Stereo Upgrade?

[rgregory]

Hoping to get some feedback/suggestions on upgrading my stock system. It has the Sony head in the glove box and wired remote on the helm, 2 Kicker speakers in the bow, 4 in the cockpit and 2 that were added by the previous owner on the transom, that I think are Kickers also but not sure. I'm no stereo wiz but I'm assuming that's a lot of speakers to drive without a separate amp. It sounds ok now but I would like a bit more bass, so I was considering adding an amp and subwoofer to the stock system. What say you all?? Also where would you recommend putting a sub in a 2012 262?

Thanks!

Ross

[jhnmdahl]

A nice digital amp (or two) will go a long way for sure. Also plan to run new (heavier gauge, separate for each speaker) speaker wire as long as you’re running new power cable.

If you like the Kickers, a sub is a reasonable upgrade. Others have upgraded the main speakers first, including looking for locations where a stock 6.5” can be upgraded to something like JL’s 7.7”. Nice thing is, any sub or amp upgrades can likely still be used if you upgrade the main speakers later too.

John

[shrfdeputy]

I just had a shop do a total rebuild of the stock stereo system in my 252. Mine had the original (24 year old) Sony speakers and about a 5 year old Sony head unit. I started with the idea of just doing 6 new boat speakers (JL 6.5") without an amp or new wires. After talking to some experts and doing research I realized this was a bad idea. So then I started down the road of just adding a 600 watt amp to run the 6 new speakers. After hearing a few other systems I knew I had to have a sub. There are amps out there that will run 6-8 house speakers and an amp or two, but I ended up adding two. I also didn't stop at just house speakers with a sub. I did TWO subs and two JL 7.7's in the transom. I run the cockpit and transom speakers with an 800/8 JL amp and the subs with their own 600 watt amp.

IMO you absolutely need to upgrade the wiring and power your cockpit speakers. I can't speak for what you have, but the JL MX650's want between 75-125 watts each to be happy. If you can put each speaker on its own channel without bridging you will see a dramatic improvement there in sound quality as well. Believe me when I tell you, you can start getting up there in a hurry. Make a plan, get a number in your mind, and then add like 60% to that number.

[Big Block Power]

Pretty darn good advice there. How nuts do you want to go. Kicker is good but how old are those speakers. The sun looks them. I would replace them and the head unit, wires, sub. Yt has a sub in his 262. Add 2 Amps. 1 six channel for the inboats and 1 fit the sub and 8 inch speakers on the transom. And all new wires. $2500 easy.

[mtwbldr]

I have a semi similar set up to yours. When purchased we upgraded through the dealer from the stock system you have, by adding an amp, sub, and transom speakers. Last season I upgraded the Sony head unit to have bluetooth. The stock Sony remotes still work for control but nothing shows up on the screen. I also was having problems with the transom speakers as the kickers don't like to get that wet, and swapped them with the JL MX650. It depends on your budget but by just adding a sub and an amp your current system, it will sound great as ours still does. I would recommend the JL sub as when you change the interior speakers they will match. If budget is no concern bite the bullet now and replace it all as bbp said above.
I'm planning the off season rebuild myself, mainly since the sub is on its way out and I'll want the interior speakers to match.

[rgregory]

Thanks for the feedback, we may live with it for the season and upgrade the whole system later in the year.

[TeamH1]

Does some have pics of putting speakers in transom on a 2012 242?

[AsLan7]

Does some have pics of putting speakers in transom on a 2012 242?

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So glad you found us TH1..

A quick search on the site did not reveal any pics of a 242 with transom speakers. Not a lot of room back there for speakers. I would think they would be pretty small.

Some other folks may be able to chime in for ya'.

And welcome aboard mate.

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