SYN4 / Rev10 setup

[jcl4y]

Hello from the UK,

I've ben adding wetsounds components bit by bit to by 210, initially added SYN4 to power factory speakers and continued to use factory clarions for in boat and sub. Since added WS Sub and WS420. The factory tower speakers weren't great so last year added 4 x Rev10's but still running from one bridged SYN4 - I know it can take more but other commitments so bit at a time.

Anyhow, pulled the boat out this season and noticed one pair of Rev10's not sounding right basically just getting very (very) high frequencies. No warnings on amp. After a bit of switching things around ruled out the speakers and wiring, and inputs. The crossover is set to HIGH, I didn't install but the manual seems to suggests this, I've found that if I select FULL all the speakers are working.

I'm talking the dealer/installer about a replacement but could the issue be caused by the current set-up and/or will running on FULL cause any more problems. I have a WS420 in there so can adjust the sounds to an extent.

Thinking ahead I see the ideal setup would be to run 2 x SYN4 or possibly SD4, will this improve the sound or simply make it louder. I'm on a small lake and can't really go much louder without complaints! In any case and can hear when riding, but getting a clearer / cleaner sound would be of interest.

Any thoughts appreciated.

[TX-Foilhead]

That amps not designed to run a bridged 2 ohm load. Tim usualy finds these posts and can give you better insight about what is happening, but the easiest fix is another Syn 4. I don't see how a SD 4 gets you anywhere, but an SD 2 would work although it they would like more power.

[EarmarkMarine]

jc,
The amplifier has crossover selectors marked 'X1' and 'X10'. One side is on 'X10' so instead of a 100 Hz highpass you are getting a 1000 Hz highpass. Go to the 'X1' setting.

You cannot safely bridge and parallel simultaneously but you can bridge and series. That will give you 125 watts per each Rev10 which is about half of what is really needed.

Since you already own one Syn4, adding a second Syn4 and bridging both will be the most cost effective way to drive two pair of Rev10s to their full potential.

David

[MLA]

I totally agree with David that the most cost effective way to power those 2 pair will be to add a 2nd Syn-4. As a consideration, if you can find a home for that current Syn-4 in the system for maybe the in-boats, or if space is an issue, then I would suggest the SD-2 as a means to drive those 2 pair of Rev-10.

[jcl4y]

Thank you for all replies.

I did check the X1/X10 settings and didn't seem to make a difference but will check it out again. Would running on FULL be an issue for Rev10's?

I didn't wire the speakers so not certain if wired parallel or in series, will take a look, if parallel would/could this damage the amp?

What would be the benefit of 2xSYN4 i.e. will more power provide better quality sounds or just louder?

[EarmarkMarine]

jc,
In the highpass mode, say between 80 and 90 Hz, the Rev10 will play louder, project farther and sound cleaner. You are effectively reducing the bandwidth of both the amplifier and speaker and that is a good thing for all tower speakers.
In this case, parallel while bridged is the equivalent of a 1-ohm stereo load and that places the amplifier in a very unstable position. The amplifier will eventually protect itself but you can do accumulative thermal damage to the amplifier.
If wired correctly a Syn4 can deliver 125 watts to each of four speakers, whether wired four channels discrete or in a bridged/seriesed configuration. That is just way short of this speaker's potential. The Rev10 deserves more. Two Syn4s will deliver 400 watts to each of four Rev10s. That's getting the full potential. Of course you will hear a difference in amplitude. But, there will be way more dynamic qualities in the music that you will interpret as contrast and clarity even at more moderate levels.
Or, if you find another use for your existing Syn4, as mentioned by Mike, an SD2 is a great option.

David

[shawndoggy]

holy cow didn't realize that the sd2 retails for over a thousand bucks?! A single arc audio ks600.2 would power both pairs of speakers just fine (600wx2@2ohms), and one could probably get two for a grand from a dealer if you must put 400w to each can. I'd guess that the SD2 must be actually retailing for a lot less than $1049?

[EarmarkMarine]

Of course there is a cost difference. The Wetsounds SD is Class D where as the Arc is Class H. Class H uses an AB output section with a signal tracking power supply that alters the supply voltage. Certainly Class H is an efficiency improvement over AB but quality Class D is a step up. Not all Class D amplifiers are the same. The Wetsounds SD series are definitely among the top of the Class D heap.
Also, the Arc isn't marinized. It is dependent on fan-cooling yet is not conformal coated so it is pouring moist air over a naked circuit board at all times. You might get years without board corrosion but it's a really bad choice in brackish or coastal areas. The Wetsounds SD is in a closed chassis and conformal coated.
So while the Arc Audio amplifier is a great product, just like the Syn amps, there is justification for the added cost of the Wetsounds SD amplifiers, particularly in a boat. There is plenty more to the value equation beyond a spec sheet.

David