pages/products/ICON8.html

Here are a few ideas. Based on your selection then an appropriately sized class D amp to push them

chadjitsu1
03-12-2013, 09:01 PM
So you say under 1k, does that mean like $999.00 or are you looking for around 500.00. Also what are you looking for, amp, tower speakers (how many) cans? I think that with any of the above brands your 1k budget will get blown away in no time. Do you want the cans to swivel or just shoot strait back?

wakeboy
03-12-2013, 09:02 PM
http://exileaudio.com/store/index.php/tower-speakers/surf/sxt65-surf-tower-speaker.html
http://www.wetsounds.com/pages/products/XST-650.html
http://www.wetsounds.com/pages/products/ICON8.html

Here are a few ideas. Based on your selection then an appropriately sized class D amp to push them

Thank you and between the 650 and the icon 8 for my need is there a big difference?

wakeboy
03-12-2013, 09:05 PM
So you say under 1k, does that mean like $999.00 or are you looking for around 500.00. Also what are you looking for, amp, tower speakers (how many) cans? I think that with any of the above brands your 1k budget will get blown away in no time. Do you want the cans to swivel or just shoot strait back?

I can go up to 1000$ but ill prefer from 500-800 for everything

I want 1 amp 2 cans

They don't need to swivel shooting straight back is perfect

This is my first tower kit so I don't have any clue right now

Thank you

I missed enash deal on kicker amp and wetsounds cans :(

brain_rinse
03-12-2013, 09:08 PM
Thank you and between the 650 and the icon 8 for my need is there a big difference?
Based on what you've said so far I'd say save the cash and go 650 over the icon 8s. Give Brian at Exile a shout too and see if he has any of the SXTs with fixed clamps for less cash.

wakeboy
03-12-2013, 09:10 PM
Based on what you've said so far I'd say save the cash and go 650 over the icon 8s. Give Brian at Exile a shout too and see if he has any of the SXTs with fixed clamps for less cash.

Thank you :)

And am I really gonna use swivel clamp? If I mostly wake surf and wakeboard

brain_rinse
03-12-2013, 09:12 PM
Thank you :)

And am I really gonna use swivel clamp? If I mostly wake surf and wakeboard
I have fixed clamps and have no complaints. The swivels make it nice for removal if that is important to you.

wakeboy
03-12-2013, 09:15 PM
I have fixed clamps and have no complaints. The swivels make it nice for removal if that is important to you.

Not important at all

And is wiring the tower a pain in the a**?

Would you use this kit using a second battery or only the boat one I'm good?

brain_rinse
03-12-2013, 09:16 PM
You have to drill a few holes in the tower and fish the wires through. It's not too bad of a project.

KG's Supra24
03-12-2013, 09:30 PM
I would think there is going to be some musicality (if thats the right word) difference when you go from a 6.5" speaker to an 8" speaker. The Icons might be out of the budget after you add the amp but maybe not. The other two are smaller speakers.

I'd be interested to hear from someone who has heard the JL 7.7's you mentioned. That's a larger speaker at a pretty good price. Also consider whether or not you are going to want to upgrade to additional speakers in the next couple years, if so, consider getting some you would like to have 4 of so you can keep these.

I don't mind my speakers not swiveling.

E4NASH
03-12-2013, 09:44 PM
I can go up to 1000$ but ill prefer from 500-800 for everything

I want 1 amp 2 cans

They don't need to swivel shooting straight back is perfect

This is my first tower kit so I don't have any clue right now

Thank you

I missed enash deal on kicker amp and wetsounds cans :(

Sorry man, it was a great deal. Was a bidding war on Ebay.


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jmvotto
03-12-2013, 09:53 PM
The JL sound great at surf distance and ok at wake distance. heard then on an x45 up close and personal.
Try exile as brainrinse states surf speakers and harpoon.

Hate to say it but when i was on a budget in the old boat krypt audio fit the bill for the budget. JL amp and krypt 6.5 hlcd pods ebay
http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_from=&_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ssn=boarding007&_pgn=2&_skc=25&rt=nc

I know OP "best quality" so krypt would be a notch down

E4NASH
03-12-2013, 10:57 PM
On my old boat we had the Kicker KMT6s. They sounded good at surf length...couldn't really hear them well at wakeboard length though.


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MLA
03-12-2013, 11:19 PM
The Wet Sounds XST-650's are on closeout for $399.99 a pair. bridge these on a 4 chnl amp delivering 100-150 watts rms x 2 and you are well within your budget.

The Kicker KMTE-S pods and a pair of KM6200 speakers can be had for about the same price and also bridged on a 4 chnl amp.

For a budget setup, I would pass on a $700 Class-A/B 2 chnl amp. Thats more then the OP wants to spend in all. For less money, there are more efficient Class-H amps that are marine built that will deliver similar power at the same load.

wakeboy
03-13-2013, 07:39 AM
i'll go with the wet650 now I need a good deal on an amp 4chan that can play these badboys

kaneboats
03-13-2013, 11:03 AM
Why do you need a 4 channel amp for a pair of speakers?

MLA
03-13-2013, 11:23 AM
Why do you need a 4 channel amp for a pair of speakers?

For a budget setup, bridging a inexpensive 4 chnl to a pair of tower speakers is an easy way to get solid power at a reasonable price. For example, the kicker CX300.4 would deliver 150W rms x 2 and is $200. A DX200.4 would deliver 100W x 2 and can be had for less. or if one wanted to spend a little more, get the full-range Class-D IX500.2 for 125W x 2 @ 4 ohm and room to add a second pair.

wakeboy
03-13-2013, 05:31 PM
http://exileaudio.com/store/index.php/tower-speakers/surf/sxt65-surf-tower-speaker.html

just bought these badboys thanks to brian at exile

thank you brain for the hint

now i need an used amp help me :0

brain_rinse
03-13-2013, 05:50 PM
http://exileaudio.com/store/index.php/tower-speakers/surf/sxt65-surf-tower-speaker.html

just bought these badboys thanks to brian at exile

thank you brain for the hint

now i need an used amp help me :0
Awesome! Look at the post above from MLA on some great budget amp recommendations.

jmvotto
03-13-2013, 08:45 PM
this amp is a good option for a two channel

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_31879_Kicker-ZX450.2-11ZX450.2.html?SearchClickout%5Bquery_id%5D=176321 13&SearchClickout%5BIgnore%5D=1

better price refurbed model

http://www.hifisoundconnection.com/Shop/Control/Product/fp/vpid/5508848/vpcsid/0/SFV/30046?gclid=CNmFwuz9-rUCFaUWMgodSFQAoA

wakeboy
03-13-2013, 09:00 PM
Any experience with refurb ?


this amp is a good option for a two channel

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_31879_Kicker-ZX450.2-11ZX450.2.html?SearchClickout%5Bquery_id%5D=176321 13&SearchClickout%5BIgnore%5D=1

better price refurbed model

http://www.hifisoundconnection.com/Shop/Control/Product/fp/vpid/5508848/vpcsid/0/SFV/30046?gclid=CNmFwuz9-rUCFaUWMgodSFQAoA

E4NASH
03-13-2013, 09:06 PM
The amp that I was selling with my speakers, Kicker ZXM 350.4, would deliver 175 Watts RMS to each speaker. You can find it pretty cheap on Ebay. That's where I got it in the first place.


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kaneboats
03-13-2013, 09:13 PM
That second link said, "Was: $1099.00". Yea, when? I didn't know the federal government was buying amps.

jmvotto
03-13-2013, 09:16 PM
no i got mine 450.2 off this forum .

I have bought used on ebay though, good luck there.
here is one to watch
http://www.ebay.com/itm/KICKER-ZXM450-2-450W-Marine-Boat-2-Channel-Amplifier-Amp-ZXM450-2-/321088289645?pt=US_Marine_Audio&hash=item4ac25a7b6d

the two channel can run at 2 ohms if you want to add two more speakers without running four sets of wires into the tower like a 4 channel will require, build for expansion, this group will pass on the upgrade bug at some point. its an aweful disease...LOL

mfogt
03-18-2013, 11:31 PM
I would think there is going to be some musicality (if thats the right word) difference when you go from a 6.5" speaker to an 8" speaker. The Icons might be out of the budget after you add the amp but maybe not. The other two are smaller speakers.

I'd be interested to hear from someone who has heard the JL 7.7's you mentioned. That's a larger speaker at a pretty good price. Also consider whether or not you are going to want to upgrade to additional speakers in the next couple years, if so, consider getting some you would like to have 4 of so you can keep these.

I don't mind my speakers not swiveling.


I have the JL7.7's in the Aerial Cans. The look and style sold me initially. I picked them over the JL650's to get a better mid-range. Pretty Pleased with them. Although I am running them with a Kicker 300.2 and think they could use a little more power. I can hear them fairly well when wakeboarding, but do imagine there are many better at projecting all the way back. All in all very pleased for the cost.

Reminder note to anyone with an OZ tower that you must mount them on the sides(near where the Grommets are) or they won't pass the windshield and I/P when folding down the tower.

wakeboy
04-04-2013, 10:06 AM
**** update ****

i found that amp for sale but it is not a marine audio amp

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_2097_Kicker-KX550.2.html

would you guy go with that to drive me exile sxt 65 (125w each)

tarheelskier
04-04-2013, 12:51 PM
That's an old one, new model looks like this: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_2064KX4K4/Kicker-40KX400-4.html?tp=115

muehlcj
04-04-2013, 01:30 PM
bhowell was selling a harpoon in the "classifieds" section. That would leave you room for expansion.
https://forum.moomba.com/showthread.php?21515-Exile-Harpoon-400-500x2-or-1000x1

MLA
04-04-2013, 02:46 PM
**** update ****

i found that amp for sale but it is not a marine audio amp

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_2097_Kicker-KX550.2.html

would you guy go with that to drive me exile sxt 65 (125w each)

That model was discontinued in about 2007, but would be solid power. it would deliver 205W rms to each speaker and deliver 138W rms to each if you added a 2nd pair


That's an old one, new model looks like this: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_2064KX4K4/Kicker-40KX400-4.html?tp=115

This new KX series is not any where close to the previous KX series. The old KX line evolved into the ZX line, which is still around. The new KX line is a full-range Class-D and shares a lot with the Class-D KXM marine amp getting ready to release. This particular KX400.4 would do 200W x 2 when wired in bridge mode, but no room for expansion to a 2nd pair.

The Kicker IX500.2 would be a perfect 2 chnl for the SXT-65 @ 125W x 2 with room to add a 2nd pair. Full-range Class-D efficiency. Its smaller and 60% more efficient then a Class-A/B.

wakeboy
04-04-2013, 04:45 PM
That model was discontinued in about 2007, but would be solid power. it would deliver 205W rms to each speaker and deliver 138W rms to each if you added a 2nd pair



This new KX series is not any where close to the previous KX series. The old KX line evolved into the ZX line, which is still around. The new KX line is a full-range Class-D and shares a lot with the Class-D KXM marine amp getting ready to release. This particular KX400.4 would do 200W x 2 when wired in bridge mode, but no room for expansion to a 2nd pair.

The Kicker IX500.2 would be a perfect 2 chnl for the SXT-65 @ 125W x 2 with room to add a 2nd pair. Full-range Class-D efficiency. Its smaller and 60% more efficient then a Class-A/B.


yeah i know but my friend is selling it to me for 50$ so that was my concern if not i'll go with a kicker KXM amp

i was worrying because this is not an marine amp but it will be in safe place that water can't go so ...

wakeboy
04-04-2013, 04:46 PM
That's an old one, new model looks like this: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_2064KX4K4/Kicker-40KX400-4.html?tp=115

should i look for the newer model or the old one is fine?

jmvotto
04-04-2013, 05:15 PM
I had a zx non marine amp zx 450.2 for the towers, i just kept it high on the rack no water problems unless you are in a real high humidity area.

MLA
04-04-2013, 05:34 PM
yeah i know but my friend is selling it to me for 50$ so that was my concern if not i'll go with a kicker KXM amp

i was worrying because this is not an marine amp but it will be in safe place that water can't go so ...

Sorry, did not realize you had a private sale lined up. Since you linked to an online retailer, I thought you where looking online to purchase. If your friends amp works, then take it for $50 and rock it till it dies. The KX550.2 will be solid power for them. Just run it in High-pass tuned to about 125hz and you should be good to go.

We use a lot of non-marine amps when there isnt a marine amp thats fits the needs to of the build or the budget. In a fresh water trailer boat, you should not have any issues as long as the compartment is allowed to vent when the boat is stored and there are now drip or drain hazards above where you plan to install the amp.

MLA
04-04-2013, 05:45 PM
should i look for the newer model or the old one is fine?

as noted above there is no correlation between the KX amp your friend has and the new series of Kicker KX amps. At present time, there is not a 11KX###.2 stereo amp that offers similar power to that 04KX550.2 stereo amp. The ZX450.2 is the closest, but as suggested, I would go with a Class-D due to their size and efficiancy. That 04KX and the current line of ZX amps are all Class-A/B. A Class-D amps can be as much as 60% more efficiant. This means its drawing far less battery amp/hours as the Class-A/B, while producing the same wattage to the speaker. if its in your budget, there are clear advantages to going with a Class-D amp like the IX-500.4. But, if you are trying keep the budget on the low side, then its hard to pass on a $50 amp thats going to deliver 200W rms. Or, go with the new Class-D KX400.4 or KXM400.4 (when it rolls out soon) and run it as a 2 chnl amp and get the same 200W.

wakeboy
04-04-2013, 05:53 PM
perfect thank you for the answer

Sorry, did not realize you had a
private sale lined up. Since you linked to an online retailer, I thought you where looking online to purchase. If your friends amp works, then take it for $50 and rock it till it dies. The KX550.2 will be solid power for them. Just run it in High-pass tuned to about 125hz and you should be good to go.

We use a lot of non-marine amps when there isnt a marine amp thats fits the needs to of the build or the budget. In a fresh water trailer boat, you should not have any issues as long as the compartment is allowed to vent when the boat is stored and there are now drip or drain hazards above where you plan to install the amp.

wolfeman131
04-04-2013, 07:15 PM
i was worrying because this is not an marine amp but it will be in safe place that water can't go so ...

Famous last words!

Remember, it's a boat