Do you plan on adding a amp to power 8" speakers? I thought about cutting my 6.5" on my boats to 8" but the work wasn't worth the difference in sound to me
Yes, I have done a rather deep dive into the topic, and finally upgrading my sound system. My only unknown is the complexity / possibility of installing the 8" in that rear Logo Plate on the SB+. My Benny is stored 5 hours from home, so....
Current plan:
AMP: RF M5-1500x5 amp (4 KM65 inside speakers on 2 channels, 2 SwingBack speakers on 2 channels, and new Sub on Sub Channel) - this was really the only Amp I could find that delivered the right balance of wattage for the speakers and allowed me to float for 6 hours at the sandbar or cove.
SubWoofer: Kicker 51MWLE104 Subwoofer (install under front of SwingBack, downfire, uses plywood deck to better transfer sound - I have zero available room for dedicated sub airspace), and this passive radiator is apparently the ideal design for a pontoon if not installing a bulkhead unit with dedicated air.
Rear Speakers: RF M2 8" speakers for the swingback (assuming easy to fit). I will leave the 4 inside KM65's that came with the boat, apparently they are awesome with the additional power. If not, an upgrade for the next season.
Many users report simply adding an amp to the original system is a MAJOR improvement and happy with the sound. Adding the Sub is next level, and then getting better rear-facing speakers that will throw sound a tad farther and have better mid-bass provides the needed bump in sound quality. The SubWoofer really does not provide a lot of benefit outside the boat.
TOTAL Product cost will be about $2,500.
Vs what I concluded was the optimal JL 3 amp system and sub upgrade with about $7K of product cost, plus a big install bill, and that would then require an additional house battery (3 amps really pull the watts/amps), and really a full upgrade of all the speakers to take advantage of all that power. While the DSP presets did sound appealing; I conclude it was overkill and I did not need a system that was that loud, just something that I could hear at WOT (38-45mph).
The other upgrade needed is to add an Orion XS DC to DC charger to the system to protect my 21Merc350V alternator from overheating (our lake is typically 105 to 120 degrees) as it charges my 2 lithium dual-purpose marine batteries - which will suck as much juice as possible from the alternator, which normally is fine, but in the really hot weather might result in early failure. PLUS, the Orion XS will also prevent the starter battery from being over used that would prevent startup. An additional $350 part.
