SX230 Speaker/Amp Install

[Hike]

I'm looking to upgrade my speakers to the Polk DB651 from stock in my '08 SX230.
I'd like to put in an amp and sub as well. Does anyone have suggestions on placement of the amp and sub and how to run the wires from the battery? I'm using the stock JBL head unit. Thanks!

 

[swatski]

I'm looking to upgrade my speakers to the Polk DB651 from stock in my '08 SX230.
I'd like to put in an amp and sub as well. Does anyone have suggestions on placement of the amp and sub and how to run the wires from the battery? I'm using the stock JBL head unit. Thanks!

One of the simplest and least expensive options would be to use the Clarion xc1410 amp w/DB651s, there are several write-ups on that. If you search "xc1410" you will pull those up with good info. (sorry I'm in no-wifi wilderness on a lake, lol, or I would pull the links for you)

One XC1410 will work really well with 4 DBs (at 4 ohms) but will also run great at 2 ohms, for example I'm pushing 6 DBs with one xc and it is not an issue - two at 4 and four at 2ohms. Zero issues, great sound.

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[mark_m]

Here was my journey: https://jetboaters.net/threads/2007-sx-230-stereo-upgrade.8206/

 

[Hike]

Would the Clarion XC1410 power a sub as well as 4 DB651s? do you have a sub recommendation? Thanks!

 

[haknslash]

I believe that Clarion is the same amp that @DBamaC has in his boat and I was really surprised by how good and loud it can get. Such a small little amp that matches up well with the Polks.

 

[Hike]

On Amazon the Clarion XC2410 is $20 cheaper and is 400w. Would you go for this model?

 

[arlowe13]

I just installed the Clarion 5ch amp a few weeks ago in my SX230. I ended up running a new set of battery wires through the front of the engine compartment, into the starboard storage compartment and then forward to the helm. I went ahead and installed a new fuse box. I mounted both the fuse box and the amp with the industrial strength velcro. The stuff is crazy strong and will hold these items with no problem. I ran subwoofer wires back through the starboard storage and tucked my Bazooka tube into the dead space to the starboard side of the engine compartment. Fit very nice and the sound put out by this combo is super impressive.

In the picture with the sub, you can see my battery wires running along the cooling water lines. This was before I tied up the subwoofer wires, laying on the floor.

 

[Hike]

@arlowe13
Thanks for the tip. Did you use the polk db651s in your setup? Any interference running the amp close to the head unit? Is it recommended to use a 5 ch amp instead of a 4 ch amp if using 4 speakers + sub?
Thanks!

 

[Hike]

The Bazooka Tube is self amplified right? Are you still running it through the clarion?
Thanks

 

[swatski]

On Amazon the Clarion XC2410 is $20 cheaper and is 400w. Would you go for this model?

Personally, I would not. I like the simplicity of the XC1410. Same power handling, probably more reliable.

Would the Clarion XC1410 power a sub as well as 4 DB651s? do you have a sub recommendation? Thanks!

I wouldn't use it for the sub, but I have an amplified BassLink by infinity which works great.

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[arlowe13]

@arlowe13
Thanks for the tip. Did you use the polk db651s in your setup? Any interference running the amp close to the head unit? Is it recommended to use a 5 ch amp instead of a 4 ch amp if using 4 speakers + sub?
Thanks!

I have a pair of DB651 under my rear facing seats on the swim deck that I wired into a switch with my rear "inside" speakers so I can switch between the two pairs depending on if I'm floating or driving. No interference issues, so far, have had great sound. I would definitely go 5ch if you're wanting to power 5 speakers.

 

[arlowe13]

The Bazooka Tube is self amplified right? Are you still running it through the clarion?
Thanks

I got the non-powered Bazooka so I just had to run speaker wire from my amp to the tube. It thumps hard and clean.

 

[Hike]

One of the simplest and least expensive options would be to use the Clarion xc1410 amp w/DB651s, there are several write-ups on that. If you search "xc1410" you will pull those up with good info. (sorry I'm in no-wifi wilderness on a lake, lol, or I would pull the links for you)

One XC1410 will work really well with 4 DBs (at 4 ohms) but will also run great at 2 ohms, for example I'm pushing 6 DBs with one xc and it is not an issue - two at 4 and four at 2ohms. Zero issues, great sound.

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In the 4 ch setup at 4ohms is it louder than the stock JBL MR17 which is rated at 45watts per ch? Do I need to bridge this setup for my 4 speakers to get the best sound? I'm a bit confused on bridging and ohms. Thanks!

 

[swatski]

In the 4 ch setup at 4ohms is it louder than the stock JBL MR17 which is rated at 45watts per ch?

The speakers are many times louder with the xc1410 as compared to the HU, to the point it's hard to even compare. That amp is not bridgable, I believe, but runs great wired at either 4 or 2 ohms, I have one that pushes one pair of DBs at 4 ohms and two pairs at 2 ohms.

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[Jgorm]

I put a 10" sub under the throttle area. Cut a hole and mounted it free air style. Sounds great.

 

[Hike]

The speakers are many times louder with the xc1410 as compared to the HU, to the point it's hard to even compare. That amp is not bridgable, I believe, but runs great wired at either 4 or 2 ohms, I have one that pushes one pair of DBs at 4 ohms and two pairs at 2 ohms.

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So if I have 1 xc1410 and 4 db651 speakers and want them all to play at the same volume, how should I wire them up?
Thanks!

 

[swatski]

So if I have 1 xc1410 and 4 db651 speakers and want them all to play at the same volume, how should I wire them up?
Thanks!

All in parallel, just split the left and right channels going to the two pairs. If I remember correctly. Also - there is a thread on connecting the amp to speakers with a generic plug spliced in - by the @Majorsmackdown. I solder mine, or use any connectors that will survive marine environment.

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[Hike]

All in parallel, just split the left and right channels going to the two pairs. If I remember correctly. Also - there is a thread on connecting the amp to speaker with a generic plug spliced in - by the @Majorsmackdown. I solder mine, or use any connectors that will survive marine environment.

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Would wiring in parallel equate to 4 or 2 ohms? Thanks so much.

 

[swatski]

Would wiring in parallel equate to 4 or 2 ohms? Thanks so much.

4ohms if you use 4 DB651s.
And I think I was spacing out above - you have left right forward and back. So no splitting anything. I think. Sorry it’s late I just got back from work. Lol.

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[BlkGS]

Im still trying to decide how I want to do my install. I will be putting my amps in the battery compartment, and running my RCAs and speaker wire to there. I havent figured out installing my rockford 10" sub yet though. I was initially planning to do it under the seats in that compartment but it seems like its too big and would need to be an 8" to fit. Thought about a box, but dont see how i could physically get one in there. A tube could work, but would be a waste of space (though thats not really critical i guess).