2016 G25 stereo upgrade

[sgresham]

Hey guys, I have a 2016 G25 with the upgraded stereo options from the dealer, but I am just about ready to upgrade that stereo just a bit, and I wanted a bit of advice. I am in Texas, and I have always used Tim from Scream Marine for my upgrades. I am thinking of changing out the tower speakers for 2 pairs of WetSounds Rev 10s, changing out the sub for a WetSounds XXX 12, and adding more amplification to the JL Audio in-boats. I believe Tim also talked about adding more venting for the sub, as there does not seem to be near enough.

One of the things I really don't want to do is take away a lot of the functionality of the Linc system as it pertains to the stereo, so it seems I can't get rid of the Polk tuner, but Tim suggested an Arc Audio PSA in order to boost the signal coming out of the tuner.

How do these upgrades sound to you guys? It seems there would be a huge difference in sound quality and sound levels to me, but I wanted to get some advice from some that have done this or something like it.

TIA!

[MLA]

Larger sub, yes,

More venting, yes

more wattage to the in-boats, possibly

Rev-10's? whats on the tower now and their power?

Even a WS-420 wont take away LINK interface.

[sgresham]

Larger sub, yes,

More venting, yes

more wattage to the in-boats, possibly

Rev-10's? whats on the tower now and their power?

Even a WS-420 wont take away LINK interface.

Thanks for the help, MLA. The towers have 2 pairs of JL Audio 8.8 tower cans. I'm not sure of the power pushing them; it's the JL amp from the factory.

[David Analog]

It's a safe bet that the existing JL Audio 880s on the tower aren't even close to living up to their potential with factory power. There is so much more performance to be gained once properly powered and re-tuned. On the flipside, if you want the ultimate volume level and distance projection, the larger 10" HLCD Wetsounds Rev10s are the way to go.

[MLA]

No question going from a single pair of 8" to two pair of 10" tower pods would be a tremendous upgrade. I would seriously consider adding a 2nd pair and an amp like the Wet Sounds Syn-DX2 or JL MHD750 to drive them.

[Superbawn]

I also have the upgraded JL sound system in my 16 SAN G23 and as the volume is increased, the bass level is dramatically reduced. I know that in the car audio world JL sells signal processors, like the Cleansweep that will essentially take out all of the weak signals that factory head units apply as you increase the volume (to save warranty claims on speakers) and flattens or cleans them up. With all of the different components involved in these systems I don't know if there is something like that available or not, but I think it would immediately improve the sound quality.

[sgresham]

No question going from a single pair of 8" to two pair of 10" tower pods would be a tremendous upgrade. I would seriously consider adding a 2nd pair and an amp like the Wet Sounds Syn-DX2 or JL MHD750 to drive them.

I have 2 pairs of the 8.8s, but I think the Rev 10s would still be a huge upgrade. I am just wondering if adding the proper amplification to the 4 8.8s would make me happy, along with the other upgrades. I don't wakeboard hardly at all. I pretty much only surf behind the boat.

I also agree with you Superbrawn. I have used the cleansweep in some of my cars. I think that is kind of what the Arc Audio PS8 does, and Tim definitely recommended I get that.

[nyryan2001]

Pass on the PS8. Yes it can improve sound, but you are introducing a complex pricey item that takes a pro to tune and adjust.

Skip Arc Audio(and I've had Arc for years), especially on the towers if you go Rev10s.

If you want premium power to the Rev10s-- JL 750/1. Else, with a regular amp, aim for 450-550w per Rev10. Arc doesn't do that.

flr an awesome tower setup, consider a set of Rev10s on a Jl750/1, and one set of your 8.8s on their own amp. Hybrid setup allows greater balance and warmth when running the Revs with horns.

[David Analog]

I have 2 pairs of the 8.8s, but I think the Rev 10s would still be a huge upgrade. I am just wondering if adding the proper amplification to the 4 8.8s would make me happy, along with the other upgrades. I don't wakeboard hardly at all. I pretty much only surf behind the boat.

I also agree with you Superbrawn. I have used the cleansweep in some of my cars. I think that is kind of what the Arc Audio PS8 does, and Tim definitely recommended I get that.

Here's one problem with adding a processor. If you have a HU that continuously tilts the response as the volume level changes, then a processor can only make a correction at one single volume position. So in order for this to work correctly the HU volume must be fixed precisely at a predetermined level and variable volume must only be controlled via the processor. So in one form or another, you must add a volume control.
I know there are many adding DSP to cars and boats but I trust very few dealers to grasp and correctly execute the entire concept. Most of the time these units are added as a glorified EQ/line-amp and can introduce new and unwanted issues.

[Superbawn]

Here's one problem with adding a processor. If you have a HU that continuously tilts the response as the volume level changes, then a processor can only make a correction at one single volume position. So in order for this to work correctly the HU volume must be fixed precisely at a predetermined level and variable volume must only be controlled via the processor. So in one form or another, you must add a volume control.
I know there are many adding DSP to cars and boats but I trust very few dealers to grasp and correctly execute the entire concept. Most of the time these units are added as a glorified EQ/line-amp and can introduce new and unwanted issues.

If that's the case with the DSP, no thanks. I personally wouldn't want to have a separate volume knob, I think it would get too confusing if someone decides to adjust it on the transom or with the pebble as it was designed to do. sgresham, are you not satisfied with the sound quality of the factory setup, or with the volume output? I haven't really messed with anything, but there are settings underneath the cover plates on the amps that are held in place with allen head screws. I know because I had to remove the plate on my sub amp because from the factory they had the signal inputs plugged into the wrong spot so I had no sound! Turn the gains to 11 and see what happens!

[Guntersville230]

Hijacking post, but quick question...should I tune my amps with the polk head unit in the on or off "loud" setting.

Sent from my SM-G935V using PLANETNAUTIQUE mobile app

[Evening Shade]

Pass on the PS8. Yes it can improve sound, but you are introducing a complex pricey item that takes a pro to tune and adjust.

Skip Arc Audio(and I've had Arc for years), especially on the towers if you go Rev10s.

If you want premium power to the Rev10s-- JL 750/1. Else, with a regular amp, aim for 450-550w per Rev10. Arc doesn't do that.

flr an awesome tower setup, consider a set of Rev10s on a Jl750/1, and one set of your 8.8s on their own amp. Hybrid setup allows greater balance and warmth when running the Revs with horns.

Ryan,

Are you saying that you would power each Rev10 with a JL 750/1. i.e. one amp per speaker (2 amps total)?

[nyryan2001]

Nope. 1 JL 750/1 per 2 Rev10s, 375w x2.

will absolutely outperform ANY other amp.... Unless you go into 475-550w each Rev10 territory on any of these other amps (I've had them all) and that becomes more pricey than the 750/1.

Listen to Wetsounds and Arc powering Revs, then listen to the 750/1 powering Revs. All power is not equal.

Night and day difference. There's piercing loud.... Then there's warm, balanced and LOUD.

Listen to folks on their 5th,6th, 7th build.

head unit. WS420sq. JL HD 750/1. Rev10s.

if you are feeling froggy and you want to kill the world: 2 750/1s and 4 Rev10s.

[MLA]

if you are feeling froggy and you want to kill the world: 2 750/1s and 4 Rev10s.

Since he's considering upgrading the in-boat amp, id consider 2 Wet Sounds SD-6. 4 extra chnls for the in-boats.

[Tallredrider]

Ryan, quit messing with me. I almost went with the 750/1 for my pair of REV 10's. I am very happy with the Arc 600.2 which gives me 400 watts to each speaker. Arc does not exaggerate their output, so I think that is what they are really getting. I do wish I could hear them back to back, but I cannot imagine it being much better. If you make me buy another amp this winter, I will send you the bill.