Looking to replace stock Polk Momo tower cans in '07 SAN

[tvaleri]

I suppose the short answer is to get some REV10s, but I'm looking for alternatives. We do a mixture of wakesurfing, wakeboarding and pulling on tubes. The options I am considering are: x2 Exile XM9s for $1100, x2 Skylon Vector 8s $1099, x2 Rev 10s $1199, x4 Memphis 15-MM62T $800. I'll get an appropriate amp for whatever I choose. Thoughts?

[EarmarkMarine]

The Exile XM9 is an 8-inch HLCD like the Skylon Vector (not a 9" as the model designation might suggest). So for a fair comparison based on size you would look at the Wetsounds Rev8, and not the larger Rev10.
The Exile, Skylon, and Memphis HLCDs have so much in common construction-wise they appear to come from the same plant. None of which are the same build quality as the superior Wetsounds product. Chrome plated cast aluminum collars on the Exile, Skylon, and Memphis versus polished stainless steel collars on the Wetsounds (no worries about the plating and pitting with Wetsounds). The Wetsounds has a larger motor and voice coil. Lots of other differences in the horn architecture and much more favor the Wetsounds.
The Wetsounds Rev10 has a larger pod displacement and substantially more midbass cone surface area. One 10-inch has much more surface area than twice as many 6.5-inch speakers. Surface area mostly determines output and the Rev10 has more of it. Also, surface area and pod displacement determines low frequency extension. More speaker and more power can increase output. However, ten identical speakers do not play any lower than a single speaker of the same. So again, you can't beat the Wetsounds Rev10 in output, balance, and midbass extension. Larger HLCD tower speakers are naturally warmer and less irritating to in-boat occupants when played super loud in order to project to a rider. Also, having excess amplifier power can keep you out of compression/clipping/distortion which is more friendly to the in-boat occupants.

David

[core-rider]

Another option would be the Kicker KM6500.2. I have not personally heard them, but have read many positive reviews for them. They seem to be the most cost effective HLCD tower system out there if you already have speaker cans. Since you already have the cans from the Polks I would definitely add the Kickers to your list.


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[EarmarkMarine]

The Kicker HLCD is a real contender (and a bit more) with any/all single pair of 8-inch HLCDs if you run the dual midbass six-pack version which requires six pods. The single midbass version is a great surf speaker but just doesn't get it done without strain at wake range.

David

[Brichter14]

So you are saying that two 8" exiles or wetsounds are just as loud as the kicker kmt6500.2 six pack? I am about to purchase a new boat and I was trying to figure out what to get that wouldn't make me poor. I had the 4 pack of kicker kmt6500.2 on my old sea ray and it was decent but not loud by any means. And that was behind a 4 cyl engine at 55 feet back. Granted they were not powered amply but they were super loud for the people in the boat. This makes me want a true hlcd system because I don't wanna deafen the people trying to relax in the boat.

[EarmarkMarine]

My point is that a Kicker HLCD specifically in the six-pack version (two horns and four 6.5" midbass drivers) is the equal of any SINGLE pair of 8-inch HLCDs. The surface area of the four (six-pack) 6.5" drivers is at least equal to two (single pair) 8" drivers plus the six-pack will have more collective pod displacement based on the four dedicated midbass pods. We are also comparing the use of six total pods in the case of the Kicker HLCD six pack to two total pods for a single pair of 8-inch HLCDs.
The Kicker KMT6500.2 HLCD with a single pair of 6.5" midbass drivers is by no means competitive with a single pair of 8-inch HLCDs when it comes to projection.
The Kicker KMT6500.2 and the Wetsounds Rev8 are both HLCDs.
You cannot escape the fact that what is louder at wake range is also louder in the boat. An HLCD makes no difference as compared to a conventional speaker in that regard. However, what is far more annoying and strident in-the-boat is an over-driven tower speaker and tower amplifier. This can be more of an issue than the amplitude. So a warmer, larger, more capable speaker with extra amplifier headroom to keep both out of the "pain" zone is your best bet.

David

[05nautique]

I just put on a pair of xm-9's and with some good power going to them they scream. I don't have a lot of comparisons but I am extremely happy with them