2025 AR190 speaker upgrade

[gofrogs7]

Hey everyone. We just got our 2025 AR190 and so far it’s been great except for the sound system. Very disappointed in the speakers that came stock. Attached are the current speakers that came stock with the boat.

I’m not great with this topic, so does anyone have any detailed recommendations for upgrading the speakers? We don’t mind spending a little bit, but can’t afford to go thousands into a whole new system.

Just thinking we could upgrade the actual speakers for now and maybe add 2 more (to make 6 total).

Just don’t know what to do or where to even start. Appreciate any ideas and/or help.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

The site search engine will supply a plethora of information on this topic as well as many other topics.

Here’s a good one for your sound system question.

T

Thread '195S Audio Upgrade & Wet Sounds Soundbar Install'

Apr 28, 2025

The OEM audio in my '23 195S was a bit of letdown. It reminded me of what factory car stereos sounded like in the early 90's - hollow and baseless, but with a fancy brand name slapped on the speaker grills. Trying to keep the budget low (got too many hobbies ...), I set out to upgrade the factory audio with hopes to accomplish the following:

• Improved sound quality
• Audible while under power without drowning out a conversation.
• Decent sound when hanging out behind the boat without blowing out the eardrums of anyone still in the boat.
• Factory look

The factory...

• TheArk
• Replies: 31
• Forum: Electronics-Stereo/GPS/Chartplotter/Electrical etc

• 

 

[livnlo94]

I recommend Kicker marine audio speakers.
You will definitely want an amplifier for louder music. For budget amps I recommend the Stinger brand 4 channel, or 5 channel if you want to add a subwoofer later.

 

[AR190 Pilot]

Inexpensive update was swapping out the stock speakers with Polk Audio DB651s. They were about $100 off Amazon for all four and easy swap out. It made a noticeable difference. At 35 volume I can hear music at full throttle. With stock I could not.
Polk Audio DB651

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

We always recommended power first. Either way you will eventually need an amplifier and we have people satisfied with just putting an amplifier on the stock speakers.

Something like the Clarion XC2410 300 Watt 4-Channel Class-D Marine Amplifier is a great start with little money spent.

 

[kgower]

I recommend Kicker marine audio speakers.
You will definitely want an amplifier for louder music. For budget amps I recommend the Stinger brand 4 channel, or 5 channel if you want to add a subwoofer later.
View attachment 235136

How are the transom speakers holding up after getting swamped with water?

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

How are the transom speakers holding up after getting swamped with water?

I can't speak for his instance, but I've found this set up is fine for fresh water... not very good with salt, with failures occurring rather quickly.

 

[2kwik4u]

Inexpensive update was swapping out the stock speakers with Polk Audio DB651s. They were about $100 off Amazon for all four and easy swap out. It made a noticeable difference. At 35 volume I can hear music at full throttle. With stock I could not.
Polk Audio DB651

I did the same thing.

Bought the Polks from another member here that was upgrading their 255 to something better. Significant upgrade over the stock "Marine Audio" units. Still ricking the MA200 head unit and can easily hear the music at around 30-35.

I also added a powered Wetsounds Stealth Soundbar to the tower. Not super well "integrated", but it works well for shooting sound out behind the boat while at anchor AND it's not nearly as "head bonking" as a set of traditional style speaker pods.

 

[MarkyMark]

I am blessed and happy with my set up and learnt a lot, while doing it with a professional Electronic Engineer that knows everything about frequencies. I went a little overboard with Quality... but it looks good to my appreciation.

Set up:
2016 AR190 with Kicker KMC5 Radio and BT (you want this model to avoid hissing loop interference, when compared to prior versions). Seating area 4 -6.5" Speakers with Lights (45KM654L) + Halo Lights (47KLSR). Replaced original 4 (keep original cables wired in series). Added 4 Tower swivel speakers (45KMTC65 and 45KMTC8) wired in series (2 - 6.5" and 2 - 8") + Halo Lights. Added 2 - 10" Subwoofers (45KMF104) wired in series + Halo Lights by Captain foot right side and under left bench with a bit of Seat Customization (shave off). Each set wired directly to 3 separate Amps (Regular Speakers, Tower Speakers, Subwoofers). There is 2 Remote Controls on Starboard Captain Reach and Decking Port areas next to Step Ladder (model KRC12) - due to my older model having the Radio Original Place on the Port side - inside the glove compartment, I found this set up important to avoid Radio Domination by 1 person lol. Amps are DS-18 (Safest Option to prevent blowing speakers) - they turn off on its own in case your volume goes way too high and pump too much power. Added a second Hybrid Battery in a joint system. Plus Noco onboard 2 battery charger and outlet socket port.

Remember: this is not a car and you don't want excessive amount of cables - you wanna wire in series as much as possible and always with Marine Cables and Marine Electronics grade to prevent corrosion.
I am a rookie for Boats and Marine Audio - was very concerned about placing speakers on lower swimming deck and eventually getting water inside to a point the boat could sink... I didn't add any out of fear... but I see other people's choice and it looks amazing!

Results:
Ultra High Quality. No hissing. No pop sounds. I only crank the volume up to 20 from a 35 max... to avoid too much power on the system... and it is way Ultra Loud to impress. My old little boat lol. Definitely use a Second Battery. Can go all day from 8am-8pm and still have plenty juice left for a second day without charging up.

I did other little things not relevant to this post, such as lateral thurster and thust vector L, additional Storage Door on Starboard area, Marine Mats from JetPilot. Additional USB and USB-C Power Outlets + 12V socket for a dedicated Fridge / Freezer under the Bench seat... let me know if you need specs of anything. I am in central Florida and my Installer is in Casselberry - All Marine and Car Audio.

Better Options and Alternatives:
Could have switched my Tower Speakers for "Horns Style" to project it over water. Jet boats are loud and while inside - the Sound is Amazing, Loud and Clear - while surfing you hear a lot less.
Other alternative... Rockford Fosgate as the Ultimate Option... with better sound for Projection over water (louder too supposedly)... but I did wanted the Extra Halos to play with different sets and Color Combos (2 tones)... only available with Kicker.
Like I said.... I am happy... was my first project boat and from AR190... to me, aesthetics are better than 195S... I just have to be content with the engine without supercharger for a beginner Wakesurfer / Wakeboarder.

 

[livnlo94]

How are the transom speakers holding up after getting swamped with water?

They have been installed since April 2024. No issues yet. Lake use only.

 

[2kwik4u]

@MarkyMark That an impressive setup. I have a similar '17 AR190, and really like some of these mods outside the stereo.

Stereo questions:

• How did you run the wires for the sub on the starboard side in the foot area. I have a sub to install there, but haven't yet. I was considering putting the amp over there to keep speaker wires short, but it looks like your amps are on the port side and the sub is on the starboard side. Those are some long, high power wires to run over there.
• I see you have two batters. Do you have a busbar, or similar fuse block setup where all the power comes from? I'm having some issue with a ground loop between the stock head unit and the sound bar. I think it's because not everything pulls power from the same place. Curious to see how you solved that issue.
• Did the head unit come with that fancy surround support ring? Definitely an upgrade from the stock system there, but I'm curious if you have any detailed pictures of that.
• I looks like all the speakers are "set out" with the LED light ring. Does the added "poke out" from the ring cause any issues. In particular with fitting things in the cupholders?

Not to completely derail the thread here, but I have to ask. Maybe start another thread to not pollute this one, but you've got some interesting stuff going on here.

• How does the hinge up seat on the port side work? Have any more details on how you made that work? Does it still feel strong enough without the cross bar for support? I see a 12V port under there, which fridge/freezer do you use, and how much amperage does it pull? Seems like an interesting way to get cold drinks from the fridge, to the truck, to the boat without constantly having to buy ice. Any pictures of the fridge in place?
• Where did you get the hydraulic support for the glove box? I hate that stupid spring contraption and have actually had a few kids skin/scrape an arm when they closed the lid. This looks like a nice solution.
• Do you have a link to that camp table in the center section there? looks like a nice setup instead of the side mount table that we've been considering.
• What's the story with the mounts on the tower down low in the rear? Are those swinging board racks? I've avoided board racks on mine because I have to fold the tower to store in the garage. If I could swing a set in, and now that the oldest is interested in surfing, I could consider a set like that.

Thanks in advance for the information, and again, great setup!

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

@2kwik4u I don’t want to derail his thread but if you can’t get the answer you are looking for send me a PM. I can answer these.