Starting my sound system update journey. Please bear with all the questions that will follow

[RNYCLV]

@toddaltpeter Thank you, I am writing this all down. I am anything but an electrician, so we will see how it goes. A side question, if I run two LED strips under the seating pads, can I still connect to the courtesy switch with them too?

 

[toddaltpeter]

You should be fine. LED's don't draw very much power. I'm not sure what the fuse amperage is that protects the courtesy lights. I would be surprised if it was a problem.

 

[tabbibus]

How much better is the M series amps vs the MX on the JL brand? Wondering if better to go with two MX 280/4 or one M600/6? Priced new is not much different. M is just a bit more

 

[tabbibus]

And so it begins. This M600/6 will drive 8 speakers. 6 polks and 2 JL M3 650. These last two will be added at mid cabin.

 

[tabbibus]

This is probably a super dumb question. But what's the best way to connect the speakers? Simple spade terminals? How are they protected from the elements?

I'm thinking of these

Shop

www.knukonceptz.com

 

[JBehrens]

This is probably a super dumb question. But what's the best way to connect the speakers? Simple spade terminals? How are they protected from the elements?

I'm thinking of these

Shop

www.knukonceptz.com

No this is what you need: Female Disconnect .250 14/16 Gauge Pack of 20 - Merchandise

Size to what wire you are using, 14 for normal speakers, 12 or 10 for subs.

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

ideally you want to solder but it’s not needed. Get some heat shrink female connectors

 

[tabbibus]

Any recommendations regarding wire strippers crimpers?

Don't need the absolute best but don't want garbage either

 

[MrBubbaGump]

No this is what you need: Female Disconnect .250 14/16 Gauge Pack of 20 - Merchandise

Size to what wire you are using, 14 for normal speakers, 12 or 10 for subs.

My 2 cents, 14AWG for normal speakers is way over kill.... I just rewired my whole boat and put JL M6 7.7 speakers in and ran 16AWG which was still probably a little over the top. For my M6 10 woofer I ran 14AWG. No issues

As far as wire strippers go really any of the ones off amazon will work, if you want a recommendation try These. I have a set that's probably 15 years old that is not near as good as those and works great.

 

[tabbibus]

My 2 cents, 14AWG for normal speakers is way over kill.... I just rewired my whole boat and put JL M6 7.7 speakers in and ran 16AWG which was still probably a little over the top. For my M6 10 woofer I ran 14AWG. No issues

As far as wire strippers go really any of the ones off amazon will work, if you want a recommendation try These. I have a set that's probably 15 years old that is not near as good as those and works great.

Good to know. I'll go with 16. Thanks

 

[kgower]

No this is what you need: Female Disconnect .250 14/16 Gauge Pack of 20 - Merchandise

Size to what wire you are using, 14 for normal speakers, 12 or 10 for subs.

These work great.
Amazon.com: Klein Tools 80013 Wiring Tool Kit with Automatic Wire Stripper and Ratcheting Crimper, Great Electrical Tool Kit, 2-Piece : Everything Else

Sorry meant @tabbibus

 

[kgower]

I tend to go overboard with my wires, used 12 gauge for tower and cabin, speakers. using 8, 4 and 1/0 on all other connections.

 

[tabbibus]

Another question. Are there marine grade RCA cables or are they all the same? Like we use tinned for speakers.

 

[kgower]

Another question. Are there marine grade RCA cables or are they all the same? Like we use tinned for speakers.

I bought two of these kits.
Rockville RMWK4 4 AWG Gauge Waterproof Marine Amplifier/Amp Install Wire Kit : Everything Else (amazon.com)

 

[tabbibus]

Thanks. I got the Klein combo.

Does anyone know what these RCA Aux in on the back of the Fusion RA70N are connected to?

 

[MrBubbaGump]

I bought two of these kits.
Rockville RMWK4 4 AWG Gauge Waterproof Marine Amplifier/Amp Install Wire Kit : Everything Else (amazon.com)

I also bought two of those kits, only used the things for the power wire though. Junked the RCA's and speaker wire, for me the RCA's were too long and I was unsure of the quality.

 

[MrBubbaGump]

Thanks. I got the Klein combo.

Does anyone know what these RCA Aux in on the back of the Fusion RA70N are connected to?View attachment 178578

I believe it is too they 3.5mm aux jack

 

[kgower]

I also bought two of those kits, only used the things for the power wire though. Junked the RCA's and speaker wire, for me the RCA's were too long and I was unsure of the quality.

Didn't use the speaker wire either. Will try the RCA's and replace if needed.

 

[tabbibus]

I've bought all cables via KnuKonceptz but haven't decided on RCA yet

 

[JBehrens]

KnuKonceptz makes RCA's that are good. I also agree with the comments of oversizing cables.