Quick tower speaker question

[WABOBO]

Looking at getting some tower speakers and I need some help!

I am having a tough time finding SXT9Q speakers in Canada (none locally, I can't find any Canadian stores who will ship, and I can't do a US store because the exchange rate is pretty bad).

What I can get fairly easily is 2 pairs of SXT65's. My questions is: are two pairs of SXT65's (125W RMS each) comparable to 1 pair of SXT9Q (200W RMS each)? The price of 2 SXT65's and SXT9Q are within $100 of each other. I'll be using the speakers for floating/swimming, and some surfing. I also have the illusion x tower, and would like speakers that swivel.

Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated.

[MLA]

2 pair of 6.5" coaxials will have a little more surface area of both the mid-bass cone and tweeter then a single pair of 8" coaxial. So in terms of output, the advantage goes to the 2 pair of 6.5". But, the larger 8" will have deeper mid-bass extension, which makes them a little more balanced and fuller sounding.

[WABOBO]

Thank you - very helpful!

Would adding a sub-woofer help balance or would it not be noticeable at surfing speeds? I think my main concern would be volume... it sounds like 2 pairs of 6.5" would do the trick.

[MLA]

It takes a lot of sub, as in size and power driving it, to contribute to the outside of the boat listening, especially underway like surfing. A larger tower speaker is a more efficient way to improve mid-base for surfing and party cove listening.

[WABOBO]

Got it, thanks!