Replacing the total audio system in 97 out back

[web]

Guys, this winter I plan on replacing .my total system the speakers still sound good but are 20 years old. Amazing what you can get use to.

I know nothing about audio systems, head units.

Ideas?

[MLA]

My first question would be, are you looking to just freshen up the system or more of an upgrade? Next, would be whats the system consist of now, like how many speakers, woofer, tower speakers, amp(s), etc?

Traditional head unit wise, I like the Clarion M303 or M505. In the price range of the M505 but a step up IMO, I like the Fusion RA-70I (or NI of you want remotes). For a non-traditional head unit, check out the Kicker KMC10 or KMC2

I always like suggest considering a woofer. Even a 10" with a couple hundred watts of power can make a world of musical difference in any system.

I highly suggest an external amp to drive the speaker, rather then the head unit. Dont need a ton a power to make a difference in the speakers performance, especially when underway.

[web]

I want to upgrade as everything is original speaker (4) are Sony 6.5 mp-650 and head unit is Sony cassette deck. No amps or tower speakers. (Yet) right now thinking of JL (mx650) speakers. Maybe Kicker? The head unit has no RCA jacks so it must go.
I do want a sub, amps all the upgrades

[russellsmojo]

About how much do you want to spend? Do you want to jam at party cove? Do you want great sound at wakeboard distance?


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[web]

Wakeboard distance.. I don't want to blow my ears out but I want a good sounding system. Maybe $2,000

Without tower speakers

[MLA]

The JL MX650 is a great sounding speaker for sure, and the Kicker KM654LCW is also a good sounding speaker that is well built as marine speaker from the ground up. White or charcoal grill and with or without RGB LEDs. In that same price range and power handling class, is also the Wet Sounds XS/SW 65ic. A couple difference grill options as well as LEDs available.

With only 2 pair, id consider adding a 3rd pair.

Depending on the woofer you choose, id look at go with either a 5 or 6 chnl amp to drive the in-boats and woofer. All quality options from Wet Sounds, JL and Kicker.

Once you are ready to do the tower setup. Go with an 8" HLCD like the Wet Sounds Rev-8 for solid wake range projection and still go quality near field sound quality. To take it to the next level for the best all around projection and near field sound quality, go with the larger HLCD like the 10" Rev-10 or similar. More output, deeper mid-bass. Tower set would likely need its own dedicated amp, once that choice is made.

[russellsmojo]

MLA, what do you think the mx650 works best at? Calls for like 75-90 Watts. Assume they can take more than that.


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[KnoxMojo]

MLA mentioned the fusion head unit, that's an excellent choice as you can have control over 3 zones of sound, ie cabin speakers, towers and sub. With a $2k price range, you mention without towers? You are selling yourself short. Shop around, find deals, look for solid used gear and check out Wetsounds, JL, Kicker and Exile specials to get high grade equipment at a deal. I was able to piece together my entire system sans head unit for under $2k. That being said, I already had the infrastructure installed, so think about that. I am sure the stereo heads on here would recommend a dual battery setup with a perko, high quality speaker and rca cables, a distribution block and some other items needed for a clean great sounding system. Plus install and tune. Best of luck! Enjoy the journey!

[zabooda]

2x the double battery.

[web]

Great info. Keep it coming