Audio Questions for the Clueless

[twentiesforever]

Hello Folks,

I am most likely picking up a 2014 SX240 in a week or so and was reviewing potential mods. What size are the stock speakers in it? 6.5 in? Can I just drop in new polk speakers without adding an amp or changing the head unit? If so, is the gain in quality that much better over stock without an amp? Thanks in advance

 

[OrangeTJ]

With no amp, if you get very good speakers (JL Audio MX650, Polk MM651UM, for instance), you'll notice improved sound at low volume but you won't be able to adequately power them to make them audible at speed.

 

[redthumper9]

Personally, I would not rush to change out the speakers until I was ready to put an amplifier to them. Sure, like orange said, at low volume you may notice a small difference in the sound quality, but in an open air environment like a boat, when are we ever at a low enough volume to tell the difference. Amplifiers are not just for those who want to blast the sandbar or cove......they are needed for any type of listening that you do. Headunits simply don't have the power needed to drive any speaker to its potential. You don't have to spend a ton of money, just a nice quality name brand class D 4 channel will do the trick.

 

[Julian]

@Williamsone46 @OperationROL What speakers do the 2015 240s come with now? I'm pretty sure they upgraded them from the Seaworthy speakers, but if not, a direct swap out of Seaworthy to Polk 651s is well worth it. My wife usually rolls her eyes when I do stereo projects, but when I put in two Polks and had her listen to me fade back and forth between the Seaworthy and Polks she was amazed at the difference.....which is HUGE for her!!!

If they are Kickers in there....perhaps not so big a change?

Also depends on what your end goal is.....if you are just looking for a nicer sound....do the above. If you are looking for something that will cause the old fart in the boat next to you to in the cove to move....then you'll want an amp, sub, JL or Polk MM series sort of upgrade.

 

[jawsf16]

Yamaha website shows plain old seaworthy speakers for the 2014 SX240 model. I would recommend a drop in replacement to at least Polk DB651 speakers and add an amp. If you really want the Polks to sound good, amp them but filter the lows and get a sub. It is actually very easy to do and won't cost a ton if you do it yourself. Everyone will be quick to recommend JL or the higher end Polks, and JL amps but that system gets expensive quick. You have to decide how much you want to spend, how much stereo you really need, and how often you are going to use it...

 

[Williamsone46]

@twentiesforever The AR/SX models come with sea worthy speakers, The Limited/Limited S models come with Polk DB651. The polk DB651 would be a nice improvement over stock and JL MX's wold be a nice improvement over the Polk. Put a 600 watt amp behind them and it will only get better.

I have a set of 4 DB651 if your interested.

 

[Steve]

How much you looking to get for the 4 DB61 speakers?