Wet Sounds and Arc Audio Dream System

[frisbeedogs]

Its been a few years since I have been on the water and a lot has changed. I now have unlimited funds to build the system of my dreams. I ran across Hydrotunes and I am excited to have an installer who specializes in wakeboard boats. I have a 2008 230 Team and now must begin the process of choosing the right components. Wet Sounds Pro485's a given as I have heard they can blast the rider out. Wet Sounds WS-450 EQ for its versatility and zone control, Clarion stock head unit because it is there already, Wet Sounds XS-650 since I like to stick with quality sound.....but after that I am a little torn between ARC and Wet Sounds amplifiers. I have only used JL Audio in car systems so I am completely out of my element on this decision. I really want efficient and cool running amps that produce the highest quality sound.

I would like tons of bass so I am thinking the Wet Sounds XS-XXX but I am not sure how many or if I should consider 4-10" subs instead? Anyone have any success with maxing out the space in this boat?

Lastly, any good power plants out there. Which batteries seem to be working best these days? Sea Volt, Kinetiks, lots of cove time expected.....

Appreciate your suggestions and help. See you out on Lake Austin!

[ck1105]

alright who are you? and where did these funds come from? is your name Michael Dell? Just kidding. I would do all wetsounds top to bottom. optima blue top batteries. And I'll see you on lake austin.

[SuperSquirt]

Do you really want a stock Clarion unit as part of your "dream system"? If unlimited funds is what i think it means, you should rethink this plan. You shouldn't leave your JL audio subs, they are the best in the biz. A pair of W7s is all you would ever want in your boat. If space and efficiency are important for you, go with some Alpine PDX amps, 2 4.150 for your tower and in-boats, and a pair of 1.1000 for two subs, stack them up or build a rack). Add a third battery or a huge capacitor and crank it up.

Obviously, there are a ton of scenarios you can go with, this is just my advice. The only stock thing you should keep in the boat are the Momo speakers, i would replace everything else, including the amp wiring.

[bmh2208]

I second the W7's. If you wanna save some money, which you obviously don't you could go for the Kicker L7's. Not as good SQ as the JL but they pound. Ditch the momo's and go with the WS-650's. I have a bad taste for them after pulling them out after only 3 years of use.

You can go all out with arc or zapco stuff, but the alpine pdx line of amps work great. I have two 4.150s and a 4.1000 and have never had a problem with them.

[bchesley]

I have a wetsounds syn4 powering my 485's and love the amp. I have not had it long but so far it rocks. I have it in place that is not very well ventilated and it has no issues.

[EarmarkMarine]

Dream System

Frisbeedogs,

There are lots of great alternate products but I’ll keep on topic with the two brands you’ve mentioned.
If you’re going with a WetSounds system then stay with the WetSounds amplifiers. They’re tweaked for marine with conformally coated boards and other incremental mods. Plus you can’t beat the look of the stainless steel shrouds. If you have the funds why not add a little prestige.
A single XS-XXX in the right bass-reflex enclosure and correctly vented from within the locker will dismantle the boat.
Hydro Tunes can definitely do you a great job if you are truly going to give them the latitude and means.
Please share the pics after completion.

David
Earmark Marine

[Mikeski]

RE: Dream System

I would say that "lots of cove time" and "W7" should not be used in the same sentance. W7's are notorious power hogs, Grant won't use them with less than 2k watts each. The XXX and Wetsounds amps will give you much more SPLs-hours per battery amp-hour than W7's and Arc. The other benefit is that it will probably not require a boat alternator upgrade. I am a big fan of designing nice high efficiency systems that sound good versus massive systems that pound and won't play without the motor running. I am running a pair of Kinetik to about 3,000 watts, it plays fine but no longer than it did off a pair of fully charged golf cart batteries. Although the power delivery from the Kinetiks may be a bit more stable when the bass kicks in, but nothing that a capacitor and golf carts could not match. After watching several battery threads here and on wakeworld I would say Odyssey batteries are probably close to the top of the list, Optima's would be near the bottom of my list, sea-volts should also be fine. In the solar power industry we use lots of Rolls-Surette batteries but the discharge rates are much lower.

[bmh2208]

RE: Dream System

From what your wanting, and using your unlimited budget, You would do well to copy the grade and level of components that Grant has in his boat. From the amps, to the subs, to the charging system, it is top notch. Since you want lots of bass, and lots of party cove listening, I don't think you'll have a choice but to go extreme on the charging system.

There's some pretty detailed threads on here and WW about his system and charging system. I'll see if I can dig some of those up.

[bmh2208]

RE: Dream System

Balmar Charging thread:
http://planetnautique.com/index.php?...ghlight=balmar

[Bullet]

arc makes the wetsounds amps---the wetsounds look way cooler though with the stainless!!

[Laketexoma]

I have a 08 230 also. I went with 4 kicker l7 12's 2 in the rear flush mounted and 2 under the passangers compartment. So you could easly put 4 10's in it. I'm not sure that the w7's will fit in the rear since they are so deep. They are great subs!!!! IF you would like some pictures of my setup you can pm me.
The last time I checked ( last summer) balmer did not make an alternator for the zr6 motor. So I hade one hand wound to 160 amps.

later
Shawn

[frisbeedogs]

Hydrotunes is outstanding. They far exceeded our expectations ahead of schedule. Wet Sounds all the way.....12" and amps under the glovebox, two 10" on the back panels and the 485's are more than any rider ever need. The installation and options Hydrotunes provided was unreal. I have overseen many high end instals in both luxury cars and wakeboard boats and Hydrotunes is in a class by themselves. If you are serious about sound quality, loudness and custom installation.....get with Hydrotunes. I don't want to share their secrets by posting pictures, but if you get a chance to see or hear this system, you will be blown away by the experience they display in the end product.

[bchesley]

Oh man dont tease us. Post some pics of the final product....

[wetsounds1]

frisbeedogs,

Thank You very much for the support of Wet Sounds! Trey and Justin at Hydrotunes are awesome! This is why they have done the last 2 Wet Sounds demo boats and are about to start the 3rd!!

You can post pics here. As they will also go up on wetsounds.com and hydrotunes.com as they have an install gallery and they e mail me many of the installs they do so no worries there.

Post away!!

Tim
Wet Sounds

[frisbeedogs]

Ok, I am always adding pics so check out this link for the latest.

http://gallery.me.com/frisbeedogs#100246

Quick connects are awesome...the ability to direct input/outputs is such a cool feature. Sit in the cove all day without starting boat. Charging system very well designed. Very happy with all the Wetsounds components. While moving it take precise movements to control the tower speakers but other than that, wouldnt change a thing. Hoping to enclose the open air 10" for a little more thump in the back. Any thoughts on a custom box for the back panels? Adding separate bass control so we can thump without going deaf. We added motion sensors with a live feed to us so we know when anyone is on the boat. A few underwater lights and I think this will be good until our next boat.