6 channel amp for cabin + tower speakers (AR195)

[gallobg]

My project for next spring is to replace the 4 cabin speakers and add 2 towers to my 2019 AR195. To simplify wiring, I'm considering a single 6-channel amp to power everything. Something like a JL M600/6 or Wet Sounds HTX-6. My goal is to have better sound over the engine noise, and some sound behind the boat for watersports.

On other option is the Wet Sounds Refurbished SYN-DX 6 from Creative Audio, it runs $599 and has better power output than either amp mentioned above (although it is refurbished).

The towers will likely be a pair of Wet Sounds ICON 8 and the cabins will be either WS or JL 6.5's (haven't decided yet, but something decent like JL MX650).

My main question - Is there any reason not to use a single 6ch amp in this setup (as opposed to a 4ch and separate 2ch amp)?

I will also mention that Creative Audio has the Wet Sounds ICON 8 packaged with an older WS HT-2 amp that is a possibility if I do separate amps.

 

[RightStuff]

My first thought on that setup would be volume control on the tower speakers. Nice to have that separate so you can adjust them separate from the cabin speaker volume. If that's an important 'feature' make sure the setup you go with will allow for that.

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

Only reason to go with 2 amps is more power.

 

[gallobg]

My first thought on that setup would be volume control on the tower speakers. Nice to have that separate so you can adjust them separate from the cabin speaker volume. If that's an important 'feature' make sure the setup you go with will allow for that.

Thanks - I had intended to put a gain control knob on the tower speaker input to the amp so that I could adjust them separately.

Or eventually replace the stock head unit with something that has built-in zone control. Something like the Wet Sounds WS-MC-2, except that it is sold out everywhere so I'm wondering if that model is being phased out for a newer one.

 

[shanes17]

I’m looking to do a similar setup, curious what you ended up going with.

 

[gallobg]

No real update yet. I bought the SYN-DX 6 from Creative Audio with Revo 6's and also the new Wet Sounds WS-MC-20 head unit, which has dedicated "zone 2" buttons on the front to control the towers. The Icon8 towers are on backorder and my boat is still in winter storage so I won't get everything installed until mid-April.

I ordered all of my power cabling from Best Boat Wire | Marine Grade Wire Products which was a great experience. They custom make every cable to order with tinned copper. It's made here in the U.S. (Georgia, I think) and shipped very quick. It was a nice alternative to me trying to crimp 4AWG cables somehow! It was also less expensive than buying bulk cable.