2016 G23 and WS-420

[Whitetail15]

Ok here is my delima. Just like the title says I would to install a ws-420 into my 2016 g23 that currently has the basic stock stereo, two 8.8 tower speakers, and the studio elite prep kit that has 8 channel amp. I did the elite prep kit because i would like to eventually like to add two more 8.8 speakers in the future.

I am a technician but have no experience with stereo equipment. I have installed an entire wire harness and ecm on a new pcm 343 engine in my garage that had an issue. So I know a little about wiring.

What i do know is the 420 would go on the drivers side and everything else is on the port side. So i would think 20 foot rca cables are needed to go threw the bow area. Here are my questions if anyone could answer

1- how many rca's do i need?
2- does the ws-420 just basically go between the head unit and amps?
3- how much money do i need to spend on rca cables to have quality sound. (something less than 1.0 ohms ?? ?)
4- how is the 420 powered- what is best place to tap into power source. I would imagine it would and source that is only hot when the link is on.
5- how do get access to back of head unit or the area where all the rca's are plugged in. I checked my boat build pics and there is no hole behind the port side front seat back that would make it very easy.
6- I do not have zone control with the standard stereo in my boat- the 420 will allow me play the tower speakers loud and not have the others at the same volume - Correct?

Thanks for any help or suggestions.

[ski4evr]

I don't know about the wiring route or access to HU on a G, but you will need four sets of RCA's. One input channel from HU to 420, and three output channels to amps. And yes, it creates the ability to run inboats, subs, and towers in any combination of volume.

[Z man]

I would add that you purchase the Wetsounds cabling that has all the rca cables in one cord. I would also purchase their power cable as well. I would power the 420 from the head unit and the remote turn on (blue wire).


This is what I was referring to, its called a signal kit

[MLA]

1) 8 single, 4 stereo, 2 quads or the Wet Sounds 6 chnl and 2 chnl signal kit
2) yes, its pre-amp
3) You dont need to spend the most, but I would not spend the least either
4) Its a 3 wire install, B+ and B- need to share the same battery source as the amps and head-unit, so steer clear of terminating under the helm. 3rd lead is the turn-on which is the same as the amps get from the head-unit
5) Unless the 2016 deck cap mold has changed, the back of the head-unit is port locker
6) correct, the 420 is 3 zone independent volume control with master volume.

[Whitetail15]

wow . great info guys . thanks for the help

[Whitetail15]

will i loose the auto adjust volume control if i add the 420. or will this feature still work with the linc.

[MLA]

Unless you bypass the main source unit and go directly into the WS-420, then the speed based volume will still work.