Adding tower speakers- Best Amp to run all 6 speakers + 1 bass?

[jameskeller76]

Boat: 2016 AR240
Already upgraded stock speakers to Polks.

Just picked up some Kicker tower speakers from a neighbor. Its time to amp things up a bit.

So is there a good amp that can run the kickers, the 4 polks and a sub?

Or do I need to just get two amps?

 

[FloJet]

I would say at least 2 amps to be on the safe side.

 

[jameskeller76]

Any idea if 4 gauge power wire running to a distribution block sufficient?

I'm considering a 5 channel + a 2 channel, both Polk.

 

[FloJet]

It all depends on wattage you are trying to run. But to be on safe side of things again, I would not run nothing more than 2 Awg to your distribution blocks. Then maybe 4 awg going to your amps. But again it all depends on amp wattage. I personally always do 1/0 awg from the batteries to my distribution blocks so future upgrades can be accommodated for.

 

[jameskeller76]

It all depends on wattage you are trying to run. But to be on safe side of things again, I would not run nothing more than 2 Awg to your distribution blocks. Then maybe 4 awg going to your amps. But again it all depends on amp wattage. I personally always do 1/0 awg from the batteries to my distribution blocks so future upgrades can be accommodated for.

Good point. Running 1/0 isn't any more difficult. Thanks for the advice.

 

[FloJet]

No worries.

Yup it all depends on individual budget. If budget on wires not too much off concern, I think bigger is the best route. Now days you can find great deals on ebay on things like that.

 

[jameskeller76]

This is what I'm thinking, so far...

 

[FloJet]

Looks like you are on the right track. Don't forget to get a relay for remote turn on of everything. Nice safety feature for $7 at most hardware stores.

 

[jcyamaharider]

Looks like you are on the right track. Don't forget to get a relay for remote turn on of everything. Nice safety feature for $7 at most hardware stores.

I have never used a relay for remote turn on. I use the remote wire off of the head unit. I have been doing stereos for years without an issue. Any reason for it?

 

[ToddW850]

Here is a Kenwood marine app that seeems to be getting great reviews. Just bought mine for $105 off Amazon. Price has gone up just a bit. Weather permitting (currently raining) hope to install mine today. This is a 4 channel amp and Kenwood has the 1 channel amp for $85 on Amazon.

Here's the link on this Forum.

https://jetboaters.net/threads/these-kenwood-amps-are-a-fantastic-value.13028/page-10#post-235557

 

[jameskeller76]

Looks like you are on the right track. Don't forget to get a relay for remote turn on of everything. Nice safety feature for $7 at most hardware stores.

Good call on the relay, added that to the cart and placed the order.

 

[jameskeller76]

Here is a Kenwood marine app that seeems to be getting great reviews. Just bought mine for $105 off Amazon. Price has gone up just a bit. Weather permitting (currently raining) hope to install mine today. This is a 4 channel amp and Kenwood has the 1 channel amp for $85 on Amazon.

Here's the link on this Forum.

https://jetboaters.net/threads/these-kenwood-amps-are-a-fantastic-value.13028/page-10#post-235557

View attachment 56425

Nice amp but I went with the polk because it have the 5th channel for a sub.

 

[jameskeller76]

I have never used a relay for remote turn on. I use the remote wire off of the head unit. I have been doing stereos for years without an issue. Any reason for it?

It's because I'm going with 2 amps. I've read you can run 2 amps off of 1 remote wire but for 7 bucks why risk it.

 

[jcyamaharider]

I run 3 off of one remote wire. Remote wires are just to tell the unit to turn on. No need for a relay when there is already one built in.

*edit, I did go search this and see it is common practice but if it anit broke.........

 

[jameskeller76]

I run 3 off of one remote wire. Remote wires are just to tell the unit to turn on. No need for a relay when there is already one built in.

*edit, I did go search this and see it is common practice but if it anit broke.........

Yeah, the wire does send a signal which will get reduced with each device you run it to. Again, for $7-10 bucks and a few minutes of time, why not add it.