Should I give exile a shot?

[MO-BS_405]

I've been looking at adding more speakers on my tower, possibly going with another brand. I have 2 wetsounds rev8's and 2 wetsounds pro 60's, they sound good but I want cleaner sound at high volume closer to the boat. I saw some prices on a hybrid package from exile that was hard to beat compared to what it's gunna cost me to keep adding wetsounds. And everyone around my area has wetsounds I want something different. If your running some exiles I would like to hear what you think, sound quality, overall finish, mounts ect.. Pros-cons. Thanks.

[Cigars n scotch]

Hell yes! I have two pro80's and I'd like to get into exile but I can't right now and spending a good amount of dough on a boat stereo just isn't smart so I am sticking with what I have. But if I had the opportunity and means I would def give them a shot. Brian is awesome and he posts on here all the time.

[jmvotto]

+ one for EXILE from me

[kaneboats]

Uh, can't imagine running anything else on my tower.

[MLA]

they sound good but I want cleaner sound at high volume closer to the boat

Cleaner sound and you have Rev series......I would 1st look at the signal source, tuning and amp wattage, not different or more speakers. When the sound quality drops at the upper volume levels, it clearly points to something that pre-speaker, as the speaker is just reproducing whats delivered to it. Poor signal source as in weak head-unit or music storage device, poor quality/compressed music files and less than ideal amp settings or not enough amplifier are usually the root causes.

2nd, I would drop the Pro-60's from your setup and just run the Rev-8.

3rd, if you want more output and deeper mid-bass extension, you need a larger speaker. No number of 8", whether its the Rev-8, Icon-8, XM9 or SXT9 (yes, they are in the 8" speaker category) will give you deeper mid-bass, just yield more output.


I saw some prices on a hybrid package from exile that was hard to beat compared

The Hybrid system is absolutely easy to beat. With the right speaker, the right amp and the right tune, there is no need to mix a coaxial with an HLCD to balance and smooth out the near-field listening. To properly drive a coaxial/HLCD mix, you need either dual 2 chnl amps, one for each speaker pair, or a very large 4 chnl that will deliver the needed power to each. Compare the cost of that 4 pod/dual amp setup to a single pair of larger HLCDs and you will see.

[996scott]

Love my exile!!!!

[Boonejeepin]

Very happy Exile customer here!

[mikenehrkorn]

+1 for Exile........great products and Brian has given me not good but GREAT customer service and answered all of the stupid questions very promptly and in a fashion that this noob can understand.

[sivs1]

If you go the Exile route what would you sell your wetsounds for?

[uniwarking]

+1 for Exile. Stellar products and service.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[bzubke1]

What amps do you have powering your tower speakers currently?

[mmandley]

I've been looking at adding more speakers on my tower, possibly going with another brand. I have 2 wetsounds rev8's and 2 wetsounds pro 60's, they sound good but I want cleaner sound at high volume closer to the boat. I saw some prices on a hybrid package from exile that was hard to beat compared to what it's gunna cost me to keep adding wetsounds. And everyone around my area has wetsounds I want something different. If your running some exiles I would like to hear what you think, sound quality, overall finish, mounts ect.. Pros-cons. Thanks.

Your on a Very Exile heavy Forum so most will tell you Exile is the way to go.

Ultimately I tell everyone go listen to both setups and let your ears tell you the one to pick.
Now if your wallet is evolved then you need to set a budget and stay in it.

You have a few on here that will talk and talk and talk Exile into the dirt. That's ok everyone has their opinions.
Very few on here no matter how much they don't like WS will not bash the brand.

When I first got into Boating and was ready to start upgrading i listened to WS and then Exile <there first year out> I loved the way Exile sounded better. Next bonus is they are Local to me so if I had an issue I knew where to kick the door in at.

Over the years I have always stayed Exile and its always been because of the Service provided. No other company I have dealt with is as good as Exile.

I have watched time and time again exile warranty speakers and amps that are out of warranty to keep a customer happy.

I have watched shipments come into the warehouse late because of manufacturing and customs and Exile spends the money out of their profits to over night gear to customers to make that order deadline.

The people at Exile take it serious, and treat each customer as family and will bend over backwards to make you the customer satisfied.

For those reason I buy Exile.

[MO-BS_405]

They are clear at high volume don't get me wrong, RCA, wiring, amps all good. they just sound best at the 30-70ft range, I surf a lot, but more than anything I tie up and have some cold ones and crank the tunes. So I'm looking for a full range of sound closer to my boat.

[MLA]

They are clear at high volume don't get me wrong, RCA, wiring, amps all good. they just sound best at the 30-70ft range, I surf a lot, but more than anything I tie up and have some cold ones and crank the tunes. So I'm looking for a full range of sound closer to my boat.

A single pair of larger 10" HLCD, driven by a single amp, would give you far deeper mid-bass for that near-field listening, than any number 8" HLCDs or coaxials. At the same time, you do not lose any wake-range projection as you would if you went to a complete coaxial setup. Far more economical then a 4 or 6 pod mix of HLCD and full-range coaxial and dual amps. Much more efficient in terms of battery draw for those long days at anchor. Lastly, that single amp will take less cabling to connect and less realestate to mount then the dual amps for a mix, would require.

So instead of adding more speakers, I would 1st drop the Pro60's, double check the tune for Rev-8's and you might be surprised at how warm they can be for those surf runs and party tie ups. Easing back on the gains, lowering the cross-over, adding a tad of bass and subtracting a sliver of treble at the head-unit is all thats needed to warm them up for a more surf oriented setup. Or, if you have dual EQ like the WS-420, you can make those fine adjustments right at the helm to only the tower setup, leaving the tune to the in-boats as it is.

At that point, if its not enough mid-bass balance, then sell the tower setup and apply it to a pair of larger HLCD's. You may even find a shop willing to offer some trade-in credit if the gear is still in good working and cosmetic condition.

[sandm]

exactly the reason I don't have rev8's. I have 4 icon8's and they sound great at party cove/surfing distances. can't really hear them at wakeboard range clearly but we spend 5% of our time boarding.

I would think you will have no issues peddling the wetsounds gear, and you should net almost enough to be a wash to go with 4 non-hlcd cans. question now is whether you go exile or wetsounds.

either way, I think you'll be happy..

[C.Hern5972]

Definately!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[uniwarking]

Exile STX9's have made me a happy man, even with 1 pair.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kriley]

Brian at Exile has really helped me put together the system I wanted? Their customer service is fantastic - the best I have ever dealt with...

[Brianinpdx]

If your running some exiles I would like to hear what you think, sound quality, overall finish, mounts ect.. Pros-cons. Thanks.

The Exile Pro's = It's not it's not WS and MLA cant sell it to ya.
The Exile Cons = It's not it's not WS and MLA cant sell it to ya.

ok, sorry - I just couldn't resist... I swear, people ask about whatever brand and retailers come in slinging another one... "just to be helpful". MLA start your own thread man or at least answer the guys questions.

To the op: I'll shoot you some info...in a PM.

To all you guys that enjoy your Exile gear... It's great to hear!

Happy boating all.

-Brian

[KG's Supra24]

The Exile Pro's = It's not it's not WS and MLA cant sell it to ya.
The Exile Cons = It's not it's not WS and MLA cant sell it to ya.

I swear, people ask about whatever brand and retailers come in slinging another one...



To the op: I'll shoot you some info...in a PM.

LOL, equally deserving of busted chops. He does have a combo of wetsounds on the tower so it does make sense to address the current situation, maybe? ....... I just wanted in on the action too :cool:

IMO, I think the newer HLCD's will give you a warmer sound than what you have now. (Rev's and XM9s) The pro 60's are where the harshness is likely coming from.

Selling the Rev8's to get into an XM9 is a lateral swap. FWIW, Dusty had the hybrid setup and I thought it sounded great .... the 6 XM9's do sound even better, though :)

Both are great products.

[MLA]

Brian......LOL :p

Feel free to take issue with anything ive posted. I have no fear and I am prepared to talk in a public forum all day long about marine audio..........without the personal jabs.

[jmvotto]

Whatcha mean dusty " had". A hybrid setup?

He sell his ride?

Back to the audio thread. ,


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

[mmandley]

Whatcha mean dusty " had". A hybrid setup?

He sell his ride?

Back to the audio thread. ,


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

He HAD as in XM7s and SXT speakers, then he upgraded to XM9s and they are all 9s like mine so they are not a hybrid.

[KG's Supra24]

What mike said.

Both sounded good but the larger hlcds sound better, IMO.

Also worth mentioning, if looking at the hybrid, it needs more than one harpoon to reach its potential.

.... And my vote is to start by pulling the pro60s down.

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

[Jwredmon101]

Could not be happier with my exile set up!.. Sounds great and there is not alot of exile in my area. Every shop I have been at getting stuff done to the boat give me compliments on the sound and ask where I got them.

[MLA]

What mike said.

Both sounded good but the larger hlcds sound better, IMO.

Also worth mentioning, if looking at the hybrid, it needs more than one harpoon to reach its potential.

.... And my vote is to start by pulling the pro60s down.

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

There is a list of reasons why a mix of 6 4 ohm pods consisting of 4 coaxials and 2 HLCDs need to be run on dual amps as opposed to a single 2 ohm stable 2 chnl. Its not a brand thing, it comes down to understanding why.

1.33 ohm load per chnl. This makes the amp work harder, but the output is not equal to that increased load
sound sound quality goes down as load goes up
amplifier power consumption is not linear. As load goes up, current draw goes up drastically. This means more heat shed
When 2 or more speakers are wired together, they split the available power. Different types of speakers do not split that power evenly. So none of the speakers are being driven efficiently or to their potential.

The only way to effectively do the 6 pod, or even a 4 pod, mix of coaxials and HLCDs, is to use dual 2 chnls or a large 4 chnl. At this point, the cost really goes up, extra amp realestate is needed along with the install extras.

My point is, and has been, with Exile Audios current tower speaker options, the Hybrid is not needed. If the Manufacturer feels the hybrid is still relevant and needed in order to get a good sounding near-field SQ tower setup, then one needs to bluntly ask "WHY!"

The Wet Sounds Double-Up as a great sounding setup in its time. It was a pair of 8" mid-bass drivers (not coaxials) pair with a pair of 6.5 HLCDs. It was a means to balance out the aggressive compression drivers of the small 6.5" that lacked mid-bass. This made is a better setup close in, without any long range projection. It was discontinued about 3 seasons ago! WHY you ask? Because their current offerings fixed that need, making the 4 pod, dual amp setup obsolete.

To the OP,

If you want a different look and different sound signature, then by all means, change brands. But, do not go with the hybrid. Also, if you simply change speakers, the sound quality issues you note in your original post, will still be there.

Brian, if you would actually read what was posted, instead of focusing on who posted it, you would see this. I did not interject another brand and I have certainly not made a sales pitch.

[philwsailz]

I've been looking at adding more speakers on my tower, possibly going with another brand. I have 2 wetsounds rev8's and 2 wetsounds pro 60's, they sound good but I want cleaner sound at high volume closer to the boat. I saw some prices on a hybrid package from exile that was hard to beat compared to what it's gunna cost me to keep adding wetsounds. And everyone around my area has wetsounds I want something different. If your running some exiles I would like to hear what you think, sound quality, overall finish, mounts ect.. Pros-cons. Thanks.

If everyone around you is running Wetsounds and you want something different look at a Kicker KM 6500.2/KM6500 6-pack on a pair of KXM400.4 amps.

The Kicker horn is not poked through a giant hole in a midrange cone so the horn geometry is not compromised by having to use a straight section of tube. The flare of the horn uses Tractrix geometry preventing peakiness and standing waves that make a typical coax HLCD sound so honky.

Since the midrange cone doesn't have a giant hole through it the mid has way more are than a coax 6.5" HLCD. The 6-pack I am recommending uses 4 mids and two horns for cone area comparable to a 10" HLCD coax like the other guys.

The Kicker 6-pack was designed from the beginning to be smooth up close while at the same time projecting out to a rider. The engineer who helped design them was a designer at a famous home audio / pro audio horn company prior to joining Kicker. I am using the 6-pack as front stage in my home theater. I'm listening to Jimmy Fallon through them right now.

Power? We often see 1000 watts applied to the Kicker KM6500.2/KM6500 6-pack. I have 400 watts on the 6-pack in my living room. The KXM400.4 will run at rated power into the KM6500.2. Add another KXM400.4 on the KM6500 extra mids and you got an 800 watt system that can be Diana Krall smooth up close, and with a track change and a twist of a knob be equally as good at being loud blasting Foo Fighters to the end of the rope.

Lastly consider this. Kicker is a 40-year old company that started as a pro-sound speaker manufacturer building full range horn-loaded PA cabinets. Mobile audio cans along later, but guess what the first Kicker product used for the high frequencies? Horns. Our engineering staff hovers at currently somewhere around 60 people. Show me another company that committed to superior product design.

Our company owner had a rock band and basically started the Red Dirt music scene. Our GM was a touring hair band drummer. Our VP of product planning is a guitar player. I am a pro-sound and recording engineer. Music is in our blood. If you want to be true to your music, listen to the legend. Kicker.

Phil
Kicker

[Jwredmon101]

Any JL audio guys wanna chime in and promote thier product. Bullet, anyone? cant let this thread die with 3 manufacturers. Dont Memphis make a HLCD? GOGOOGOGO!

[sivs1]

Any JL audio guys wanna chime in and promote thier product. Bullet, anyone? cant let this thread die with 3 manufacturers. Dont Memphis make a HLCD? GOGOOGOGO!

The sub and amp in my LSV is JL. That thing thumps and is clean as can be. will be the last piece I upgrade if I ever replace it.

[sivs1]

Phil, am guessing you work for Kicker. My LSV has the 6 original Kicker in cabins. If I wanted to replace those, keeping the same size 6.5. What would you recommend? Keep in mind sound quality and budget.

[bzubke1]

If ur trying to stay on a budget I would sell the pro 60s and add a second set of rev8's. Make sure they are powered properly and have them tuned by someone who knows what they're doing so you get a good sound quality out of them. If you're just tired of what you have and want to make a change I don't think you can go wrong with kicker, exile, bullet, etc.

If you want to be different I'm sure Oklahoma is about the same as Texas, dominated by Wetsounds, go exile or bullet. I've never seen a boat with exile speakers outside of the Texas Jam. When I had my bullets I never saw another boat on the water with them.

[Cigars n scotch]

Man this thread derailed.....

[mikenehrkorn]

Man this thread derailed.....

But very entertaining :)

[mmandley]

Pretty much any thread that asked about Tower speakers or talks about tower speakers will derail LOL.

[KG's Supra24]

Tower speaker thread derailed by tower speaker options :p

I think Mike's answers were most on topic, though. In short ....


If your running some exiles I would like to hear what you think, sound quality, overall finish, mounts ect.. Pros-cons. Thanks.



When I first got into Boating and was ready to start upgrading i listened to WS and then Exile <there first year out> I loved the way Exile sounded better.



I have watched time and time again exile warranty speakers and amps that are out of warranty to keep a customer happy.

That kinda answers sound quality, overall finish, and mounts. Not sure what Mike liked more about Exile over WS in sound quality but it's worth noting that each brand has made revisions since that time. Mike nailed it, go listen to both and determine what you like. I personally don't find a ton of sound difference in normal usage so if you are just looking for a different "look", I don't think it plays a huge role.

Pro: you get a different look
Con: you waste your investment in the Rev8's.

[mikenehrkorn]

Con: you waste your investment in the Rev8's.

You might waste some of your investment, but likely not all -- I'm sure there would be plenty of suitors for his used Rev8s. How's that saying go......one man's trash is another man's treasure.

[mmandley]

Tower speaker thread derailed by tower speaker options :p

I think Mike's answers were most on topic, though. In short ....







That kinda answers sound quality, overall finish, and mounts. Not sure what Mike liked more about Exile over WS in sound quality but it's worth noting that each brand has made revisions since that time. Mike nailed it, go listen to both and determine what you like. I personally don't find a ton of sound difference in normal usage so if you are just looking for a different "look", I don't think it plays a huge role.

Pro: you get a different look
Con: you waste your investment in the Rev8's.

For me when i listened to WS it was Pro 60, Pro 80 and I think the big double up pod is the Revolution but it was the older style. I personally just felt they always screamed, no real depth in the sound. Also at the time they were permanent mount only.

I also choose Exile due to the quick release option.
This is an option on both Exile and WS at this time.

As for time owning the speakers.

Over Time the XM7s did have a UV issue where the speakers would fade and turn a golden color. Exile warrantied anyone that had this issue.

Also with the XM9 they had a batch that had this issue, same warranty replaced.

Mounts and Clamps, the newest stuff out is the best, it has a better chrome plating and lasts better over time. Also the quick release mount has changed in material to allow it to not wear out or have other issues.

When I had my LSV I ran the same mounts <clamps> for 3 years and never had any issues with them. When I would upgrade I sold my speakers with brand new clamps from my new speaker I purchased.

Now fast forward today, If I purchased a boat with factory WS would I take them down and sell them? Possibly because I prefer Exile the company due to them being local and I'm a brand loyalist.

Do I think one brand is truly better between Exile and WS? No I actually don't. When I hear WS on the lake now I think no difference in sound quality, I think maybe they need to be tuned different or its the setup but I don't think one brand is that better then the other.

[MLA]

For me when i listened to WS it was Pro 60, Pro 80 and I think the big double up pod is the Revolution but it was the older style. I personally just felt they always screamed, no real depth in the sound. Also at the time they were permanent mount only.

I also choose Exile due to the quick release option.
This is an option on both Exile and WS at this time

Wet Sounds has offered a releasing clamp, since i think the 2nd year of the Pro-80. I know its been available since 07 at least. They are now on their 3rd generation with the latest allowing not only the speaker leads to pass through the clamp, but also 4 conductors for RGB LEDs. This design still allows for rotation of the pod. They also include rubber insulators to protect the tower finish.

The Pro series were very aggressive, since they where voiced for 80+ feet. With the release of the REV series, thats a thing of the past. This is why the Pro-60 and the double-up have been discontinued from their lineup. The REV series is voiced @ 3ft.

[Cigars n scotch]

Wet Sounds has offered a releasing clamp, since i think the 2nd year of the Pro-80. I know its been available since 07 at least. They are now on their 3rd generation with the latest allowing not only the speaker leads to pass through the clamp, but also 4 conductors for RGB LEDs. This design still allows for rotation of the pod. They also include rubber insulators to protect the tower finish.

The Pro series were very aggressive, since they where voiced for 80+ feet. With the release of the REV series, thats a thing of the past. This is why the Pro-60 and the double-up have been discontinued from their lineup. The REV series is voiced @ 3ft.

Makes sense my pro80's do seem aggressive but I don't have anything to compare them too. I've never heard the newer WS or any Exile .

[dusty2221]

I've been extremely pleased with my upgrade to xm9s from the hybrid setup powered by 30.2 amps. I'm not near technical enough to get into the above convo, but I do know i love what I hear when I have my stereo on. Exile has given me great customer service, Brian has been quick to offer me help anytime I have needed it. I do not think you would regret your choice at all.

And I cant post without this pic...!
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/16/5ebebynu.jpg

[jmvotto]

For fit and finish, I think I had one of the first sets of xm9's. Bought four and never looked back, sounds great, plenty of mid bass , clarity and power. I keep them under cover almost all the time and they are in sox indoors over the weekends. I could not be happier, I have not heard Ws up close and personal. I did love my Ws 420 eq and had good service from the mfg. it got sold with the obv 2007 . Cant go wrong either way. Sell the pro 60s and buy the icons or sell the whole setup and be Texas different and step into 4 xm9's.