Going to need an amp?

WakeSyndicate · Newbie Joined: 07 Apr 2008 Posts: 7

I'm planning on putting in an additional pair 6.5 inch speakers in the bow of my boat.

Right now it is just the stock deck and the stock two 6.5's on either side of the rear bench.

Think I'm going to need to run an amp or can I just run it through the stock deck and battery power?

kavlock99 · Posted: May 06, 2008 11:45 am Post subject:

WakeSyndicate,

It depends on your headunit. Most internal amplifiers are capable of putting wattage to 4 channels. You should be able to read somewhere on the face or
back of the unit what it's output is. Most likely you can add another pair, but expect to get similar or less volume based on how it is currently wired.

If you actually list a model of headunit, I could answer more specific options.

Brit Rider · Posted: May 06, 2008 2:51 pm Post subject:

WakeSyndicate, Yes you'll be able to run a further 2 speakers. all modern Head units are 4 channel.

Check the back of the unit. You'll see the spare speaker wire, if you're lucky they'll be ISO standard and thus colour specific and or labelled. Or check your stereo's manual for this info.

WakeSyndicate · Newbie Joined: 07 Apr 2008 Posts: 7

I'll try to get you that model of the headunit.

Any suggestions on quality 6.5ish inch speakers, I'm aware of some of the more popular brands but any preferences?

wakeskateordie · Newbie Joined: 17 Feb 2008 Posts: 17

JL Audio and Kicker make nice stuff.

If you wanted to go cheaper you could pick up some Kenwoods.

If you want quality sound I would probably pick up an amp instead of using the head unit to power them. Usually a decent amplifier will have a much better sound than the head unit.

My boat came with Kenwoods in the front and back. The two in the front run off the head unit and the ones in the back have their own amp.

I have to turn the sound down via the fader on the front speakers because they start to distort way before the amplified rears do.

Brit Rider · Posted: May 07, 2008 1:01 am Post subject:

WakeSyndicate, Ideally you want to match all the speakers in your boat.

A common misconception is that a higher rated speaker (watts) is better than a lower rated speakers. When you purchase you need to think carefully about whether you'll be amping in the future, or just leaving them as they are.

The higher power speakers generally have a heavier cone material and a few other differences, that will allow for higher power input, but at low inputs they won't perform all that well.

If just sticking with low power output of the head unit , look for a lower power (60watts RMS and less) speaker - don't be tempted when you see far more powerful speakers for sale at the same price - they will offer no benefit.

jonyb · Addict Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 844 City: Paducah

I've got 4 Kenwood 6.5's that I'm gonna replace with something different if you're looking. PM me if your interested.