New stereo suggestions/recommendations...

[gobluemike2142]

Ok, purchased a '96 SS last week. Looking at an audio upgrade. Here is where I am leaning, any input/help would be appreciated...

(4) JL MX-650 (sport grills) for the cabin speakers
(1) JL 12W6v3-D4 subwoofer sealed enclosure under helm
(1) JL M1000/5v2 to run everything or M400/4 and M600/1 instead (thoughts on this?)

Really need input on head unit. The boat has single DIN old style radio so I'll just throw one in there. I'm partial to JL (for the speakers and amps) for 2 reasons, I've used their stuff in car audio for a long time and I have a buddy who is a dealer so I'll get it at a pretty deep discount. Head unit I'm good with whatever.

When I add a tower I'll address the tower speakers at that time and may just end up bridging the front 4 cabin speakers together and running the other 2 channels to the tower. That way I can use the fader to balance volume as needed.

Thoughts?

[MLA]

MHD900/5 and consider the 13W3 or MHD600/4 and MHD750 and stick with the 12W6

may just end up bridging the front 4 cabin speakers together and running the other 2 channels to the tower. That way I can use the fader to balance volume as needed.

What are your thoughts for future tower speakers? Going that route would have all amp chnls (of the M sereis if you when with them) loaded down to its minimum impedance.The tower zone and sub zone tend to be the hardest driven zones. I like the idea of having them on separate amps.

Also, there much better means of zone control, then fade. It typically buried deep in a menu and hard to get to quickly. Having said then, you can use fade even with towers and in-boats on different amps.

[swatguy]

Miles's pretty much got the amp stuff down


Honestly with all the technology and audio stuff out there now my personal opinion (and many others ) is why even buy a head unit. There are so many Bluetooth devices and Eq's out there to eliminate that component altogether. You can spend the money on a Wetsounds eq that will give you total zone control ( sub, cabin ,tower all independently controlled ) and customizability that it makes the head unit a thing of the past. Your boat doesn't have any pre wired remotes So just something to consider

the JL MBT-CRX into a WS 420SQ is one option. The Wetsounds 420 BT is another ( although has some negative reviews on the by module inside the 420). Maybe mike can speak up if WS has revamped that ,but I know there were some not so good interference and reception issues with the Bluetooth version of the 420 when it was released .

[MLA]

The WS-420BT has been revised and shares the same BT with the all new WS-220BT 4-Zone controller. Dont forget the WS BTCV and BTRS,

[swatguy]

I found the Wetsounds BT VC very cumbersome to work , Imo one of the worst "control" wise out there to operate. The lag and knob functions made it really difficult to operate on the fly .



I wasn't aware of the BT RS . That looks way more user frciendly and I have to admit has a slick rocker style design. Like that a lot

[gobluemike2142]

I found the Wetsounds BT VC very cumbersome to work , Imo one of the worst "control" wise out there to operate. The lag and knob functions made it really difficult to operate on the fly .



I wasn't aware of the BT RS . That looks way more user frciendly and I have to admit has a slick rocker style design. Like that a lot

I saw that too. Just looks easier for the wife to deal with as well. Anyone know the size of the clock gauge on the '96 SS? I haven't picked it up yet but I might remove it and throw the JL MBT-CRX in there if it fits.

[gobluemike2142]

So, on the sub, it seems basically everyone with this style NSS puts the sub under the helm, which is fine. My question is on enlcosure. Slot ported or sealed? If sealed, should the sub face the stern or fire down into the full and use some feet to keep it off the deck? I'm sure it will work either way but curious what you guys think. If I downfire it I might make the visible side out of plexi and then on the trim panel cut out a JL logo and have some LEDs in the box. Otherwise, if the sub is facing the driver, a simple trim panel to make it clean.

Thoughts?

[MLA]

Slot ported or sealed?

The boat can certainly impact this. A ported setup will require larger external dimensions. The woofer will also factor in. Some perform best sealed others perform best ported.

[gobluemike2142]

The boat can certainly impact this. A ported setup will require larger external dimensions. The woofer will also factor in. Some perform best sealed others perform best ported.

Yeah and to be honest a sealed enclosure will probably be just fine. I know I'm asking a ton of questions and cluttering up the board but being new to this, I'd rather do it once and not worry about it for a while. Thanks for the input.