Rectangular tower speakers?

[brit_hunsicker]

Hey guys I have a 2001 SAN 210 with the old school kicker tower speakers. It's time to update the sound system and I really like the rectangle look. Has anyone had any luck removing the pods out of units like this and swapped new ones in? Or does anyone know of a speaker thats comparable in looks/size? I really think the rectangle setup looks better on this boat than the typical round cans you see all day long. Any input would be helpful! Pictures would be even better!
Thanks!!


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[brit_hunsicker]

Willing to consider round cans of y'all can show me something I like enough!


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[swatguy]

Not exactly round not exactly square. A shameless plug. You could always plasti dip or paint them black.

http://www.planetnautique.com/vb5/fo...ha-ii-speakers

[nautiques4life]

i have no idea what you're seeing that you like in those old boxy things, but +1 for swatguy's set up for sale, I've always liked the looks of those cans, and probably sound better than the 6.5's options if you're not going all the way to wetsounds, or similar.

[a0128]

Are you going for aesthetics (looks) or a solution that actually sounds good? I am not aware of anything that is rectangular that puts out good sound at wakeboard line length. If you are just looking for something to listen to in a cove then open those up and replace the components.

[Paxdad]

You may want check out the bookshelf speaker selection at Best Buy. Just kidding.

[brit_hunsicker]

I knew I'd catch **** for this! Ha ha! I called kicker and they make a newer version of these same speakers that are the same size and everything but he told me I would be better off with the new KMT67 set. I sort of knew he would say that, but one factor is that they would hang lower off the tower so I would have to move my Bimini lower than it sets now. Would really like to see some pictures of your guys set ups with the FCT2 tower. Try to change my mind. I'm looking for sound to be good at riding distance, which I can hear the stereo at riding distance now, just not like some other boats I've ridden behind with wet sounds 😉💸💸💸 No I'm not looking to give up my extra liver for a set of speakers.


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[a0128]

Fortunately I had an extra liver laying around LOL



I've seen some owners mount their speakers above the tower. You could mount the KMT67's in this fashion. Taking a quick look at the tower speakers from JL Audio, Wet Sounds and Kicker, they all have a hang height of around 9 inches. Have you measured the hang height of your current setup? You may be close +/- 1 inch so lowering the bimini may be an option.

[MLA]

Funny thing is the current KB6000 is a great sounding setup, but not what I would suggest for a tower system. The KMT76 is a true tower system and actually is a little better balanced and carries better midbass. Your current amp needs to be taken into account as well. I would also consider a single pair of the Kicker KM8 in the new 8" pods available in black and white. They will also accommodate the LED leads for RGB LEDs.



If your focus is more wake range projection, I would look into the KMTS67 HLCDs in the KMTES pods or a pair of Wet Sounds Rev-8

[brit_hunsicker]

Thanks for the input. I am planning on replacing virtually every single audio component in the boat. Tower speakers, interior speakers, removing one sub, will likely keep the other sub the same until next winter if I am not satisfied next summer(not big into the bass). Also removing both amps and replacing both having one 5 channel amp to control tower speakers and sub. And the other to control the 4 interior speakers. Had also pondered the idea of cutting 2 speaker holes into the front interior, since I am gutting the interior this winter as well and replacing. Has anybody had any luck doing this? Was thinking on the sides, about halfway back the open bow. Open for opinions on what you think the setup should be.


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[a0128]

What's your budget for your audio upgrade? Since we have similar boats I'll throw some things out there based on my experience.

I put in JL Audio MX650's in the interior. Great speaker, very warm sounding, not harsh or bright. I am powering these with a JL Audio XD400/4. If I was to add two bow speakers I'd power all six with a JL Audio XD600/6. I used a JL Audio CS110LG-TW3 sealed subwoofer mounted under the dash. Sounds great. Potential downside - not a marine unit, box is covered with cloth, so you would not want to subject it to moisture. I don't worry as my boat sits under cover on a trailer when I am not using it. Also, it takes approximately 4.5 inches of legroom out of the under-helm area. I put two Wet Sounds REV8's on the tower. Great speaker, lots of projection, good mid range and highs. Sub woofer and tower speakers are powered by a JL Audio XD700/5. Overall a very balanced system with great sound for listening in the boat as well as any cove.

I purchased everything through Earmark Audio for $2,100 shipped.

I might try Wet Sounds on my next boat, assuming I ever sell this one in which case I'd go:

In-boats = XS-650
Tower = REV8
In-boat amp = SD-6
Tower amp = SD-2
Sub = HT-AS10 (assuming it would fit under the observer's seat area and would need to vent the compartment) or an IB sub mounted on the port side of the bow walk through.

Good luck. Keep us posted on your project.

[brit_hunsicker]

Well I hadn't really set a budget. Wanted to keep it around or under 2k, due to the fact I'm putting approx 4k into the upholstery this winter. I also don't want to cut myself short either. The last thing I want to do is go cheapo on the stereo and then regret it. Although the brand new KB6000's are still weighing heavily upon me....for some unknown reason. Call me crazy but I like the looks and the old ones didn't sound terrible, just a little crackly due mostly to the fact I think they are 8+ years old.


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[brit_hunsicker]

If I went the wet sound route I would be much more tempted to, if possible, buy the KMT67 dual speaker cans empty and then put the wet sound units inside of those. I know your probably rolling your eyes...but I like the look of the KMT67 setup rather than having 2 or 4 separate round cans mounted on the tower. Again, I'd love to see more pictures so somebody can change my mind, I know there has got to be plenty out there!


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[MLA]

You would not want to use the KMT67 as they are built as a complete unit with dual mid-bass drivers flanking a tweeter. But, the KMTED dual pods will accept the wet sounds XS-650 if you wanted. if you can hold out a few months, these pods will be available in black and white as shown above (singles in the white).

[swatguy]

So seems like you're definitely trying to keep away from round pods.

Couple ways to combat this. You could try and find a custom 4 pod(6x9) box. Very common back in the day on wake towers, or (again shameless plug) grab those Nautique Pods I have and fill either the enclosure or the Nautique pods with Wetsounds . They make a 6x9 Pro Axial HLCD that would easily project sound better than standard 6x9 and be similar to the old pro60's/pro80's. If the Nautique pods don't interest you you can easily find 6x9 pods at DIywake.com.

https://wetsounds.com/pages/products..._features.html

Other than that though your best bet would be two REV 8 tower speakers if your worried about clearance. Wetsounds redesigned the pro 80's to this and the Rev 8's have a much smaller clearance. The pod is more compact and the clamps don't hang down as far. Just other options