Speakers for in cabin

F

Frogpawg

New member
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
 
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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
 
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...
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.



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Crutchfield lists component speaker systems from $80 to $850.
The Infinitys cost $200 and I think they're worth it if you really care about hi-fi. The head-end seems to be less important. Any of the $150-$200 units will sound great with great speakers.

The problem with mine is the fluorescent display is meant to be seen from above. When looking up at it, it's barely visible. Just something to check if you're in the market.
 
Wow, Minnow, what a nice enclosure you have for the upper shelf! Did you build it yourself? Do you have a template of the face profile you would be willing to share with an envious fellow C-Brat?
 
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We put the 3 in poly's in Pegasus along with their marine stereo. We added their powered sub woofer under the rear seat since the small speakers don't have much base.  The sub woofer really adds alot to the sound.  All speakers and the stereo was ~ $350.00.  Also added a marine DC (Lighter) outlet and a headphone plug.  This way we can plug in an MP3 or IPOD adapter and hard wire it to the AUX port on the stereo.
 
Wayne, if I still had the template, it probably wouldn't do you much good. There's just too much variation from boat to boat.
It's easy to make your own. I started with cardboard scribed to the roof-line, then refined it in 1/4" plywood. This was then transferred to 3/4" plywood, the door cut out, and then teak veneer was applied. The back and edges around the door were also veneered.
The veneer was finished with a coat of cherry stain to redden it up to match existing. Two coats of teak oil finished off.
The caulking to the roof, or any caulking for that matter, is easily, cleanly, and professionally done by the following hint to the factory. TRY MASKING TAPE!
 
Minnow, I hear you on the masking tape issue. I have a 2000 C-Dory and the caulking job was done very well. I have looked at some of the newer C-Dory's and the quality of the caulking appears to have gone downhill bigtime. Two words.....Quality Control
 
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