SX190/AR190/SX192/AR192 Stereo Upgrade

[riderP]

I'm having a hard time deciding where and how to set up my stereo system on my SX190. I thought with the SX190/AR190 being Yamaha's best selling boat, it would be easy to find examples of stereo upgrades... I was wrong! Now to my dilemma; I've already purchased 4 Alpine S600 6.5's, 1 Alpine 10" Sub (IB) and Kicker kxm 800.5 amp. I'll have an audio shop install everything, but I'm puzzled on where is the best place to install the sub. I was thinking of placing the sub on the port side, right under the glove box, but not sure how that will affect the person sitting there with the speaker facing them. I was also considering placing the sub on the starboard console, facing the port closet door. Next was amp placement. I "believe" the best place for the amp would be in the port closet, mounted behind the port bow cushion. I know I'm bad about overthinking stuff like this, but any pictures/comments of how and where to place the sub and amp would be greatly appreciated. ...and as a good contributing member, I'll update this post with pictures of the final product.

 

[skrip345]

I think your boat has the passenger captains chair instead of the bench like my ar192, but I built and fiber glassed a custom box that slides under that seat. I wasn't real keen on drilling a 8-10" hole in my new boat, but I wanted the sub out in the open, not under a closed seat or compartment. At one time I considered using the port closet door as the mounting spot, as I could always order another door later, but I was afraid it would rattle too much and create more issues. I wouldn't worry much about the sub being too close to the passenger if you end up mounting below the glove box door. My setup you basically sit on the sub (the girls don't mind) and underway everyone hears it but its not overwhelming. I mounted my amp inside the port closet on a board backing up to the bow seat port side. It has worked perfectly, and I still have access to it without removing a seat back for adjustments. Ill try to find some pics.

I didn't see where you said anything about replacing the head unit. I used a kenwood kmr555u. I have really liked it so far, and it has three sets of pre outs, so your should be able to power everything you need. Additionally it allows installation of auxiliary remotes. I mounted one on the helm and one on the swim deck. They have been my favorite mod this year because I can crank the stereo while underway without opening the glove box.

One last note, I have successfully squeaked by without adding another battery. I bought the polk 5 channel amp and so far I don't think it has been too power hungry, but every weekend we use my boat as the boom box down on the dock. It will sit on the lift for hours on end, and it has never failed to start. I do keep a charged jump box on hand just in case, but so far I haven't needed it for the boat. This winter I'm planning on add tower speakers and another amp so I will need a second battery at that time I'm sure.

Only found one picture of the sub box, may be irrelevant for your application, but maybe someone else will use the idea. This was before paint. I will be back down there later this week, I will snap a few more pics of my setup to share.

 

[riderP]

Awesome reply Skrip345!

I believe I'll take your advice and place the sub on the port side locker, facing the passenger. That was my intension, but just wanted to make sure I wouldn't regret it. Later on, I may have a custom ported box fabricated behind the sub. As to the amp, please do send pic of the install when you get a chance. I'd love to see it. I've been just spending and spending on this boat... so, I'm going to keep the factory Clarion. (for the moment) Even though it's sooo limited, by design. I too was planning on using a jumper pack until I got my dual battery switch and second battery.

I hope that more 190/192 owners keep this post going.

 

[FunkyJet]

I am going to be doing my upgrade over the weekend. I am installing a new Aerial speaker/light bar on the tower, new Kenwood radio, and a Rockford amp. I plan on putting the Amp in the port side locker, as described above. I'll make sure to post some pictures when I am done.

 

[riderP]

Right on FunkyJet! My plans are to add a tower to my SX. (probably next year) I got my boat from a boat show a few months back and this was the last 2013 in inventory. The deal was sooo good, I had to jump on it.

 

[FunkyJet]

So herected is what I have so far. I changed out the factory head unit to a kenwood...easy pull and replace. I took two 2x2s and cut them to length, removed the fronet bow back cushion, and put some screws through the fiberglass into the 2x2s on the back if the amp...pretty drilling of course. I cut a hole through the top of the hull down into the port side storage where the radio is for the tower wiring....pretty big hole and I was cringing drilling through. I drilled four 1/2" holes in the tower, two in the lower section which allows the wire to go in at the base of the tower, then come out around the hinge. The other two are on the other side of the hinge to carry the wire up the tower. Then, taking a lightweight string and vacuum, shove one side of the thread in one hole and the vacuum on the other, it sucks it right through. Before pulling, I added some 3/8" grommets over the wire so it would seal it tight. Hopefully this helps.

I'll take some more pictures of the finished product.

 

[skrip345]

I snapped a few pics this weekend while I was down. I am a little embarrassed as I still have a little clean up work on the wiring but it will give you the idea. I also need to invest in much shorter rca's. That will help the clean up a lot. If you look at the amp pic you can see the bass control knob is mounted where I can reach it by opening the locker door. I adjust it more often than I thought I would, but I don't regret putting it behind the door. At one point I considered mounting it near the helm, but I didn't want any more holes than necessary. Also pictured the helm and swim deck remote controls. Both get lots of use! Finally the sub box, I slid it out a ways so you can get the whole idea, but it tucks in there nicely and I don't miss the space its used up! Let me know if you have any questions!

 

[riderP]

Thank you FunkyJet and skrip345 for your post. I really like the remote locations and the light/speaker bar for the wake tower. I kinda wish there was one 2013 ar190 in stock when I got mine... hahaha! I hope that more people post their systems too. You never know who else you'll help!

 

[riderP]

Today is the day! I should have my boat back from the audio shop. I talked him through how I wanted everything installed. Thanks to the good people of this forum. ...and I'll submit pictures too.

 

[riderP]

As promised, here are my pics. Let me know what you think, or even ideas on how to make it better!

 

[skrip345]

VERY nice! Looks like a nice clean install. Are you happy with the performance? Looks like all you need is to add water! Maybe something in those cup holders too... Is the amp driving all four 6.5's now too?

 

[justason]

@riderP I drilled into my wake tower recently for some lighting.. My folding tower has a stub/plug at the hings joints that extends into the tower pipes by approx an inch. Be sure to give yourself some space here like @FunkyJet has done ...1/2" is a pretty big hole....I used something much smaller like 3/8 or 5/16 IMHO.

 

[skrip345]

Did anyone have any concerns about compromising the strength of the tower drilling into it like that? I would be a nervous wreck...

 

[riderP]

@skrip345... Yes the amp is powering everything. The reason I went with the KXM 800.5 is; I can expand my stereo and don't need to add another amp. I don't believe this amp is anywhere near being maxed out and the speakers scream and the bass is deep. I was giving my girl a sample of the sound and the neighbors came out side.

Current set up
4 x 6.5 on 4 channels @ 4ohm (50 watts rms)
1 x 10 on mono sub channel @ 4ohm (200 watts rms)

Future plans
4 x 6.5 on 2 channels @ 2ohm (100 watts rms x 2)
4 x tower speakers @ 2ohm (100 watts rms x 2) ...have to purchase the tower 1st
2 x 10 on mono sub channel at 2 ohm (400 watts rms x 1)

two good things about kicker amps:
1. they under rate all of their amps. My amp came in with a certificate showing 958 watts rms. Usually, max power is twice the rms power.
2. the new kicker amps are super small for the power.

 

[tim2808]

This is my setup on my AR192

2x Fusion bullet style tower speakers
10" Fusion sub
Fusion 1600w 5 channel amp
Factory Polk 6 1/2"'s
Factory (crappy) Clarion head unit

Originally I installed the sub as free air in the helm console wall. I have never been happy with the bass output either. Today I put the sub in a sealed box and it made a HUGE difference!! Without any adjustments to the amp. So I'll be covering that hole with a custom speaker grill soon. I think it will look fine.

Next investment will be a new head unit.

 

[riderP]

I just thought I would keep this thing going. I installed a Clarion M303 and MF1 on the swim platform stair. Haven't tried it in the water yet but I'm excited none the less!

 

[kozer85]

@FunkyJet I am also thinking of going with that's speaker light bar if you have it hooked up already how is the sound.

 

[d_coyne1984]

To you guys that have installed IB style subs through the fiberglass, what do you think about the installation and the sound? I am seriously considering doing that, but I am concerned about the glass being solid enough to hold the woofers and not causing the glass to spider crack. Does it seem solid? I would definitely install a backing plate for my sub like @riderP 's install fyi.

I'll upload some pics of my DIY tower speakers once I get to my other computer. I am fairly happy with their sound especially considering I probably spent about $250 on them vs. the obscene prices that manufacturers are charging.

 

[tim2808]

I cut a ring out of plywood, sealed it, and mounted it on backside of the fiberglass. That seems to hold it perfectly.

I will say I was not happy with the free air sub at all. I ended up taking it out of that fresh new hole I cut in my brand new boat and mounting it in a box in the helm compartment. I have the hole covered with a speaker grill. So it still looks nice I am much happier with the sound now.

 

[d_coyne1984]

Here's my DIY tower speakers. The boxes don't have enough volume so they clip a little bit of the low end, but overall I am pretty happy with the sound quality and projection of sound. I didn't want to drill multiple hole (partially because I was lazy) so I sleeved the speaker wires in some black split-wrap and just zip tied it to the tower, ran it straight down the tower (by the removable pieces). I used Velcro straps on the removable tower supports and punched a hole underneath the side bolster. It's barely noticeable, but I wish I would have just ran in through the tower in hindsight.

Framework

• d_coyne1984
• Feb 14, 2015

Fleeced

• d_coyne1984
• Feb 14, 2015
• 3

Glassed

• d_coyne1984
• Feb 14, 2015

Finished

• d_coyne1984
• Feb 14, 2015

Quick release brackets are made by Global Truss and they work awesome. Only $15.

On mounted on the tower 1

• d_coyne1984
• Feb 14, 2015

Mounted on the Tower 2

• d_coyne1984
• Feb 14, 2015