Boat Audio Gurus...check in...(Cross Post from Boat Discuss)

[Jmass03]

Going to be installing a new system in my 2006 Malibu Wakesetter VLX. Need some advice though. So far, my thoughts are to go with the Skylon Rubicon series. Thinking of purchasing from wakeside.com.

Are the 450's really worth the 300 dollar extra price tag. They require about hundred watts extra which isn't really a problem. But are the Rubicon 350's just as good? Getting a pair of both either way, whether its the Rubicon 450's or the 350's. However, thinking if the 450's might just be overkill.

My tower speakers are going to be run with a 4 channel amp, not sure if I want to go with Kicker. The entire boat already is set up with kicker speakers and one amp. Contemplating if I should stick with this the entire way. Though Kicker isnt AMAZING, I think their stuff lasts, esspecially for marine setups.

As far as subs go. I'm wondering if since the 450's or the 350's are going to be pretty loud on the mids and highs, I will need to compensate with some bass. Wakeside also has the Image Dynamics. I'm running all DLS equipment in my car, but that stuff is pretty pricey. Image Dynamics I know is good stuff, thinking if I should get (2) 10's or (2) 12's, both would be running of a Monoblock amp probably.

I will be running all 12-14 gauge wiring, and using a 2-4 gauge amplifier wiring kit from JL Audio. I will be also using a second marine optima battery, with a switch to switch from battery one or two depending on if I am listening to music with the boat off. I saw that idea in one of the SAN I was looking at, and liked it

I can set up a car to have award winning sound, but I'm new to the boat thing. I will be having my Malibu dealer install it. They just did a 28,000 dollar job on a Malibu 24 LSV that one of the old members from Nsync just picked up. Crazy! I trust them though, they are charging me 500 for labor, which is good in that they are warranting their work. Well guys, give me some thoughts and opinions. Thanks!

Jonathan

[joedirt00]

Cant really comment on the Skylons, I have no 1st hand experience with them.

As far as your tower speakers go, If the impedance of the Rubicons are 4 ohm, I would go with a 2 channel 2 ohm stable (at least) amp and bridge two per side down to 2 ohms. This will get the most out of your amp and save you from running 2 more wires up through the tower.

The # of subs depends on how much space you have and preference. I like 12's myself. I have a 12 in a ported box in my boat and it pounds plenty hard.

With the amount of power you are planning, I would deinitley go with 0 Gauge power and ground wires into 0g in 4g out distribution blocks. 12-14 gauge should be fine for your speaker wires.

2 batteries are a must. The type isn't really that critical, just preference and how much you want to spend. I would highly reccomend a true multibattery isolator such as one form www.surepower.com They are fully automatic and only lets the alternator charge the battery that needs it.

If the dealer is doing the full install $500 is a pretty decent price.