JL Head Unit and Transom Remote Retrofit

[MLA]

Since this was a conversion, not a new install, the factory should have already established proper B- and B+ for the original unit. These should have been the ones used for the conversion. The description sounds like gain hiss. Plausible going from a 2V to 4V source unit. If the amp gains where set close to ideal, in theory, the gains should need to be lowered a little.

[RDT-G23]

Since this was a conversion, not a new install, the factory should have already established proper B- and B+ for the original unit. These should have been the ones used for the conversion. The description sounds like gain hiss. Plausible going from a 2V to 4V source unit. If the amp gains where set close to ideal, in theory, the gains should need to be lowered a little.

Good man. Thank you!

[RDT-G23]

Well, my stereo system is now "bug free". There was a gain that was "miss set", but more than that, one of the switches that was on one of the amps was not set properly; we think that was the issue. As mentioned above this is a 4v source unit, the Polk a 2V. Given the diagrams of all of the settings that Nautique sent directly to my tech (not the dealer tech that did the conversion) all gains and switches are correct now; I have no white noise whatsoever. We also found a connection on my starboard bow speaker had come off.
(I only had the tweeter working) Just as reference, this is the second crimp connector that has fallen off of one of my speaker's terminals. The other, we discovered a month after I got the boat-on the starboard-most tower speaker. (I don't know if others are seeing connections coming loose.)

In the end, the dealer tech didn't follow Nautique's diagrams for setting the amp gains and switches that are specifically for the retro-fit. I'm not going to name the dealer-as they have been good to me-"on balance". That said, the tech was "sloppy" with this job, and with how my Sea Deck looked when I got it back. This, frankly, is why I do all of my own maintenance (except big stuff or warranty failures) on all of my vehicles (and have for 35+ years). I, almost unfailingly, just don't have good experiences with dealer service...

Stereo sounds great. I'm happy to have this chore behind me. I hope this helps for those considering conversion; it is great when done right!

This is the diagram we used; it is quite easy-for those who follow directions...

[RDT-G23]

[charlesml3]

Stereo sounds great. I'm happy to have this chore behind me. I hope this helps for those considering conversion; it is great when done right!

So do you know if the dealer had to re-flash or re-program the LINC to properly talk to the new headunit? If for whatever reason this isn't required, one could conceivably DIY this upgrade.

-Charles

[RDT-G23]

I don’t, but will try to find out.

[charlesml3]

I don’t, but will try to find out.

Yea, that'll be the big deciding factor for a lot of us. I'm willing to do a headunit swap. I used to install car stereos back many years ago so I know my way around.

-Charles

[RDT-G23]

I forgot to mention that I had this installed as well. A splitter piece from JL comes from the head unit. One tail goes to the transom remote, one to the control unit pictured here. I had one with my Alpine on my Cobalt. They are nice for when you are floating behind the boat, but you could do just about the same with a Pebble watch. Regardless, I figured I’d let y’all know I did this as well. Water resistant-not water proof, but pretty tough. Same as my last one. I attach it to a floating keychain. Good range...

[thejean]

RDT, how much did it all cost in the end though do the swap?

[RDT-G23]

RDT, how much did it all cost in the end though do the swap?

I only paid for the wireless remote and splitter, which I got through Crutchfield. I had a deal via some related negotiations to have this done. Nautique is not paying for these, but do have the kit and instructions for this purpose..

[distinguishedmotorsports]

the Head unit itself is $500 if i'm not mistaken. so probably 600-750 out the door?

[etang789]

Interesting why would the manual tells you to use speaker level input? I thought the new JL Headunit have pre-amp out aka Low Input Voltage ??

[charlesml3]

So clearly this can be done, but there just isn't enough information here to decide whether or not it could be done DIY. If it requires reprogramming of the LINC then it's pretty much out of the realm of DIY unless you can persuade your dealer to do only that part of it.

-Charles

[distinguishedmotorsports]

So clearly this can be done, but there just isn't enough information here to decide whether or not it could be done DIY. If it requires reprogramming of the LINC then it's pretty much out of the realm of DIY unless you can persuade your dealer to do only that part of it.

-Charles

you can for sure. you just have to get buddy buddy with the one tech at the dealer, and request him for all the work on your nautique hahahah. i wouldn't mind getting some part number for those of on here who can DIY. its really just plugging connectors in with new harnesses.

[charlesml3]

you can for sure. you just have to get buddy buddy with the one tech at the dealer, and request him for all the work on your nautique hahahah. i wouldn't mind getting some part number for those of on here who can DIY. its really just plugging connectors in with new harnesses.

Exactly. I know exactly HOW to swap a headunit. It's not that bad. I know how to hook up amps, speakers, power, XM antenna, transom remote, etc. The only limiting factor for me is the LINC. I still need that integration.

-Charles