Author Topic: Audio System Project (Read 1287 times)

More2LifeThanMPG · « **on:** October 19, 2011, 03:06:10 PM »

Okay, so I'd like to start by saying I have read 90% of the audio threads on here. And some of them look sweet, but would not work for what I'm looking for. Plus I'm on a serious budget.
So I'm looking at is a head unit needs to have an iPod hook up, and like 4 speakers. Like I said I'm on a serious budget, but at least want some sound while floating.
I'm thinking I'm going to install 2 speakers under the deck and the other 2 I have no idea. So I need ideas on where to put them, plus options on what kind manufacture to go with.
Yes, I'm also going to be adding another battery. But need advice on how to hook it up, the best way. I've been thinking about a control switch to be able to switch and charge both while on the water.
Oh, and a budget goal would be like $200-300. And to take up as little space as possible, and as little cutting as possible.
So I know pictures help everything.

Sent while on the run, or sitting at work bored

BIG JOHNSON · « **Reply #1 on:** October 19, 2011, 06:17:55 PM »

I did a low budget stereo in my old boat. Consisted of a basic head unit, two pioneer 6x9 3 ways in boxes, a performance technique amplifier and a 6" bass tube to let the speakers be alleviated of bass and just do mids and highs. Amp was a 4 channel and iirc, 400 watts. Bought all of that from one of the guys at the o.c. swap meet a few years ago.
Wanna say it was around 300 but the best bang for buck I could afford and see fit to spend.

Edit: I wanna say I used two amp channels for the 6x9's and bridged the other two channels to power one sub. Sub must have had its own low pass filter, or I had got one from the guy, can't remember but all cheap anyway.

SuperJet · « **Reply #2 on:** October 19, 2011, 06:32:13 PM »

I can't say much for your componets you want to use(not a stereo guy) but as far as placement goes, if it were my boat I would run twospeakers under the deck, in boxes bolted to the front bulkead and then at minimum another pair of speakers in the seat risers under the rear passenger seats.

Your Mom · « **Reply #3 on:** October 19, 2011, 06:50:48 PM »

Speakers under the seats...facing eachother. Also maybe on your inside transom cover facing forward and a sub box under the bow. A good amp and you can plug your Ipod/sat or whatever right into it without the head unit. Look around on craigs for used stuff or even here and performance....or try something cool.

More2LifeThanMPG · « **Reply #4 on:** October 19, 2011, 07:20:13 PM »

Yeah, I was looking up some package deals for all new stuff off some marine web site. They were like some weird brands I'd never heard of, but they had package deals that included: head unit, 2 6" speakers, weather cover, some had a remote mount thing, and some even had 4 6" speakers. And they were like $240. My big thing is marine grade, placement, and how much is needed to be as basic as still being okay.
And the rear transom cover idea is pretty good didn't think about that. There is a lot of padding and upholstery that I'd have to cut there... Cutting anything makes me super nervous though.

Sent while on the run, or sitting at work bored

farmergord · « **Reply #5 on:** October 19, 2011, 07:57:15 PM »

got all my shiz on ebay

More2LifeThanMPG · « **Reply #6 on:** October 19, 2011, 10:28:33 PM »

Yeah, eBay has been hit and miss for me. Actually oddly enough I have better luck with stuff on CL. Haha

Sent while on the run, or sitting at work bored

More2LifeThanMPG · « **Reply #7 on:** October 19, 2011, 10:37:00 PM »

Any you guys have pictures of your set ups? In progress would be sweet too.

Sent while on the run, or sitting at work bored

Your Mom · « **Reply #8 on:** October 20, 2011, 08:06:00 AM »

Amp rack under dash with subs facing forward and ports out the side to absorb all air space(hits real hard). 2 jl amps(300/4-500/1) 4 mbq 6 1/2 seps Alpine deck and of course the drive inns....Runs on two size 29 batts from walmart. I usually leave one batt on when at sand bar and will last all weekend....

More2LifeThanMPG · « **Reply #9 on:** October 20, 2011, 09:27:05 AM »

"your mom" I was looking at some of your pictures in other thread. And all I have to say is, holy sh*t that is was sweet set up!

Sent while on the run, or sitting at work bored

Your Mom · « **Reply #10 on:** October 20, 2011, 11:45:21 AM »

Quote from: More2LifeThanMPG on October 20, 2011, 09:27:05 AM

"your mom" I was looking at some of your pictures in other thread. And all I have to say is, holy sh*t that is was sweet set up!

Sent while on the run, or sitting at work bored

Thanx...I had a friend help with stereo set up back in 2004 and then my girlfriend and I rebuilt my entire interior(I built and she sewed) a few years ago. You dont really need anything marine...I blew a sub and replaced both with better also my sub amp would shut off once in a while so replaced that to. Dont be affraid to cut to make changes as its just vinyl/wood. If you can fit a box under dash...maybe try that with everything attached sub/amp/seps complete. No holes or changes that way till your ready to go all out.

ka0tyk · « **Reply #11 on:** October 20, 2011, 12:51:49 PM »

with that budget you're lookin at some used parts or make some changes...

a new 4 channel amp, even a low budget one is going to run you $150'ish. plus you wanted a head unit ($100), a 2nd battery ($50-100), perko ($40), and 4 speakers ($100-200)... thats easily upwards of $400 right there.

id suggest finding a used 4 or even 2 channel amp on craigslist, ditching the head unit and going with just a straight headphone to RCA cable and have just your ipod, no radio. radio's are pretty useless on the river unless you want to listen to the 12+ channels of mariachi music that parker has to offer.

a perko can be wired up pretty easily. you're gonna need another set of battery cables, one from the 2nd battery to the perko, and then from the perko to your starter and distribution block for your ign, lights, radio, etc.. be safe, use fuses.

you'll need another battery tray so it doesnt jump around and attack you as well.

as far as speakers, bigger the better in this case. lets face it we're not going for super sound quality, we're going for "i just want to hear it from the beach." you can always tab in some small supports under the deck to fit whatever size speaker you can. if you can fit a 6x9 in there, go for it. id suggest going to a store and listening to what they have. everyones ears are different. keep in mind that they'll need to be turned up pretty high to be able to hear em over the exhaust of a big block or all the way on the beach. they'll be under the deck and in the rear somewhere. lookin at this pic could u cut a hole in those 2 rear panels and put a speaker in each one?

so the list:

2/4 channel amp $100-150
amp power, ground, speaker wire $20-40
perko $40
battery cables $15
battery tray $20
headphone to RCA cable $10
battery $50-100
speakers $100-200.

Ralph Brunt · « **Reply #12 on:** October 20, 2011, 03:34:46 PM »

good post^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

More2LifeThanMPG · « **Reply #13 on:** October 20, 2011, 04:19:55 PM »

Ka0tyk... Holy cow, thank you. That is pretty much what I was looking for. Oh and I wasn't counting the new battery and tray in that budget. And yeah I've been looking at used stuff, just don't know what is good. But that was a huge amount of help. And without trying to sound stupid a perko is like a switch? You can pick which battery gets and gives power?
And my little brother was explaining the amp thing to me last night, seems like that's the route I'm going to go. Only reason I was thinking head unit was, A- that's what I'm used to B- if anyone has a CD they want to play.
And lastly I have some 6x9 Eclipse car speakers, would those be okay to use under the deck?

Sent while on the run, or sitting at work bored

jetjunky101 · « **Reply #14 on:** October 20, 2011, 06:21:39 PM »

i went with a cheep sony package at walmart ..head unit with ipod hookup 2 6x9 and 2 5 1/4 for like 90 bucks and a cheep sub and an amp i already had...figured if it got wet or broke it was cheep enough 2 replace.

ka0tyk · « **Reply #15 on:** October 20, 2011, 08:46:34 PM »

Quote from: jetjunky101 on October 20, 2011, 06:21:39 PM

i went with a cheep sony package at walmart ..head unit with ipod hookup 2 6x9 and 2 5 1/4 for like 90 bucks and a cheep sub and an amp i already had...figured if it got wet or broke it was cheep enough 2 replace.

Sweet! Have you installed it yet? I have yet to put a radio in mine. I want to go with something strong so you can hear it while under way. I like the post above where he has an amp rack glassed in under the deck. That was slick.

jetjunky101 · « **Reply #16 on:** October 20, 2011, 09:09:33 PM »

yha its in ,400 watt amp and 10" sub..hits preety hard but still cant here very well under way even with a stock 454..but more speekers is more juice

More2LifeThanMPG · « **Reply #17 on:** October 21, 2011, 11:29:16 AM »

I'll have to look into all this. It will be a winterish project that I want done before next season, but it seems like these projects are just adding up. D*mn I wish I could have my boat closer to me. Haha

Sent while on the run, or sitting at work bored

More2LifeThanMPG · « **Reply #18 on:** October 22, 2011, 09:23:46 PM »

Okay, for those of you with cruisers that have installed a new battery. Where'd you put it at?

Sent while on the run, or sitting at work bored

BIG JOHNSON · « **Reply #19 on:** October 22, 2011, 10:31:15 PM »

Let's start you off with a couple of these. Two pioneer three-way 6x9's in their own boxes. Hit the easy button. Will trade for Coors Light 18 pk

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk

Your Mom · « **Reply #20 on:** October 23, 2011, 07:40:51 AM »

Older pic but mine sit on either side of engine in a custom diamond plate tray....no strap as the 29 is heavy.

BIG JOHNSON · « **Reply #21 on:** November 15, 2011, 10:50:38 PM »

Walmart in Brea has a special on pioneer head unit with headphone jack and usb. Comes with two 6.5" speakers and two 6"x9"s.

It's $85 for the package, probably needs an amp, but it will suffice for what I think you're looking for.

BIG JOHNSON · « **Reply #22 on:** November 15, 2011, 10:56:24 PM »

http://mobile.walmart.com/ip/Pioneer-Complete-Car-Audio-Package-DXT-2266UB-200W-Stereo-and-Four-6.5-Speakers/15140328?section=Images

Says out of stock but there's 20 boxes on the floor as of tonight. At the store, two of the speakers are 6x9s. The four 6.5" speakers might even sound better than the bigger ones I think at minimum 6x9s need an amp.

I might buy one for the golf cart.

NORDIC454 · « **Reply #23 on:** November 16, 2011, 06:47:37 AM »

Honestly the extra money for "marine" products is not necessary. The stereo in the Nordic is a PepBoys special deck and has lasted for the last 6 years. I have 4 6x9's and 2 4x6's that are also PepBoys specials. You can get the speakers for around 40 bucks a pair and they sound great.

More2LifeThanMPG · « **Reply #24 on:** November 16, 2011, 10:58:09 AM »

Sweet deal thanks guys. I'll be working this out soon. The biggest thing that scares me right now is cutting the interior and being able to make it look normal again.

Sent while on the run, or sitting at work bored