Stereo advice

[Evildwarf]

Looking to upgrade the existing stereo experience on our 2014 242 limited.
Not unhappy with the stock setup, just want a little more clarity and richness to the sound.
We don't want to thump and shake the other boats on the lake, just want to hear music at cruising speeds and fuller sound at low volumes while chilling at anchor.
Considering adding a powered sub woofer, perhaps an amp for the existing Polk speakers...
Opinions?

 

[tdonoughue]

For my 2012 AR240, I added an amp and sub (powered by the amp only) and it made a world of difference. I also later switched out for Polks, but you have those already. Unloading the deep bass off of the Polks will make a huge difference. And using the amp means you are running in the middle of the amp capacity rather than at the top of the HU capacity, so distortion drops big time.

@David Analog will explain it better and be much more expert than I am. But I believe I have summarized some of his teachings here...

 

[bigblank69]

Definitely an amp. If your goal is to hear at speed a powered Sub will not help at all, but a amp will do wonders. I originally put in a JL Audio HMX280/4 and it sounded good, then put in a Polk PAD40004 and it sounded even better. Also put in a Alpine Subwoofer, the Sub sounds good, but by far the biggest difference was the amp on the speakers.

 

[Devildog]

Totally agree with the comments above. I added a Rockford Fosgate amp in the beginning of the season and it did wonders. Even up on plane, you could hear the music. I also added new Rockford Fosgate speakers which provided a good amount of bass as well. But I plan to put in a bazooka subwoofer next season. Good luck.

 

[viggen]

If you want more clarity/volume then adding a sub will have a minimal affect, the present speakers will sound the same

As stated add a amp to what you have will be your best bet, ideally find a amp with a built in crossover

If after that you want to thump just a little then add a sub

If you want to thump a lot add a larger or multiple subs

The best would be to add a amp as well as a sub, really depends on the $$$$ you have to throw at it

 

[Evildwarf]

Good answers, I appreciate the advice folks!
I'm not much good with DYI wiring, how tough a job is adding an amp to the existing stock system?

 

[viggen]

12v wring is pretty simple

Does the present radio have RCA outputs? Does it have a sub output?

If it doesn't have RCA outputs then finding a amp which takes hi level input would be easiest

If it doesn't have a sub output and if you think someday you might want to add a sub.... And if no RCA outputs for the other speakers I would buy a new deck. It will be easier and save you money in the long run!

I would guess a local audio shop might charge $100 ish for a install of a amp including wiring

 

[bigblank69]

It's fairly easy, the CMD8 in your boat has 4 rca pre-outs so the hook up is easy. Your choice will come down to where you want to put your amp. I put mine in the battery compartment mainly because I use the helm storage area way more than I use the battery compartment, so I just ran RCA and Speaker lines from the battery compartment to the helm. After that its just hooking up to the battery and done.

 

[vxooxv]

As others stated adding an amp will make a immediate difference. I personally went with all wet sounds equipment minus the head unit. You might be able to upgrade the HU to something like the Fusion 750 line which may push a few more Watts than the OEM equipment and also allow you to zone and easily add in the future.

Wiring isn't all that complicated though once you start adding an amp you may want to add another battery.

 

[MrWizard]

Wiring isn't all that complicated though once you start adding an amp you may want to add another battery.

I'll agree that the wiring isn't a terribly difficult thing to do. YouTube can be a man's best friend in times like this for help.

I will say that I believe that once you add an amp, you WILL want to add a second battery. An amp will draw more power and for me personally I'd rather switch to the 2nd battery while we're anchored and know that I'll be able to fire the motors to get back underway.

My .02 cents.

 

[Evildwarf]

Thanks for the good advice guys....
Boat has two batteries stock so power perhaps not a problem.
Wiring sounds pretty easy, plus the teenage son can help his old man and teenage sons are really good at this kind of stuff....