Creating a game plan for 09 SANTE

[DFW-MDCT]

Hello, I have spent a bit of time looking around but have not really determined much related to the 09 SANTE with factory stereo with no current tower speakers (pre-wired luckily).

I would like to upgrade in several stages to allow for a nice budget during each upgrade stage.

From what I recall the factory sub is not really designed for the best sound in a free air configuration. Can anyone recommend a decent replacement as this is one of the first things I would like to upgrade. Also my boat still has not had the re-wire from the factory recall so I would like to try to slip this in during the service to minimize downtime.

The second stage I would like to obtain some tower speakers that will look good as well as sound good on the FCT-3 Tower, the WetSounds speakers look like they would fit my needs but figured I would throw it out there to see if anyone had any opinions. The FCT-3 IMO limits the options a little more than some of the other towers out there.

The Third stage would be to upgrade the bass output doing away with the stock location or just adding an additonal woofer. I don't mind losing the cooler storage which seems to be the limitation most people are worried about.


Thanks for any input, have a great day!

[EarmarkMarine]

Welcome to the forum.

We have existing templates for all that you've suggested and more.

For the tower, we have several options. All of these should work in respect to the factory bimini.

A) Using the factory locations with PRO60's above and PRO60X on the side with custom stand-offs and aluminum mounting plates. However, I don't like using the lower locations since in-boat passengers get hammered.

B) A pair of PRO485's overhead. Really big sound and all up high.

C) Two pair of HollowPoints as shown. http://www.earmarkcaraudio.com/install_nautique_210.asp Compact and powerful.

BTW, HLCD's are probably going to necessitate a tower harness upgrade.

Subs: WetSounds, Alpine and JL Audio, to name a few, make quality free-air subwoofers. In any case, the starboard coaming on this particular boat may not be the ideal location for the primary sub depending on your expectations for bass. Even with a true free-air, some structural and acoustical issues remain.

We can cover this area over, create a storage pocket or insert a small round sealed enclosure to fit a matching 8" sub and grill as a secondary subwoofer.

Moving the factory sub (or a replacement sub) to the port side locker in a bass-reflex enclosure works very well provided the locker is adequately vented. Here's an example:
http://www.earmarkcaraudio.com/insta...irNautique.asp

We've rewired the '09's to correct the low-impedance problem. Ultimately, two more channels are required for the in-boat speakers to do it right.

We're in Lewisville. You should stop in.

David
Earmark Marine