99 Pro Air-FCT2 1pr. Pro 80's or single 485?

[Miljack]

I'm pondering the addition of some tower speakers for my boat. I think that a pair of 485's are going to be out of the budget for now, and with my tower and boat (direct drive) I'm afraid of everybody hitting their heads on the speakers hanging down. My tower is ~72-73" from the floor, and I was thinking the 485 is about 11" hang height vs. 13" for the Pro 80's, and the 80's would hang right in the only walkway in the boat, whereas the 485 would be in the center of the tower, and would be right in line with the engine/doghouse, so more out of the way.

Question I have is will a single 485 sound "right?" I think it would only be "mono,"
would that be ok?

Other stereo items would be a 12" wetsounds sub in the driver's kick panel area, either a Syn 4 or 6, MB Quart hu, with Polk DB675's (4) in the cabin.

Another ? do I need the equalizer?


thanks,

[bchesley]

RE: 99 Pro Air-FCT2 1pr. Pro 80

First you need the EQ. I would not know what to do with out it. Sounds silly but anyone else with one can attest. The setup you are describing is a 3-some and yes it will sound great. running a 485 mono is not an issue. Either a pair of 485's or the threesome will sound awesome.

[skiking]

RE: 99 Pro Air-FCT2 1pr. Pro 80

I think he is asking about using a 485 all by itself. Right?

I'm not sure it would necessarily sound bad you would just be missing out on some of the music being sent to the channel your sacrificing. Music going down a right/left channel RCA is going to have two seperate channels. I am sure you have noticed that some portions of music whether instrument or vocal is sometimes in the right speaker only or left speaker only. You would be missing that portion if you went with a single speaker setup. You would still hear it from you internal speakers. Just not your tower.

But, you could probably get away with it until you could afford the second 485. Have you thought about two Pro 60's. I have been told you just sacrifice a little mid bass.

[Miljack]

RE: 99 Pro Air-FCT2 1pr. Pro 80

yep, one 485 or the pair of 80's. My original thinking was start w/ a 485, then maybe add the 80's next year, but I don't think I will need that much. Maybe a pair of 60's with a 485? I've seen people with a pair of 485's up on my size tower, but...

[highrock]

RE: 99 Pro Air-FCT2 1pr. Pro 80

I have heard a single 485 on a tower. It sounded pretty good and it will be plenty loud. Personally I would go with the 80's now, or 60's, and then later look to add more.

[bchesley]

RE: 99 Pro Air-FCT2 1pr. Pro 80

Oh sorry I misunderstood. I would go with a pair of 80's for sure. You will get two horns with a pair of 80's. If you want to hear it loud and clear while you ride I would say you need the two horns. That way you can add a 485 later and have the threesome!

[xrichard]

RE: 99 Pro Air-FCT2 1pr. Pro 80

I've been behind a single 485...it sounded great. On my boat I have a pair of 80s (and a pair of MB8s) because it's a v-drive and I wanted to have a center walkway. But I think a single 485 would sound better than a pair of 80s because it has a larger horn than the 80s. For your boat, I'd go single 485 and not give it a second thought--you'll get better sound and the speaker will be out of the way. But if you're on the fence, you should contact Wetsounds and see what they think the difference will be re: sound.

[99ProAir]

RE: 99 Pro Air-FCT2 1pr. Pro 80

Here's the link to what I just did in my 99 Pro Air. I am very impressed and satisfied with the equipment we chose. Earmark is also a very good resource for information and equipment.

http://www.planetnautique.com/index....ic&t=14079

[EarmarkMarine]

RE: 99 Pro Air-FCT2 1pr. Pro 80

Miljack,

You can run a pair of 80s in the center so the hang height is no issue (direct drive, right?).

If you use an amplifier that has a dedicated switch for summing the inputs to mono, then you'll avoid the mono/stereo conflict. You're not going to have a stereo image at 80 feet regardless.

A pair of Pro80s will have an S.P.L. edge over a single Pro485 specifically because the treble on the 80s are hotter. But the average output is relatively equal. The Pro485 has a more uniform response. The 485 has a massive compression tweeter and a larger horn with a lower cut-off point.

I give the advantage in sound quality at surfing range to the single 485 and the volume edge at wakeboarding range to a pair of 80s.

You can't miss either way.

David,

Earmark Marine

[gride300]

RE: 99 Pro Air-FCT2 1pr. Pro 80

i'd go with 80's, b/c it will look better and be virtually the same price/sound but yes, you have to have a 420 with those speakers., it's so much more than just something that lets you turn down ur in boats and towers seperately