New stereo setup

[fiddlebick]

I bought myself a Christmas gift..Dual brand head unit, and I am waiting on warmer weather to install. Now my birthday is near (woo hoo 55!) and I am on the verge of purchasing an Alpine 4 channel amp MRP-F300 and a new set of speakers, likely marine 6.5 two way Kickers. I have never installed an amp before, and although I am researching like hell and trying to understand all the technical aspects of a setup, I want some input from those who do have the experience. I don't forsee any problems, other than I am unsure which installation kit to purchase. They recomend 8awg wiring for this amp, so any good recomendations from you folks is appreciated. Also, where would I ground the unit, since a boat chassis is nothing like a car. I plan to mount the unit under the console, and the boat is never left outside, so moisture is not a likely issue for me. Any and all information is welcome! I want better than factory sound with no intentions of being offensively loud, save for the times my wife and I have the river to ourselves, so to speak.

[fergusmj]

Which kicker speakers are you getting?

If it's the KM6000, they look like a good match for the amp. The amp is 50 watt rms x 4 @ 4 ohms. The speakers are 50 watt rms @ 4 ohms also.

might also look at this JBL amp. Half the price. It is 60 watt rms x 4 @ 4 ohms.
http://www.amazon.com/JBL-MA6004-4-Chan ... +amplifier

Some other speakers to look at maybe are these polks. They're on my list.
http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-DB651- ... e+speakers

[robster]

Get some WetSounds speakers they sound the best, that's what all the high wake board boats have. We have a pair and love the sound.
http://www.amazon.com/Wet-Sounds-Series ... sounds+6.5

[fergusmj]

As follow-up to Robster. I should state, the wet sounds he mentions I've heard great things about. Depends what price range you want to stay in. The Kicker and Polks are in a whole other arena in regards to pricing. It all depends on your pocketbook really. I've heard that wet sounds and JL are 2 of the best for marine audio, but again, depends on what you are wanting to pay.

[cwag911]

As for the ground, go directly to the battery with the heavy cables with fuse protection.

[fiddlebick]

I am pretty locked into the Alpine amp, and I am leaning toward the polk speakers you mentioned. I read that you should match speakers to the amp as closely as possible, and the polks are 60 (or 65 I dont remember at the moment) rms at 4 ohms...would that still be in an acceptable range? I just can't justify the wet sounds this season and I don't want to wait till next year, and since I am replacing all 4 speakers that could get too pricey rather quickly. I will also be doing a second battery install with a perko switch.

[fergusmj]

Those speakers should be fine with the wattage variance. Good luck with all of your purchases. I know I'm excited to make my purchases soon

[BobL]

As for the ground, go directly to the battery with the heavy cables with fuse protection.

^^Great advice!

If you don't do this you run the risk of a crappy and intermittent ground AND "noise" in the system.

[fiddlebick]

Thanks, thats what I want to hear, cause I really like what Ive read about the polk speakers. I am itching to pull the trigger for everything I need, but I have to wait and see how bad the taxes will hit me this year first....plus a few family commitments have popped up in the last few days that are a priority #1. I have an electrician friend that tells me he can make my cables for the power and ground from supplies he has on hand (free). Is there any down side to this? I see the nice looking cable kits online, and I suppose I can purchase the speaker wire and other cables, as well as the fuse holders I need from an audio supply store, and come out cheaper in the long run?

[fergusmj]

I'm uneducated on wiring, but from my understanding, you want to make sure it is tinned wire.

[fiddlebick]

Ahh, that makes sense and I think I'd better go with one of the kits for the best chances of a thorough install.

[jrolin1]

I have 4 of the Polks (db651) and they sound great. I used OFC (oxygen free copper) 4 gauge to the distribution blocks and 8 gauge to the amps. Each amp is fused and the main 4 gauge is fused very close to the battery hookup. These pics are right after I installed before I put wiring looms on.

[fiddlebick]

Wow! Thats quite a setup you got there. Looks like four amps to me. Why so many? I am going to dismantle my pop up privacy curtain that is under my sundeck, and add a house battery in that compartment. I plan to put the alpine mrp-f300 amp under my console....that will mean I will have a long power cable and ground back to the battery. The single battery I now have on the bennington is located in a small cubby hole, inset within the sundeck compartment...nearly impossible to get to unless you drag the battery out of the little pocket. I plan to relocate that battery and add a second, and now that I think about it, that might be a better place for the amp as well, near that battery bank.

[jrolin1]

The other thing that looks like an amp is an inverter for the blender. The other thing that looks like a small looking amp is the distribution for line level outputs for the amps. Three amps but one is only used occasionally to run the rear facing speakers when we are in the water behind the boat. Of the two main amps used - one is for the sub and one is a four channel for the polks. We don't blast it but it is nice to hear it clearly under way and to have decent bass.

[fiddlebick]

I am wondering, does the addition of an amp necessitate running new/better speaker wire? Will I be just fine if I use what is already there from the factory? The best end result is what I am after of course.