Exile vs. Wetsounds

[philwsailz]

So if my boat is primarily used for surfing, an hcld wouldn't be ideal as they are designed to produce the best sound at 70-80 ft. What would be an ideal "surf" speaker?

2005 mobius lsv 2900lbs ballast

It depends on who's HLCD you are using. I know of one that sounds really smooth at surf distance, yet has the oomph to get to the end of a rope too. It all comes down to engineering and getting the horn geometry right, and then designing a crossover that blends the mid properly with the horn and horn driver.

Phil
Kicker

[ga-lsv05]

It depends on who's HLCD you are using. I know of one that sounds really smooth at surf distance, yet has the oomph to get to the end of a rope too. It all comes down to engineering and getting the horn geometry right, and then designing a crossover that blends the mid properly with the horn and horn driver.

Phil
Kicker

I think a trial would be in order. I am willing to purchase and try out anyone's setup if I'm unhappy I'd like to be able to return them in a timely fashion ofcourse and in the condition that I received them. I would be willing to pay shipping to and from for said test.

2005 mobius lsv 2900lbs ballast

[dusty2221]

Exile offers exactly what you are looking for, or at least they used to. Brian could answer if he still does this.

[philwsailz]

I think a trial would be in order. I am willing to purchase and try out anyone's setup if I'm unhappy I'd like to be able to return them in a timely fashion ofcourse and in the condition that I received them. I would be willing to pay shipping to and from for said test.

2005 mobius lsv 2900lbs ballast

Get with a local KICKER retailer then and arrange it. I would be thrilled to help you find one if you like. Actually, there is a guy fairly close, Mike's Liquid Audio is one who frequents the boat audio forums and he is a KICKER dealer.


Know that whatever arrangement you make is between you and the dealer. I am on the forums as a contributor to help make everyone's gear sound good but the KICKER authorized dealer is your real asset, as they are often local, and have the knowledge and the customer service to back up the gear after the sale.

Phil
Kicker

[ga-lsv05]

Since the recession, all local audio shops have closed. Only chain stores remain. Best buy and such. I'd rather deal with a smaller dealer someone who Cares about customer satisfaction

2005 mobius lsv 2900lbs ballast

[philwsailz]

Since the recession, all local audio shops have closed. Only chain stores remain. Best buy and such. I'd rather deal with a smaller dealer someone who Carr's about customer satisfaction

2005 mobius lsv 2900lbs ballast

Mike's Liquid Audio for sure then. He is a boat audio and ballast specialist.

Phil
Kicker

[sandm]

mikes can hook you up with kicker, but I believe he does not sell exile anymore and he does not have an internet agreement to sell wetsounds to you unless you are local.

phil is correct on the customer service aspect. I bought my ballast bag from him a few weeks ago. he knew that I wanted it prior to the weekend, but it was not going to arrive. I don't know what he did, but got it across the us in 2 days and didn't charge me any extra. stand up guy...

[MLA]

To the OP or anyone fallowing along:

Go demo the product, period! Taking input from owners is just a part of, but keep in mind, that all owners have goggles, and they deserve to. Seek out the unbiased opinion of your local Exile and Wet Sounds dealer/installer and stop in and talk with them. Ask them about the products quality. Ask them about the level of customer service they receive from each manufacturer. Look over the products and above all, listen to the speakers. Ask them about the amplifier technology that each manufacturer offers. Is it high efficient Class-D or G/H in their full-range amps, or is it old-school power-hungry Class-A/B.

If you are able to do an apples to apples sound quality comparison, with input from an installer that has knowledge and experience with all products involved, then you get to walk out of the door knowing you made the right choice for you, the first time. No need to to worry about installing all the gear wondering if its going to meet your expectations.

[MLA]

Since the recession, all local audio shops have closed. Only chain stores remain. Best buy and such. I'd rather deal with a smaller dealer someone who Cares about customer satisfaction

2005 mobius lsv 2900lbs ballast

As Sandm stated, I am no longer an Exile dealer. I felt a need to part company with them the end of last year for a number of unfortunate reasons. A am a Kicker and Wet Sounds dealer and keep quite a bit of the gear on display for demo's. I know that Newnan Ga is a bit of a drive from Charlotte NC, but of you going to ever be coming through the area, my shop is 5 minutes off I85. I would love to demo some gear for you. In any case, Im more then happy to answer any questions you may have anything stereo.

There are other HLCD options, in addition the two brands mentioned here. The Kicker KM6500.2 6-pod setup with a 1000W rms to it a strong contender. If getting a demo is going to be very tough due to lack of dealers/installers, then I would be willing to talk with you about doing a 30-day trade-up.

Thanks for the honorable mention Phil and Scott.

[ga-lsv05]

I'll be contacting you shortly.

2005 mobius lsv 2900lbs ballast