Speakers for in cabin

Frogpawg · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 9:53 pm Post subject: Speakers for in cabin

Do any C-Brats have the Poly-Planar Sub-Compact 3'' Dual Cone Box Speakers? I currently have 2 larger speakers mounted out in the cockpit but was looking for a small set for in the cabin. These appear to be perfect as far as size goes, just wondering if anyone knows how they sound? Thanks

thataway · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2008 11:43 pm Post subject:

I have the MA-800 Compact Box Speakers by Poly Planar (4" and 100 watts)--they are slightly larger than the 3" compact (40 watts?) and in my opionion have better sound. One on each outer column of the windshield give good sound. The other boat has the Bose speakers which are better.

mikeporterinmd · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 11:26 am Post subject:

We went with the West Marine equivalent of the MA-7000? I think that is the
correct number. See my photo album. I am really glad I installed them up under
the forward shelf. The speakers sound OK for small box speakers. They do not block my vision at all.

Mike

C-Dude · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 3:22 pm Post subject:

I installed flush mount speakers in the shelf over the cockpit. I went with this approach to save space. They sound great, 6" Polk Audio from Crutchfield. You can see them mounted in my pictures.

Rabbits Hutch · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 5:17 pm Post subject: Bose

I went with a wonderful pair of Bose all weather speakers flush mounted on the transom, and their small box speaker, also weather proof, for inside the cabin.

Certainly worth taking a look at so as to make a more informed decision. The interior speakers are not large in size, provide that wonderful bose sound, and tuck neatly into the upper corners of the aft cabin wall.

Chris Bulovsky · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 6:44 pm Post subject:

Joe- I was looking at he same speakers and had the same question as you. I never pulled the trigger on them and am still looking for a way to play a MP-3
without spending $500.

I don't need loud music just clear sound. I also don't want monster speakers decorating the dash either.

So to the guys with a sound system ....what works, doesn't skip and has a reasonable sound ?

Chris Bulovsky

C-Dude · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 12:02 pm Post subject:

Chris-

I would recommend calling Crutchfield at 1-888-955-6000. They are knowledgable, friendly and reasonable. Many stereo's sold today have MP3 inputs, you can mount the stereo in a bracket made for marine use, I believe Poly Planer makes one which can be purchased at the typical marine stores. I would purchase a stereo that has the highest RMS rating (continuous power output) and mate them to a pair of decent speakers made for marine use (coated parts). You can mount the speakers in a box or flush mount if you want to take up less space. In my album you can see how I did it, my system sounds great and cost less than $350 total.

Ben

20dauntless · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 1:47 pm Post subject:

Does anybody know of any 12v speakers that don't require a separate head unit? I'm thinking something along the lines of PC speakers that I could simply plug a portable radio/laptop/ipod into without taking up the space and spending the money on a head unit...

Capital Sea · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 3:39 pm Post subject:

I used 5" flush mounts and mounted one below the helm seat facing forward and the other facing forward just below the rear dinette seat. The storage areas act like 2'x2' speaker boxes and the sound is as good as you can get in a fiberglass and glass space. The cost is less and the clutter is less. I ran the wires under the counter and followed the water line into the space below the rear seat where the water tank is.

20dauntless · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 7:44 pm Post subject:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/S06-Motorcycle-speaker-200-watts-12V-truck-nice-tone_W0QQitemZ130170337017QQcmdZViewItem

I wonder if something like this would work okay. Any thoughts?

Chris Bulovsky · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 9:50 pm Post subject:

20dauntless- Now thats what I had in mind.
Thank you!

Chris Bulovsky

thataway · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 10:24 pm Post subject:

I have used Radio Shack and one other brand of selfcontained speakers--just has a volume control. wired this to a cig lighter plug, and used for portable I pod and Sirius radio.

T.R. Bauer · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 10:29 pm Post subject:

One of the best thing I ever did:

Was to put in a Sony Xplod head into a homemade teak stained gimble box that is mounted underneath the overhead shelf. Then I cut out, on the port side, the 6x9 opening with the template that was provided. This set-up literally ROCKs. When fishing, you can just open the cabin door and they sound great. They have excellent bass, decent mid-range, and average highs. I have loved this set-up thoroughly while waiting for big, stinky, flat fish to bite. I know you have to cut some holes and run some wires, but I was really, really surprised at how this worked when I first heard it. I still can't quite believe it sometimes.

Minnow · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 2:44 pm Post subject:

Another way to get a really clean high-end is to go with one of the component speaker systems from Crutchfield. These are the Infinity units.

These systems separate the the tweeters from the midrange/woofers so that you can mount them at ear level.

The woofers are mounted flush in the lower cabinets facing forward.

Capital Sea · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 3:01 pm Post subject:

Minnow, now that is a nice system. What was the cost?