Help with selecting a "zone controler" for my audio system

[charliebravo]

Hello from Richmond Va. First time poster, frequent lurker.

Was hoping to get a learned opinion on selecting a "dual zone controller". The intention is to individually control the volumes on the wake tower and the cabin speakers.

The two most likely candidates are the

1. http://www.kicker.com/10ZXMRLC and
2. the https://roswellmarine.com/dualzonevolumecontrolfeature.php

The obvious choice seems to be the Roswell (easier install and less then half the cost). The Kicker however has a preamp. So the question is, "do i need a preamp".

Current setup is
Head Unit - JBL MR-18.3 (power output 4 x 45 watts)
Amp 1 JL Audio M400/4 for the cabin speakers
Amp 2 JL Audio M200/2 for the wake tower

Thanks for the help in advance. I have really benefited from the knowledge and projects posted on this site.

 

[txav8r]

You can get to where you want to be in a number of ways. My solution was to replace the HU, which was pushed along because I had HU issues and Yamaha couldn't fix it gave me a credit. So my Fusion HU gives me 4 zones of control. I can tell you that it has a new set of limitations however. You can't seem to set the level of all zones and then turn off the HU and back on, without it booting back to a default of neutral or the same level on all 4 zones. You may find that you have better control on your choices. The Fusion unit is a vast improvement over the stock HU with more of a pre amp capability. But you don't need a pre amp unless you want to clean up the signal into the amps and produce more sound from your amps without clipping. Welcome to the forum and enjoy the journey!

 

[ripler]

I used a Clarion EQS746, it's not marine rated, but it only costs about 65.00. I've been using it for 3 years without an issue to do exactly what you want to do. I took it a step further and I use the sub level output also which gives me independent subwoofer control. There is a small fade knob that allows me to fade between the tower and interior speakers quickly.

 

[subysti]

I installed these. Works great and not expensive.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_108247_Install-Bay-Remote-Level-Control-Knob-IBR70.html

 

[brockhals]

You can get a line level control (knob) for your JL amps. I'd just get one for the tower amp to control the volume, and the others would be off the radio volume control.

 

[charliebravo]

Thanks for the input everyone. I didn't realize their was a "remote line control" plug for the amps (thanks brockhals). That's convenient. Solves a problem I would have created by installing the zone control (lose the ability to fade forward and back).

 

[Jwiley]

@subysti i like the inline volume control you used. were they easy to take apart to flush mount as you did in lieu of surface? Trying to figure out if that was a design or did you have to disassemble the knob and 'rig' it? and no issues with moisture?

 

[subysti]

@Jwiley They were easy to install. They are designed to be either flush mounted like I have or surface mounted. Just undo the nut on the back and the surface mount slides off. Drill the hole, put them in and tighten the nut, done.

 

[CFD3Captain]

It's probably more than most want to spend and I didn't want to spend it either, but the WetSounds WS420-SQ is a winner! Not only do I have zone control for the cabin and tower speakers, but I can adjust the sub as well. Not to mention the dual zone EQ so I can adjust each zone independently if need be for certain songs (too much bass) or certain listening situations (at the sandbar).

 

[Sotally Tober]

Wetsounds just released this new zone controller a few weeks ago: https://wetsounds.com/pages/products/WS-220BT.html

I personally have a https://wetsounds.com/pages/products/WS-420BT.html and could not be happier. Wetsounds is the way to go. There product is bulletproof....

 

[morgro269]

I agree with @Sotally Tober . I have the Westsounds WS-420 and it's awesome. My only advice is to mount it where kids can't get to it. There's a lot of attractive nobs for kids to mess with....