Opinions on this set up?

[TexasA&M 10+ year member]

Just doing a little research before I dive in...

I'm looking to install a system in a boat. The boat is an 18' bow rider... I want to use a 5 channel amp and run it to the 4 speakers and 1 sub. I'm looking to spend around $500-$600 and do the install myself. This is what I'm thinking -

Speakers -

Infinity Kappa Marine (RMS 70watts) - I already have these, so I don't have to add this cost in.

Head Unit -

Clarion M335 - I really want to upgrade to the XMD3, but this is not available in the boat I will be getting. I will be sticking with the Clarion unit though because it has 2 wired remotes. This unit only has 1 set of pre-amp outputs. Comes with the boat, so no cost here either.

AMP -

Infinity 5760a - 56W to 4 speakers, 286W to sub in 5 channel mode. From what I know, Infinity is of fairly high quality. This is only of the only 5 channel amps that I have been able to find... I want to use a single amp to save on cost and space. For what I want, this seems like a good deal (have found it for around $300 online).

Sub -

Infinity Perfect 10.1 - Have heard good things about this sub, but honestly don't know too much about it. It is within the budget though, at around $115.

Box -

Truck box for under the dash of the boat - around $75.

Wires -

I will probably go to a sound shop and just buy the cables from them. That way I can get the right lengths and not have a tangle of extra. What all do I need here? Should be around $75.

What do ya'll think of that set up? I'm not looking for competition sound, but I would like to have good sound when the boat is underway (lots of wind noise to compete with). I had a freind who had a set up similar to this many years ago... that's what I'm basing my ideas on.

Anyway, just thought I would gather some opinions.

Thanks,

- Steve

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[req 5,000+ posts]

i would say this;

speakers - whatever you got should work

HU- if it comes with the boat and is usable, go for it.

amp - seems good. i dont know about $300 maybe try ebay? or http://www.thezeb.com or http://www.ikesound.com? there should be a few 5channel amps out there.

sub- im not too knowledgable about the infinity line of stuff. so wait for other replies.

but i do know this;

wire- http://www.knukonceptz.com you can get it all there for redicliously cheaper than $75 for sure. the car shop will charge you at LEAST 1.50\foot for some 8awg wire- wheras its $.45 a foot online. get your speaker wire, power wire, ring terminals, RCA's and what have you here.. and save $40!!

box- build the **** thing =P measure the little space you have to work with, build a rectangle box, cut a circle in it, and drop the sub in with some screws.

ask somone here, and they will tell ya what size to make the box *sealed i would guess* for your sub- just give us the MAX dimensions you have to work with. its a bit of wood, some drywall screws, a drill, jigsaw\circular saw, some liquid nails, and a weekend. save you another $40- then just carpet the thing or prime\paint it.

but it sounds to me like itd be a fun party boat when done =)

 

[TexasA&M 10+ year member]

I have thought about building my own box, but thought it might be too much trouble. I've heard that the box should have some type of angle to it in order for it to produce the best sound (as in, not just a rectangle). Any truth to that?

I will definitely look into this though and let ya'll know if I need any help.

Thanks for the tips on the wire... I'll check that out now. I've asked before, but is it any problem to just split the RCAs from the head unit and run it to front and back on the input side of the amp? Will the extra connection take away from the sound at all?

Thanks again.

- Steve

 

[TexasA&M 10+ year member]

Btt...

 

[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

splitting the RCA's will cause no audible change in the music. You can do it with out fear.