2021 195S Audio Upgrade Questions

[pnwest93]

Hello!

Just purchased a 2021 Yamaha 195S and I want to improve the existing audio setup and include a pair of tower speakers. I've read through some of the other threads and I'm gonna be completely honest and say I don't fully understand audio terminology. From what I do understand, the existing wet sounds speakers included with the boat are running through the head unit at low wattage so an amp could make an immediate difference before considering the additional tower speakers. My question is would a single amp setup be effective in improving the existing speakers as well as powering pair of tower speakers? Number of channels needed and amp wattage recommended? I was thinking about this combo from JL Audio as it was more in my budget before installation costs:

JL Audio Wake Tower Speaker Package - M400/4 Amp, and MX770-ETXv3-SG-WH 7.7" Tower Speakers + Covers, Wire Kit & Knob

Thanks in advance for any help/input!

 

[212s]

Hello!
Just purchased a 2021 Yamaha 195S

If you haven't already, take a look at @Hoyt threads...he has the same boat and went nuts with the sound system. He says the stock speakers do a great job on an amp too.

From what I do understand, the existing wet sounds speakers included with the boat are running through the head unit at low wattage so an amp could make an immediate difference before considering the additional tower speakers. My question is would a single amp setup be effective in improving the existing speakers as well as powering pair of tower speakers? Number of channels needed and amp wattage recommended? I was thinking about this combo from JL Audio as it was more in my budget before installation costs:

JL Audio Wake Tower Speaker Package - M400/4 Amp, and MX770-ETXv3-SG-WH 7.7" Tower Speakers + Covers, Wire Kit & Knob

I think your understanding is correct and an amp will get the stock speakers pumping pretty good. I simply added an amp for my stock speakers and they sound great now. I'm adding a second set of speakers to get more volume in the cockpit while cruising, and the amp will handle the extra speakers just fine.

That package uses the amp only for the tower speakers for max output by bridging the outputs to get 200wx2 for the towers, and you would need another for the stock speakers. Or if max output is not your goal with the tower speakers, just more volume and some out back, then you could use 2 channels for the towers and 2 channels to parallel the other speakers and get decent output. All depends on your needs and goals. I think running 75w into those cans won't really get them pumping and would be a waste though - perhaps smaller 6.5" cans would do.

If max volume isn't the goal, you could simply add an amp to get all four of the stock speakers pumping and see if that's enough for your needs?

 

[Yamahaul]

yeah amplify the wetsounds itll be ok. Hoyt did go nuts. i would get just 1 big amp
6 or 8 channel save some power for a sub. but that's just my 2 cents. dont forget the extra battery. budget? what budget lol

 

[tdonoughue]

I have a different stock system entirely (much older boat), but adding the amp made a world of difference, even with the crappy stock speakers I had. It is definitely your first priority in upgrading. I went with a 6 channel (the 5 & 6 channels bridge to provide 2x to the sub I added). That gives me 2 channels for the front, 2 for the rear and the sub. I only added tower speakers later, then just hooked those to the head unit.

But all of that was later. I started with that 6 channel amp.