$1K budget..what can I get?

[RedWakesetterVLX]

I recently purchased a 2000 Wakesetter VLX.  The stereo needs completely overhauled.  I believe the Sony head unit and inboats are stock.  The boat has an upgraded Illision X tower with 2 6.5" cans with some crappy old non-marine grade Kickers in them.

We mostly wakeboard, ski and cruise. I have set a $1k budget.

Id like to replace the inboats, tower speakers and build a sub enclosure under the drivers dash.  

I'm Looking for ideas on a decent quality setup (inboats, tower, sub and amp combo) that will hold up and sound good. I'm not looking to have the loudest boat on the water. Obviously I'd love to go Wetsounds, Exile but just not in the budget. 

Thoughts?  I'm not opposed to buying used stuff either but new is preferred. 

 

 

Edited November 3, 2017 by Cazan

[MLA]

18 minutes ago, Cazan said:

We mostly wakeboard, ski and cruise. I have set a $1k budget.

A pair of HLCDs tower and amp will likely consume your $1K budget. A pair of coaxial for the tower will leave room for a couple pair of in-boats and small amp for them, but no room for the install incidentals. 

[RedWakesetterVLX]

14 minutes ago, MLA said:

A pair of HLCDs tower and amp will likely consume your $1K budget. A pair of coaxial for the tower will leave room for a couple pair of in-boats and small amp for them, but no room for the install incidentals. 

Thanks MLA.  Even if I went with a mid grade brand?  What would you recommend for a mid grade HLCD and amp? 

[MLA]

Build quality x performance x value = Kicker KMS67 and 2 pair of aftermarket 6.5" pods and KXMA400.4 amp.  

[boardjnky4]

For the tower, I would get some of those bullet lines knock-off HLCD speakers and put them in the existing 6.5" cans. They're VERY loud when powered correctly. https://www.bulletlines.com/HLCD-Wakeboard-Tower-Speaker-p/465.htm

That option saves you from having to buy new cans for the Kicker setup.

Edited November 3, 2017 by boardjnky4

[minnmarker]

I can tell you wahat I did for about $1000

I have 1 of these in my pontoon (different project).  Great power and real specs, and it was a brand new amp (not refurbished) in a plain brown box.  $170 https://www.amazon.com/Kicker-12CX1200-1-Amplifier-Certified-Refurbished/dp/B01M0YEW4K/

WetSounds XS-12 $280  https://www.soundwavesmi.com/wet-sounds-xs-12-s4-12-subwoofer/

So you have $450 in the sub.

R600-4D Amplifier for inboats and towers $200  https://www.amazon.com/Rockford-Fosgate-Prime-channel-Amplifier/dp/B004T166I6/

Or one of these to have only one amp. $425   https://www.amazon.com/Alpine-PDX-V9-5-Channel-Extreme-Amplifier/dp/B007VSXGOQ/

Find the best deal you can on inboat marine speakers.  Rockford maybe.  The Polk marine seem to be scarce these days.

If your tower speakers are for surfing only consider pylon speakers.  Mine get the sound to the surfer and out of the cockpit.  I've since done the same with 8" speakers to replace the 6.5s

 

Edited November 3, 2017 by minnmarker
addition

[RedWakesetterVLX]

On 11/3/2017 at 10:51 AM, boardjnky4 said:

For the tower, I would get some of those bullet lines knock-off HLCD speakers and put them in the existing 6.5" cans. They're VERY loud when powered correctly. https://www.bulletlines.com/HLCD-Wakeboard-Tower-Speaker-p/465.htm

That option saves you from having to buy new cans for the Kicker setup.

Def like the idea of using my existing cans so this looks appealing. Anyone have experience with these?  Longevity? 

[RedWakesetterVLX]

On 11/3/2017 at 0:43 PM, minnmarker said:

I can tell you wahat I did for about $1000

I have 1 of these in my pontoon (different project).  Great power and real specs, and it was a brand new amp (not refurbished) in a plain brown box.  $170 https://www.amazon.com/Kicker-12CX1200-1-Amplifier-Certified-Refurbished/dp/B01M0YEW4K/

WetSounds XS-12 $280  https://www.soundwavesmi.com/wet-sounds-xs-12-s4-12-subwoofer/

So you have $450 in the sub.

R600-4D Amplifier for inboats and towers $200  https://www.amazon.com/Rockford-Fosgate-Prime-channel-Amplifier/dp/B004T166I6/

Or one of these to have only one amp. $425   https://www.amazon.com/Alpine-PDX-V9-5-Channel-Extreme-Amplifier/dp/B007VSXGOQ/

Find the best deal you can on inboat marine speakers.  Rockford maybe.  The Polk marine seem to be scarce these days.

If your tower speakers are for surfing only consider pylon speakers.  Mine get the sound to the surfer and out of the cockpit.  I've since done the same with 8" speakers to replace the 6.5s

 

Great info, thank you!  This kind of a stupid question but I have 6 inboat speakers and 2 tower speakers....If I get a 4 channel amp which 2 inboats do I power? I'd use the other two channels for the tower cans correct?    

 

Also at at what point do I need a second battery? 

Edited November 5, 2017 by Cazan

[RedWakesetterVLX]

On 11/2/2017 at 9:33 PM, MLA said:

Build quality x performance x value = Kicker KMS67 and 2 pair of aftermarket 6.5" pods and KXMA400.4 amp.  

So id still have to buy the enclosure s correct?

 

what about these...https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_76294_Kicker-KMT67-Full-Range-Tower-Speakers-41KMT674.html?nosto=productpage-nosto-3

[boardjnky4]

2 hours ago, Cazan said:

Def like the idea of using my existing cans so this looks appealing. Anyone have experience with these?  Longevity? 

I had them for 3 years. They rocked and never had an issue.

[RedWakesetterVLX]

8 hours ago, boardjnky4 said:

I had them for 3 years. They rocked and never had an issue.

What did you power them with? 

[robtr8]

With a budget that low, I'm going to assume it's $1000 this budget year and another $1000 next year and another $1000 the year after that.  Ultimately, that's what it's going to take.

This years $1000:

Toss the tower crapola for now.

JL Audio MBT-RX  $40.

Clarion EQS755 $100.

Pioneer GM-D9605 $280

West Marine Pro Series 6.5" drivers (3 pair) $300

Sheet of 3/4" Baltic Birch $45

Kicker L7S Solo Baric 10" $250

Total this year $1015 plus tax, various wire gauges and lengths, fuse blocks and connectors, depending on if the existing is serviceable.  You'll need to build your own sub box to save money and get the custom fit needed to get under the helm.  The square 10" solo baric will help in that it's a more compact driver, height and volume wise, with plenty of punch.

Next years $1000:

This is the go big or go home time but you can take baby steps to get there.

Need to buy a high power 2 or 4 channel amp that will be able to power next year's tower speakers.  Figure $500-$600.

Get the Kicker KMT-67's for this year. $600  You'll be able to Craigslist these next year.

Third year $1000:

Wetsounds REV 10's or Exile XM 9's or Bluave will probably have a large set of tower pods out by then.

Fourth Year $1000:

Another set of large tower pods.

 

 

 

[isellacuras]

2 hours ago, robtr8 said:

With a budget that low, I'm going to assume it's $1000 this budget year and another $1000 next year and another $1000 the year after that.  Ultimately, that's what it's going to take.

This years $1000:

Toss the tower crapola for now.

JL Audio MBT-RX  $40.

Clarion EQS755 $100.

Pioneer GM-D9605 $280

West Marine Pro Series 6.5" drivers (3 pair) $300

Sheet of 3/4" Baltic Birch $45

Kicker L7S Solo Baric 10" $250

Total this year $1015 plus tax, various wire gauges and lengths, fuse blocks and connectors, depending on if the existing is serviceable.  You'll need to build your own sub box to save money and get the custom fit needed to get under the helm.  The square 10" solo baric will help in that it's a more compact driver, height and volume wise, with plenty of punch.

Next years $1000:

This is the go big or go home time but you can take baby steps to get there.

Need to buy a high power 2 or 4 channel amp that will be able to power next year's tower speakers.  Figure $500-$600.

Get the Kicker KMT-67's for this year. $600  You'll be able to Craigslist these next year.

Third year $1000:

Wetsounds REV 10's or Exile XM 9's or Bluave will probably have a large set of tower pods out by then.

Fourth Year $1000:

Another set of large tower pods.

 

 

 

I agree with this for the most part. If it were me, I would try to up the budget a little for the first year tho and get the boat dialed in. Get an exile zld, Bluetooth dongle, 5 channel javelin (this can easily run your in boats and sub), and 2 or 3 pair of 6.5"s of your choice and the inboat is done for now. Add a sub when you can since they are relatively inexpensive. Next year add an amp and towers.  

There are many ways to achieve what you want but buying half assed stuff is going to cost you more in the long run. Buy exile or WS once and be done with it. Exile seems to be the more budget friendly of the high end. I did an exile system last year and I love it. 

[Stevo]

47 minutes ago, isellacuras said:

I agree with this for the most part. If it were me, I would try to up the budget a little for the first year tho and get the boat dialed in. Get an exile zld, Bluetooth dongle, 5 channel javelin (this can easily run your in boats and sub), and 2 or 3 pair of 6.5"s of your choice and the inboat is done for now. Add a sub when you can since they are relatively inexpensive. Next year add an amp and towers.  

There are many ways to achieve what you want but buying half assed stuff is going to cost you more in the long run. Buy exile or WS once and be done with it. Exile seems to be the more budget friendly of the high end. I did an exile system last year and I love it. 

Im with Brian on stretching your initial budget.

id hold off on the zone controller for now and add down the road

Call up exile and see if you can get a package deal on these items by building a system with room for expansion.

Exile DMC would be my choice. (no more head unit, and has the BT / AUX INPUTS., https://exileaudio.com/store/install-accessories/bluetooth/exmc1.html

Agree on the JAVELIN 5ch amp great for running all your inboats, and 800w to a sub-  https://exileaudio.com/store/amplifiers/amplifiers-1/javelin.html

https://exileaudio.com/store/amplifiers/subwoofers/xi12-dvc-12-600w.html

https://www.amazon.com/Q-Power-Sealed-Subwoofer-Enclosure-QBOMB12S/dp/B00NG38WZ8  mock up some cardboard in the dimensions of this box to see if it will fit under your helm. its a solid box, with plenty of kudos from TMC Members

https://exileaudio.com/store/amplifiers/speakers/sx65-m.html

 

basic 2 pair of 6.5's , sub , javelin and a DMC would be a great starting point, next year pick up a 30.2 and a set of surf 9's or XM'9s with a ZLD and you are done

 

[MLA]

16 hours ago, Cazan said:

So id still have to buy the enclosure s correct?

 

what about these...https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_76294_Kicker-KMT67-Full-Range-Tower-Speakers-41KMT674.html?nosto=productpage-nosto-3

The Kicker KMT is a completely different animal then the suggested KMS. Although the KMT67 is one of the best sounding 6.5" tower setups, its not a true Horn Loaded Compression Driver setup. Its a high output tweeter thats horn loaded. The KMT67 will not have the wake range projection of the KMS67 HLCD setup will. The KMS67 will handle more wattage then the KMT67 and the the KMS67 will also be cheaper to power, amp wise. 

Now, if your main focus was surf and party cove, I would seriously consider the KMT67. At that point, I would also have to suggest a single pair of 8" coaxial tower speakers. 

Yes, you would have to provide pods for the KMS67 setup. They are typically sold as raw drivers, as in just the 4 speakers (2 horns, 2 mids) and require pods. Its a 4 hole setup, so you need either 2 pair of singles or a pair of doubles, depending on the tower. For the Illusion, you would likely go with 2 pair of singles and mount them in the OEM locations. Since you have a pair of pods, you could possible reuse them and just have to pick up another set. 

[hethj7]

On ‎11‎/‎2‎/‎2017 at 7:07 PM, Cazan said:

I recently purchased a 2000 Wakesetter VLX.  The stereo needs completely overhauled.  I believe the Sony head unit and inboats are stock.  The boat has an upgraded Illision X tower with 2 6.5" cans with some crappy old non-marine grade Kickers in them.

We mostly wakeboard, ski and cruise. I have set a $1k budget.

Id like to replace the inboats, tower speakers and build a sub enclosure under the drivers dash.  

I'm Looking for ideas on a decent quality setup (inboats, tower, sub and amp combo) that will hold up and sound good. I'm not looking to have the loudest boat on the water. Obviously I'd love to go Wetsounds, Exile but just not in the budget. 

Thoughts?  I'm not opposed to buying used stuff either but new is preferred. 

 

 

Honestly, I was in your exact situation when I got my first boat (2000 VLX).   I called Earmark, told them my budget and what I wanted to achieve.   They set me up with a "budget" system that I'd still take over the factory system I have in my 2016 LSV.   I did the install myself, but they shipped up everything I needed - connectors, cable, battery switch, etc., etc.   They could probably even help you phase in the project if you wanted to break it up over 2 years.   There is lots of good advice on here already, but Earmark made it super easy for me at the time.   And I'm in MO - I've never set foot in their shop.  

[MLA]

19 hours ago, Cazan said:

Great info, thank you!  This kind of a stupid question but I have 6 inboat speakers and 2 tower speakers....If I get a 4 channel amp which 2 inboats do I power? I'd use the other two channels for the tower cans correct?    

 

Also at at what point do I need a second battery? 

Most any 4 chnl amp can easily power 3 pair of speakers, so a single 4 chnl for your 6 in-boats or a 5 or 6 chnl to drive all in-boats and woofer. Just need to make the woofer choice first. This leaves the towers driven by their own amp. Unless, you get an amp like the Wet Sounds SD-4 that would deliver up to 185W rms to a 6.5" or 8" HLCD tower speaker. Down side is, you are still left with a pair of in-boats that need to be powered somewhere. Better with 2 amps that will drive all in-boats and tower speakers. 

Make the speaker choices first, then the amps fall into place much easier.   

[boardjnky4]

12 hours ago, Cazan said:

What did you power them with? 

PPI 600.2. Best budget amp out there.

[RedWakesetterVLX]

11 hours ago, robtr8 said:

With a budget that low, I'm going to assume it's $1000 this budget year and another $1000 next year and another $1000 the year after that.  Ultimately, that's what it's going to take.

This years $1000:

Toss the tower crapola for now.

JL Audio MBT-RX  $40.

Clarion EQS755 $100.

Pioneer GM-D9605 $280

West Marine Pro Series 6.5" drivers (3 pair) $300

Sheet of 3/4" Baltic Birch $45

Kicker L7S Solo Baric 10" $250

Total this year $1015 plus tax, various wire gauges and lengths, fuse blocks and connectors, depending on if the existing is serviceable.  You'll need to build your own sub box to save money and get the custom fit needed to get under the helm.  The square 10" solo baric will help in that it's a more compact driver, height and volume wise, with plenty of punch.

Next years $1000:

This is the go big or go home time but you can take baby steps to get there.

Need to buy a high power 2 or 4 channel amp that will be able to power next year's tower speakers.  Figure $500-$600.

Get the Kicker KMT-67's for this year. $600  You'll be able to Craigslist these next year.

Third year $1000:

Wetsounds REV 10's or Exile XM 9's or Bluave will probably have a large set of tower pods out by then.

Fourth Year $1000:

Another set of large tower pods.

 

 

 

Really appreciate the information.  As much as it's tempting to go this route it's just not in the cards right now but I def like the idea of building year to year. 

[RedWakesetterVLX]

6 hours ago, hethj7 said:

Honestly, I was in your exact situation when I got my first boat (2000 VLX).   I called Earmark, told them my budget and what I wanted to achieve.   They set me up with a "budget" system that I'd still take over the factory system I have in my 2016 LSV.   I did the install myself, but they shipped up everything I needed - connectors, cable, battery switch, etc., etc.   They could probably even help you phase in the project if you wanted to break it up over 2 years.   There is lots of good advice on here already, but Earmark made it super easy for me at the time.   And I'm in MO - I've never set foot in their shop.  

Thanks hethJ7.  I'm not familiar with Earmark but I will do some research. 

[minnmarker]

With 6 in boats you'll  need 4 channels as MLA says so you'll need another 2 for the tower - or pylons. Everyone is stuck on tower speakers for surfing and I really don't know why.  The Alpine PDX-V9 alone will do a great job for the in boats and sub.

Surf speakers should be powered by150 rms per channel or higher Class D amp and be 8 inch marine.  You can put them on a tower and blow out your rear passenger's ears or you can get creative with transom mount or something like I did.

Just be comfortable and have a plan before you start buying.  2nd battery is always a good idea unless the stereo is controlled by the ignition key.

[RedWakesetterVLX]

Ok I've spent the last week researching all the above information.  I've decided to just to the inboats, sub and amp this year and the tower/amp combo next year.  I've also decided to purchase marine grade everything.  I have a some different setups...let me know your thoughts. 

#1 Kicker

KXMA400.4 amp & 2 pair 6.5"KM65s speakers bundle $424 https://creativeaudio.net/44kxma4004-2-41km654cw/

Sub- 10" Marine Kicker $149 https://creativeaudio.net/43kmw102gs/https://creativeaudio.net/43kmw102gs/

Now I'll build a 10" sub enclosure for under the driver's helm. Add wiring kits, and JL Bluetooth adapter-$200

Im right at $775 total. This option is the cheapest and is still a huge upgrade from what I have now but leaves my 2 stock bow 6.5"s powered by the current Sony headunit.

 

#2 Wet Sounds 1

This package contains a Wet Sounds SYN4 4-Channel Marine amplifer, two pairs of XS-650-S 6.5" Coaxial speakers & a XS-10FAS4-V2 10" Subwoofer,

$999 plus additional $200 to build sub box, wiring kits,BT etc.. https://creativeaudio.net/categories/marine-powersports/bundles-packages/full-system-packages.html

Pros: High quality, great looking 

Cons: leaves 2 stock bow inboats not powered, 

 

#3 Wet Sounds 2

Wet Sounds HTX6: Class D 900 watt 6-channel amplifier- $549.99 https://creativeaudio.net/htx6/

3 pair XS650  $492

Sub: Wet Sounds 10" Free Air Marine Class 600 Watt Subwoofer 2 ohm $199.99 https://creativeaudio.net/xs-10fa-s2v2/

$1241 plus additional $200

 

#4 Exile promo package 

- 1 Javelin Amplifier

- 3 pair 6.5" XS65 &'aXi Subwoofer, & install hardware

$1431- plus cost to build sub box. https://www.exileaudio.com/store/packages/cabin-speaker-amplifier/javelin-cabin-package.html

Pros: a lot of power to all 6 in boats and subs, quality 

Con: cost, not a huge fan of all black speakers/overall look, not sure 12" sub will fit

 

#5 Kicker

Kicker KX-Series Marine 800 Watt Multi Channel Amplifier 40KXM8005 $396.57 https://creativeaudio.net/40kxm8005/

3 Pair Kicker KM65s $405https://www.crutchfield.com/p_20641M654C/Kicker-KM654CW.html?search=kicker_km654cw&skipvs=T

Sub: Wet Sounds 10" Free Air Marine Class 600 Watt Subwoofer 2 ohm $199.99 https://creativeaudio.net/xs-10fa-s2v2/

Roughly $1000. Add $200 to build sub box, wiring kits, etc..

Pros: price, I like the look of Kicker speakers and WS sub. 

Cons- Midgrade brand Amp/speaker, will hold up as long as other 2?

Will I really tell a high difference between Wet Sounds vs Kicker?  Longevity between the two? 

Im leaning towards option 3 right now...thoughts?

Edited November 11, 2017 by Cazan
Spelling

[robtr8]

You don't NEED marine rated.  It doesn't hurt but it does add a layer of cost and restricts your choices.

On the other hand, the sub enclosure does need to be made of something super stiff and water resistant.  I prefer MDO or sealed Baltic Birch.

You can't use paper cone drivers but you can use most modern material coned drivers, assuming you regularly use your boat cover.

Pay attention to the box volumes needed for the "free air" subs.  These are really designed for infinite baffle applications.  You might not be able to build a box with enough volume that will fit under the dash.  Too small a box volume will suck.  Guaranteed.

I prefer a dedicated sub channel over bridging two channels of a multi channel amp.  #1) Two channels bridged can't do 2 Ohms.  #2) You get more power, more filter controls and a sub knob with a dedicated sub channel.  I know installers do it all the time.  Doesn't mean it's right.

Have you listened to some buddies installs you like?  Pulled up on a really nice system out on the water?  "What you got in there?" is almost always well received.  Good way to define what your goals are.

 

Additional thought:  There's never enough mid bass, as far as I'm concerned.  Take this opportunity to put in larger driver in-boats, if they'll fit.  Enlarging the holes but that's no biggy but sometimes there's other restrictions.

Edited November 11, 2017 by robtr8

[minnmarker]

3 hours ago, robtr8 said:

You don't NEED marine rated. 

Additional thought:  There's never enough mid bass, as far as I'm concerned.  Take this opportunity to put in larger driver in-boats, if they'll fit.  Enlarging the holes but that's no biggy but sometimes there's other restrictions.

Two good points!  8 inch speakers for the cabin will make a difference.

[MLA]

#1,3 and 5 i see woofer impedance to amp conflicts. Hopefully the support at creativeaudio or whoever, can set you straight before clicking "checkout". 

#1,2 and 5. Since you're making a significant upgrade to the system, no good reason to leave the bow pair on the head unit. Make the little extra investment in a 5 of 6 chnl amp so you can drive all 3 pair of in-boats and a woofer. 

Go with the Wet Sounds HTX-6 like noted in option #3 or the Kicker KXMA800.5 Either amp will drive 3 pair of in-boats and a woofer. In #5 you mention the Kicker KXMA800.8 8 chnl. Great amp, but you wont need 8 chnl to drive 3 pair of in-boats and a woofer. Go with the 5 chnl KXMA800.5. Same wattage to the in-boats as the 8 chnl but 2X the woofer wattage and its smaller investment. 

Pass on an IB or AF woofer, your boat wont support it I dont think. Your helm foot wall is likely open at the top. In the wet sounds camp, go with the SS-10B instead of the 10FA in a small sealed enclosure. The SS-10B will perform better in a small enclosure compared to the 10FA. However, I would seriously consider a 12". Within the same woofer series, there is typically a small difference in price and the enclosure sizes are super close to each other. Hard to beat a Kicker CompVR 12 4 ohm DVC on a KXMA800.5 and a 1.0 ft3 sealed enclosure. 

Based on experience, id put Kicker's marine component build quality well above mid-grade. Do not hesitate to go with Wet Sounds or Kicker for longevity. Their components are built from the ground up as marine components. No car audio components converted or carried over to marine by putting an "M" on the model number. No paper cones, magnates are enclosure, composite baskets (not steel), stainless hardware, UV inhibitors, synthetic spiders (not cotton bases) just to name a few qualities to compare to others. Heck, even Kicker's automotive woofer lines have some great marine grade qualities about them. Absolutely no hesitation to use them in boats.