Help with my audio setup

[blackcup]

Hey guys ... so all of my prior audio setups have been done by local shops but now that the boat is on the lift I am able to spend the time learning/doing it myself. I am hoping all you audiophiles can help a beginner out :D I have just added/installed my new JL AUDIO M650 to the bow and the wiring was all run etc ... but the wires weren't hooked up to an amp. This is where I need your help!!

I have the Kicker 300.2 amp that is running my 4 stock cabins speakers. Depending on how these new JLs sound I might eventually upgrade the 4 cabins to the 650s as well (damn they are beautiful speakers!!). So I am assuming I cannot/should not run the 4 stock cabins and my 2 JLs from this 300.2 amp right? If so, then sweet. But I am assuming that I will need to buy a new amp. Is that a correct assumption? If so what do you recommend?

I have the Exile 30.2 Amp but I am guessing it is powering the 4 x Exile SXT9Qs and I cannot use that for the JLs right?

The last option is I have a Clarion MONOBLOCK (not sure if thats what its called - but the tech guy called it that) that is running my sub.

So what are your thoughts?

Here are a few pix of the amp setup as it is now

exile:

http://s4.postimg.org/9gxl74kl9/EXILE.jpg (http://s4.postimg.org/9gxl74kl9/EXILE.jpg/)

kicker:

http://s3.postimg.org/elx3nqupf/KICK2.jpg (http://s3.postimg.org/elx3nqupf/KICK2.jpg/)

monoblock:

http://s3.postimg.org/aus4f66er/CLARION2.jpg (http://s3.postimg.org/aus4f66er/CLARION2.jpg)


Thanks guys!

Jay

[blackcup]

Sorry guys I have the MX650s ... not M650s.

http://www.jlaudio.ca/mx650-ccx-sg-tb-marine-audio-mx-series-speaker-systems-91939

Continuous Power Handling (RMS) 60 W
Peak Music Power 225 W
Recommended Amplifier Power (RMS) 20 - 125 W / Ch.
System Efficiency 89.5 dB @ 1 W / 1 m
System Nominal Impedance 4 Ω
System Frequency Response 55 Hz - 25 KHz ± 3 dB

[casmith71]

both the kicker 300.2 and the exile 30.2 are only 2ch running 4 speakers which creates a 2ohm load at the amp. there is not any configuration where you can add the bow to these. doing so will make less than 1ohm load at the amp. upgrade to a 4ch amp or you can get the javelin 5ch from exile and ditch the kicker and the sub amp.

[KG's Supra24]

It seems you are set on the tower speakers as that is a good combo.

The "typical" in boat amp is a 4 channel but there are other options. I would consider your long term goals when swapping the kicker amp for something new.

Are you happy with your bass output with Clarion amp and sub? Do you know that the two of them are a good match for one another?

[blackcup]

@casmith - I would love to get rid of the mono block if possible without sacrificing any power/sound. It isn't really in the way or anything.

@kg - I am pretty happy with the bass output but would love a bit more thump. I will have to look at the sub/monoblock to see exactly what models I have. I really don't see myself spending any more $$ on the sub itself ... but if adding a different amp that will allow me to get more from it would be great.

Long term I definitely see myself upgrading the cabins to either the JL M650s or a set of Exiles so match my towers. That would be it for audio :D

[KG's Supra24]

Start by confirming the subwoofer and clarion equipment models. If they are mated for max performance, I'd leave it alone and look for a 4 channel to drive the in-boats. If there is room on the table, a 5 or 6 channel amp might be a good option to drive both the in-boats and the sub.

You're on the right track.

[blackcup]

Great thanks KG ... I'll get em tomorrow.

[jstenger]

+1 for the Exile Javelin running the in boats and sub.

[blackcup]

So it is a Rockford P2 10" Punch Sub ... not sure how to tell if it is the 4ohm or 2ohm version as it is enclosed in the box.

http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/selector/mobile-subwoofers/punch®-subwoofers

The amp powering it is the Clarion XR2120

http://www.clarion.com/us/en/products/2013/audio/amplifiers/XR2120/us-en-product-sc_1259655093330.html

This was the pair that the guy at the local shop told me to buy so I would assume they are a good match but you never know these days

[casmith71]

So it is a Rockford P2 10" Punch Sub ... not sure how to tell if it is the 4ohm or 2ohm version as it is enclosed in the box.

http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/selector/mobile-subwoofers/punch®-subwoofers

The amp powering it is the Clarion XR2120

http://www.clarion.com/us/en/products/2013/audio/amplifiers/XR2120/us-en-product-sc_1259655093330.html

This was the pair that the guy at the local shop told me to buy so I would assume they are a good match but you never know these days

seems that sub could handle a little more power than that amp gives unless its wired 2ohm.
that sub cant handle the javelin. javelin is 500w rms 4ohm and 800w rms 2ohm.
I have a 30.2 for (2) xm9's and the javelin powers my (6) cabins and sub.
this sub can be had for around $150 on amazon or ebay http://www.polkaudio.com/mm1240/d/1139C2742

[MLA]

Sounds like the bow speakers are currently driven by the head-unit. Best case, swap the 2 chnl Kicker for a 4 chnl.

If your woofer is a 4 ohm DVC, which can be verified by an volt/ohm meter, then the current Clarion amp is a good match. I would not do anything equipment wise, until you know the coil configuration of the woofer.

[blackcup]

The Bow speakers aren't currently hooked up to anything ... no sound from them at all. Yeah I'm fine leaving my amp/sub setup the way it is now just to keep things simple. It rumbles pretty good so I am happy with it.

Just need some suggestions for the right 4chnl amp to push the 4 x cabins and 2 x bows.

[blackcup]

seems that sub could handle a little more power than that amp gives unless its wired 2ohm.
that sub cant handle the javelin. javelin is 500w rms 4ohm and 800w rms 2ohm.
I have a 30.2 for (2) xm9's and the javelin powers my (6) cabins and sub.
this sub can be had for around $150 on amazon or ebay http://www.polkaudio.com/mm1240/d/1139C2742

the box is just a 10" box so I would have to stick with a 10 :D

[MLA]

The Bow speakers aren't currently hooked up to anything ... no sound from them at all. Yeah I'm fine leaving my amp/sub setup the way it is now just to keep things simple. It rumbles pretty good so I am happy with it.

Just need some suggestions for the right 4chnl amp to push the 4 x cabins and 2 x bows.

Kicker KXM400.4
Wet Sounds HT-4 or new HTX-4
Wet Sounds HTX-6
Wet Sounds Syn-4 or new Syn-DX4
Arc Audio KS300.4 or XDi450.4
JL M400/4 or M600/6

Just to name a few solid, quality amps. The Wet Sounds, Kicker and JL are marine amps. The Arc are not, but thats ok for a fresh water trailer boat.

[trayson]

I run my in boat speakers, (4 in the main cabin, 2 in the bow) off a PPI 900.4

http://precisionpower.com/product/p900-4/

you can find them for $166 online (quick search is what I found).

It's class D and an amazing value for the money. It doesn't draw a ton of power and I've never had overheating problems with the PPI amps. Worth a look for sure. I don't miss my class A/B amps (they're bigger, run hotter, etc)

Obviously the amps mentioned above are in a more premium class pricewise and have a more premium reputation. but if you search around, the PPI amps have a great rep on bang for your buck. I've been happy. It's all about what you want to spend you money on.

[blackcup]

I run my in boat speakers, (4 in the main cabin, 2 in the bow) off a PPI 900.4

http://precisionpower.com/product/p900-4/

you can find them for $166 online (quick search is what I found).

It's class D and an amazing value for the money. It doesn't draw a ton of power and I've never had overheating problems with the PPI amps. Worth a look for sure. I don't miss my class A/B amps (they're bigger, run hotter, etc)

Obviously the amps mentioned above are in a more premium class pricewise and have a more premium reputation. but if you search around, the PPI amps have a great rep on bang for your buck. I've been happy. It's all about what you want to spend you money on.

Thanks for the info Trayson ... I am in Canada so I really need to try to buy something local so I don't get stung with the extra shipping/customs + the fact that our $$ is shit against yours right now!

Has anyone heard of Fusion? I went to a shop near my place today and they were pushing me towards that ...

http://www.fusionentertainment.com/marine/products/amplifiers/ms-da51600

Never heard of em before