280 EC Stereo Upgrade

Cableguy Greg

To all of the 280EC Cruisers out there... Who has upgraded their stereo in their cruiser? I would like to add a sub, but I am not sure where to mount it. I was looking at under the helm seat. When you replaced your amp, what did you replace it with? 4 channel? 5 channel? Did you keep it mounted in the TV cabinet? Does anyone have any pictures? Did anyone add any speakers near the U shaped seating? My Clarion system is still working well. The remotes work and the head unit works well. I would just like to change the amp and add speakers and a sub. Thanks in advance.

jme097

Cableguy Greg...I just did this 2 weeks ago. I couldn't stand the Clarion anymore. I replaced all four 6.5 inch speakers on the deck and also cut in 2 6x9's in the deck as well. I tore out the 2 channel amp, head unit and the CD changer. I replaced it with a 5 channel amp also installed a shallow mount 10 inch sub. It fit exactly perfect under the seat in back of the captains seat. I bought a Pioneer sub off Amazon that came already mounted in a box. It has impressed me.  I figured I had to buy a sub for $60-$70 and then build a box regardless so this route saved all that hassle and it sounds great. I mounted the amp next to the sub as well. For class D amps, you need as short of a ground run as possible. I have a 3rd battery installed right below the seat in the engine compartment. Ran 4 gauge power and ground wiring to that battery below. Needless to say I had to abandon the 2 Clarion remotes on the deck which is totally OK with me now that the system actually sounds good. I have a 2007 280 EC by the way so I don't know how much of a different in layout there was but it was definitely worth the 8 hours of time I put into it! System sounds amazing. Can hear it loud and clear from 50 feet away in the water!

http://www.amazon.com/PIONEER-TSSWX2502-Shallow-Mount-Pre-Loaded-Enclosure/dp/B00JQTU3QC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1438784460&sr=8-2&keywords=Pioneer+10+inch+sub

Cableguy Greg

I replaced the cockpit speakers last season with Alpines, which sound great. I am looking for that extra punch in the low end. If you can get some pictures of what you did, that would be great.

jme097

I am headed out there either tonight or tomorrow, I will snap some pictures of everything for you. THe 6x9's definitely weren't needed, but I am 27 so I do like to party with my group of friends here and there. But its did add the punch that the 6.5's were missing. Also adding 2 5x8's underneath the seat on the swim platform but that is next year. I'll post pictures!

pepmyster

Not for nothing, I love my Clarion system that came with the boat. Just saying.

jme097

You couldn't pay me to keep that clarion system 

duane.mosley

i upgraded my stereo on my 250ec with this kenwood/kicker  kit and i must say i am impressed! i bought a set of matching 8's to put in the rear of the boat(slight modification) and they sound amazing! plus they look pretty cool lit up at night.
 i had some old school rockford fosgate amps in my garage that i've had for over 15 years so i put 2 of them in the boat, one amp on the 4 6.5's at 2ohms and one amp on the 8's. i am really impressed with the kickers  sound and power handling. if it wasn't for the one speaker in the front of my cockpit area on the port side being in a tight spot(had to stay with 6.5), i would have went with all 8's.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/351294617088?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181744511059?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT