Here's my new sound system, any opinions??

[gx205]

I hope I'm not asking too many questions here, but I would like a few opinions please.

My boat had a Clarion radio, and 4 clarion speakers originally.

Last year I up graded to keeping the same stereo, a Clarion Cmd3, but adding a Clarion 10" subwoofer, adding one pair of Polk speakers making a total of 6 speakers, plus a sub, and then added a 2 channel amp to run the sub, and a seperate 2 channel amp to power the 6 speakers.

The system sounded pretty good last summer, but the tubers and wakeboarders couldn't hear the music, so I decided to do a major overhaul, which I am presently in the process of.

The 2 Polk speakers clearly sounded better than the stock clarion's, so I have taken the Clarion's out, and replaced them with Polks.

Now with these Polk's, my local stereo store advised me to add two pairs of Polk component speakers. So now in the boat I have 2 pairs of regular Polk speakers, plus 2 pairs of Polk component speakers, for a total of 8 speakers in the boat.

The component speakers have a seperate tweeter, that you mount in a different place. Is anyone else using these ? he told me that the component speakers give you a whole lot more middle bass in songs, plus moving the tweeters higher, makes the music rise.

I'm also adding a double pair of Polk tower speakers, to total 4 speakers on my Tower.

I'm also replacing my Clarion subwoofer, with an Alpine, as my local stereo guru recommended this over the Clarion, and over a Polk.

Now I'm going to run the same 2 channel amp to the subwoofer, the other 2 channel amp will run the tower speakers, and I'm adding a 4 channel amp for the 8 boat speakers.

I'm thinking about changing my Clarion MCD3 unit , for a Clarion MCD4, are there really much difference in these two radios??

I've also purchased a WS-420 equalizer to control my whole setup.

Any pros, or cons???

Thanks

[jonyb]

On the components, it's mid-bass. Separate components are better, but not if you don't have the mounting space for the separate tweeter.

I'd use the Wet Sounds XS12 for the sub. The Alpine is okay, but the WS is better IMO.

Here's the CMD4: http://www.clarion.com/us/en/products/2006/marine/source_units/CMD4/us-en-product-pf_1132912142884.html

I can't find anything on the XMD3, so you're on your own with that one. I think it's a few years old and that's the reason. If you're gonna replace the radio, get the CMD5.....

[gx205]

Yes jonyb, I'm sure from what I've read on here that my whole system would be better with wetsounds speakers, and subs.

But, right now I need to watch my spending a little in this economy.

I'm a home builder in my area, and although I'm lucky enough to still be fairly busy, I just don't know how long it will take for this market to turn back around, so I'm kind of trying to get the best system I can feel comfortable with.

I'm sure eventually I most likely will change over to all of wetsounds products. from what I've read of satisfaction, and the way they have already answered a few of my ws-420 questions, truly shows me how much they stand behind their products.

I have two wired remotes on my boat that are clarion's with the digital read out, which I believe were for the CMD4, but they work fine on my radio. will these remotes work with the CMD5?? Is the CMD5 better than the CMD4??

Thanks for your response

[jonyb]

I believe the CMD4 is just last years model, and CMD5 is the current one. You can get Clarion's tech support number from their website to ask about the remotes being compatible. That's really the only way to get a solid answer.

As for spending money on this, why buy something now just to spend more money later? Do it right the first time and you'll end up spending less in the long run. I recommended the WetSounds woofer over the Alpine but there probably won't be much of a cost difference.

[gx205]

I found a real good deal on a Clarion CMD4 radio, what would make it better then the older XMD3 ?? It has got me thinking about changing up to a newer model.

As far as spending money now on what I did, is simply because it was too good of deals to pass up. I also own a sign and screenprinting/embroidery shop, and my local stereo store wanted to barter some work. this made me get a real savings on my boat speakers and subwoofer. Then I won an auction on e-bay for a pair of double barrel polished aluminum cans and mounts with Polk speakers, deliverd to my door for $330.00.

As I said, I'm sure wetsounds are great, but I've been totally impressed with Polk's sounds, so I figure this is a good starting point. If this economy turns around soon, and I'm not satisfied with the sound of my system after the full install, then maybe I'll upgrade. But if this economy keeps dragging on, then at least hopefully I'll have the best sound, that i feel comfortable with.