Sound System Questions

Tig · Newbie Joined: 02 Mar 2003 Posts: 27 City: Mt. Airy, MD

I currently have a '02 Launch SSV with the stock stereo system. At high volume, the sound is terrible (snap/crackle/pop). I am planning on adding tower speakers this season with an amplifier. What speaker/amp combination would you recommend that won't put me in the poorhouse? Will rewiring the system with the amplifier "clean up" the sound from the current system? To clean up the existing sound, do I just need to replace the current/stock speaker? What recommendations do you have for replacing the stock speakers?

As you can tell, I don't know squat about sound systems.

Thanks,

Tig

dschock · Outlaw Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 135 City: Bellevue

The "snap, crackle, pop" you're talking about is most likely from distortion created by the deck that isn't meant to go that loud. Adding an amp may help, but it really depends on the speakers that you have in there. I just replaced my crappo JVC stocks with some new Infinity 62m waterproof coaxials and powered em with a PPI amp. Couldn't be happier with the sound. Each speaker is now getting 80 Watts (RMS) and are clear as can be.

The clarity really depends on matching up your amp and speakers. If you underpower your speakers, then there's no way you can crank the volume without distortion. If your speakers suck, tho, there's no way you can power them in a way that will make them sound good at volume.

I'd recommend pulling out one of your existing speakers, reading the back, and finding out what kind of power it can handle. Then go into a stereo place and listen to stuff.

Also, do a search on this site for stereo stuff and you'll find plenty of info about what stereo setups people would recommend.

Good luck.

liquidcat · Outlaw Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Posts: 173 City: Boca Raton

I would replace the stock speakers. Get a 50X4 Head Unit if your isnt already. Most stock stereos arent that great.

(Sony has a decent MP3 player cdr3300)
A 4 Channel Amp
Run the internal speakers with the radio
and your cans with the amp, or if you plan to get a sub bridge one channel to the sub and the other parallel to the cans.

I used some kickers DX60 (6.5 )about $35 www.ikesound.com theyre usually about $70 a pair.

http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/KIC03DX60#reviews

I stuck a 12" Kenwood in a tube with a 800 watt mono to it.
Remember if you want clarity add more midrange.

Drop me a line if you need more help

dudeimbrian · Newbie Joined: 18 May 2004 Posts: 4

Check out Liquid Trends (www.liquidtrends.net)
I've seen some of their installations at boat shows and i have to say that it's awesome and unbelievable.

They can hook you up with basically anything you desire for your boat system.

hope this helps