Boat stereo question

[bigrush]

Hi i just purchased a boat and it currently has a Rampage head unit (35w x 4) and had 4 5.25 speakers. I upgraded the speakers to Rockford Fosgates 2-ways, but it still doesn't sound very clear or loud. I would like it to be loud, so should I change headunits, or would it be better to run a amp to the speakers. Whatever is the cheapest, I just want the speakers to be loud enough to hear over the engine. thanks

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[Shyne151 10+ year member]

Get a new headunit and four channel amp //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[bigrush]

i think that will be too much money for a few reasons

1.) New amp will require all new wiring, and strong grounding.

2.) A powerful amp will require Optima batteries, due to the amount of power required

3.) I've already spent enough money on this boat

Any other options?

 

[KaeZoo 10+ year member]

It's tough to advise anyone to keep a Rampage head unit.

But...if the goal is simply more volume, an amplifier will make a much bigger difference than replacing the head unit. Even a higher power, higher quality head unit won't make much difference in maximum volume.

No need to spring for a 4-channel amp, though. Most 2-channel amps would drive all four speakers just fine, as long as you don't mind both pairs of speakers playing at the same volume.

 

[bigrush]

So how powerful of an amp should I get? The speakers are Rockford Fosgates 5.25 full0range speakers (2-ways). It says peak power is 80 watts. Any recommendations for a cost effective amp?

 

[Sleeklsc 5,000+ posts]

i think u should get another h/u....the rampage is maybe puttin out 5-10 max rms per channel.(and thats bein nice)....if u got a simple h/u maybe a pioneer or sumtin used that is 50x4..u would be fine..thats prob bout 22 rms per channel....