Speaker Upgrade Question

[cycleslinger99]

Hey folks! New here, just bought a 2003 262 with a Volvo 8.1 this week and my first item of business is upgrading the stereo. From reading through the forum here I see there are 2 favorite options, Wetsounds and JL Audio. In my last boat I had 6 wet sound 6.5s and 4 rev 10’s on the tower with a 10” sub. I’ve listened to the JL’s and that was going to be my choice on this upgrade but I was wondering if anyone had tried Kicker, Massive Audio, Probox or anything else that has been high quality. I’m not looking for budget friendly was mainly looking for something different that sounded great. Just some options. Also am looking for a GPS that is budget friendly and works well, what’s everyone using? Good to meet you all.

[Big Block Power]

Welcome. I'm a huge Samsung s9 plus fan. My gps of choice
Ok they busted me a long time ago. I have a flip phone with GPS and spell check.
If you're looking for spending other than wetsounds go with JL. Yes a few have kicker on here and Polk all very happy. But I personally don't think you can beat jl or wetsounds for the money.
Also go to the new member section and tell us about yourself and post pictures or this thread is useless

[cycleslinger99]

So I went in today to 5 different local shops who claim to be able to do boat audio to try and listen to some different options. Every place has a big wetsounds display. 2 were hooked up to listen to. As previously stated I have had a WS system in my old boat and did not want to go back with them again. Everywhere can order some different things, but had none in stock to demo, call me crazy but I don't want to drop thousands of dollars before I can hear something that I will have for years to come. So the last place I went had a WS wall, and a Focal demo wall, the Focal's are not "Marine" but are water resistant and UV resistant, I will be around no salt so I am not worried about that, but holy moly the Focal's sounded incredible vs the WS. That same shop can get Fosgate, JL, WS, Stinger, Pro Box, Massive, Focal and DD. Anyone know or heard anything before I pull the trigger on some Focal 6.5 for the hull and a sub with way to much power and put JL tower speakers up?

[MnLakeBum]

Focals and JL's sound great and are hard to beat for a widely available speaker. It really depends on your price range. The Focal EC165K's are about $750 a pair and the JL C3-600 are likely good enough for most boaters at about $500 pair. I'm a big fan of the DLS UP6i Ultimate but you've likely never heard of them and can only get them online so probably a nonstarter for most. I think they sound just as good as the Focal separates that are $1200/pair and have them in my car. My factory premium system in my R5 will likely get better speakers this summer and it would likely be from DLS.

[shrfdeputy]

I personally wouldn't use anything that wasn't marine grade. People are constantly in and out of the water on my boat, and they drip water all over my speakers. I like knowing that if my boat sinks it will sound really good on the bottom.

I totally understand not wanting to buy something you can't hear. The shop I used is a JL and Kicker dealer so I could hear everything beforehand. Keep in mind that a room with carpet on the walls etc is a totally different environment than what you will have on that 262. I don't think you will go wrong with either a JL or WetSounds system. I spent good money to go all JL and it exceeded my expectations. BBP went Wetsounds and his sounds amazing as well (when his wife is gone to the store and he can turn it up in the driveway).

My shop wanted to build a box and put competition Kickers subs in my head area. It would have had a ton of bass, but not until I opened the door. That wasn't a good option for me. I went with JL and mine kick like a mule.

[cycleslinger99]

Thank you guys for all the recommendations!!!!

[Cruiser64]

Cycleslinger99 Interested in what you end up with and please post pics when done. This is next years project since I have already started this years new floor project. Congrats on the 262.