New RZR Stereo

[houstonshark]

I've already started planning the stereo in my new RZR that is scheduled to go into production tomorrow. With the Boat Show pick 3 specials it made sense for me to get the Tower of Power upgrade since all I had to do was pay for the upgrade cost.

First of all I want to say that I think Wet Sounds makes a great product and probably has the most complete marine audio line up. That being said, most of the Wet Sounds equipment is coming out once I get the boat in and more importantly, once I get time to do it. I am a JL Audio home dealer so it makes sense for me to use JL in the boat.

I need some input on the batteries and the location of them. The boat is coming with the dual battery setup and perko switch. I believe they use Interstate batteries but I could be mistaken. What charger should I get to charge the boat and stereo batteries while stored? Is there an on board charger that will charge the stereo batteries while the engine is running? I'm guessing the factory alternator will not like trying to charge all of the batteries if the Perko switch is set to all?

Here is what I am planning:

Tower Speakers - 2) Wet Sounds Rev10
Tower Amps - 2) JL Audio MHD750/1, one wired for Left and the other for Right. I know this is a ton of power but I think the 750/1 is a better choice than a 600/4 and it gives me plenty of power should I decide to add a pair of Rev8's.

In Boat Speakers - 4) JL M880CCX in the main cabin (if I can make them fit), 2) M770CCX in the bow with a 4 or 8ohm resistor (I want more power sent to the 8.8" and really don't care much about the bow speakers). I may even either put the bow speakers on a separate amp or a switch so that I can turn them off if needed. We have 2 small boys and last year while hanging out on the beach on a buddy's boat one of my boys got tired and napped in the bow. We had the stereo on but had to actually go and disconnect the bow speakers so that he could nap and we could still keep the rest of the stereo on.
In Boat Amps - 2) JL Audio MHD750/1, one wired for the Left speakers and the other for the Right speakers.

Subwoofer - I can't decide what to do here! With space being so limited in the RZR, I really don't want to use the storage under the passenger helm so I plan on keeping the sub under the driver's helm. I really want good, smooth, low bass. I expect the 4) 8.8" and 2 Rev10's will have great mid bass and upper sub bass so I would really like the subwoofer to just play from 50hz or so and down, which is how I've always tuned my vehicles. After talking to a couple friends though the problem in a boat is that really low bass just doesn't transfer like it does in a car until you are quite a ways away and it just seems to rattle the boat to pieces. A good friend who I really trust said the best in boat sub systems he has done have been ported and tuned to a pretty high frequency around 40hz. Any thoughts or input on getting good bass in the RZR or similar Tige boats from under the driver's helm? I have a 12W7 but I don't think there is any good way of getting that in there in a ported enclosure. I was thinking about a new 12W6V3 ported or a pair of 10W6V3's ported (2 10W6's ported may also be too big.
Subwoofer Amp - JL HD1200/1

Head Unit - Factory Installed Clarion. How is the preamp output voltage of this head unit? Do you notice as much improvement in a boat vs a car with a line driver installed? I have a Tru Technologies SS6LDi that I pulled out of my truck recently before I bought a new truck. I don't see myself having the time until probably next Fall/Winter to work on reinstalling the stereo in my new truck. It is a pretty phenomenal line driver.

Processor - Wet Sounds WS-420

Power Control - Each 'zone' will have a switch wired to the turn on lead so that I can easily turn off the amps rather than just control the level from the WS-420. This should also save some current draw on the battery.

Batteries - I plan on adding 2 additional batteries for the stereo for a total of 3. I don't see us doing a ton of parking and jamming the stereo for hours on end but I'm sure it will happen a couple times a year. Can you easily install 2 more batteries near the factory batteries in the rear lockers and keep it symmetrical as far as weight balance? I need some suggestions on batteries. I always thought you should use all the same batteries, especially when wiring them in parallel.

Charging - I need some suggestions here.


Sorry for the novel! This will take a while to finish, especially since the boat is several weeks out still and the JL M880CCX and W6V3 aren't expected to ship until the 2nd quarter which for JL usually means late 3rd quarter.

Thanks in advance for the input.


FYI, once I get around to swapping everything out in the boat, I'll have a Wet Sounds Syn6, Syn2, XS10FA Sub and 6) XS-650 for sale. I haven't thought about the pricing yet but I'm sure I'll price them to sell quickly; I have way too much stereo equipment laying around as it is!

If anyone wants to claim any of this stuff now, I'll hold it for you until I can pull it out.

[Redsuzuki]

I bought a RZR last summer and wanted to upgrade the sound system. I decided to leave what was in the boat (Syn6, Syn2, XS10FA, 6 XS-650's, and 2 Pro80's)and add what I had lying in the garage. The stock system definitely needed more bass, so I put in a Planet Audio BB1400.1 with 2 Kicker CVX12's in a sealed box made to fit in where the amps come from the factory (passenger compartment). I like tight bass but listen to a wide range of music, hence the reason why I went with the sealed enclosure. I have heard many ported boxes and they can be tuned to a particular type of music but, in my opinion, they do not sound good with different types of music. When I'm driving and the seat is down (covering the sub enclosure) the bass is definitely more drowned out than when we are banked and raise the seat up, however it still sounds OK when covered. The XS-650 speakers either do not have enough power or are not capable of being played with clarity at loud enough volumes for me, so the next thing I'll do is to probably hook up a more powerful amp to the speakers and see what I think. The Rev-10's are going next to the Pro-80's this year as well. I still cannot see any reason in buying Marine amps unless you just find one which is cheaper than a normal amp. I am thinking of putting possibly 2-3 8" or 10" subs where the stock XSF10A is located. The XSF10A is just about pointless unless you are inside the boat and not driving (which is just about never for me). My RZR is Blue and White with a White bow, so if you ever go to the San Jacinto River and see me then you can listen and get a better idea of what you like or don't like. This is my first boat and my favorite part about boating is listening to a good sound system. I like the idea about the switch to turn off the bow speakers, I have a 3 year old who likes to hang out, and sleep, up there too.

[wetsounds1]

Shark,

Are you in Houston? I assume so based on your name. Not sure if you knew that Wet Sounds is also based in Houston. I would recomend listening to our RZ2 demo boat before pulling anything out. I think once you hear what our speakers are capable of. Having a brand you sell on the home side won't matter. Plus if you do home audio installs, you would be happy to know we have had some home guys use our speakers for crazy outdoor audio systems. Shoot me a PM and we can see about getting you a demo.

Redsuzuki,

The factory system with the SYN-6 is designed for the best balance of sound. But it sounds like you are one who is wanting more. Good thing to know is the XS-650 can take a TON of power and really come alive once you put a SYN-4 on the. with 125 to each. The free air XS-10 worked amazing in the pervious years but once Tige Touch came out, some changes have to be made under the footwell on all models. The space for the sub was made very small. So a lot less overall output. I am working with them to fix this. My suggestion is to use that area and put a single 12 inch sub in a ported box. If you build a ported box correctly, it can be very muscial. But most are what we call one note wonders and are tuned very high around 55 to 60 hz. we can give you some ideas as well. This location will load up nicely. Now foot room might be an issue so a single 10 or 2 10's might fit. But a single XS-12 in the right ported box would load that boat up with a lot of bass.

Depending on how you add to the tower or what you are after, we could design it so you can use current amps just in a different capacity.

Also, we have a passive volume control option you can add to the bow to turn them down. And if you add the WS-420 you can get dual zone control and add the extra knob for the bow.

Both feel free to hit me up on email twhite@wetsounds.com and pick my brain, happy to help. And maybe we can set a time to get a demo for both of you. I assume both got your boats from Brandon and Steve at Texas Tige. Maybe we could even set it up so they could have the boat at their place.

Tim
Wet Sounds

[kx250frider617]

That sounds like a very clean setup but I wouldn't put the 8" speakers in the boat because you would have to drill out bigger holes and let's say that JL decides to stop making them, your left with a rockford 8". I would just put the 6.5 or the 7" JL's in there.

For charging, I use this: http://www.progressivedyn.com/prod_d...pd9145a_2.html

It's pretty much an equivalent to the alternator running and puts out a constant 14v when plugged in. Then when your out on the water, you can bring a mini Honda generator and have that running in a rear compartment. I have never tried using the generator yet but Im planning on doing that this summer in Havasu.

[2010rz2]

I have an RZ2 and went through a similar project last spring. I kept the factory XS-650s and added four additional ones. The eight together produce a ton of sound and are very clean! Standard size hole for each that allows for options in the future. I added two batteries to the existing two in the boat. I placed them under the cushion right under the observer. I went with four PDX amps and mounted them on a rack behind the driver's kick panel. I looked at the JL, but could not justify the extra $$. Purchasing as a dealer would make the difference up. Four PRO 80s on the tower last summer, but in the process of replacing with four REV 10s. From what I hear, two is plenty, but I like the look of having all four up there. I had a 12W7 in the HO box that fit behind the observer. I know our boats are different sizes, but I pulled the speaker and plan on replacing it. Thinking two 12s or two 10s boxed and ported. Just depends on what I can do with the area. I may not stay with JL since the quality it produces is lost with all of the open air a boat provides. I just want it to hit hard! The RZ2 has a trash can mounted on the wall opposite of the drivers as you make your way forward to the bow. I removed the trash can and had a plastic cover made with holes to allow the speaker to vent. My suggestion is to use the space behind the observer, but have a box built that is low profile so your can store stuff on top. I throw towels in the there. It is all run by the WS-420 (my kids love the PA feature!). I am thinking about picking up a passive volume control also. I may mount that near the back somewhere if I can find a good spot. Hope this info offers some alternative ideas for you to toss around! Let us know where you land.

[jrj701]

I have an RZ2 and went through a similar project last spring. I kept the factory XS-650s and added four additional ones. The eight together produce a ton of sound and are very clean! Standard size hole for each that allows for options in the future. I added two batteries to the existing two in the boat. I placed them under the cushion right under the observer. I went with four PDX amps and mounted them on a rack behind the driver's kick panel. I looked at the JL, but could not justify the extra $$. Purchasing as a dealer would make the difference up. Four PRO 80s on the tower last summer, but in the process of replacing with four REV 10s. From what I hear, two is plenty, but I like the look of having all four up there. I had a 12W7 in the HO box that fit behind the observer. I know our boats are different sizes, but I pulled the speaker and plan on replacing it. Thinking two 12s or two 10s boxed and ported. Just depends on what I can do with the area. I may not stay with JL since the quality it produces is lost with all of the open air a boat provides. I just want it to hit hard! The RZ2 has a trash can mounted on the wall opposite of the drivers as you make your way forward to the bow. I removed the trash can and had a plastic cover made with holes to allow the speaker to vent. My suggestion is to use the space behind the observer, but have a box built that is low profile so your can store stuff on top. I throw towels in the there. It is all run by the WS-420 (my kids love the PA feature!). I am thinking about picking up a passive volume control also. I may mount that near the back somewhere if I can find a good spot. Hope this info offers some alternative ideas for you to toss around! Let us know where you land.

Where did you add the additional 2 sets of 650's and what amp configuration are you using to power everything?

[houstonshark]

Thanks 2010RZ2. I've thought about building a long, low ported enclosure for a couple 10's that could also serve as a storage shelf for life jackets, etc. I don't think my boat has near as much space there as yours but I could be wrong. An enclosure just tall enough for the subs would still take up a lot of space.

Then there's the difficulty getting the bass out. A grill there would have to be pretty large and at least in cars, putting a subwoofer into a space like a trunk and having it fire into a cabin without sealing it towards the cabin causes a major in loss of output.

I know boats are completely different than cars but I just can't get over thinking that space is doomed for poor bass output without over killing it with drivers and power. I wonder how a couple 8's under the main cabin seats on either side of the boat in enclosures that are ported through the seat bases would do? That's just such valuable space to give up, especially in my boat that I don't think I could do it.

[houstonshark]

I'm thinking about getting the 40A Truecharge2 for the in boat charger. I'm guessing the only advantage of getting the 60A is just quicker charging. Any thoughts?

http://www.xantrex.com/power-product...harge-2-2.aspx

[NickWWS]

My RZR stereo install

We just got a new RZR a few months ago and here is my stereo break down.

I went Wet sounds all the way and it SOUNDS AMAZING!!!

Tower: 2 pairs of Rev8
Power: Single Syn2. I know I could get more out of these if I powered each pair with a SYN 4, but We get in trouble on our lake for playing our music too loud, so we toned it down on the tower (still wicked loud!)

In boat speakers: 8 WS-650's. 2 in bow, 6 in cockpit.
Power: Bow speakers are powered by WS Micro.
Cockpit speakers are powered by SYN4; two at 4 ohms and four at 2 ohms

Sub: WS 12 in custom ported box (1.6 Cubic Feet)
Power: Syn2

All regulated by the WS 420!

Build custom trim panel for the sub and custom AMP rack with added LEDs.

Working on getting the LEDs for the WS 650s, and custom LED ring for the sub.

Here are some pics of the install, Boat was at the Denver Boat show and got a lot of looks!!!


GO WET SOUNDS FOR THE WHOLE SYSTEM!!!!


Nick
Wakeboard and Waterski Specialty
Denver, CO

[houstonshark]

That looks great Nick! Where did you put the additional pair of 650's? What did you do for the battery/charging system?

[2010rz2]

Where did you add the additional 2 sets of 650's and what amp configuration are you using to power everything?

One mounted on the drivers kick panel
One mounted under the observers seat
Both of these fire toward the back of the boat

One mounted under the drivers seat behind the small pocket
One mounted under the observers seat
Both of these are firing toward the port and stern

I can shoot a few pictures if that does not make sense...

I went with Alpine PDX amps
F6 running the 8 650s
F4 (2) one each running a pair of PRO80s - will be switching these to F6 amps for the REV10s when the budget allows.
M12 running the JL 12W7

[2010rz2]

Sorry......port and starboard (not stern!)

[jrj701]

One mounted on the drivers kick panel
One mounted under the observers seat
Both of these fire toward the back of the boat

One mounted under the drivers seat behind the small pocket
One mounted under the observers seat
Both of these are firing toward the port and stern

I can shoot a few pictures if that does not make sense...

I went with Alpine PDX amps
F6 running the 8 650s
F4 (2) one each running a pair of PRO80s - will be switching these to F6 amps for the REV10s when the budget allows.
M12 running the JL 12W7

I think I got it, but if you get a chance send a couple pics of the ones on the drives side. thanks

[NickWWS]

That looks great Nick! Where did you put the additional pair of 650's? What did you do for the battery/charging system?

Attached are pictures of where I put my speakers.

I removed my Deep Cycle stock battery and put in a VMAX CT-2500 COMPETITION CHARGE TANK. I am pretty happy with this so far, but I hear really good things about the XS Batteries. I will be taking this VMAX battery out and replacing it with the XS AGM group 31 Battery.

Stock Alternator for now.. we will see how long that lasts..

[houstonshark]

Can someone give me dimensions of the factory amp board?