230 subwoofer question

**EarmarkMarine** · 08-04-2009, 06:19 PM

RE: 230 subwoofer question

tazz,

Nautique uses a Polk Audio small box 10-inch woofer in a free-air application so its seriously underdamped. Any manufacturer that says their woofer is both an acoustic suspension and infinite baffle.... if that were true then it would mean it does both poorly.

There are a few modifications you can make structurely and in tuning that will make the factory sub just passable. There's not adequate space to fit a 10-inch sealed box in the gunnel cavity between the hull and coaming panel, although an 8-inch would work as a secondary sub.

Send me an email so we can set up a phone conversation and I'll share a few options.

David
Earmark Marine

**tazz3069** · 08-04-2009, 10:07 PM

RE: 230 subwoofer question

Thanks David I really appreciate your help. I will definitely contact you when I am ready. I do not have the boat yet. I am getting all the info I need so when I do get the boat, I can start working on it.

**kaikane** · 08-05-2009, 04:19 PM

RE: 230 subwoofer question

David,

I'd like to discuss subwoofer options for my 236 with you. What email address should I use? Or PM me and we can set something up.

Thanks.

**EarmarkMarine** · 08-07-2009, 12:00 AM

RE: 230 subwoofer question

kaikane,

info@earmarkcaraudio.com
Talk to you soon.

David
Earmark Marine

**docderwood** · 10-13-2009, 12:37 PM

Re: 230 subwoofer question

Originally posted by tazz3069

Still asking a few questions before I pull the trigger and purchase a new 230. I was wondering about the subwoofer. My question is, "Is the subwoofer, that is located behind the driver seat, in an encloser or is it a free air sub?" If the subwoofer is a free air sub, is it possible to make a box and have a normal sub. I have not heard any good thing about a free air sub. This my be a question for Earmark Audio. As anyone looked into this or change this?
Tazz

ANyone have a model # or spec sheet on this sub that comes stock?

**tazz3069** · 10-13-2009, 08:24 PM

RE: Re: 230 subwoofer question

Went to the Polk web site and could not kind the sub that is used. Sorry

**EarmarkMarine** · 10-14-2009, 11:14 AM

RE: Re: 230 subwoofer question

We've had real problems with Polk's published woofer parameters corresponding with acceptable results. We have a computer program that models various optimum enclosures, whether sealed or bass-reflex.

We've always been disappointed with the Polk MOMO woofers in a sealed enclosure, although the dB series do well in sealed. With a little trial and error we have found that the Polk MOMOs perform very well in a particular bass-reflex alignment. We have several pre-built waterproof enclosures that sound great.

Despite Polk's assertions, none of the Polk woofers do well in an infinite baffle or free-air application.

David
Earmark Marine

**tazz3069** · 10-25-2009, 10:55 AM

RE: Re: 230 subwoofer question

David
Have you guy developed a box that goes in the stock location? Or have you found a sub that will will good in the 230 Location. I really would like to used the existing location for the sub. I do not want to used valuable space in the boat. When I do order the boat, I am ordering it without a Tower speakers and amps. Not to excited about the wet sounds speakers. I have a set of MB Quart on my current boat and really happy with the sound. What type of system would you recommend for me. I think I am going with the FCT3 Tower. Still up in the air. Now that the new FCT4 tower just came out, I need to look at that. I would like to go with four Tower speaker. There are several things that I need to figure out before I take the plunge and purchase this beauty. Sorry for all the questions David. I like to have my ducks in a row before I purchase.

**EarmarkMarine** · 10-26-2009, 11:14 AM

RE: Re: 230 subwoofer question

tazz,

The subwoofer topic has been well chronicled. There's room in the factory location for a robust 8-inch in a round fiberglass front-loading sealed enclosure. Given the location, that would be plenty for the driver's experience but would have trouble creating impact throughout the entire boat. It's possible a more elaborate two-piece enclosure could facilitate a handful of 10-inch drivers with no more than .5 cu. ft. displacement requirements. Beyond a limited number of acoustic suspension options, JL Audio makes a superb free-air 10-inch that will be a major improvement over the factory equipment and could benefit from a little structural reinforcement between the coaming panel and hull.

If you like the MB Quart sound on the tower, then Focal are similar but smoother. While different from the Focals, JL Audio 'T' series 7.7" tower speakers probably have the best spectrum balance and midbass extension. But with any conventional and direct-radiator speaker you'll have to reconcile the fact that it won't effectively project at 80 feet like an HLCD. In any case, with either tower, there are plenty of good choices. More critical is the fact that you'll have to select your tower speakers in conjunction with your choice of bimini.

David
Earmark Marine

**tazz3069** · 10-29-2009, 07:48 AM

RE: Re: 230 subwoofer question

I am looking at the FTC3 tower with a Z5 Cargo Bimini. I would like to go with 4 tower speakers. What are the HLCD speakers? When I do purchase the boat, I am thinking of taking the panel off to see what I have to deal with. Maybe I can make a sub enclosure and reinforce it with fiberglass. Or I could be opening a can of worms. Just went to your web sight. I like the HLCD speakers and cans you have. So far, I think I know what I will be installing. This is my List.
Keep the Polk Speakers in the cabin
Keep the Head Unit (does it have enough RCA outputs for my Amps?)
4 HLCD Speakers
JL Audio G4500 4 channel amp for the Tower
JL Audio G6600 for the cabin speakers
JL Audio Sub woofer Amp?
Subwoofer ?

I was thinking about this Sub I have never heard it before, I have heard that people really like the sound. What are your thoughts?
http://www.memphiscaraudio.com/produ...ss-subwoofers/

**EarmarkMarine** · 10-29-2009, 10:39 AM

RE: Re: 230 subwoofer question

tazz,

Yes, the head unit was triple pair RCAs. Supplement this with a couple of JL Audio line drivers that will place independent tower and in-boat controls at the driver's fingertips but without having to run to and from transverse RCAs. The 7.5 volt line drivers will also do alot to improve dynamic range, especially when the preouts are divided among multiple amplifier channels.

For the tower amplfier, the G4500 will only deliver four times 80 watts into 4-ohm tower speakers which is only half the required power for most HLCDs. Two G1300s would be more in line which would deliver 150 watts to each of four speakers.

Your coaming panel will only facilitate a small displacement enclosure. Depth is not the primary issue so the need for a slim line woofer does not apply. I'd go with the JL free-air in a black sport grill that will tie in well with the factory Polk spoked grills. Or, go with a custom enclosure and a woofer that is appropriate for that particular displacement. The boat will dictate the enclosure and in turn the available displacement of the enclosure will dictate the optimum woofer choice. This portion may have to wait until you get the boat and are able to take precise measurements. We can build and ship any enclosure. Its not going to change how you order your boat.

Also, we're working on a signal processor just for tower speakers. So far, the results are incredible. Stay tuned.

David
Earmark Marine

**Chattwake** · 11-03-2009, 09:06 AM

RE: Re: 230 subwoofer question

I've used wetsounds stuff in my last two 230's and I have no complaints. I'm running thier ws420 eq, their syn4 amp pushing two 485 tower speakers mounted on my fct3 w/z5. I added one of their 12'' XXX subs (rated for 3000 watts), and I'm pushing that with a Memphis class D mono amp. I've got a set of their interior speakers that I intend to add over the winter.

**Chattwake** · 11-03-2009, 09:10 AM

Sorry I don't have better pictures of the stereo stuff on this computer.

Attached Files

**gsh762** · 11-03-2009, 08:12 PM

chatt,
where did you locate the xs-xxx? i assume you put it in the observer storage area? Ported or sealed box? did you vent the cooler opening or not? what memphis amp?

I am looking at putting a sealed enclosure in mine and just leaving the factory polk there with nothing going to it. Seems lame but who will notice.

230 subwoofer question

230 subwoofer question

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment